RETURNAL- PS5 Exclusive: Release Date and Gameplay Revealed

Kris [email protected] December 13, 2020 | 18:41

On June 11th, during Sony Interactive Entertainment’s The Future Of Gaming event, developer Housemarque announced its upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive, Returnal.

Housemarque announced its upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive, Returnal. Photo: PlayStation.Blog

The PlayStation 5 is officially revealed, and as are a slew of new titles. From the makers of Super Stardust comes Returnal, a third-person shooter with a modern twist.

About Returnal's Producer Studio

Returnal is produced by Housemarque Studio, Finland's oldest game developer. They are known as the developer of a few games like Super Stardust, Resogun, Nex Machina and Matterfall. The common point of the above games is that they are fast, crazy action games with neon light effects and explosions in all directions, PS5.vn cites.

Returnal is produced by Housemarque Studio. Photo: Wccftech

Their game was critically acclaimed but ultimately didn't get as much reception as it should have been. Now they're starting with Returnal, a 3D shooter.

It is worth mentioning here that a studio that worked on many previous Arcade-style spaceship shooters, is now moving to 3D shooting game that people expect but also full of doubts about the success of the project.

What is Returnal?

Developed by Housemarque, Returnal is a third-person shooter set on a desolate alien planet. From the trailer, Returnal looks to be a mix of dark, slow-moving gameplay to action-packed combat.

As the trailer shows, the story follows a single astronaut who seems to crash-land on a foreign planet. We’re not sure what circumstances led to this arrival, but we do know that this crash-landing happens more than once.

Like in the hit-film Edge of Tomorrow, our main character looks to relive the same sequence repeatedly. After the crash occurs, it seems like she has a set time to figure out a way off the planet before she dies and relives the scenario over again, as cited by Game Pur.

Trailer and Release Date

The first trailer for Returnal was showcased during the PS5 event, so take a look at it below!

Returnal, the PS5 exclusive from Resogun and Nex Machina developer Housemarque, is set for a release date of March 19, 2021. The announcement was revealed during The Game Awards on Thursday.

Gameplay

Returnal transforms roguelike gameplay into a third-person shooter where players fight to survive a hostile planet that changes with every death.

According to PlayStation Blog, you get to dive deep into the mind of Selene, the main character, an Astra space scout trapped in a hellish loop of endless resurrection while trapped on a hostile planet.

A screenshot in Returnal. Photo: Housemarque Studio

The roguelike formula mixed with exploration platformer elements allows for a unique way to explore the planet and continue the battle she is fighting. Of course, there will be plenty of Housemarque arcade flourishes present, so prepare to be bombarded by volleys of bullet-hell projectiles along the way.

With each cycle, new items and combinations are provided. Selene will locate different alien tech which can be used to upgrade abilities for future runs. She’ll also gather fragments of her memories and create a “personal collection” with the planet. The “bullet hell-fueled combat” also seems in line with Housemarque’s previous shoot ’em ups (but as a third-person shooter).

Overall, there’s a fair bit of mystery to unravel and some terrifying enemies to fight.

Graphics

Not only can you look forward to getting back into the battle almost instantly with super fast loading times, but the studio is using the haptic feedback of the DualSense wireless controller to give players extra awareness of gameplay. You’ll be able to feel the natural ambience of this alien planet as the controller mimics its environmental effects.

Graphics in Returnal. Photo: Housemarque Studio

Every weapon has an alternative firing mode, and each of these “Alt-Fire” modes can be found on any weapon. By using the Adaptive Trigger players can move seamlessly between aiming down sights and activating Alt-Fire: Squeeze it halfway down to aim down the iron sights; squeeze it all the way down to activate your rechargeable Alt-Fire attack. Switching between modes on a single trigger will become second nature in no time.

Graphics in Returnal. Photo: Housemarque Studio

Players should also be prepared to be haunted by the extremely realistic 3D audio capabilities of PS5 with compatible headphones. In this game, we have taken audio immersion to new levels, and the soundscape will add a whole new layer of comprehending the action around you. Even in a moment of silence you can take in the atmosphere and feel like you are actually alone on an alien planet, with the soundscape created from the elements.