Returnal
News, coverage and analysis tracking Returnal across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Saros Lets You Disable Most Permanent Unlocks for Even More Challenge
Saros, the spiritual successor to Returnal, will offer players significant control over its difficulty, including the option to disable most permanent unlocks. Housemarque aims to provide players with more agency rather than simply offering standard difficulty settings. The game launches on April 30th for PlayStation 5 and features new additions like The Passage and biome teleportation.
Saros has exclusive PS5 features like feeling 'eclipse-driven weaponry through adaptive triggers — but it's nothing we've not heard before
A new trailer for Housemarque's upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive, Saros, highlights the game's utilization of the console's features, including immersive 3D audio, DualSense haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers. The game will also feature permanent progression and faster loading times compared to Returnal, with a release date set for April 30.
Saros ‘PS5 Features’ trailer
The author discusses the niche appeal of bullet hell games like Returnal on PlayStation 5, noting it's not for everyone. They then list their most anticipated games, including Grand Theft Auto 6, Forza Horizon 6, and Fable, while also mentioning other titles they are keeping an eye on.
Available for Xbox Insiders: More Groups on Home, Custom User Colors, Quick Resume Settings
Xbox Insiders can now test new features for Quick Resume, including more group customization on the home screen and custom user colors. The article also discusses the benefits of Quick Resume for suspending games and avoiding save issues, comparing it to PlayStation's 'Resume Activity' feature.
Frantic Shooter Saros Is Shaping Up to Be a Real Showpiece for PS5, PS5 Pro
The upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive shooter Saros from Housemarque is being developed to leverage the full power of both the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Pro. The game will utilize the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, 3D audio, and the console's speedy SSD for near-instant load times. Saros is also confirmed to support PlayStation 5 Pro Rendering (PSSR).
Saros Trailer Highlights Near-Instant Loading Times, DualSense Features With Slick New Gameplay
A new trailer for Housemarque's upcoming PlayStation 5 game, Saros, showcases its near-instant loading times enabled by the console's SSD and its use of DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. The trailer also highlights 3D Audio support and reveals new bosses and gameplay elements.
The solution to staleness in modern gaming is cross-pollination - Reader's Feature
A reader proposes that cross-pollination of ideas between different genres and franchises is the key to combating staleness in modern gaming. The article provides numerous examples of successful genre blends, such as Castlevania becoming an RPG or Zelda incorporating rhythm mechanics, suggesting this approach can revitalize long-running series and create fresh experiences.
The key to a great video game performance? Team trust.
Creating compelling video game performances relies heavily on trust and collaboration between actors, performance directors, and the core development team. This deep dive panel at GDC Festival of Games 2026 highlighted how open communication and mutual respect are essential for actors like Debra Wilson and Jane Perry, and directors like Tom Keegan and Damien Goodwin, to serve the story effectively.
'No One Is Buying This on PS5': PC Port Begging Already Unbearable as Sony Switches Strategy
Following reports that Sony will no longer port its first-party single-player games to PC, players are expressing strong demand for titles like Returnal and Saros on PC and Steam. This has led to discussions about Sony's strategy regarding exclusives and the value of PC ports for its platforms.
The Hype for Saros Grows with Its Shortest PS5 Gameplay Video Yet
A new 14-second gameplay video for Saros showcases its aggressive, kinetic 'pull forward' mechanic. The upcoming PlayStation 5 title, set to release on April 30th, is described as a fast-paced third-person shooter with roguelite elements, aiming to be less punishing than its predecessor Returnal with more permanent progression and an overt story.
Sony's Injecting More Story Than Ever Before into Your PS5 Roguelikes
The upcoming PlayStation 5 roguelike Saros, developed by Housemarque, will feature a stronger narrative focus than typical games in the genre. The game stars Rahul Kohli as Arjun Devraj, a Soltari enforcer investigating the mysterious planet Carcosa, with narrative lead William Shaughnessy highlighting the growing dread among the crew. Jane Perry also returns as a side character.
Daily Video Game Deals Mar 7 – Darkest Dungeon II, Persona 3 Reload, Dead Island 2, Frostpunk 2: Ice Breaker, Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition, Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion, Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma & More
This article lists daily video game deals for March 7th, featuring discounts on numerous titles across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Notable games with price reductions include Darkest Dungeon II, Persona 3 Reload, Dead Island 2, and Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition.
Saros Offers Up Another Crumb of Delicious PS5 Gameplay Footage
Housemarque has released another gameplay snippet for their upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive, Saros. The footage showcases Arjun clearing out a mob of enemies and highlights the ability to rebound shots off surfaces. Saros is a roguelite third-person shooter building on Returnal's foundation with an emphasis on permanent progression and a more overt story, set for release on April 30th.
Sony will no longer release their biggest PlayStation games on PC, claims report, starting with Ghost of Yōtei
A report claims Sony will cease releasing major single-player PlayStation 5 exclusives on PC, starting with Ghost of Yōtei. This marks a shift back towards console exclusivity, contrasting with Microsoft's broader platform strategy. While online-focused games will still be multiplatform, grand solo campaigns are reportedly being kept for PlayStation consoles.
Despite studio closures and project cancellations, PlayStation Studios is still hiring for new roles
Despite recent studio closures and project cancellations, PlayStation Studios is actively hiring for new game projects across several of its development teams, including Team Asobi, Housemarque, and Polyphony Digital. This hiring push comes as Sony aims to solidify its position in the current console generation, with titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Helldivers 2 showing strong performance.
Daily Video Game Deals Feb 28 – Hogwarts Legacy, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, The First Berserker: Khazan, Tormented Souls 2, Persona 5 Royal & More
Daily Video Game Deals for February 28th feature discounts on a wide range of titles across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Notable games with price reductions include Hogwarts Legacy, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Persona 5 Royal, among many others.
Daily Video Game Deals Feb 23 – MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Chronicles of the Wolf, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind, Turok Trilogy Bundle & More
The daily video game deals for February 23 feature prominent titles such as MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Discounts are available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.
PlayStation Plus Hidden Gem: MATTERFALL 💎
Matterfall, a 2D action platformer with twin-stick shooting elements developed by Housemarque, is highlighted as a hidden gem available on PlayStation Plus Extra. The game features unconventional controls that require practice but offer a rewarding experience with varied stage layouts, enemy types, and challenging boss fights.
PlayStation Studios: All Sony First-Party Developers and What They're Working On
Sony's first-party development teams, known collectively as PlayStation Studios, are working on a variety of new games across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and PC. The article details each studio's history, location, and current known projects, ranging from racing simulations and 3D platformers to narrative horror and large-scale multiplayer titles.
