Returnal Pros & Cons

Introduction

Returnal, developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a rogue-like third-person shooter that was released in April 2021 for the PlayStation 5. Known for its challenging gameplay, unique narrative structure, and stunning visuals, Returnal has received both praise and criticism from players and critics alike. This article outlines the key pros and cons of the game to help prospective players understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

1. Innovative Rogue-like Gameplay: Returnal introduces a fresh take on the rogue-like genre by combining it with fast-paced third-person shooter mechanics. Each playthrough takes players through procedurally generated levels, ensuring that no two runs are alike. This unpredictability keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging, making every attempt at survival feel unique and rewarding.
2. Compelling Narrative: One of the standout features of Returnal is its narrative structure. Unlike traditional games with linear storytelling, Returnal unfolds the story through scattered notes, audio logs, and fragmented memories. This non-linear approach encourages players to piece together the story themselves, enhancing the sense of discovery and immersion. The cryptic nature of the story invites players to speculate and engage deeply with the world of Atropos.
3. Stunning Visuals and Atmosphere: Returnal is a visual masterpiece that showcases the power of the PlayStation 5’s hardware. The game features breathtaking environments, from alien landscapes to mysterious ruins, each filled with intricate detail and atmospheric lighting. The game’s art direction and environmental storytelling do an excellent job of drawing players into its haunting world, making exploration a joy and adding layers to the sense of isolation.
4. Challenging Combat Mechanics: The gameplay in Returnal is fast and intense, with a strong emphasis on dodging, aiming, and strategic use of weapons. Combat is frenetic and requires quick reflexes and precise aiming. The variety of weapons and abilities available adds depth to the gameplay, allowing for different strategies and playstyles. The difficulty level can be high, which adds to the sense of accomplishment when overcoming challenges.
5. Replayability: Returnal offers high replay value due to its procedural generation and roguelike elements. Each run presents new challenges, enemy types, and room layouts, encouraging players to try different strategies and weapons. The permadeath mechanic—where dying resets the game but keeps some upgrades—adds tension and rewards players who master the game’s systems.

Cons

1. High Difficulty Barrier: One of the most significant drawbacks of Returnal is its difficulty. The game is challenging even for experienced players, with complex mechanics and enemies that can easily overwhelm new players. The permadeath feature means that players who fail lose all progress, which can be frustrating and discouraging for those less accustomed to rogue-like games.
2. Lack of Story Clarity: While the narrative structure of Returnal is innovative, it can also be confusing. The game’s fragmented storytelling might leave players feeling disconnected or lost in its mysteries. The lack of clear narrative progression and context can detract from the overall experience, especially for those who prefer straightforward storytelling.
3. Repetitive Environments: Although the procedural generation system provides variety in gameplay, it can sometimes result in visually repetitive environments. Players may find that different biomes share similar assets and design elements, which can make the game feel less varied over time. This repetition might detract from the sense of exploration and discovery.
4. Limited Accessibility Options: Returnal does not offer as many accessibility features as some other modern games, which may make it difficult for players with disabilities to fully engage with the game. The lack of features such as adjustable difficulty, customizable controls, or comprehensive color-blind modes may be a barrier for some players.
5. No Co-op or Multiplayer Mode: The absence of a cooperative or multiplayer mode is a significant downside for players who enjoy social gameplay experiences. Returnal focuses purely on single-player action, which can feel isolating for those looking to play with friends or interact with others online.

Conclusion

Returnal stands out as a unique and ambitious game that combines rogue-like mechanics with a gripping narrative and stunning visuals. Its innovative gameplay and challenging design make it a standout title on the PlayStation 5. However, the game’s high difficulty, lack of accessibility features, and confusing storytelling may make it less approachable for some players. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on a player’s taste for difficulty and desire for a deep, mysterious narrative experience.