Six years later, the PS5 is still light on exclusives — but this space-age shooter is an absolute must-play

Six years after its release, the PlayStation 5 game Returnal continues to impress with its unique roguelike gameplay and compelling narrative. Developed by Finnish studio Housemarque, this space-age shooter puts players in the shoes of astronaut Selene Vassos, who crash-lands on the mysterious planet Atropos and must navigate its dangers to find a way back to Earth.

The core of Returnal's appeal lies in its cycle of death and rebirth, which reflects the central theme of the game. Each time Selene dies, she wakes up back at her crash site, starting the journey anew. This mechanic forces players to approach every run with caution and experimentation, as they never know what challenges lie ahead.

Set in a dense, mysterious world, Returnal's story unfolds through Selene's visions and encounters with the planet's hostile inhabitants. The game's narrative is built around symbolism and intrigue, with Selene's house appearing in surreal cutscenes and robotic beings haunting her post-mortem hallucinations. The player is left to piece together the planet's tragic history, which is revealed through clues scattered throughout the game.

Returnal's gameplay is fast-paced and responsive, blending elements of Dark Souls, Titanfall, and Resogun. Players can choose from ten weapons, each with a variety of modifiers, and face challenging combat rooms that change with each new run. The game's steep difficulty is balanced by a satisfying sense of progression, making each successful run feel rewarding.

Despite its challenging gameplay, Returnal's story is its true standout feature. The game's ability to weave its narrative into the gameplay loop makes it a truly immersive experience. Fans of games like Outer Wilds and Firewatch will appreciate Returnal's method of revealing its story through environmental storytelling and character development. Its twists and turns keep players guessing, making it a must-play for anyone looking for a captivating and challenging gaming experience.