Sony is holding a State of Play event today, and it’s the last chance for us all to get a decent preview of Returnal. The game launches tomorrow, and really it’s the first big PS5 exclusive. we’ve had a couple previously, but this is 2021’s big selling point for the console. It’s odd then that it’s actually looking more like a niche game than anything else, though that could just be my perception of it. I’d have thought that Sony would want a game that appeals to more people. So far, the appeal for this game looks niche, but maybe I’ll be proven wrong today if we get a good preview.
Returnal is a game about loops. You crash, you rush around the planet’s newly randomized layout killing enemies, uncover some story, die, and repeat it all. The end goal seems to be the signal that you’re chasing as you crash, but I can’t be sure about that just yet. Along the way, the enemies of the planet will start to absolutely destroy you, and they’re not small. They’re incredible giants that seem to be part of a world that’s been lost to some sort of destructive force.
Players get enhanced by powers they find along their journey in the game. It looks like we’ll be able to diverge from the normal path to pick up some upgrades to our weapons, and that’s going to make us more lethal. In a way, it really does prioritize player choice, and I think that’s something that all games should be doing more. However, I also think that this will hurt the game with more casual gamers, particularly those who own a PS5, want a PS5 exclusive, but don’t want a game with this much depth.
Overall, I think Returnal has a lot of potential to be great, but Sony needs to make more PS5 owners aware of it if they want people to buy it. There’s a bit of a rumbling, but it’s nothing massive. Then again, that’s how sleeper hits are born, so maybe it’s better that the game has a lower key launch but a much bigger reception than expected when it launches tomorrow.