Returnal™ on PC: A Bullet-Hellish Repeating Odyssey

Is the acclaimed rogue-like third-person shooter worth the dive on PC, or does it crash and burn upon re-entry? Find out in our deep dive.

last updated Dec 06, 2023

Each session is a gripping dance with death, borrowing liberally from bullet-hell shooters to keep that adrenaline pumping.

Gameplay: A Loop Worth Dying For

At the heart of Returnal lies a delicious, rogue-like twist on the third-person shooter genre that practically begs for 'just one more run'. Each session is a gripping dance with death, borrowing liberally from bullet-hell shooters to keep that adrenaline pumping. The controls are so tight, you could bounce a quarter off them and watch it ricochet into oblivion. However, the game's commendable tightness is tested by difficulty spikes that may sour your space milk - particularly in a co-op mode that feels like playing twister on a tightrope. And while some say our heroine's repeated deaths bring the 'rogue' to the-like, others view these fatal do-overs as an emotional tax that not every space cowboy is prepared or patient enough to pay.

Sonic Space Symphony

If Returnal's gameplay is a bullet-heavy metal concert, then its sound design is the laser light show that'll have you seeing stars—in a good way. The audio in this cosmic opera creates a rich atmosphere, weaving tension and awe seamlessly into the gameplay fabric. The pops and zaps of futuristic weaponry to the eerie echoes haunting the alien ruins all vie for an Oscar in sound performance. And yet, the music, while often described as a sonic feast, isn't just background noise – it's an integral part of the experience, keeping pace with each heart-racing moment. The game is truly a symphony where every note, every beat, is meticulously orchestrated to elevate the experience from mere gaming to an aural adventure.

Stellar Sights and Performance Pitfalls

Graphically, Returnal is a love letter written in the stars to sci-fi aesthetes everywhere and delivers an enthralling visual treat at high resolutions. The shifting alien landscapes are bathed in light and shadow that could have been crafted by cosmic artisans. Yet, consistent applause for these interstellar views is sometimes interrupted by an unwelcome chorus of groans, stemming from performance issues that haunt some systems like a bad case of space plague. Whether it's framerate fumbles during frenetic fights or spiteful stutters sullying an otherwise smooth spacewalk, the game's performance inconsistencies remind us that, like humanity's reach for the stars, technology's grasp is not infinite.

Co-Operative Quirks and Conundrums

Two's company, three's a cloud? In Returnal, jumping into the fray with a partner can either heighten the thrill or elevate your blood pressure to unsafe levels. The balance tips precariously in co-op, leading to bullet sponges that could test the patience of a Zen master. Meanwhile, bugs scurry around like uninvited party crashers, disrupting the flow with sometimes game-breaking consequences. Co-op is a bit like the lottery - thrilling when you win, but the odds are not always in your favor. For those willing to brave the waves of extra-challenging extraterrestrial baddies, co-op can offer chaotic camaraderie - when it works.

An Indie Darling at Major League Pricing

Navigating the swarming chaos of Returnal doesn't come without cost, both in inevitable in-game deaths and real-world dollars. The game's price point puts it in the major leagues; however, when you tally up the intangibles – the narrative complexity, the gameplay polish, and the labor of love that is indie development – the journey through Returnal’s meticulously crafted cycles can be worth every penny. It's a testament to indie gusto, coming from a smaller team with the heart and soul to push boundaries, even if it doesn't totally stick the landing. Game Cover Art

STEAM RATING 81 .78% Developer Climax Studios, Housemarque Publisher PlayStation PC LLC Release Date February 15, 2023

The Verdict: A Cosmic Conundrum of Quality

Returnal on PC is a tumultuous ride through gorgeous, bullet-hell landscapes, with enough tight controls and atmospheric sound to make each repeated demise a beautiful torment. This indie darling holds its ground with big-budget contenders, though you may occasionally want to exit the looping cycle due to performance quirks and steep learning curves. Whether it's worth the steep space credits will depend on your love for punishment and perfection in equal measure – a recommended adventure for the hardcore rogue-like astronaut looking for a challenge, as long as they're equipped with the patience and PC specs to handle the journey.