14 February 2023 , 15:40
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PlayStation Studios has slowly been throwing its best platform exclusives onto PC since 2020, and the next game to join the pack is one you shouldn’t sleep on.
Returnal was released back in 2021, and is one of the few true PS5 exclusives, skipping the PS4 altogether. It doesn't have an established franchise history behind it, like its fellow PlayStation series God Of War or Uncharted (both of which came to PC in 2022) but don't let that put you off. I’m here to tell you that – despite the goofy name – Returnal is the most exciting PlayStation game to make the jump to PC yet, and one you really shouldn’t sleep on.
Returnal places you in the shoes of Selene Vassos, an astronaut who crash lands on a mysterious planet and soon finds herself stuck in a time loop. Cue a sci-fi, horror roguelike that sees Selene re-treading familiar ground over and over again, while trying to figure out if this is some kind of purgatory or scientific anomaly. I'd say it's the best example I’ve seen of weaving the roguelike formula into compelling storytelling, in ways I wouldn’t dare spoil here. But the gameplay is ultimately what kept me coming back.
Housemarque has been a beloved developer for a while now, thanks to its fantastic arcade-style games like Resogun and Super Stardust HD. Returnal was the first time it had tackled a big-budget AAA game, and the developer knocked it out of the park. Despite the scale of the project, Returnal still manages to capture that arcade spirit, and is one of the most satisfying and intense third-person shooters since Vanquish.
If you find yourself growing weary of PlayStation’s cookie-cutter, first-party lineup, Returnal is a breath of fresh air. There's no overly complex gear system, or mountains of cutscenes; and while Celine does talk to herself occasionally, she doesn’t overexplain every aspect of the game like Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West. Instead, the challenging gameplay makes for one of the most unique and exciting PlayStation exclusive games since 2015’s Bloodborne.
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Returnal may have lost out on Game of the Year at the 2021 The Game Awards, wining the title of Best Action Game instead, but it picked up a massive five BAFTA Awards last year – including Best Game, and one for voice actor Jane Perry who scooped a BAFTA for Performer in a Leading Role.
Returnal PC Release Time
Returnal releases on Steam on Wednesday, February 15, at 4pm GMT / 11am ET / 8am PST. The game will cost £49.99 / $59.99 / AU$94.95.
There's no preload available at the moment, and no word on if – or when – that will be available. It’s also worth noting that the review embargo for the game is reportedly the same time as the game’s launch. Now, these late reviews don’t necessarily spell bad news, but it may be worth waiting to see how the PC port is received before you buy the game. Just in case.