Housemarque has released the launch trailer for its upcoming PlayStation 5 game Returnal. Launching on April 30, exclusively on PS5, Returnal is a third-person shooter featuring roguelike elements and a story that delves deep into the psychological horror genre.
"Time is like a tide. It pulls us. And shapes us," we hear Selene, the main protagonist, tell us. "Uncovers our secrets hidden below the surface. With each rush upon us that leaves a fresh scar behind. No matter how hard we fight, we can never stop it. We, alone, must find meaning amidst the flow. Creating our own fate. Finding our own answers."
During this insightful monologue, we see glimpses of gameplay that highlight some of the core mechanics that make Returnal so intriguing. Set in a futuristic sci-fi setting, players control Selene, a space pilot who becomes stranded on the alien planet Atropos, and is stuck in a time loop. Every time the player dies, Selene is resurrected but the planet changes with every cycle -- as do the items at Selene's disposal. It sounds like the game encourages you to approach each encounter with an open mind and be willing to suffer defeat in order to learn from it.
"Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet," the overview teases. "Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time."
There's definitely a deeper mystery behind this ancient civilization and it's through this time loop that the secrets will be uncovered. Check out the launch trailer below and get ready to break the cycle.
Take on the hostiles of Atropos as Selene and uncover hidden secrets while trapped in a chaotic time loop.
Returnal launches on April 30 exclusively on PlayStation 5.