Returnal is the upcoming third-person sci shooter from Finnish developers Housemarque. With elements of roguelike and psychological horror games, Returnal is looking like it will freshen up the third-person shooter genre.
Players will jump into the shoes of Selene, a space explorer who becomes trapped on an alien planet called Astropos. Seemingly unable to die, you must fight your way through a variety of enemies and environments to uncover the secrets of the planet and try to escape. Should Selene die she will return, with each death a shifting of the world and its inhabitants will take place.
Returnal Release Date
Returnal is releasing on 30th April 2021 exclusively on PlayStation 5. Whilst some rumours have circled about a Returnal PC release, to date nothing has been confirmed. For now, it seems unlikely it will come to PC or any other platform.
Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition
Returnal will be released with two different versions. The standard edition which will be a copy of the game and includes two additional suits for Selene.
Then there is the Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition. This version of the game has a few extras including:-
- Electropylon Driver weapon
- Hollowseeker weapon
- 1 Reflex Stimulant consumable
- 1 Pulsating Mass artefact
- 1 Adrenaline Booster
- Digital soundtrack
Gameplay
Gameplay in Returnal looks very much like a bullet-hell shooter. With a huge amount of projectiles flying your way during combat. Constant movement and managing your abilities will be key to ensuring you survive the tough encounters. The game has been designed with replayability in mind and with the roguelike elements gameplay will continue to feel fresh and things constantly change upon your death. Each death you encounter will switch up the world meaning you will discover new enemy types in areas and find new items as you explore.
Firepower
Returnal will feature a number of high powered and exotic weaponry, some of which have an alien origin to them. As can be seen in the combat trailer below, you will be able to wield alien carbines that can be upgraded with new fire modes. Additionally, there are variations on assault rifles, shotguns and launchers. You will also be able to make use of various gadgets and upgrades like shields, explosive countermeasure, and various grenade types. Furthermore, you will encounter some mysterious parasitic entities that alter your abilities and suit and more.
Hostile Lifeforms
The planet of Astropos and the life forms on it don’t seem best pleased by your presence. Expect to come up against a wide variety of enemy types from humanoid-like creatures, huge animal beasts and even robotic enemies. There will also be monolithic sized monstrosities to face off against. Many of these creatures will have their own unique attacks and ways of defeating them.
Returnal is looking like a fantastic game that looks to make use of the PlayStation 5’s fast SSD and make use of the adaptive triggers allowing you to easily switch between weapon fire modes. Haptic feedback will also be in play, delivering information to players through the DualSense controller.