Returnal isn't the must-have PS5 exclusive you think it is

The sci-fi roguelite game is pretty but deadly.

[GaboonViper]

Maybe people can choose for themselves if the game is a must have.

[LordoftheCritics]

If they can then this opinion shouldn't bother them.

[Eonjay]

I'm fascinated with the constant assertation that gamers need to be told what to think. It's not an opinion piece, it is instructions on what to believe as if the author knows what we want. I didn't even know for myself until I played it a few hours. This is exactly what I thought it would be, a high quality rougue like that's real a different perspective of an arcade shumup.. At it's core it's Resogun. It's different and I can't wait to master it.

[Babadook7]

Maybe his opinion is that the article presents an opinion as fact?

[CorndogBurglar]

I get what GaboonViper is saying. The headline alone is making presumptions about what I think of this game. Thats a little annoying.

[dragon_rocks]

The author isn't saying "the author thinks it is" but telling others "you think it is".

[FanboysKiller]

@Eonjay
Well that's what reviews are meant for , to piss the readers and sometimes even if it's positive they pull it's deserved credential through their language between the lines to kill the hype desperately ,even if they act professionally and say otherwise it's kinda pointless actually to write a review from the get-go . if they do it from the headline or the first 5 lines then they're gunslingers to rush through all that unprofessionally.

[lio_convoy]

It doesn't bother me, but that stupid avatar of yours does.

[Cikatriz_ESP]

Congratulations. Not all of us can spend $70 on a whim.

[VerminSC]

Gaming is a luxury item. Don’t act entitled or petty with something that is a luxury item. If people want to spend $70 that’s their right. Just like you spent $500 on a non essential PS5

[derek]

Can't afford it dint buy it.

[InUrFoxHole]

Wait... acting entitled or petty is someone pointing out the $70 price point (only an idiot would pay imo) is too steep?

[slayernz]

lol @ InUrFoxHole some of us actually have jobs (decent ones at that) so $70 is bugger all, so im an idiot now because i have money to spend on luxuries....?????? isnt that how life works? lmao

[Dirtnapstor]

Gaming is indeed a luxury, and can be costly. Save your pennies and buy this at some point. It is definitely worth it.

[JackBNimble]

That's why I wait for user reviews instead of wasting money on a game I may not enjoy.

Knightedhollow
You may just get your wish considering the way the government is spending money . There is only one thing that can happen now and that's hyperinflation.

Hopefully it doesn't kill your hobby .

[StoneyYoshi]

@KnightedHollow
"Honestly at this point I wouldn't mind the price go up to 100$ per game. Maybe then those that didn't have a problem with the recent increase would change their tune."

This has to be one of the most spiteful comments I've ever seen on here. SMDH

[kimbomma1]

So if it was $60 that would magically make whim spending possible?

[SpineSaw]

Why are people crying about a $10 increase in the price if a game? Look if one can't afford the little $10 increase there are other gaming options for example if you like hand outs then maybe the Xbox Game Pass Food Stamp program is for you. Now you get a bunch of old 2 and 3 generation ago games along with some Indy games you've never heard of but you also get some Xbox First Party day one releases but those they only see 2 maybe 3 a year and those games can't sell outside of the Xbox Game Pass Food Stamp type program. But if you can't afford the $10 increase then apply for the Food Stamps Of gaming program Xbox would love to have you.

[AirJohnston]

@VerminSC so yall are just fine with these companies squeezing us dry? It's only gonna keep going up and yall are gonna keep thanking them for it instead of holding them accountable for their greed

[Sayai jin]

Yes l, that's why it's an opinion piece.

[Saijahn]

People that faithfully rely on the opinion of others to determine if a game is a good or not (metacritic) ...now they'll make a decision for themselves? You joking? 🤣

[InUrFoxHole]

Uh... They are. It's just a piece man.

[DarthZoolu]

Do you mean like the author of this review? In 1970 iq's actually started decreasing.

[Smok91]

Lmao why did you click on an opinion article just to say that? Pointing out common sense doesn’t make one look smart.

[boing1]

How can they choose if they can't try it out without buying it? That is kind of risky decision at 70 bucks as the game represents niche genre. Clearly the game isn't for everyone.

[NXFather]

They did. It did so so. Which isn't bad for a semi Sony AAA experience. Only 1/4 sales of Nintendo Pokemon snap though. Enough for them to keep making games but, you were delusional if you thought this game was gonna be a system seller.

[thorstein]

It's CNET. That should explain quite a bit. Think of all the terrible game journalists out there, then go lower and you find CNET.

[LordoftheCritics]

Don't go any lower. You won't be able to unsee what Fox has in store for you.

[gleepot]

If you like roguelites, a must have. If you don't, a must skip.

[antikbaka]

it's nowhere near a proper roguelike experience

[LiViNgLeGaCY]

Yes it is.

[antikbaka]

there is no variety in weapons, maps and character. Some of the first ones can be outright useless in the best case, the second ones are the same from replay to replay. And as a result the character is played the same style every playthrough.

In a proper roguelike game at least 2 out of 3 mentioned points are in a constant process of change.

[BenRC01]

Not even remotely interested in it but sure those who are, are having a blast. Bring on re8

[RosweeSon]

I have a little interest but can’t argue with Resi8 looks like they’ve gone and made another blinder ala Resi4 can’t wait, mines gone to the warehouse just hoping posted tomorrow tops as should make it for Thursday then 😍🙌🏻

[Atticus_finch]

I disagree. I have never even played a "Rogue like" game before and I love Returnal. I also rarely play shooters unless they have an interesting story.
The Returnal gameplay is really good.

[antikbaka]

how can you disagree if you even don't know what you are talking about

[Atticus_finch]

Because he said "if you like" I have never been insterested in any before.

[Eidolon]

He's saying that your argument is invalid if you have never played a roguelite. IF you haven't played a roguelite, then how do you know you wouldn't have liked it? He's implying people who HAVE played rogue lites and not liked them, will not like this game. That's still to be proven, but it still went over your head.

[RosweeSon]

Yeah don’t think it’s for me. I’ll check it in a few months. Personally I think it’s one of those games that is overhyped not long after launch as what else is there in the long run will it be an essential purchase or a timeless classic, well time will tell but I’m saying no🤷🏻‍♂️✌ӿ 95;

[lio_convoy]

Wrong.

[BrainSyphoned]

Madden is not the must play football game you think it is. I was was playing the 85' Bears and I had to settle for field goals for 4 15 minute quarters. After that game was finally over I had to start a whole new game against the 2000 Ravens! Worst exclusive NFL game ever.

[Profchaos]

Well it's a copy and paste game madden, FIFA and basically anything under the EA sports label hasn't been must play for over a decade

[philm87]

Unless you love it.

[Knushwood Butt]

Gaming journalism is rock bottom.

[NeoGamer232]

Have you actually read the article?

Personally I like rogue games so I will be getting Returnal, but really the writer is talking about the genre as much as the game itself. And just like shooters or RPGs, or platforms, or whatever are not for everyone, they are pointing out why rogue games aren't for everyone.

There is nothing wrong with that and diversity of opinion should be valued. It is not a fanboy or negative playstation rant, it is more a statement of, "If you don't like these things, then this game probably isn't for you".

[VerminSC]

It’s pretty damn great

[UncertainCategory]

Ah you know it's an opinion, but I do disagree. If you have a PS5 right now, this is a no brainer purchase.

[JEECE]

I do wish they would have gotten it out just a touch sooner. Obviously they are different genres, but just in terms of people who are in tune with new releases, I feel like some PS5 owners are going to hang a few more days and get Resident Evil Village and then play Returnal later when it's $40 or when it's a PS Plus game. Had Returnal gotten out in March or even a week sooner, I don't think that would have been as much of an issue. We'll see though.

[UncertainCategory]

It’s a good point. $70 isn’t cheap, and with games like mass effect and resident evil coming out this month there’s some hard choices to be made for those on a tighter budget.

[PrimeVinister]

A lot of the general public will play and love Returnal once they know what to expect.

So I agree with you, I think it is a must-play.

[gammaray13]

this idiot wouldn't know, if he is scarred at a challenging game then just say so, if you are after pure class for a gameand love a challenge then it is a must have

[Eonjay]

It's hard as hell especially when you first start and that makes advancement so much more satisfying.

[LoveSpuds]

Agreed.

I had a fantastic session yesterday. Having played about 25-30 runs of the first level, feeling myself getting better each time, gradually getting closer to beating Phrike, I finally beat her and then somehow went all the way through the second world and beat that boss on my first attempt, my god I felt like a boss, like I was operating on another level than usual...world 3 soon brought that high to a crashing halt though :)

Now going through the first world again feels so refreshing as I have access to new areas thanks to the new tools I have unlocked. What a bloody great game!

[kayoss]

I had a lot a trouble with bloodbourne and dark souls. Is this game as hard ?

[jBlakeeper]

I actually think it’s an awesome game. Quite addictive actually.

[Atticus_finch]

Really addictive. I have a hard time not thinking of playing it. And it's not even my type of game.

[derek]

What a stupid article. Does this dope know that people are finishing this game?

[Elda]

Opinions Opinions everyone has one. Personally for me I'm enjoying Returnal immensely!

[Inverno]

Damn people, relax. The article is basically just an explanation of what the genre is about. All of you getting mighty salty over a click bait title just because it's a PS5 exclusive jeez

[garos82]

its a dumb article title that i refuse to click on based on its click baity nature. if you rely on clickbait , its almost guaranteed the article is garbage

[_LarZen_]

It’s definitely not for everyone. Even fans of the genera should know what they’re getting into as the game is far from just skill as luck and randomness is just as important in this game.

I love the game. But I’ll probably never finish it 😆

[garos82]

there is no such thing as a game for "everyone"

[_LarZen_]

So wrote the gatekeeper

[jznrpg]

Eh I’ll decide for myself

[Father__Merrin]

Wow an article saying don't buy Returnal looks like Spencers cheque cleared after all

[Sayai jin]

This game looks really good. To think it renders in at 1080p. Just wait until devs tap nore into the PS5 layer in the generation.

[Bathyj]

Ha. It so is.

[gold_drake]

can ppl make their own decisions if q game is a must buy or not? geez, this is not even an opinion piece anymore

[IRetrouk]

Yeah it is

[Saijahn]

I'm curious to see the sales numbers on this game

[Einhander1971]

Its a great game, just to bloody tough i haven't got the time to play this game. Ratchet will be more my thing.

[peteymcpickle]

Not at £70 it isn't.
I love the look of the game, but the across the board price hike is too much. Sony want to get as much profit as possible from their first party stuff, and where they would have gotten £50 out of me before, that £50 now goes towards buying the game pre-owned, with Sony not seeing a single penny.

[Nyxus]

Why not just wait for a price drop? You are punishing Housemarque as well by buying it second hand.

[Flawlessmic]

Mate i pay 125 in australia which is the equivalent of around 98 USD

Money well spent the game is awesome, and worth every penny.

If you want to play a game and it looks right up ur alley then that what makes it worth it.

Im honestly sick of hearing u people whinge about the price, either support the devs and get a great game in return or dont, but dont come here crying im not gonna buy it vwcause of 10-20 dollar difference.

Great work bud, if everyone does what u do the games industry would be dead, and u wanna call sony out yet ur openly gonna screw over devs.

Go buy an xbox instead and play whole bunch of average games on gamepass for a cheap price, sounds like that wpuld suit ur tight ass better

[LoveSpuds]

It should be added that we still don't know what MicroSoft's position on pricing will be because they have yet to publish a Microsoft product yet this generation, but I fancy we will find that they will also land on 70 quid a game too.

I do agree with petey that £70 is a lot of cash but I would suggest that the right approach, if you genuinely care about the health of the gaming industry, is to be more selective about which games you buy at launch and which you will wait for at a sale. I totally appreciate that there will be people who simply have no choice but to rely on used games, but Petey, you sound like your behaviour is borne out of wanting to stiff the devs rather than necessarily being purely economic.

[Chevalier]

Its a bit confusing about the constant complaints, do people not think that games go on sale regularly?! Not playing it day 1 isn't going to kill anyone. If $70 is an issue then how the hell did the $500 purchase for the PS5 happen?! It's a luxury hobby here not some necessity like food, but, everyone here is making it seem like they're being starved to death. I would gladly put aside the money I would have spent on junk food for example and save it for a game I want.

[Dark-soul]

I love controls, graphics and mystery of this game, but rogue like elements are not in this game, you can play 10h and still be as weak as you were 10h ago, when you restart simply bad design, good design would be when you get stronger little by little

[Ron_Danger]

So you’ve gone 10 hours without finding a single permanent upgrade? Or figured out how to increase your health? Or figured out how to buy upgrades? Do you even know R2 shoots your gun?

[Dark-soul]

No, after u get first upgrades u can play act 2 for 100hours if you like and you wount get any upgrade, you simply have to beat boss, if you cant you are screwed, good design would be that if u play a lot u get permenant hp or stronger gun or something, but in this game you cant outlevel stage

[Ron_Danger]

Dude... ok clearly you’re just reading comments from people bashing the game. Every time you pick up a gun, it’ll have a skill. If the skill has a percentage number on it, you haven’t unlocked it yet. Just using the gun builds up the percentage. When it hits 100% you permanently unlock that skill for the gun and it will be added to possible upgrades that’ll happen on a run. Collecting health (those green orbs in case the streamer your watching hasn’t explained it to you) replenish your health, but if you have full health, collecting them fills up the 3 (or 2 depending on the augment you’ve found) which, when full, will increase your health for the run. After you beat the first boss, go back to the house. You’ll unlock a music box that informs you when you’re near a secret (which is act 2 which negates your comment)

[Dark-soul]

You are just stupid child, thats all, love it how you have no iq to understand what i wrote and start your typical fatherless teenager bs, just go hang yourself, you will be more happy in next life cunt :)

[Dark-soul]

Maybe you have not played game and defending it like stupid moron? You can pick up as much hp as you want amd you loose everything when you restart. Music box loooooool just shows how fuking stupid you are, if a person lets say stay and cant beat first boss, he can play 100 hours and still will not get stronger, he will not deal more damage or have more hp once he restart, cant believe i argue with stupid child, seriously go kill yourself

[Ron_Danger]

Wow! Talk about the definition of an internet troll

[garos82]

this has superb game design. each run feels like a new adventure. there is alot of progression that carries through and im glad there isnt a skill tree or same old nonsense other games do for progression. you want to play the same old copy/paste experience youve had with countless games in the past? be my guest. i personally find the gameplay and mechanics of returnal refreshing, slick , challenging and most importantly fun.

[Dark-soul]

Biggest problem is you cant outlevel shit, u can spend a lot time for example in second act and if game is to hard for you, even if you spend 50h and restart you will be same weak as you were 50h ago, thats not good. Good design is when you get stronger little by little hp increase or something

[garos82]

@ dark soul
no its not. if by keeping enemies level gated you mean good level design, then you dont know what good level design is. You can beat the game in one go with the skill you have from the very beginning. grinding in order to beat levels is not particularly clever (although i dont mind grinding in fun rpgs)

[Dark-soul]

Yes i don't know what good level design is only you know, all knowing wise guy. My argument is that game might be to hard for quite a few people and if they grind like in most rogue like games they get stronger and finaly beat boss or level they cant, thats good design, but in this game rogue like design is not done right. And your argument? Let me guess get good? Be more skilled stupid teen? Thats the whole point of rogue like genre the more u p,ay the stronger you get once you restart from begining

[Edito]

Trus me cnet it is...

[2moda5gamer]

I honestly didn't care much for it's reveal or trailers but have had fun with roguelikes in the past. Decided to bite on launch and have been addicted since.
Other than the gameplay, you could argue it's the most immersive experience currently on the ps5 - the 3d audio and haptics really bring the games art direction into your home. Very addictive experience.

[Vanfernal]

CNET isn't the reliable gaming source you think it is.

[waverider]

Opinions... Beside the money excuse that is being used, its not a must have, its funny. Next why they choose a girl or i really dont like to press the button to shoot or why its so dark.. Or why.... We all know why this kind of opinion exist.... But the reality is that a brand new console need new exclusives and amazing games. Otherwise its a waste of money. Nobody wants a new console to play last gen games... Whatever the frames or rez....

[Magatsuhi]

Even though I have my gripes about the game as well as not having enough time to play it, I'm pretty happy with my purchase. In fact I'm constantly thinking about it while I'm at work and wishing I could hop on more often.

[BehindTheRows]

Sure, Jan.

And yes, article is quite the clickbait, but looking at who submitted it puts things in perspective.

[moriarty1889]

it’s early in the gen. at least Sony are putting out first party games. Returnal is a solid game either way and a welcome addition.

[MIDGETonSTILTS17]

It’s NOT must have.

It took me a dozen+ tries to beat the first boss, but I sweeped the second boss first attempt. I’m loving this game, but I can honestly say that PLENTY of people would HATE it.

[Walweeze]

Game isn't for everyone which is understandable, but I'm glad I bought it as it's a different experience for sure and I'm enjoying it a lot

[garos82]

i hate this phrase. there is no game thats for "everyone"

[Graey]

Aren't titles like this just designed to have these take a side debate? I'm not really a fan of rogue-type games, but there are exceptions like Hades and Dead Cells. Also, I die on games like Demon souls just walking up the stairs, so I rarely play them. Those games are not for me, but I definitely recognize their worth.

[talocaca]

Lol....bitter much?

Then again....it's not like Microsoft or Nintendo are setting the world on fire with their releases over the last few months🤷‍♂️

[Vengeance1138]

Typical article trying to lower the current must have AAA title a few pegs. Waiting for future articles like "Elden Ring isn't the great game you think it is..." oh wait that won't happen since its not a Sony game and its so much trendier to bash Sony titles.

[Abear21]

Author should go back to playing Spiderman and Astro and will be happy when Ratchet launches. I’ll stick with Demons Souls and Returnal

[Taero]

Almost every time I've died I've gotten a bit further, killed the next boss, unlocked guns to be available for future runs, new artifacts, items, permanent upgrades to access previously inaccessible areas, access to new parts of the house, even new audio files that weren't there the first time to flesh out the story (and I have the ps5 set to ask before installing patches downloaded in rest mode). I don't think this journalist really gets it to be honest, it's been the most open roguelike I've played before, outside of a couple of bugs I've never felt I've died from cheapness, just making a mistake and mistiming.

[Father__Merrin]

I don't think it's must have for people who don't know what rougue like games are like

[hiawa23]

But, I ready bought it😂

[bradleejones]

The review isn't really bad. Just poses the fact you start over upon dying as a negative. Otherwise is praises the graphics and frame rate etc.

[Christopher]

Man, this is just poorly written. I get what the author is attempting to portray, but it's done poorly.

Essentially, the opening to this is "you will die a lot, if that sounds like a chore, the game isn't for you." Tons of games have you die a lot. Why would that sound like a chore? Let alone we just had a roguelike win GotY awards up the wazoo and has sold tremendously well.

I really wish the author had written this better to the point that they explained that the chore isn't that you die, but when you die, you start over completely and not from a checkpoint and how that compared to other games of the genre and why it may seem more burdensome than others that make it streamlined and give you ways to improve your path towards the end even in death.

[airforcex]

Fell for the hype and paid $70. Way overrated...Going back to Tsushima...

[Bronbron92]

I think it’s a must have if you love games that make you push and challenge yourself to get better and progress more in the game, sure most people aren’t happy about the no save feature but come on a developer is trying something that hasn’t been done in decades! Hell if you ever played games on NES, SNES, basically retro consoles there was no save points you lose your lives and back to square one I know people aren’t going to like hearing that but that’s my opinion on this matter. All In all it’s a great game I love it

[Rimeskeem]

It's a great game for what it is, it just might not be for everyone.

[anast]

Just talk about the game...your opinion is not more important than the game.

[chicken_in_the_corn]

I'll give it a miss. Doesn't sound like my cup of tea at all

[jznrpg]

It’s not for everyone . But it’s a great game with an intriguing story crazy sound fast paced battles and gratifying when you progress. Some people want to just stroll through games and this isn’t that type of game but if you like a challenge and don’t give up easy I’d say it is for sure .

[ILostMyMind]

I don't think it is. Stop acting like you have to buy all the games that are being made.

[Positivelypositive]

Neither is Demon Souls lol.

[jznrpg]

That’s a must have for me but no game is for everyone

[SpineSaw]

If your like the author of this article and need your hand held and a pat on the back And told what to do, where and when to go and you when its over you need a participation trophy then Returnal is not for you.

[ibrake4naps]

I actually thought it looked just ok, but from what I've seen and heard after release, it looks like a must-have PS5 exclusive!