Review Slightly different opinions

Returnal – reviews and rating

Returnal has an average rating of 88% based on 2 reviews from English-language gaming websites. Critics have slightly different opinions – the best rating was given by Game Informer (9.5/10), the worst by HardcoreGamer (4/5). The game was released on April 30, 2021 for PlayStation 5.

Updated

What critics praise
„A deadly alien planet is a playground for your senses and curiosity.“
9,5/10 Game Informer
What critics criticize
„Returnal stands as Housemarque’s most ambitious title yet, taking the studio away from the arcade genre and into uncharted territory. By a good margin, that gamble is a success.“

Game info

Release date
Apr 30, 2021
Platforms
PS5
Genres
ShooterAction
Developer
Housemarque
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Reviews count
2

Where to buy

Check out the best games of the year 2026 on:

PS5

About game

After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies.

Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time.

Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fuelled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move.

Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth.

FAQ

What is the rating of Returnal?

Returnal has an average rating of 88% based on 2 reviews from English-language gaming websites. Critics have slightly different opinions – the best rating was given by Game Informer (9.5/10), the worst by HardcoreGamer (4/5).

When was Returnal released?

Returnal was released on April 30, 2021.

What platforms is Returnal available on?

Returnal is available for PlayStation 5.

Is Returnal worth playing?

Yes. With an average rating of 88%, Returnal is one of the highly rated games and critics recommend it.

What games are similar to Returnal?

Games similar to Returnal are for example Horizon Forbidden West - Burning Shores, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, God of War: Ragnarök, Saros and MLB The Show 22.

Statistics

Critics consensus

Slightly different opinions

Spread of ratings
15 percentage points
Standard deviation
± 7,5
Best rating
9,5/10 Game Informer
Worst rating
4/5 HardcoreGamer

The distribution of rating

Number of reviews in rating ranges (%)

Ranking

  • #39 of 489 games released in 2021 better than 92 % of games
  • #9 of 83 games released in 2021 on PS5 better than 90 % of games

By the average of all reviews

Comparison of ratings

  • Critics in this language2 reviews 88%
  • Foreign critics17 reviews 87%

Reviews

4/5
HardcoreGamer Apr 29, 2021
Returnal stands as Housemarque’s most ambitious title yet, taking the studio away from the arcade genre and into uncharted territory. By a good margin, that gamble is a success. Returnal delivers in spades where it counts most, delivering a mostly-excellent experience that embraces the studio’s history and charts a path forward. Selene’s harrowing adventures on Atropos are wonderfully conveyed through...

Videos

Similar games

How is xxx game compared to similar games? Returnal has only been beaten 4 times and is better than most games compared. Our recommendation - the game is worth playing.

Saros

Release date
Apr 30, 2026
Reviews count
14