Returnal
News, coverage and analysis tracking Returnal across the outlets.
Latest coverage
We are all encouraging video game companies to make nothing but sequels - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses disappointment with recent gaming showcases, noting a prevalence of sequels and remakes over innovative new intellectual properties. The author argues that while games like God of War and Grand Theft Auto 6 are highly anticipated, they offer predictable gameplay. The article suggests that the industry and players alike are contributing to this trend, with nostalgia for older titles like Resident Evil and The Legend of Zelda also playing a significant role.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 12: Steam Bullet Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Bullet Fest celebrating bullet hell and shooter games, alongside sales from various publishers and developers like Capcom, Klei, and Ubisoft. Notable titles on sale include Vampire Survivors, Returnal, and Destiny 2, with free games and bundles also available across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Amazon Luna.
Weekend Console Download Deals for June 12: PlayStation Mid-Year Deals
PlayStation is offering mid-year deals on titles like ARC Raiders and Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, with additional free games for PlayStation Plus members. Xbox features Capcom publisher sales, including Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition, while the Nintendo eShop also has Capcom discounts. Various other publishers like Atari and RGG Studio also have sales across platforms.
Remember PS5 Launch Game Godfall? Its Developer Returns with a Slick Action Shooter
Counterplay Games, the developer behind the PlayStation 5 launch title Godfall, has announced its new game, Armatus. This fast-paced action-shooter features chaotic combat, roguelike elements, and a winter release window for the PlayStation 5. Players will wield a scythe and gun against demons, with progression focused on gaining new powers each run.
Daily Video Game Deals Jun 6 – Skull and Bones, The Precinct, Persona 3 Reload, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Alan Wake 2 & More
Daily Video Game Deals for June 6, 2026, are now live across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The sale features significant discounts on titles such as Skull and Bones, The Precinct, Persona 3 Reload, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Alan Wake 2, among many others.
Games Inbox: Will Summer Game Fest 2026 be worth staying up for?
Readers discuss their anticipation for Summer Game Fest, with hopes for announcements like Resident Evil Code: Veronica and Alien: Isolation 2. There's also commentary on Marvel's Wolverine, God of War Laufey, and the ongoing debate about game sales, digital vs. physical releases, and the importance of exclusives.
Did Marvel’s Wolverine make a good impression in the State of Play?
Readers express mixed feelings about recent gaming showcases, with "Marvel's Wolverine" drawing comparisons to "Uncharted" and "Batman: Arkham Asylum" for its perceived lack of originality. Concerns are also raised about the frequency of sequels and the potential for Xbox to offer more surprising content. Additionally, discussions touch upon Nintendo's infrequent announcements, the modern trend of extensive post-launch downloads for games like "007 First Light," and the perceived decline in innovation within triple-A titles.
New Report Shows PlayStation First-Party Game Sales Declining, But What’s The Full Story>
A report analyzing Sony's first-party game sales reveals a significant decline from FY20 to FY25, dropping from 58.4 million to 32.1 million units. While the number of releases has fluctuated, the analysis suggests the core issue is an increasing reliance on a few blockbuster franchises like God of War and Spider-Man, with fewer new titles emerging to fill the gap.
Daily Video Game Deals May 28 – Potion Permit Complete Edition, Tekken 8, Helldivers 2, Blood & Truth, Demon’s Souls & More
Daily video game deals for May 28th include discounts on Potion Permit Complete Edition, Tekken 8, Helldivers 2, Blood & Truth, and Demon's Souls. These deals are available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.
Saros Players Record 6.63 Million Hours and 13.13 Million Deaths in Its First Month
In its first month, Housemarque's roguelike bullet hell shooter Saros has seen players record 6.63 million hours and 13.13 million deaths on PlayStation 5. The Smart Rifle emerged as the most popular weapon, and the game's challenging yet approachable design is credited for its strong player engagement.
PS5’s Coolest DualSense Controllers Are Discounted For Days Of Play
Sony's Days of Play sale is offering discounts on various DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 5, including limited-edition models like those for Death Stranding 2 and Marathon. The controllers are also compatible with PC. Additionally, the DualSense Edge controller and PlayStation VR2 headset are available at reduced prices.
Grab Physical PS5 Games For Up To 60% Off During PlayStation’s Days Of Play Sale
Sony's annual Days of Play sale has begun, offering discounts of up to 60% on physical PlayStation 5 games and accessories until June 11. While consoles are not discounted, notable deals include collector's editions of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei, alongside popular titles like Returnal, The Last of Us Part I, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
Steam may have just thrown its weight behind bullet heaven, but last week's standout game was a one-of-a-kind…
Luna Abyss is a unique first-person bullet hell shooter that distinguishes itself from titles like Returnal with its 3D orb-dodging mechanics and massive scale. While initially easy, the game eventually ramps up to challenging combat encounters reminiscent of Doom Eternal, though its lock-on system simplifies aiming. The game also features extensive platforming sections and a vast, dark world, but is occasionally hampered by excessive dialogue.
After 7 years in development, an amazing single-player FPS just hit Steam and consoles: "We were heavily inspired by titles such as Nier Automata, Metroid Prime, Destiny, Halo"
Kwalee Labs has released its story-driven, single-player first-person shooter Luna Abyss on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The game, which has been in development since mid-2019, has received very positive user reviews and an 80 on Metacritic. Developers cited inspirations including Nier Automata, Metroid Prime, Destiny, Halo, and Returnal.
It Seems Most PS5 Fans Prefer Returnal Over Saros, But It's Not That Straightforward
A poll of PlayStation 5 owners indicates a preference for Returnal over Saros, with 43% favoring Returnal overall. However, Saros received higher marks for gameplay, while Returnal was preferred for its story and main character, Selene. Both games are developed by Housemarque.
Games Inbox: Is Destiny 2 a dead game now?
Readers discuss the current state of Destiny 2, with one questioning if it's a 'dead game' due to Bungie's handling of content and vaulting. Other topics include the timing of summer gaming showcases, Nintendo's pricing strategy, Sega's revival of old franchises, and the decline of traditional game announcements.
Saros is a worse game than Returnal in every way and that upsets me - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses disappointment with Saros, arguing it is inferior to Returnal in almost every aspect, including story, characters, and world design. While acknowledging Saros's action is good, the reader finds its narrative too straightforward and its Lovecraftian influences less compelling than Returnal's. The article suggests Saros may have been made too mainstream, leading to its perceived shortcomings compared to the PlayStation 5 exclusive Returnal.
Games Inbox: Are you cancelling PS Plus because of the price rise?
Readers discuss the recent price increase for PlayStation Plus, with many considering cancelling their subscriptions due to the rising costs and the perceived lack of value compared to PC online play. Other topics include speculation on Grand Theft Auto 6 announcements, the persistent struggles of the Bubsy franchise, and the surprising sales figures of Dino Crisis compared to Ōkami.
Former Housemarque game director launches Cosmic Division
Former Returnal game director Harry Krueger has founded a new studio called Cosmic Division in Helsinki. The studio will focus on craftsmanship and sustainable growth, prioritizing a gameplay-first single-player experience for PC and consoles. Krueger previously spent 15 years at Housemarque, contributing to games like Nex Machina and Resogun before directing Returnal.
Games Inbox: What will be in the June State of Play for PS5?
Readers speculate on the content of Sony's upcoming PlayStation 5 State of Play, with likely appearances from Wolverine, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and God of War related content. The discussion also touches on the potential for a new Uncharted game and the impact of Warhorse Studios' Lord of the Rings title. Other topics include the state of arcade games, the future of franchises like Deus Ex and TimeSplitters, and comparisons between Forza Horizon 6 and older arcade racers.
