Returnal PS5 Review: 9 Ups & 3 Downs

2. First Few Hours Are A Little Overwhelming

If there’s a mechanical issue with the structure, it’s perhaps that the game saves too much of the good stuff for later. The best biomes are the ones in the back half, and the starting weapons - namely a pistol, carbine and shotgun - can make Returnal appear unimaginative in its early hours.

Fortunately, this assumption is proven wrong, but the worry is some might not play long enough to realise.

If there’s a drawback to the wealth of interlocking systems mentioned previously as well, it’s that it can feel overwhelming at first too. You’ll spend the first few hours scanning a lot of new items, experimenting, dying and maybe even feeling like you’re not getting anywhere.

It’s certainly a hump to get over, but it more than pays off in the long run, and there definitely is a long run.