8.94
Storyline
9/10
Returnal follows the story of Selene, an astronaut who crash-lands on the mysterious, alien planet of Atropos while searching for a signal called "White Shadow." As she explores the ever-shifting landscape, Selene discovers that she is caught in a time loop, reliving her death and subsequent awakening each time she succumbs to the planet's dangers.
The game intricately weaves themes of isolation, trauma, and the struggle to confront one's past, as Selene uncovers fragments of her own history and the haunting connection to her family. With each cycle, players unravel the planet's secrets and face increasingly challenging enemies, pushing Selene closer to understanding her fate and the true nature of the world around her.
Feel and Mechanics
9.2/10
Returnal is renowned for its fluid and dynamic gameplay mechanics, seamlessly blending fast-paced action with roguelike elements. Players control Selene in a third-person perspective, navigating procedurally generated environments filled with diverse biomes, each teeming with unique enemies and hazards. The game emphasises agility, allowing players to dash, evade, and perform rapid movements, creating a sense of exhilarating momentum during combat.
Challenge and Entertainment
9/10
The challenge in Returnal is both intense and exhilarating, with battles that keep players on their toes. Of course, being a rogue like every encounter makes you sweat with the risk of restarting the area ever present. Each encounter is designed to test reflexes and strategic thinking, featuring a diverse array of enemies that require quick adaptation and precise timing.
The relentless nature of these battles, combined with the atmospheric visuals and haunting sound design, creates a pulse-pounding experience that is as entertaining as it is challenging. Each victory feels hard-won, reinforcing the thrill of progression as players confront increasingly difficult foes in their quest to break the cycle of Atropos.
Build and Development
8.5/10
Constant upgrades paired with in-area mutations give the player autonomy and the burden of choice when making their way through Returnal.
Weapons are varied and can be upgraded on the fly, encouraging players to adapt their strategies based on their loadout and the environment. The incorporation of a meta-narrative loop enhances the experience; each death reshapes the world while retaining essential skills, fostering a continuous learning curve. This design not only heightens the challenge but also ensures that each run feels fresh, keeping players engaged in Selene's harrowing journey through Atropos.
Loot and Extras
9.0/10
As players explore the procedurally generated environments, they encounter a variety of weapons, upgrades, and artifacts that can dramatically alter their combat style and strategies. This ever-changing loot not only encourages experimentation but also introduces a thrilling layer of unpredictability to each run.
The joy of discovering a powerful new weapon or a rare artifact can shift the tide of battle, allowing players to approach encounters with fresh tactics. This rewarding loot system keeps the gameplay engaging, as each cycle feels like a new opportunity to refine skills and adapt to the challenges ahead. The combination of intense battles and the excitement of loot collection creates a captivating experience that continually draws players back to Selene's harrowing journey.