“Returnal” is an action-packed third-person shooter developed by Housemarque and released by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game, exclusive to the PlayStation 5, blends fast-paced shooting mechanics with roguelike elements, offering a challenging and ever-changing gameplay experience. Players step into the shoes of Selene, an astronaut who finds herself stranded on the hostile alien planet of Atropos. Each death Selene suffers resets the loop, causing her to relive her landing on Atropos, with the planet altering its layout and the challenges presented with each cycle. This cyclical narrative is not only integral to the gameplay but also to the unfolding of the game’s deep and enigmatic story, which explores themes of memory, trauma, and the human condition. “Returnal” is celebrated for its stunning visuals, which take full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, as well as its atmospheric sound design and demanding combat system that requires players to adapt quickly to survive.
third-person shooter
