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REVIEWRoguelike · Third-Person Shooter

Returnal

“The most punishing game on PS5 — and the most atmospheric.”

Returnal
PS5PC

YOU’LL LOVE IT IF…

  • Roguelite veterans who want premium production values
  • PS5 owners wanting a genuine system showcase
  • Players who finished Elden Ring and want a different kind of challenge

SKIP IT IF…

  • Players who hate permadeath and long runs
  • Anyone wanting a narrative-forward, explained story

Score breakdown

Combat Feel9.5
Atmosphere9.5
Roguelite Design8.5
Story Clarity7.0
Value7.5

+ THE GOOD

  • Third-person shooter mechanics are exceptional — one of the best-feeling action games on console
  • Alien world drips with mystery and dread from first boot
  • When the roguelite loop clicks, it's genuinely hypnotic
  • PS5 haptics and audio design are class-defining and central

− THE BAD

  • No mid-run saves was a controversial design choice — still punishing despite patches
  • Story requires active engagement to understand — won't hand anything to you
  • Difficulty spikes in later biomes can feel unfair
★WAIT★NEXT SAVE POINT

Final word: Wait on it.

Returnal earns a 8.5/10 (A) and a WAIT. Best on PS5. Worth your time? KINDA.

Verdicts are ours alone — never paid for, never previewed by publishers.
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