Start Here
This game is rated PEGI 16
Our review includes potentially triggering words:
Death, Killed and Splashes of blood.
Continue
Back
Ignore All Content Warnings
Returnal Review
Posted: 15 months ago, last updated 11 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
Content Rating: PEGI 16
Skill Rating: 14+ year-olds
Release Date: 30/04/2021
Platforms: PS5
Genres: Action, Narrative and Shooting
Accessibility: 21 features
Developer: @HouseMarque
Lists
View our choice of games like Returnal. This game is good if you want to:
Commitment
Costs
Returnal
Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition
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.
Age Ratings
Rated PEGI 16 because it features strong violence. Violence towards the player’s character is generally non-realistic. For example, when hit by an alien's tentacles, she falls back and then stands up again. However, some violence is more realistic in nature. For example, when the player's character is struck by a series of glowing orbs fired by an alien character, these produce an 'electrocution' effect, with the character's body shaking and falling to the ground.
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: This game is enjoyed by 14+ year-olds as it's a good match for their ability and maturity.
Accessibility
Our Returnal Accessibility Report details 21 accessibility features:
Games Like Returnal
Our experts have hand-picked the following similar games for you. These offer a similar way to play to Returnal or are games with a similar theme or topic. These are good alternative games to Returnal, or are a younger rated alternative for players not ready for PEGI 16 or ESRB TEEN games.
Thank you for using our resource, supported by AskAboutGames, ParentZone and PlayAbility Initiative. We are editorially independent, written by parents for parents, but welcome sponsorship, partnership and suggestions. Email our editor for details on these opportunities.The information on this database is designed to support and complement the in-depth discussion and advice about video game "addiction", violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. If you have any concerns or questions in these areas, email our editor who is quick to respond or can arrange for a one-to-one conversation.