Best Action Game Of 2021: Returnal

In a year full of satisfying time loops, Returnal’s were often the longest and most punishing. But every time Selene’s ship would crash into the damp, misty enclave on Atropos, it was another opportunity to chase the mysterious white noise. A second chance to challenge the constantly changing landscape of eldritch terrors. One more run at discovering out how long Selene has been making futile attempts at figuring out why she’s on this bleak planet in the first place.

Housemarque’s greatest achievement is how incredible Returnal feels to play. You can sprint from one room into another, jump and dash, and take out any tentacled creatures around you. Every movement is quick and fluid. You always feel like you’re in control of what Selene is doing. While the control scheme isn’t complicated, it’s structured in a manner that welcomes return visits to the game days, and even sometimes weeks, later and feels like you had only just set down the controller a few minutes ago. Taking lessons from its previous shooters (namely, Super Stardust HD and Resogun), Housemarque implements the bullet hell concept impeccably in Returnal’s 3D space. Non-stop projectile firing into enemy attacks patterns can mean death from negligence or poor judgment.

Inventive weaponry and the risk/reward nature of malfunctioning collectibles make each run feel wildly different. It is possible to find an extremely powerful carbine that has a solid alternative fire. You will also be able to gain amazing perks from parasites. This means you can guarantee that your power will cause swarms enemies to disappear. You may find yourself struggling to survive with your weak shotgun, trying to make a miraculous run and hoping that the next manufacturer will give you the best. Either way, more often than not, a mystery of the world will become a little clearer, or you’ll become a touch better at surviving, making just about every run a worthwhile adventure.

The equally beautiful and terrifying biomes of Atropos support the constant combat. There are many hidden treasures in the ruins and sandy wastes. You can also find ancient technology such as teleporters and other curious plants. Along the way, you’ll learn to read alien languages, stumble upon mausoleums and museum-like areas that tell the history of those who once lived on the planet, or you’ll likely have the unfortunate pleasure of fighting to the bitter end. Selene will learn more about her life through encounters with strange houses and unsettling visits by an astronaut. Our Review These intriguing moments drive the need to gather more information and figure out what Selene’s purpose ultimately is.

Housemarque’s first triple-A adventure shows the promise of what the studio can do with deeper pockets. Whether it’s the gorgeous visuals, stellar audio design, pulse-pounding action, or a story and setting steeped in mystery, Returnal begs to be played over and over. It’s a sensory delight and a thrill ride you want to jump right back into immediately after departing. | Our Review