Update: Following the deployment of the day one patch, we can now provide a more comprehensive analysis of the game’s technology. Please see the section below for updated impressions.
Returnal has been a highly anticipated title. It has been approximately six months since the Playstation 5 launched in Sweden (November 19, 2020), and since then, supply shortages have persisted. While frustrating for those eager to join the current generation of gaming, the limited availability of compelling Playstation 5 exclusive titles has arguably mitigated this issue. This situation is mirrored by the Xbox Series X. Aside from a few enhanced ports, a remake of Demon Souls, and Astro’s Playroom (best described as a playable tech demo), as well as Godfall (also available on other platforms), the PS5 in our office has primarily served as a platform for enjoying improved versions of Playstation 4 games (Ghost of Tsushima and Last of Us: Part 2, for example). Consequently, the release slate of truly unique games, specifically designed for the PS5 and DualSense controller, has been comparatively weak. Until now.
Finnish developer Housemarque holds a special place in our estimation. Their PS4 launch title, Resogun, showcased next-generation lighting and particle effects alongside retro gameplay sensibilities, and we also greatly enjoyed the twin-stick shooter Nex Machina. However, facing challenges with their business model, the Helsinki-based studio announced a shift towards larger single-player and AAA (or AA) experiences. Returnal is the culmination of four years of development and an expanded team of 75 employees. While the studio’s arcade roots are evident, this title represents a departure from their previous retro and twin-stick shooter offerings, despite retaining a strong emphasis on action. Returnal presents itself as a roguelite-inspired (roguelike+) adventure played from a third-person perspective, characterized by frequent player death and procedurally varied level layouts within consistent overall objectives.
The narrative, which can be difficult to concisely summarize, centers on astronaut Selene, who crash lands on the planet Atropos. She is afflicted by fragmented memories and trapped in a temporal loop, experiencing constant rebirth at the crash site upon death. The central mysteries involve Selene’s hidden secrets and the connection between the planet Atropos and the recurring memory of a house she encounters but cannot enter. Players must explore the planet, overcome challenges, and confront numerous enemies and bosses to unravel these enigmas.
To be direct, Returnal exhibits impressive technical achievements, presents a significant challenge, and possesses a distinct identity. Housemarque and Sony have taken a bold step in releasing this title as a Playstation 5 exclusive. While Returnal offers compelling gameplay elements, its relatively steep difficulty curve and unique mechanics may prove polarizing for some players.
Returnal manages to establish its own identity while drawing inspiration from various established games and genres. As with classic roguelikes, the level layout changes with each death. While not entirely randomly generated, room types are rearranged, altering the order in which they appear. Certain permanent upgrades persist between playthroughs (“cycles”), unlocking previously inaccessible areas. All temporary inventory items and obolites (the in-game currency) are lost upon death, echoing the mechanics of Dark Souls. The player is consistently returned to the crash site and their damaged ship, accompanied by brief glimpses of Selene’s memories, reminiscent of Death Stranding. Furthermore, the game incorporates backtracking, key collection, and teleportation, elements common in Metroidvania titles.
Since Returnal gets a big technical patch day 1 (tomorrow Friday, when it’s released) we’ll update this text with more technical impressions then. The day one patch is now available, and our initial positive impressions remain. Housemarque consistently delivers impressive technical execution, and Returnal is no exception. The game features 4K graphics (achieved through upscaling and checkerboarding, resulting in a high-resolution image) at a smooth 60fps. The audio design, leveraging Sony’s 3D audio format, significantly enhances the immersive experience (high-quality gaming headphones are strongly recommended). The developers have achieved impressive results with the Unreal 4 engine (especially with Unreal 5 on the horizon), likely implementing custom technical solutions for particle effects. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback is creatively utilized, with pressure-sensitive buttons and vibrations providing tactile information about the environment and enemy actions, such as bullets passing nearby. While difficult to fully convey in writing, the combination of visual and auditory elements, experienced through the controller and headphones, creates an unusually immersive audio-visual experience. The only technical issue observed was a gamma setting that was too dark, with no in-game adjustment available. This has been resolved! The game now looks excellent even on reference OLED displays, allowing for comfortable play in well-lit environments, despite the game’s predominantly dark and atmospheric aesthetic.
Returnal presents a notable degree of difficulty, particularly in certain sections. While player skill and access to upgrades and weapons improve with continued play, patience is essential. The initial stages are characterized by frequent deaths, often occurring just before reaching key objectives. The randomized level layouts further contribute to the challenge, as the location of specific rooms is unpredictable. This design creates a challenging but potentially rewarding gameplay loop that can increase tension and engagement. However, it also introduces elements of frustration and perceived randomness, which may not appeal to all players. The combination of a cryptic narrative and a complex inventory system – where each item has limited use, and used items remain in the inventory – may also be perceived as overly intricate. This title stands apart from more accessible, “pick-up-and-play” experiences.
From a technical perspective, Returnal represents a significant achievement, highlighting both Housemarque’s ambitious vision and the capabilities of the Playstation 5. As the first game developed specifically for the console, it offers a tantalizing glimpse of what may be possible in the coming years. Consequently, assessing Returnal presents a challenge. As a whole, it is a technically impressive and immersive game that merits a recommendation, despite its premium price. Furthermore, it serves as an important milestone for the PS5, showcasing the console’s potential in a way that few other titles have. Given that our neighboring country Finland is behind it (go local patriotism), it must still be a gold for Returnal! PS5 owners with an interest in the genre, who are willing to invest the time and effort required, should consider experiencing this title. It offers a glimpse into the future of gaming.
Housemarque deserves significant praise for their technical achievements, and credit is due to both them and Sony for releasing a title as challenging and distinctive as this. We can’t help but wonder what this could have become in a more “classic” single-player campaign, as an action-adventure with a map and checkpoints in the story? But if you never try something new, you only get more of the same. And that only makes us even more hyped about the PS5 game we’ve been longing for since day 1 – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, which is only a few weeks away now.
Sony has set a new standard. Who will rise to the occasion?
