Returnal™
Action
Single-player
Multi-player
Co-op
Online Co-op
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Adjustable Text Size
Camera Comfort
Color Alternatives
Custom Volume Controls
Save Anytime
Stereo Sound
Subtitle Options
Surround Sound
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

BREAK THE CYCLE Fight to survive as this award-winning third-person shooter brings Selene’s story to PC. Take on roguelike challenges. Engage enemies in bullet hell-fuelled clashes. Share your journey through Returnal™ with another player.

Developers: Housemarque Climax Studios
Publishers: PlayStation Publishing LLC
Release Date: Feb 15, 2023
Price (USD): $59.99
Current Players: 892

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(81%)
combat mechanics
audio design
immersive experience
visuals
rewarding challenge
roguelike elements
progression mechanics
story ambiguity
co-op experience
technical issues
steep difficulty
ambiguous story
memory leak
performance problems
Overall, player sentiment is generally positive, with enthusiastic praise for the game's fast-paced and satisfying combat and immersive atmosphere. However, there is significant frustration with technical issues that can affect gameplay, particularly on PC. The narrative receives mixed reactions due to its ambiguity and complexity. For those who enjoy challenging and rigorous gameplay mechanics, Returnal offers a rewarding experience, though it's a game that won't suit everyone due to its steep difficulty curve.

Positive Points

  • The game's gameplay is highly praised for its fast-paced, intense combat mechanics that reward skill and practice.
  • Visuals and audio design are frequently mentioned as standout features, creating an atmospheric and immersive experience.
  • The narrative is intriguing and integrates well with the gameplay loop, captivating players with its mystery and sci-fi elements.
  • Despite its difficulty, the game's challenge is seen as rewarding and enjoyable, providing a significant sense of accomplishment upon mastering.
  • Negative Points

  • Numerous players have reported persistent technical issues on PC, including crashes, memory leaks, and stuttering, detracting from the overall experience.
  • The game's difficulty curve is noted to be steep and potentially off-putting to those not accustomed to 'roguelike' mechanics.
  • The story, while intriguing, is considered ambiguous and leaves many players with unanswered questions, which can be unsatisfying.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game's roguelike elements are seen as both a strength and a weakness, with some players enjoying the challenge and others finding the reset mechanics and lack of persistent progression frustrating.
  • Co-op play is a contested feature. While it adds a fun dimension, it suffers from connectivity issues and inconsistencies in progression sharing between players.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's atmosphere, combining eerie visuals with compelling sound design, is a frequently lauded aspect.
  • Players often discuss the game's balance between rewarding gameplay and punishing difficulty, highlighting this as a unique draw.
  • Technical performance on PC is a recurring issue players face, overshadowing the otherwise positive reception due to the game's technical demands and bugs.
  • Updated 6/9/2026, 12:01:03 AM UTC