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[DonJorginho]

REVIEW EMBARGO LIFTED!

Will update the thread as we go!

METACRITIC: 86
OPENCRITIC: 86 (88% Critics Recommend!)

GAMESPEW (10/10)

Playing Returnal, it feels like next-gen has truly begun. The way it seamlessly moves from third-person to first-person; how you move from biome to biome without loading screens taking you out of the action; the DualSense implementation; the fluidity of the gameplay; the phenomenal visuals and audio; all of these elements, and more, come together to create an experience that is truly like no other. This is not only Housemarque's best game to date, but perhaps also the best game currently available on PS5. It's a genre-defying delight that raises the bar on so many levels. If you own a PS5 you need to play Returnal. It's as simple as that.

Returnal Review – GameSpew

This isn't just Housemarque's best game yet, it's also perhaps the best game currently available on PS5. Here's our Returnal review.

redirect.viglink.com

GAME INFORMER (9.5/10)

Returnal is a relentless nightmare that’s a dream to play. The journey is full of horror and terrible discoveries, but also unbridled curiosity and wonder. If you have the taste for it, this is an adventure that begs to be experienced.

GameInformer - The Final Level

PLAYSTATION LIFESTYLE (10/10)

Returnal is an essential PS5 title, now and throughout the console’s life. Housemarque took the rogue-like bullet-hell formula and applied it to a AAA experience in a way that creates something exceptionally unique yet wholly familiar. Returnal is an engaging experience in narrative, gameplay, and player discovery, consistently surprising on every level. Utilizing the PS5 technology in a way that most other developers are barely tapping into, Returnal feels like one of the first truly next-gen experiences, letting Housemarque set the stage for the new console. And like Housemarque games before it, it’s the kind of game that will withstand the test of time, begging for additional cycles well into the future.

Returnal Review - I Don't Ever Want to Break the Cycle (PS5) - PlayStation LifeStyle

Returnal Review - Returnal may be one of the best PS5 games, an essential experience that blends narrative, gameplay, and player discovery in a way that challenges and delights.

www.playstationlifestyle.net

GAMEREVOLUTION (9.5/10)

As it did with the PS3, Vita, and PS4, Housemarque has once again provided Sony with another launch-era hit and in doing so has created a rewarding, replayable, and revolutionary game that’s hopefully the foundation for other future AAA titles that are as clever with the roguelite blueprint.

Returnal Review: 'Replayable, rewarding, and revolutionary'

Returnal Review. Returnal is Housemarque's big departure from 2D arcade games and its first true journey into the 3D space has resulted in an absolutely incredible roguelite with an addictive loop, blazing-fast gunplay, and well-realized alien world worth roaming.

www.gamerevolution.com

CRITICALHIT (90/100)

Returnal is an unrelenting and unforgiving challenge for the ages, but it still captures the magic of what makes Housemarque so special. It has a weirdly unique style and substance, every level is an unpredictable white-knuckle ride and it fully commits to its rogue-like influences. The end result isn’t just a showcase title for what the PS5 is capable of, it’s a thrilling mix of arcade bullet-hell gaming with precision thrill power.

Returnal review – Alien resurrection

Returnal is an unrelenting and unforgiving challenge for the ages, but it still captures the magic of what makes Housemarque so special. It has a weirdly unique style and substance, every level is an unpredictable white-knuckle ride and it fully commits to its rogue-like influences. The end...

www.criticalhit.net

PLAYSTATION TROPHIES (91/100)

Even once the credits roll, after 20-25 hours, there’s plenty more to discover on the hostile world of Atropos. More mysteries, more secrets, more weapons, more data logs - and I was more than ready to jump straight back in. Developer Housemarque has achieved a seemingly impossible task, balancing fast-paced action with a slow-burn story and an incredible atmosphere, and done so with a flourish, at that. Returnal is an utterly essential addition to the PlayStation 5 library; a game that will creep and crawl and whisper its way into your brain, staying with you long after you’ve put down the controller, dragging you back for more, again, and again, and again.

PST Review: Returnal | PlayStationTrophies.org

With the PlayStation 5 being backwards compatible, and the console in high enough demand that it’s difficult to acquire, it’s sometimes easy to fo...

www.playstationtrophies.org

WCCFTECH (9.3/10)

Returnal Review - In My Restless Dreams, I See That House...

Housemarque has succeeded with their fusion of third-person shooting and roguelike elements in Returnal, one of my favorite PS5 titles so far

wccftech.com

GAMESPOT (9/10)

Returnal is constantly unsettling and consistently challenging. Its mysterious story and demanding action feel intense, urgent, and fresh. The fast-moving combat manages to appear incredibly daunting, bordering on overwhelming, without ever actually becoming insurmountable. Every moment is a rush, either because you just barely evaded a giant purple laser or because you have no idea why there's an Apollo-era astronaut following your every move. Do you need to be a little brave to play Returnal? Yeah. Do you need to be glutton for punishment? It helps. They say that anything worth doing should scare you at least a little bit. I'm not sure if that's always true, but Returnal makes a strong case.

Returnal Review (PC Update) - Live Die Repeat

Returnal blends elements of shooters, roguelikes, action games, and horror to redefine bullet hell and conjure a mysterious, moody masterpiece.

www.gamespot.com

METRO UK (9/10)

What we would say though is that Returnal is by far the most fun we’ve had with a video game all year. Despite being a new IP it doesn’t always feel entirely original, given how liberally it borrows ideas from other games, but even when Lady Luck abandoned us we were always quick to get back up and try again. The action is perfectly crafted but the way it interfaces with the exploration and story aspects is just as impressive, as it creates an endlessly entertaining experience that we’d be playing again and again even if there was no time loop.

Returnal review – the best game on PS5

Sony's latest PS5 exclusive is from the creators of Stardust and Resogun and features the most entertaining time loop since Groundhog Day.

metro.co.uk

PUSH SQUARE (9/10)

Housemarque has delivered the PS5 promise with Returnal. All the console's bells and whistles enhance the experience, making this a real showpiece for the hardware. But more than that, the game is a force to be reckoned with; the breathless combat, super slick gameplay, and the subtle but unsettling story combine for an experience of surprising scale. Rogue-lite aspects mean it won't gel with everyone, but for those looking for a challenging, addictive arcade shooter, this comes highly recommended.

Review: Returnal (PS5) - Housemarque's Deep, Dark Shooter Is a PS5 Must Have

Selene Die On

www.pushsquare.com

EUROGAMER (Recommended)

In Returnal, Housemarque builds a game on both euphoric highs and confounding lows.

Returnal review - magnificent and monstrous

Sometimes, when you talk about games, it helps to think about their personalities: what do they want from you? How do t…

www.eurogamer.net

SPIEL TIMES (9/10)

I have no doubt that many will buy “Returnal” without understanding how punishing its combat difficulty and permadeath system can be, how relentlessly it demands your full attention, how little respite it offers. But for those players who decide to stick through that baptism of fire, they’ll be rewarded by the cascading layers of interlocking systems that make success feel so cathartic. When it clicks, it’s unlike anything else I’ve played

Returnal Review — There's Joy In Repetition

It’s almost hard to believe that Housemarque have created their first third-person shooter with Returnal. Yet in doing so, they've instantly catapulted themselves to the top of the heap of action shooter developers.

www.spieltimes.com

IGN (8/10)

It's roguelike runs are too long and it needs a way to save in the middle of them, but Returnal's third-person shooter action, clever story, and atmosphere are excellent.

Returnal Review - IGN

Returnal's runs are too long for their own good, but the moment-to-moment action is phenomenal in this surprisingly lengthy and deep third-person shooter roguelike

www.ign.com

FEXTRALIFE (9.3/10)

Returnal was neither a game I was looking forward to, or knew too much about before playing this past week. I’m generally not a fan of rogue-like games, but Returnal has changed my perspective completely. And, while I enjoyed Hades immensely “for a rogue-like game”, I simply enjoyed Returnal. Full Stop.

Returnal Review & Impressions: PS5 Gameplay Worth Your Time, A Sci-Fi Rogue-Like as no other

Returnal Review Impressions: Is it Worth it? PS5 Gameplay. All About Returnal's play time, combat, visuals and more in this review!

fextralife.com

VENTUREBEAT - Jeff Grubb (6/10)

My low point with Returnal came as I was struggling to get through the second biome. The monotony of the runs was getting to me, and I would’ve put the game down if I wasn’t reviewing it. Eventually, however, I did get a strong build from the first biome, and that made the second level much easier.

[The difficulty] is not a fatal flaw. But it is one that I think turns significant chunks of Returnal into a slog. And that reduces what is otherwise a great game into one that I merely like.

Returnal review — like beating your head against a fun wall

Returnal is a good game that is held back by pacing issues due to a lack of smaller goals that break up its roguelite structure.

venturebeat.com

PC MAG (No Score - Review In Progress)

Returnal expertly weaves shoot 'em up and Metroidvania mechanics into its base, roguelike gameplay. Though its tight controls, visual fidelity, and intriguing story may entice you to play, the game's almost insurmountable difficulty will certainly alienate a portion of its intended audience.

Returnal (for PlayStation 5)

Live, die, repeat

uk.pcmag.com

 

[Dusktildawn48]

This could be a 75, or this could a 95. Excited to see how it turns out.

 

[Entroyp]

Reviews are out? What?

Edit: ooh I see..

 

[Oddvintagechap]

That ending at me curious.

 

[SLB1904]

Welp another one gif.
Someone fire jim please

 

[Mister Wolf]

Interested in a review that specifically discusses the story and if it was good. I already know the combat is excellent.

 

[Entroyp]

30-50 hours eh?

 

[splattered]

Awesome! This one has always looked good to me, i don't know why a lot of people have been hating on it or complaining about the price tag.

 

[Bruno_Arrais85]

Awesome! This one has always looked good to me, i don't know why a lot of people have been hating on it or complaining about the price tag.

Hating and complaining in 2021? I'm shocked.

 

[sncvsrtoip]

9.3, bizzare note from two different reviews ? :d

 

[DonJorginho]

Removed one review due to being requested to by the publication, will post it back up here immediately after it goes live officially!

 

[DonJorginho]

9.3, bizzare note from two different reviews ? :d

9.3 must be the current score of the month, I ain't complaining though, gonna look hawt on that MC!

 

[Manwithoutfear]

looks amazing. i usually agree with wccftech reviews so that's a great sign. I hate this price hike though. $70 is tough to accept imo.

 

[M1chl]

Curious about scores. To me it looks divisive.

 

[Manwithoutfear]

Awesome! This one has always looked good to me, i don't know why a lot of people have been hating on it or complaining about the price tag.

the game looks absolutely amazing. so you support $70 games? good for you i guess lol. i've personally not seen anyone hating on the game though.

 

[skit_data]

This place i go for Souls-guides gave it 9.3/10.

Sounds promising, I always use this place i go for Souls-stuff for all things From Software related

edited for publishers sake

 

[Golgo 13]

From one stupid article I read the game is quite challenging, which is fine by me. As long as the gameplay loop is really enjoyable, I’m all for it.

 

[Tg89]

Curious about scores. To me it looks divisive.

Previews seemed pretty unanimously glowing.

Think this lands around the 87 mark on meta.

 

[Manwithoutfear]

From one stupid article I read the game is quite challenging, which is fine by me. As long as the gameplay loop is really enjoyable, I’m all for it.

was it polygon lol? i watched a skillup hands on and he said it wasnt very difficult but was still engaging and fun. mentioned only died twice on the first biome but was expecting it to likely get more difficult as he went on. we'll see i guess.

 

[Golgo 13]

was it polygon lol? i watched a skillup hands on and he said it wasnt very difficult but was still engaging and fun. mentioned only died twice on the first biome but was expecting it to likely get more difficult as he went on. we'll see i guess.

Nah it was some stupid article that came up on my newsfeed, from a “nobody” site, claiming the game was harder than Demon’s Souls, etc. I seriously shouldn’t have given them the click.

 

[Jaysen]

Is this the Recore sequel I’ve been hearing so much about?

But seriously:

 

[DeepEnigma]

was it polygon lol? i watched a skillup hands on and he said it wasnt very difficult but was still engaging and fun. mentioned only died twice on the first biome but was expecting it to likely get more difficult as he went on. we'll see i guess.

Lolygon you say?

Never forget.

 

[ethomaz]

The first two 9.3 scores (coincidence) make me optimistic.

 

[skit_data]

9.3 from another one as well, it looks like

edit: edited out of respect for the publisher

 

[NewChoppa]

I need this game injected into my veins ASAP


The way how positive pretty much all the previews are, I think we’re probably seeing an MC score above 86 at the very least. Maybe even a low 90 score?

 

[Bo_Hazem]

REVIEW EMBARGO LIFTS ON THURSDAY 29th APRIL AT 05:00 PT, 08:00 ET, and 13:00 BST.

Will update the thread as we go!

METACRITIC: N/A
OPENCRITIC: N/A

(ONE REVIEW REMOVED TO NOT CAUSE LEGAL ISSUES FOR THE PUBLICATION, WILL REPOST IT AFTER OFFICIAL EMBARGO LIFTS, WAS A 9.3/10)

FEXTRALIFE (9.3/10)

Returnal Review & Impressions: Phenomenal Cosmic Fun

n this Returnal Review and Impressions article we'll take a look at then new Sci-fi Rogue-Like developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. This title is the first PS5 exclusive that is not ...

webcache.googleusercontent.com

Wow, first one at 93! Good start.

 

[ethomaz]

9.3 from wccftech as well, it looks like

We can post pics, no?

Edit - Seems like it is a issue.

 

[Bo_Hazem]

Fextralife gave it 9.3/10.

Sounds promising, I always use Fextralife for all things From Software related

WTF? 3 gave it 9.3?

 

[DonJorginho]

We can post pics, no?

I was told by the editor that any reference to the article could lead to them getting in trouble so decided not to.

 

[DonJorginho]

9.3 from wccftech as well, it looks like

Yep, removed it due to their editor asking me to. Will repost once it goes fully live

 

[BlueXImpulse]

Anything is possible on PS5.

 

[skit_data]

WTF? 3 gave it 9.3?

Nah the ones I’ve seen so far has been from 2 publishers

edit: same as last edit

 

[ethomaz]

I was told by the editor that any reference to the article could lead to them getting in trouble so decided not to.

Ok.

 

[kyoji]

welp boys see you sometime friday evening or saturday, im going media/radio silence on this from here on out! I got the game coming in from amazon sometime on friday but i probably should have just downloaded it! Hopefully im in the morning delivery cycle.

 

[iHaunter]

The halo killer we've all been waiting for

Do we really need a Halo killer when 343 killed it already?

 

[RedWhiteBlue]

looks amazing. i usually agree with wccftech reviews so that's a great sign. I hate this price hike though. $70 is tough to accept imo.

Yeah, for me these prices probably mean I will buy less games. Or will wait for sale more often.

For this I am OK since it's only the second real PS5 exclusive but I don't see myself buying too many games at this price point.

 

[leo-j]

If this scores anywhere near demon’s souls we would have another monster new IP from Sony first party.

 

[Ass of Can Whooping]

Do we really need a Halo killer when 343 killed it already?

 

[BlueXImpulse]

If this scores anywhere near demon’s souls we would have another monster new IP from Sony first party.

Opening the door for Returnal 2 with co-op.

 

[Entroyp]

As reference Fextralife gave GoT a 93. Hmmm… not bad for Returnal.

 

[saintjules]

 

[skit_data]

Well, If the game is pretty much ”out in the wild” i cant see the publishers accidentally posting a review getting in trouble. At least it would be shitty to give em trouble for it IMO.

 

[Dick Jones]

The embargo should have been a day or two earlier. From the previews they should have realised the reviews would be positive.

 

[skit_data]

The embargo should have been a day or two earlier. From the previews they should have realised the reviews would be positive.

Yeah, Im really no fan of this ”Review embargo lifts within 24h of release” practice.

 

[Salz01]

Do we really need a Halo killer when 343 killed it already?

<insert Brutal Savage Gif here>

 

[Cyber_hunter026]

Do we really need a Halo killer when 343 killed it already?

 

[Bo_Hazem]

Lolygon you say?

Never forget.

The monster was so afraid that he ran away as he felt something fishy, this guy must be possessed.

 

[DeepEnigma]

The monster was so afraid that he ran away as he felt something fishy, this guy must be possessed.

He nope'd the fuck out

 

[Bo_Hazem]

He nope'd the fuck out

Poor monster, he didn't sign up for this. His job was simple: Go out and get killed. Seems like a hard task.

 

[Manwithoutfear]

Lolygon you say?

Never forget.

lol that's exactly what i was imagining. that's modern video game professional journalists right there lol thanks for that. needed a good laugh.