Returnal on PC
First released on the PlayStation 5 back in 2021, Housemarque’s AAA roguelike, Returnal, blew my expectations out of the water with its blend of hard-hitting action, strategic depth, and an atmosphere of dread that is quite unlike anything out there. Fast forward two years, and the game now finds its way to the PC platform courtesy of Climax Studios, and the work put into this port has Returnal shining brighter than before, an irresistible call back into the darkness of repeated death and learning.
Weaving together a blend of swift third-person action, platforming, and roguelike progression, it stars ASTRA scout Selene, now trapped in a seemingly neverending loop of death and rebirth on the planet of Atropos. The very first time you discover the lifeless body of a previous explorer, Returnal starts to kick into gear. Really, this intoxicating adventure only gets better and better with each run, albeit sometimes dependent on your luck.
As you descend deeper into the mysteries of Atropos, dealing with alien creatures that are as vicious as they are intriguing, Selene begins augmenting her abilities through new weapons and more permanent additions like gear upgrades and the like. With the threat of death removing your hard-earned currency that can be used for purchasing items and current weapons, there is always that added incentive of going one step further than before to discover more while trying to avoid death.
The roguelike setup is certainly not a genre for everyone, but in Returnal, Housemarque has created just the right experience that renders it a near-perfect encapsulation of the genre’s beauty and unmistakable hook.
Naturally, the combat in Returnal is a huge component of that, even if you start things off with just a pistol. Every creature that stands in your way brings something unique to the table, offering a level of challenge that tests your fast reflexes and aiming, and at the same time, pushing you when it comes to cosmic horror. As if that was not enough, the bosses that serve as gatekeepers in Returnal go several levels higher, providing players with a first-hand experience of bullet hell in all its three-dimensional glory.
Each of the biomes that you will visit in Returnal will have a final boss that requires overcoming, and conquering them goes beyond just mastering your weapons and the dodging mechanics of Selene. Multiple phases to the fights require different approaches, with the combat intensifying as more projectiles fill the screen and the boss’ behavior tweaks and changes. There is a reason victories against the odds often feel sweeter, and that is a common consequence of besting Returnal’s big bads.
And even if you perish, the cyclical nature of Returnal ensures that you are rewarded in various ways. New weapons found during runs become available as part of the mix, giving players not just more powerful weaponry, but also new ways to bring the hurt. The pistol hits hard but is limited by its ammo, while the carbine rifle does a great job at range but not up close; different combat scenarios call for the best solution, and the alternate firing abilities can further enhance your combat prowess.
Eventually, weapons become more interesting with added traits, ensuring that no two runs ever truly feel the same. Perhaps you prefer bullets that can ricochet off surfaces for added damage, or weapons that can summon portals that deal an immense amount of damage, the possibilities are aplenty, and it further adds to the unpredictable nature of Returnal, which is a delight.
In addition to that, Returnal uses something called the Overload mechanic that is similar to Gears of War’s Active Reload. Essentially, players are rewarded for proper timing when reloading, getting them straight back into the fight with instantly replenished ammo if they succeed. Fail, and it becomes a mad dash to find cover before you can go again. If you are adept at killing foes without getting harmed, Selene also builds up Adrenaline levels, a risk-and-reward system that makes her even more powerful.
It could mean seeing enemies behind objects, an improved Overload mechanic, or more currency being gained; there is a delicate balance between being aggressive and cautious at the same time, and Returnal does it better than most at incentivizing the player. All in all, this constant progression of your mastery, together with various items that can confer a variety of bonuses, always gives you a fighting chance. There’s also co-op if you wish for someone else to be there to share the joy and the pain.
On the defensive side of things, Selene can get hardier with every Silphium collected, which upgrades the maximum integrity of her suit. The caveat is that you will have to be at full health when collecting it; otherwise, it just heals you. Considering that your enhanced health only lasts for the current run, making the most of a fortunate run with more health is imperative.
For those looking for an added challenge, Returnal’s Malfunction and Parasite mechanics will be right up your alley. The former is a gamble on collecting Malignant items on Atropos, valuable loot that stands a chance of inflicting a debilitating condition in your current run. Amass a third Malfunction, and the game can even confiscate your artefacts and other vital items. The risk-taking applies to the Parasites as well, which are modifiers that add both a bane and boon, having players take stock of what they feel will be the best path forward.