R

Returnal

Returnal – Shareware

A Thrilling Roguelike Experience Awaits in Returnal

David Fischer

Returnal masterfully combines fast-paced action with a haunting narrative, making each run both exhilarating and deeply engaging.
2024 Editor's Rating

Returnal is a fast-paced, third-person shooter game developed by Returnal. The game revolves around the character Selene, who crash-lands onto an alien planet and is stuck in a time loop. Every time Selene dies, she returns to the beginning of the loop, forced to relive her crash and fight her way through the hostile world again.

In Returnal, players must use their reflexes and strategic thinking to survive the dangerous and ever-changing landscape. Selene must navigate through different biomes, each with its unique environment, enemies, and challenges. As players progress through the game, they unlock new weapons and abilities that enable Selene to take on more challenging foes.

The game's unique time-loop mechanic keeps players on their toes, as every death resets their progress. However, unlike some other games, players don't start completely from scratch - certain collectibles persist across loops, giving players some sense of progression.

Returnal's haunting atmosphere is further enhanced by its stunning visuals and sound design. The game's immersive world-building draws players into a mysterious storyline filled with danger and intrigue that unfolds as they explore the different areas of the game.

Returnal is a thrilling and challenging action game that combines elements of science fiction with horror for an immersive gaming experience that will keep players coming back for more.

  • Fast-paced third-person shooter
  • Unique time loop mechanic
  • Challenging gameplay with ever-changing landscapes
  • Stunning visuals and sound design
  • Immersive world-building with a mysterious storyline

Overview

Returnal is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Returnal.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Returnal for updates 31 times during the last month.

The latest version of Returnal is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 02/24/2023.

Returnal runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Returnal has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

  • Unique gameplay mechanics combining roguelike elements with twin-stick shooting.
  • Stunning graphics and visual design that enhance the sci-fi atmosphere.
  • Engaging and immersive narrative that unfolds as players progress through the game.
  • Dynamic difficulty scaling that keeps the challenge fresh and engaging.
  • A highly detailed and atmospheric sound design that contributes to overall immersion.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve that may deter casual players.
  • Permadeath mechanic can be frustrating for some, causing loss of progress and items.
  • Limited variety in enemy types and environments as players progress, which may lead to repetitiveness.
  • Some technical issues at launch, including frame drops and bugs, though many have been patched since.
  • No traditional multiplayer mode; only co-op is available, which may limit social gameplay options.

FAQ

What is Returnal?

Returnal is a third-person shooter roguelike video game developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is a PlayStation 5 exclusive title.

What is the gameplay like in Returnal?

Returnal offers fast-paced action with a mix of shooting, exploration, and intense battles against various challenging enemies and bosses. It incorporates roguelike elements, meaning each playthrough is procedurally generated, and death restarts the game from the beginning.

What is the story of Returnal?

Returnal follows the story of Selene, a space explorer trapped on an alien planet called Atropos. She continuously relives a cycle of exploration, death, and resurrection, trying to unravel the mysteries of the planet and her own past.

Are there different weapons in Returnal?

Yes, Returnal features a wide variety of unique weapons that Selene can find and use throughout her journey. These weapons can be upgraded and customized to suit different playstyles.

What are the different biomes in Returnal?

Returnal features several distinct biomes, each with their own unique atmosphere, enemies, and challenges. These biomes include Overgrown Ruins, Crimson Wastes, Derelict Citadel, Echoing Ruins, and Fractured Wastes.

Are there any permanent upgrades in Returnal?

Yes, as players progress through multiple cycles, they can unlock permanent upgrades such as new equipment, abilities, or enhancements that provide advantages in subsequent runs.

Can I save my progress in Returnal?

Returnal follows a roguelike structure, which means there is no traditional save system. However, certain milestones and progress can be carried over between runs, allowing for gradual progress.

What is the difficulty level of Returnal?

Returnal offers a challenging gameplay experience, with enemies that pose a serious threat and intense battles. It requires skill, strategy, and adaptability to overcome the obstacles presented in the game.

Is Returnal multiplayer?

No, Returnal is a single-player game without any multiplayer or cooperative modes. It focuses on the solitary journey of Selene through the hostile alien planet.

Can Returnal be played on PlayStation 4?

No, Returnal is a PlayStation 5 exclusive title and cannot be played on PlayStation 4.


David Fischer

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

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31 users of UpdateStar had Returnal installed last month.

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