Returnal PS5 Review: 9 Ups & 3 Downs

2. First Few Hours Are A Little Overwhelming

Returnal PS5
Sony

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.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked full time as a content producer at WhatCulture for nine years. In that time he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple channels, specialising in subjects such as gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 most listened to gaming podcast in the UK that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, covered breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.