Newsletter
  • Guides
  • Previews
    • Indie Games
    • PS4
    • PC
    • Xbox One
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo 3DS
    • PS Vita
    • PS3
    • Xbox 360
    • Wii U
  • Site Info
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Staff Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Privacy Policy
      • Cookies Policy
    • RSS Feeds
    • Social Media
      • Youtube
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Twitch
      • Instagram
      • Tumblr
      • Linkedin
      • Pinterest
      • Discord
  • Discord
  • Store
  • Logitech G
  • green man gaming
  • Affiliates
    • GAMIVO.com
    • Logitech
    • Astro Gaming
    • Nord VPN
    • Best Buy
    • Namecheap Hosting
    • Blue Mic
    • Ultimate Ears
    • Jaybird
Friday, September 29, 2023
BG
  • News
    • All
    • Esports
    • Interviews

    45 minutes of Eternights Gameplay

    Back to the Dawn Gets New Gamescom Trailer

    Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance Launching Late September

    Remnant 2 Available Now For PC and Consoles

    Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle Pre-registration Available Now

    New Remnant 2 ‘Hunter Archetype’ Trailer Released

    ROBOCOP: ROGUE CITY Closed Beta Announced

    Guardian Goddess Idle RPG Registration Open

    esports tournament dates 2023

    Don’t Miss These Major Esports Tournaments Coming in 2023!

    Trending Tags

    • Top Stories
    • PlayStation
    • Xbox
    • Nintendo
    • Retro Games
    • Mobile Games
    • Indie Games
    • Square Enix
    • Sony
    • Microsoft
    • PAX
    • EGX
    • Gamescom
    • Rockstar Games
    • Electronic Arts
    • Activision Blizzard
    • E3 Expo
  • Reviews
    • All
    • Flash Game Reviews
    • Google Stadia
    • Indie Game Reviews
    • Mobile Game Reviews
    • Nintendo 3DS Reviews
    • Nintendo Switch Reviews
    • PC Reviews
    • PS Vita Reviews
    • PS3 Reviews
    • PS4 Reviews
    • PS5 Reviews
    • Retro Game Reviews
    • Reviews RoundUP
    • Xbox 360 Reviews
    • Xbox One Reviews

    AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead and Undressed Switch Review

    Remnant 2 PC Review

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie PC Review

    Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Nintendo Switch Review

    Atelier Ryza 3

    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Nintendo Switch Review

    No More Heroes 3 PS4 Review

    Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters PS4 Review

    Wanted: Dead Review

    The Legend of Heroes Trails From Zero

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero PC Review

    Trending Tags

    • Resident Evil
    • Call of Duty
    • Final Fantasy
    • Destiny
    • Borderlands
    • Halo
    • The Elder Scrolls
    • Fortnite
    • PUBG
    • Bioshock
    • The Witcher
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Second Opinion
    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space

    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space (Without Irritating Each Other!)

    explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!

    Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

    betting on video games - 5 tops picks

    Betting on Video Games: 5 top picks

    esports betting featured image

    5 Secrets of Bankroll Management That You Don’t Know

    Popular games featured image

    The increasing popularity of online casinos

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    buying, szelling, and trading csgo skins

    What To Expect When Buying, Selling, & Trading CS: GO Skins

    What Are the Best Ways to Gear Up in Retail WOW?

    Chance to make money with valorant?

    Valorant, CS: GO, Dota 2 – Just Online Games or an Opportunity to Make Money on Bets?

    Trending Tags

    • Is It A Classic?
    • Remember When
    • Do We Even Care Anymore?
    • Humpday Haikus
    • Top Series
    • Thirsty Thursday
    • Aging Gamer
    • On The Way To E3
  • Podcasts
    • All
    • The BagoCast
    • TSR BagoCast

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Politics in Video Games Games

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist 2

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Titan Fall and Apex: Legends Hacked

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist

    BagoCast EP: 12 – Code Vein and the DLC

    Debate/Discussion: Bad Video Games That We Love

    Discussion/Debate: Is Bioware Gone?

    Trending Tags

    • Film Fallout
    • 8Bit Proof
    • Gaming Historia
    • Bago Anime Cast
    • Gamers In Beta
    • Gamers Unscripted
  • Videos

    So, You Wanna Play Junker Queen?

    Matchpoint Tennis Championships Live Review

    Void Slayer – Review

    The IDEAL Spider-Man VR Game

    Crunchyroll Panel Full Video @ Anime Frontier

    BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Shooting to The Beat (Review)

    She Will Punish Them – Warning: Mature Content (Early Access Review)

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

  • Geek Culture
    • All
    • Anime and Manga
    • Anime/Manga Review
    • Collectibles
    • Comic Books
    • Cosplay
    • Movies
    • Tech
    • TV Shows

    Crunchyroll To Host My Hero Academia UA Heroes Battle World Premiere Screening at New York Comic Con

    Xbox to Launch the Xbox Credit Card

    Nacon Rig 600 PRO Gets Release Date

    Cliff Bleszinski’s Comic Book Launches at San Diego Comic-Con

    RiotPWR Gaming Controller RP1950 Is Future Proof

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    Pwnage Releases New Info On Stormbreaker, The Magnesium Alloy Gaming Mouse

    Eminence in Shadow Mobile RPG Gets New Trailer, Available Now

    Crunchyroll Announces Anime Frontier Panels and Premieres

    Trending Tags

    • Movie Reviews
    • Movie News
    • TV News
    • TV Episode Review
    • Episode Guide
    • Competitive Gaming
    • Tech News
    • Tech Review
    • Anime and Manga News
    • Anime and Manga Review
    • Comic Book News
    • Comic Book Review
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All
    • Esports
    • Interviews

    45 minutes of Eternights Gameplay

    Back to the Dawn Gets New Gamescom Trailer

    Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance Launching Late September

    Remnant 2 Available Now For PC and Consoles

    Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Battle Chronicle Pre-registration Available Now

    New Remnant 2 ‘Hunter Archetype’ Trailer Released

    ROBOCOP: ROGUE CITY Closed Beta Announced

    Guardian Goddess Idle RPG Registration Open

    esports tournament dates 2023

    Don’t Miss These Major Esports Tournaments Coming in 2023!

    Trending Tags

    • Top Stories
    • PlayStation
    • Xbox
    • Nintendo
    • Retro Games
    • Mobile Games
    • Indie Games
    • Square Enix
    • Sony
    • Microsoft
    • PAX
    • EGX
    • Gamescom
    • Rockstar Games
    • Electronic Arts
    • Activision Blizzard
    • E3 Expo
  • Reviews
    • All
    • Flash Game Reviews
    • Google Stadia
    • Indie Game Reviews
    • Mobile Game Reviews
    • Nintendo 3DS Reviews
    • Nintendo Switch Reviews
    • PC Reviews
    • PS Vita Reviews
    • PS3 Reviews
    • PS4 Reviews
    • PS5 Reviews
    • Retro Game Reviews
    • Reviews RoundUP
    • Xbox 360 Reviews
    • Xbox One Reviews

    AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead and Undressed Switch Review

    Remnant 2 PC Review

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails Into Reverie PC Review

    Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Nintendo Switch Review

    Atelier Ryza 3

    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Nintendo Switch Review

    No More Heroes 3 PS4 Review

    Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters PS4 Review

    Wanted: Dead Review

    The Legend of Heroes Trails From Zero

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero PC Review

    Trending Tags

    • Resident Evil
    • Call of Duty
    • Final Fantasy
    • Destiny
    • Borderlands
    • Halo
    • The Elder Scrolls
    • Fortnite
    • PUBG
    • Bioshock
    • The Witcher
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Second Opinion
    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space

    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space (Without Irritating Each Other!)

    explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!

    Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

    betting on video games - 5 tops picks

    Betting on Video Games: 5 top picks

    esports betting featured image

    5 Secrets of Bankroll Management That You Don’t Know

    Popular games featured image

    The increasing popularity of online casinos

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    buying, szelling, and trading csgo skins

    What To Expect When Buying, Selling, & Trading CS: GO Skins

    What Are the Best Ways to Gear Up in Retail WOW?

    Chance to make money with valorant?

    Valorant, CS: GO, Dota 2 – Just Online Games or an Opportunity to Make Money on Bets?

    Trending Tags

    • Is It A Classic?
    • Remember When
    • Do We Even Care Anymore?
    • Humpday Haikus
    • Top Series
    • Thirsty Thursday
    • Aging Gamer
    • On The Way To E3
  • Podcasts
    • All
    • The BagoCast
    • TSR BagoCast

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Politics in Video Games Games

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist 2

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Titan Fall and Apex: Legends Hacked

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist

    BagoCast EP: 12 – Code Vein and the DLC

    Debate/Discussion: Bad Video Games That We Love

    Discussion/Debate: Is Bioware Gone?

    Trending Tags

    • Film Fallout
    • 8Bit Proof
    • Gaming Historia
    • Bago Anime Cast
    • Gamers In Beta
    • Gamers Unscripted
  • Videos

    So, You Wanna Play Junker Queen?

    Matchpoint Tennis Championships Live Review

    Void Slayer – Review

    The IDEAL Spider-Man VR Game

    Crunchyroll Panel Full Video @ Anime Frontier

    BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Shooting to The Beat (Review)

    She Will Punish Them – Warning: Mature Content (Early Access Review)

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

  • Geek Culture
    • All
    • Anime and Manga
    • Anime/Manga Review
    • Collectibles
    • Comic Books
    • Cosplay
    • Movies
    • Tech
    • TV Shows

    Crunchyroll To Host My Hero Academia UA Heroes Battle World Premiere Screening at New York Comic Con

    Xbox to Launch the Xbox Credit Card

    Nacon Rig 600 PRO Gets Release Date

    Cliff Bleszinski’s Comic Book Launches at San Diego Comic-Con

    RiotPWR Gaming Controller RP1950 Is Future Proof

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    Pwnage Releases New Info On Stormbreaker, The Magnesium Alloy Gaming Mouse

    Eminence in Shadow Mobile RPG Gets New Trailer, Available Now

    Crunchyroll Announces Anime Frontier Panels and Premieres

    Trending Tags

    • Movie Reviews
    • Movie News
    • TV News
    • TV Episode Review
    • Episode Guide
    • Competitive Gaming
    • Tech News
    • Tech Review
    • Anime and Manga News
    • Anime and Manga Review
    • Comic Book News
    • Comic Book Review
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
BagoGames
No Result
View All Result

Returnal Review

Get lost in the deep with a uniquely strange adventure!

Andrew Murray by Andrew Murray
May 11, 2021
in Game Reviews, PS5 Reviews
1

BagoGames > Articles > Game Reviews > PS5 Reviews > Returnal Review

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Returnal DEALS

  • PlayStation Store
    $70 VIEW
  • Amazon
    $70 VIEW
  • Target
    $70 VIEW
  • Walmart
    $70 VIEW
  • Best Buy
    $70 VIEW

It seems like a century has passed since the landing of Dead Space on PlayStation 3. The game, a true forerunner of a genre now explored in every way, had landed in 2008 and then continued with two other chapters. Thirteen years and two generations later, Returnal arrives. Take note that this is a title with the same “vibes” as Visceral Games’ survival, but with a decidedly unique flavor. So today I want to talk to you about this deep space nightmare of Housemarque’s Returnal, which is the latest PS5 exclusive. Here is my Returnal review on PlayStation 5!

CRYPTIC AND MYSTERIOUS

The impressive cutscene that opens Returnal, clearly inspired by the film giants of the genre, sets the basis for a cryptic and mysterious narrative. You will definitely discover the true nature of this narrative during the course of the game. Your protagonist in Housemarque’s title, Selene, is an astronaut who falls on a lost planet named Atropos because of a failure.

Once awakened, Selene finds herself wandering the planet in search of a solution. However, what she actually discovers is a bitter and surprising truth. It is not a deserted planet! When you find the corpse of another astronaut and take the gun of the victim, your terrifying adventure on Atropos will begin.

Housemarque

DARK, CUTSCENE, RESTART!

Armed with your only weapon, you will enter the first area and find yourself facing some of the xenomorphic species that populate the planet. Take note that, fortunately, you will have infinite ammunition available. After a short tutorial, you will arrive at a pilot boss who literally destroys you. Dark, cutscene, restart! These three words describe the game perfectly, because this is the true playful and narrative form of Returnal.

I can definitely say that this is a pure roguelike title. Housemarque’s game, despite taking full hands from the predecessors of the genre and having soulslike mechanics, is a roguelike with very similar bases to another title. I am of course talking about the recent and wonderful Hades from Supergiant Games. The developers based the entire narrative of the game on the basic mechanics of the roguelike.

With each death, in fact, you start again from the point of the crash after having relived the moments before the blackout. Each time you start over, however, the puzzle has a new piece to it. It does this by telling through cutscenes, two stories in parallel with each other. On the one hand, it is about Selene, who, because of amnesia, remembers almost nothing.

On the other hand, it is about the civilization of Atropos, a hostile planet where the machines have rebelled and exterminated all forms of life. Throughout the title’s duration, Returnal almost makes fun of the player with its cryptic and twisted narrative. The game will guide you into an abyss of memories and revelations until the story ends.

HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS

As already mentioned, despite an Oscar-winning narrative, the beating heart of Returnal is that of a naked and raw roguelike. During each run, you will find yourself in hostile environments that are flooded with enemies, mini bosses, resources, and weapons. Although the adventure always starts from scratch after each death, the developers from Housemarque have done an outstanding job in outlining a common thread in Selene’s narrative and playful evolution.

The result is a storyline that is composed piece by piece with each respawn, with parallel development and enhancement of the character based on the progress made in the previous run. The Returnal rooms, randomized at each restart, offer many content as well as an excellent selection of xenomorphs. During each run, which always starts with the same gun but with different fire, you can find better and better weapons, upgrades, and improvements to the suit.

Furthermore, in certain ravines it is possible to find shops that allow you to exchange the Obolites with consumables and upgrades. Take note that Obolites are the currency obtainable by exterminating enemies throughout the game. The result is a fast-paced and fun but merciless game, where even the slightest distraction can make a difference.

PlayStation 5

NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE

From what I have written above, it is clear that Returnal is not a suitable game for everyone. Its complex interpretation and its gameplay make it a uniquely strange game. Housemarque’s title is not easy to interpret but which certainly satisfies the most refined palates thanks to its many references. In this regard, a superb technical and artistic sector of the game takes care of it.

Atropos is a dark, mysterious, and menacing planet, ruled by alien entities and populated by xenomorphs ready to skin you alive. The mood, which fully recalls the atmosphere of Prometheus, enjoys a breathtaking graphic impact, all enriched by the almost fixed 60 fps at which the game runs. Although the environments are slightly monochromatic, the use of ray-tracing makes everything more beautiful. This returns truly convincing particle effects and light effects.

As if that weren’t enough, the feedback returned by the DualSense controller contributes deeply to the immersion of the title. This is thanks to the integrated speaker, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers. The developers framed the entire experience with a sound design that is not innovative, but certainly spot on and masterfully orchestrated. Of course, thanks to the 3D audio of PlayStation 5, it has a completely unique flavor.

CONCLUSION

Although Housemarque has fully managed to take the roguelike genre to another level, not all players will enjoy Returnal. Take note that its inherent difficulty links to a cryptic and twisted narrative. This could discourage the average player from delving into the adventure. However, the excellent gameplay, a graphic and technical sector of the highest level, and an experience that exploits the possibilities offered by PlayStation 5 becomes an addiction that you won’t be able to leave!

Do you want to try Housemarque’s Returnal? What do you think of my Returnal review on PlayStation 5? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below. Are you interested in more games? Check out our reviews for Oddworld: Soulstorm, Demon Skin, Lost Words: Beyond the Page, Two Point Hospital: Jumbo Edition, and Harvest Moon One World.

The Review

Returnal

9 Score

Summing up on Returnal, I realize that we have an almost perfect product in our hands, but that suffers from small defects. However, this is still an exclusive title that will surely leave an indelible mark in the history of the PlayStation 5.

PROS

  • Oscar-worthy storytelling
  • Fast-paced, fun, and ruthless
  • Excellent technical and graphic sector
  • Excellent integration of DualSense and 3D Audio

CONS

  • The difficulty dictated by the genre could discourage the less experienced

Review Breakdown

  • Story 0
  • Gameplay 0
  • Graphics 0
  • Audio 0

Returnal DEALS

We collect information from many stores for best price available

Best Price

$70
  • PlayStation Store
    $70 Buy Now
  • Amazon
    $70 Buy Now
  • Target
    $70 Buy Now
  • Walmart
    $70 Buy Now
  • Best Buy
    $70 Buy Now
Tags: HousemarquePlayStation 5PS5 ReviewsReturnalroguelike


Previous Post

Bionik Bringing Accessories To Next Gen Consoles

Next Post

Returnal Secret Ending Guide

Next Post
Returnal Secret Ending

Returnal Secret Ending Guide

Subscribe
Connect with
Login
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us to keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser cookies for the next time I comment.

I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us to keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser cookies for the next time I comment.

1 Comment
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback
Returnal Trophies Guide - KIEMON™
2 years ago

[…] missing? Please let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments, or make sure to read my Returnal review. Need help with the special secret ending? Here is my complete guide. Need help with the boss […]

0
0
Reply
wpdiscuz   wpDiscuz

BAGOGAMES WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Get this week's top news, reviews, guides, videos and opinion for your favorite games, movies, TV and tech in your email every Friday.

Don't worry, we don't spam.

NEW ON BAGOGAMES

Anime and Manga

Crunchyroll To Host My Hero Academia UA Heroes Battle World Premiere Screening at New York Comic Con

by Abdul Saad
2 weeks ago
Geek Culture

Xbox to Launch the Xbox Credit Card

by Michael Mosley
3 weeks ago
Game Reviews

AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead and Undressed Switch Review

3 weeks ago

LATEST PODCASTS & VIDEOS

Currently Playing

Void Slayer – Review

Void Slayer – Review

Game Reviews

The IDEAL Spider-Man VR Game

Opinion

BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Shooting to The Beat (Review)

Game Reviews

She Will Punish Them – Warning: Mature Content (Early Access Review)

Game Reviews

Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

Opinion

FOLLOW US

BagoGames

BagoGames.com © 2023 BagoGames LLC. All rights reserved.

Navigate Site

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Staff Directory
  • Join Our Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • RSS Feeds
  • Discord Server
  • BG Store
  • OpenCritic
  • green man gaming
  • Logitech G
  • GAMIVO.com
  • ASTRO Gaming
  • Logitech
  • Namecheap Hosting
  • Nord VPN
  • Best Buy
  • Blue Mic
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Guides

Follow Us

  • Login
  • Sign Up
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Opinion
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Geek Culture
  • Previews
  • Guides
  • Short Videos
  • Forum
  • Site Info
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Join Our Team
    • Staff Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    • Newsletter
    • RSS Feeds

BagoGames.com © 2023 BagoGames LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
wpDiscuz