When I first heard about Returnal, I was intrigued by the promise of a challenging, atmospheric roguelike experience. Little did I know that this game would become one of the most exhilarating yet infuriating gaming experiences of my life.
The Brilliance That Captivated Me
A Masterpiece of Gameplay The moment I started playing, I was hooked. The fluidity of the combat is something to marvel at. Each enemy encounter feels intense and satisfying, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The game’s dynamic environment, which changes with every cycle, ensures that no two runs feel the same.
Stunning Visuals and Audio Walking through the biomes of Atropos is a visual treat. Each area is meticulously crafted, offering a unique atmosphere that ranges from eerie alien landscapes to haunting ruins. The audio design is equally impressive. 3D headset on, I could hear every subtle sound—whether it was the whisper of an enemy lurking nearby or the ominous soundtrack that heightened my sense of danger. This sensory experience is both thrilling and terrifying, pulling me deeper into the game’s world.
A Mysterious and Intriguing Story Selene’s journey is shrouded in mystery. Every time she dies and is resurrected, new fragments of the story are revealed through Scout Logs and first-person segments inside a mysterious house. This storytelling method kept me on edge, eager to uncover more about Selene’s past and the strange planet she’s trapped on. The narrative is compelling, making each cycle not just a gameplay challenge but also a quest for answers.
The Unforgiving Aspects That Tested My Patience
Brutal Difficulty Returnal’s difficulty is no joke. The roguelike nature of the game means that death resets almost all progress, stripping you of your weapons and upgrades. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially after a particularly good run. There were times when I felt the game was unfairly punishing, especially with random elements like parasites that can either help or hinder you depending on your luck. This randomness often made some runs feel impossible to win, while others were comparatively easier.
RNG going of the charts.Another layer of difficulty is added by the game’s reliance on RNG . The biomes, enemies, and items you encounter are randomized each cycle, leading to unpredictable and sometimes unfair runs. For example, you might get a run with weak weapons and tough enemies, making progress nearly impossible. On the flip side, you might find powerful upgrades early on, making that run feel significantly easier. This randomness means that success in Returnal often depends as much on luck as it does on skill
Challenging Combat and Enemies
Bullet-Hell Elements Returnal combines third-person shooting with bullet-hell mechanics, where enemies bombard you with projectiles that you must dodge. The screen often fills with a dizzying array of bullets, requiring precise movements and quick reflexes to survive. The challenge is heightened by the 3D environment, where projectiles can come from all directions
Conclusion
My experience with Returnal has been a rollercoaster of emotions. The game’s brilliance lies in its ability to deliver a deeply engaging and challenging experience that rewards persistence and skill. Yet, this same brilliance is paired with an unforgiving difficulty that can drive you to the brink of frustration.
In the end, Returnal is a game that I both love and hate. It’s a testament to Housemarque’s ability to create a captivating and punishing world that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re up for the challenge and can embrace both the highs and lows, Returnal promises a gaming experience like no other.
For anyone considering diving into this intense journey, I’d say go for it—but be prepared to die….a lot.