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[EverydayBeast]

I would say Returnal has amazing potential.

First of all I would say there’s tons of stuff going on with Selene. Imagine being an astronaut and crash landing on an alien world.

Main character, Selene, who crash lands on an alien world known as Atropos.

The gameplay is so fun, the speed, sprinting is enjoyable, the fantastic grappling hook, super creative yet weird resources (ether).

The game’s real foundation is its difficulty. Every boss has some point of difficulty that makes you want to delete the game.

Phrike, the game’s first boss.



Returnal’s combat is fairly simple

The whole point of the game is breaking a "loop" you're stuck in since the crash and executing aliens while you’re at it.
No matter what you do you will die, the technology you get is fascinating. You can have parasites, sentient beings take control of your suit in the forms of upgrades.

The game is controlled by the unreal engine, and has incredible worlds (6 biomes) across 3 acts.

I think housemarque is aware of the game’s difficulty, lack of pvp mode and how interesting its story is. The story behind the aliens is fascinating.

Severed

A Severed is a Tier 3 hostile found in the Crimson Wastes. This hostile has 411 health (in the Tower of Sisyphus, each level adds 119 health) and has a weak spot on their head. Hitting the head deals 2.5x the damage. This hostile can walk, but, after either a couple of attacks or losing sight of...

returnal.fandom.com

The controller is a key element with Returnal.

Another issue I had with Returnal are the levels, what they did was place a linear system design that doesn’t mix well with your characters strong abilities.

Another issue I have is if you don’t accumulate enough health and power ups your aren’t of much use, the resources are everything in this game.

“Reconstructor” a respawn system in the game.

I don’t think house has a plan for a sequel, they could barely wrap up the first Returnal, it’s been almost 2 years since release but overall I think Returnal will have its legacy and it’s something for the pc crowd to look forward too. If you have any interest in third person alien shooters this game will make you happy.

 

[Crayon]

This game rules so hard. Reminds me of botw the way you can see areas for improvement, but it's hard to hold it against the game because it's so uniquely badass.

 

[Markio128]

It’s not a perfect game, but it has given me some of my favourite moments with the PS5. I don’t think it needs a sequel, but building on the foundation and improving it would result in a mega-game.

 

[LaughingStock]

I think it's my favorite PS5 game so far. Great gameplay. Intriguing story.

 

[Hollowpoint5557]

Funny seeing this. I just downloaded and tried it last night for the very first time. I got about an hour in and then promptly deleted it. I had 3 runs in that time and got frustrated with it very quickly. I love the idea of it, the look, the story but hated the execution. Clearly in the minority here.

 

[remember_spinal]

Dope game i just think they need to do a bit more for their next game to make it a little more accessible for some or more rewarding in general.

I dont mind the long runs but if feels liek you barely get stronger doing them. Hades had the right balance, its challenging (super challening if you want it to be) but they make it feel rewarding every single run by having a home base you can do a bunch of upgrades in.

also more build variety

 

[Beechos]

Game is my fav ps5 game. Gameplay is so tight and satisfying. Game is super hard at 1st but gets super easy once you get to the 2nd world and get the lmg type gun. Alot of people dont know this but you can dodge THROUGH projectiles not just away from them.

 

[Fbh]

I enjoyed my time with it but ultimately thought it was just ok.

The core gameplay is really good, the weapons feel nice, I like how fast and responsive it feels and I liked most weapons. The art direction is great too.
But I didn't find the Roguelite element very compelling, unlike other games in the genre I felt it didn't do enough to make runs feel unique. Most upgrades are tame passive stuff that's useful but doesn't do enough to alter the game, and outside of the few chances you get to buy stuff you are left at the mercy of the RNG when it comes to which upgrades you get. In a game like Hades I could do 10 runs with the same weapon and they'd all feel very distinct based on which upgrades I got, but in Returnal every run felt almost the same and that lack of variety makes the low amount of content become apparent pretty quickly.

The visuals aren't that great either. It does some cool stuff with particles but most of the environments aside from the first area are bland, I'd even argue the second biome just straight up looks ugly.

Again, I enjoyed my time with it but I also got to play it through Ps+ extra. If I had paid $70 for it I'd have been underwhelmed.


EDIT:
Oh also the story sucked. I heard an interview with one of the creators and he basically said they made it all intentionally vague so people would come up with their own theories and interpretations. I hate that shit.

 

[ReBurn]

I played it via PS Plus and I thought it was ok, but I got frustrated with it and stopped playing. I swear I don't know how people have the patience to just keep doing the same thing over and over. I don't have the patience to git gud. And it's weird, because I didn't mind putting the effort into Sifu and it's also stupidly repetitive. I think I liked Sifu better because I'm a sucker for martial arts movies.

 

[Hestar69]

if it wasn't a roguelite game it coulda been amazing..having to die and re do everything was ANNONYING. Yes,I know thats what these games are and why I can't get into games hades aswell.

Other than that I loved everything about the game...I need to beat the game again and get the "true" ending

 

[8BiTw0LF]

Game of The Generation

 

[AeonGaidenRaiden]

The game’s real foundation is its difficulty. Every boss has some point of difficulty that makes you want to delete the game.

This right here is why I cant stand these type of games. Theres so much time in a single day, this is not something a gamer would say they enjoy, its just pure masochism.

 

[unclbenn]

Oh also the story sucked. I heard an interview with one of the creators and he basically said they made it all intentionally vague so people would come up with their own theories and interpretations. I hate that shit.

thats exactly what i loved about the story. kinda reminds me of how "control" presented its story, just enough to keep your intrigued.

 

[rsouzadk]

Game is awesome.

Boss fights are from another world. I remember the first time i fought Hyperion, the music made me feel so hyped.

 

[aclar00]

That's written as though its from someone who works interally...nonetheless, i just got it, but havent had chance to teally sot down and play.

 

[TropicanaTwista]

Awesome game. My GOTY for 2021 (although to be fair, that was a weak year). But the game is just so damn fun.

 

[[Sigma]]

This game is my game of the generation thus far. But that apply to the game's first few months more so than the game that exist now in terms of game play. it's almost a shell of it's former self at this point. I don't even understand some of the things people say about it half the time now lol. Housemarque nerfed the game in your favor so much you shouldn't be struggling so much if you are. The story was fantastic in how it reveals itself through out creating great flow between gameplay.

 

[AeonGaidenRaiden]

thats exactly what i loved about the story. kinda reminds me of how "control" presented its story, just enough to keep your intrigued.

Theres a difference between vague ending where its up to you to interpret what the conclusion is and vage WHOLE GAME. Its not smart, its lazy. Theres a reason legit writers get emplyed by gaming companies to create the story of their world.

 

[Topher]

Thank God for ChatGPT. He almost sounds real

 

[Fredrik]

Thank God for ChatGPT. He almost sounds real

Lol my thought as well, OP must be using AI in some way, it’s a fascinating user tbh

 

[skit_data]

Thank God for ChatGPT. He almost sounds real

Lol my thought as well, OP must be using AI in some way, it’s a fascinating user tbh

Wow, this has crossed my mind so many times and everytime I question myself and shake it off. Love to see it’s not just me.
But, yeah it’s fascinating and just so subtle it makes me feel like I’m the crazy one.

 

[RPS37]

Currently play Ragnarok, but after I finish it it’s either: Returnal, Alena, Death Stranding, or Ghost of Tsushima.

It really might end up being Returnal. But I think it’s going to be way too hard for patience-less ass. It looks so dope on the OLED tho.

 

[apowhungo]

give me a fucking difficulty slider

 

[apowhungo]

Currently play Ragnarok, but after I finish it it’s either: Returnal, Alena, Death Stranding, or Ghost of Tsushima.

just beat ragnarok on normal and going back to returnal has felt a lot easier

 

[Fredrik]

Using save states/cloud storage:
10/10, best game on Playstation and the closest anyone has ever come to make a 3D Metroid.

Not using save states/cloud storage:
6/10, most frustrating game I’ve ever played and made me hate rouguelikes with wild passion.

 

[THE DUCK]

I need to properly try this......
I dont understand though, why list ps5 de instead of just saying ps5? I mean somehow it sounded cooler but just wondering why.....

 

[RPS37]

just beat ragnarok on normal and going back to returnal has felt a lot easier

Shiiiiiiiiiiiii

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Super interested in this game.

Not interested in rogue like nature.

Hopefully sequal will be same game with conventional progression. Keep the coop intact.

 

[Radical Dreamer]

It's very good game but honestly for all this talk about difficulty I thought I'd be way harder than it was.

 

[Drizzlehell]

When I see that a game is a roguelike:

Returnal would've been amazing if it wasn't for the fact that it's a fucking roguelike. Literally the worst/most misused concept for a video game ever.

 

[Rendered Tangent]

I'll be honest, if Returnal was more story driven, and had save points, it'd be one of my favourite games.

The shooting is sublime, as is her movement, the aesthetic is brooding and interesting, the graphics are fantastic...I just can't get past the one life - then die - then repeat formula.

I know that's the point, I know it's a certain type of experience...I get it.

It's just frustrating as sometimes you just want to switch off and play, and when you can't afford to make a single mistake and it becomes about laser focus and attention I start to lose interest.

 

[Variahunter]

Returnal gameplay would be a great foundation for a Metroid third person honestly.
It would just need a bit more acrobatics jumps, walls jumps, a more developped melee combat system and maybe a Samus feeling just a bit heavier. That way we could have a great 3D transition from Super Metroid.

Of course, I hope Housemarque will iterate on this gameplay for their next game, ditching the roguelite aspect and making a true 3D third person Metroidvania game. Doing what Nintendo still refuses to give us for almost 30 years now... And Metroid Other M doesn't count as we don't have any control over the camera, which greatly inhibit the level design and possibilities.

 

[JusticeForAll]

I actually really liked the gameplay and atmosphere of the game, but I don't have the luxury to spend hours upon hours of dying because my gaming time is limited. I did play it right when it came out, though. Did they patch it since then to make it somewhat easier? Might give it another go then.

 

[Iced Arcade]

this is on PS plus extra right? might have to check out eventually

 

[Ansphn]

One of the greatest games of all time. I spent over 350 hours on this game in Co-op. Its so addicting, the controls are accurate/tight/smooth. Most responsive control i experienced in a game.

 

[solidus12]

A religious experience

 

[saintjules]

 

[FullMetalx117]

Yup I bought this ($18), Yakuza ($5), and Watch Dogs ($11). Cheap enough to add to backlog

 

[MALpractice311]

No matter how far out I look, it's always "Unavailable Nearby." I don't normally love Rogue-likes, but I've played a few and this really sounded like a strong one and under $20 would've been a perfect "not sure, but willing to give it a try" price point.

 

[2AdEPT]

That is a no-brainer price. Its worth a couple hundred dollars and getting a PS5 just for the game. Only one other game is in that category for me and that was Bloodborne. Will be double dipping on PC for another $70CND.

 

[Captain Toad]

This and Demon's Souls are my favorite current-gen games, so far.

I'd be there day one for a sequel or spiritual successor.

 

[MALpractice311]

So I wasn't able to get in on the $18 sale, but I did find it for $30 and started it last night. I only got about to play about an hour, but it really it's stunning to see in person. When in combat, there's so much going on to manage, but because running and gunning feels so smooth, it never feels overwhelming. When not in combat, you can really slow down and appreciate the art direction and just see how terrifying this planet is. Thus far, I'm glad I overcame my normal aversion to Rogue-likes.

 

[ChoosableOne]

So I wasn't able to get in on the $18 sale, but I did find it for $30 and started it last night. I only got about to play about an hour, but it really it's stunning to see in person. When in combat, there's so much going on to manage, but because running and gunning feels so smooth, it never feels overwhelming. When not in combat, you can really slow down and appreciate the art direction and just see how terrifying this planet is. Thus far, I'm glad I overcame my normal aversion to Rogue-likes.

I hope you can ignore the probable failures you will experience in a few hours and continue till the end(and some more) and experience this beautiful game in its entirety. Good luck!

 

[FoxMcChief]

I hope you can ignore the probable failures you will experience in a few hours and continue till the end(and some more) and experience this beautiful game in its entirety. Good luck!

I keep battling with myself. Like, I want to play more, but I don’t think I have fun playing it. This game has me more torn than any other game that comes to mind.

 

[ChoosableOne]

I keep battling with myself. Like, I want to play more, but I don’t think I have fun playing it. This game has me more torn than any other game that comes to mind.

Just stick with carbine and seek leeching ammo trait, you will be fine afterwards. Don't rush it, start every run seriously and explore every room, if you have decent health and leeching ammo of course. Try to make your health bar bigger by resins and such. There are great imbalances between builds in this game. Either you're completely destroyed or you go all the way without losing health. I had a hard time for the first 10 hours, but after that, I finished it with great pleasure without too much difficulty. Great game, don't give up on it yet.

 

[FoxMcChief]

It’s not guaranteed you get the carbine or leeching ammo. The RNG of it I think is what bothers me. I like innHades that I upgrade my weapons and it sticks with every run. This games runs just don’t gel well into each other, for me.

 

[ChoosableOne]

It’s not guaranteed you get the carbine or leeching ammo. The RNG of it I think is what bothers me. I like innHades that I upgrade my weapons and it sticks with every run. This games runs just don’t gel well into each other, for me.

If you clean enough rooms, you will find it, it's almost guaranteed. In addition, don't worry about weapon levels, important thing is traits and damage bonus.

 

[MALpractice311]

I hope you can ignore the probable failures you will experience in a few hours and continue till the end(and some more) and experience this beautiful game in its entirety. Good luck!

Thanks! I'm aware I'm in it for the long haul with this game, but I'm happy to report I was able to play another hour last night and got to Phrike. I was actually really close to beating him. He was at less than 25% of his final health bar. I was using a level 4 sidearm with increased damage and some sort of electric discharge secondary power. The wife is going out tonight, so I have the house alone and expect I'll be putting in some more time after I workout and install some new lighting in our bathroom.