Returnal
Posted: May 2nd, 2021, 6:30 pm
I've never really clicked with any Housemarque games besides a bit of Super Stardust, I don't exactly know why, so I wasn't especially interested in Returnal. I'd hardly seen anything beyond the initial reveal, but I don't feel I have the stomach or time for roguelikes any more. I can't remember enjoying any third-person shooters, either. Just not my genre, really. In fact, I only got this because I'd had a couple of beers last night, and I saw a couple of glowing comments on Twitter.
Thanks, midnight me, because it turns out it's rather special...
First of all, it looks absolutely stunning. From the little bits of footage I'd seen, I thought it may be a bit samey and too dark, but in motion, in your hands, there's an ineffable, austere beauty here. I don't really like horror games (because I'm a coward) but this is so atmospheric I can't resist. It's definitely got that Bloodborne thing where it gets under your skin and you start to sink deeper and deeper. A powerful sense of dread, in the words of Super Hans. It runs like greased lightning, as well, and that's where you feel the Housemarque lineage most evocatively. It's extremely snappy, tight and punchy and it's in this mechanical robustness that the game really excels.
The movement and gunplay are exceptional, and I would say the real strength of the game. The haptics and the use of the pad are probably even better than Demon's Souls. If you hold the left trigger halfway until there's a firm resistance, you get an ADS style lock-on. Push it right down, and it sets your alt shot. It sounds a bit fiddly but in your hands, it's quite revolutionary, to be honest. I found Astro Bot novel and amusing but frivolous. It's subtle, but I feel like this genuinely changes the parameters in terms of mechanical input.
Beyond that, most of the roguelike tropes are here. Structurally, there have been some neat surprises but it's your usual risk/reward stuff, damage modifiers and various unlockables. That side of it doesn't excite me at all, there's nothing like Isaac where you feel you're breaking the game or creating a completely unpredictable build. The meat is in the combat, exploration and gnawing atmosphere. If you have a PS5 and you have an appetite for challenging games, I think this is essential. I've only got to the first boss once and it was the undoubted highlight of what I've played so far in one day. I can't wait to get back there.
Anyone else given it a go? I should also say that I got it on my US account for £50, so I'd recommend that.
Thanks, midnight me, because it turns out it's rather special...
First of all, it looks absolutely stunning. From the little bits of footage I'd seen, I thought it may be a bit samey and too dark, but in motion, in your hands, there's an ineffable, austere beauty here. I don't really like horror games (because I'm a coward) but this is so atmospheric I can't resist. It's definitely got that Bloodborne thing where it gets under your skin and you start to sink deeper and deeper. A powerful sense of dread, in the words of Super Hans. It runs like greased lightning, as well, and that's where you feel the Housemarque lineage most evocatively. It's extremely snappy, tight and punchy and it's in this mechanical robustness that the game really excels.
The movement and gunplay are exceptional, and I would say the real strength of the game. The haptics and the use of the pad are probably even better than Demon's Souls. If you hold the left trigger halfway until there's a firm resistance, you get an ADS style lock-on. Push it right down, and it sets your alt shot. It sounds a bit fiddly but in your hands, it's quite revolutionary, to be honest. I found Astro Bot novel and amusing but frivolous. It's subtle, but I feel like this genuinely changes the parameters in terms of mechanical input.
Beyond that, most of the roguelike tropes are here. Structurally, there have been some neat surprises but it's your usual risk/reward stuff, damage modifiers and various unlockables. That side of it doesn't excite me at all, there's nothing like Isaac where you feel you're breaking the game or creating a completely unpredictable build. The meat is in the combat, exploration and gnawing atmosphere. If you have a PS5 and you have an appetite for challenging games, I think this is essential. I've only got to the first boss once and it was the undoubted highlight of what I've played so far in one day. I can't wait to get back there.
Anyone else given it a go? I should also say that I got it on my US account for £50, so I'd recommend that.