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This game is rated PEGI 16
Our review includes potentially triggering words:
Death, Killed and Splashes of blood.
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GAMES Returnal
Returnal Review
Posted: 2 years ago, last updated 7 weeks ago.
Author: @GeekDadGamer and Jo Robertson.
Overview
Memories of home slip away and the call to take arms grows stronger. With third-person shooting and investigating (both your memories and the alien world), the challenge becomes as much a psychological drama as shooter.
"Over and over, I've relived my first moments on this alien planet. The crash, the attack, my death." But each time it's slightly different, so although trapped there's a puzzle to solve about how to escape the cycle.
It make’s excellent use of the PS5’s DualSense controller and its adaptive trigger buttons to switch instinctively between firing modes. Go straight from aiming down sights to your gun’s alternative fire. Haptic feedback extends immersion of in-game actions big and small – while exploring fragments of Selene’s memories, or when firing visceral alien weapons. The new consoles immersive 3D audio also brings the alien world to life around the player, helping players navigate the intense positional combat.
Game Details
Release Date: 30/04/2021
Platforms: PC and PS5
Content Rating: PEGI 16
Skill Rating: 13+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Action, Shooting (Collecting, Narrative and Traversal)
Accessibility: 21 features
Developer: House Marque (@HouseMarque)
Lists
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Duration
Play Style
You can play this game in the following styles:
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Rated for younger players in the US. ESRB TEEN for Blood, Mild Language and Violence. Players use futuristic pistols, machine guns, and rocket launchers against enemies. Combat is frenetic, with realistic gunfire, explosions, and cries of pain. Some alien creatures emit splashes of blood when shot and killed. In one sequence, blood stains appear on an altar that players interact with. The word “*!@?*” appears in the game.
Skill Rating
13+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. You need quick reactions, weapon management and snap decisions. Because you repeat the game there is scope to steadily improve. You also need to be prepared to lose all the progress on a current run.
Costs
Returnal
 | PS5 | £69.99 | – | Free PS Plus Extra |
 | PC | £49.99 | – | – |
Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
There are different versions available to buy:
- Returnal Standard
- Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition with extra weapons, consumables, artefacts and boosters. You also get the digital soundtrack.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Accessibility
On PlayStation 5 the DualSense controller offers detailed haptic feedback about what is happening in the game. There is a very good aim assist option. You can opt to toggle to sprint, scan or interact with "risky" objects. You can also adjust the size of the cross hair. Extensive audio options including one to improves the clarity against all background noises when turned on.
Diversity and Inclusion
Hand-Picked Games Like Returnal
Our experts have hand-picked the following similar games. These are similar to Returnal in how they play or their theme. These are good alternative games to Returnal, or are a younger rated alternative for players not ready for PEGI 16 or ESRB TEEN games.
