Returnalis certainly shaping up to be an interesting game, and the latest trailer for Housemarque’s first AAA title has only added to the intrigue. While the main gameplay loop ofReturnalwill focus on fast-paced third person shooter action, it seems like several first-person sections will see the story explored from a horror perspective.
This is not the first time thatReturnal’s horror influences have been felt, as the game’s previous trailer at February’s State of Play showed offaPT-like sectionof the game. Aside from giving off a vibe similar to the terrifying hallways ofSilent Hills’ demo, this house has been teased to be an important part of the game’s main storyline. In the story trailer, however, the house takes even more importance, keeping its horror tone with the use of mirrors and flickering lights.
RELATED:PS5 Exclusive Returnal Uses SSD to Have Instant Respawns
The back half of the trailer features the house heavily, withReturnalprotagonist Seleneremarking that it should not be on Atropos. Sure enough, though, it keeps appearing, with a PlayStation Blog post detailing how the building will be used. Players can supposedly choose if they want to enter the house or continue enjoying the game’s action, with “strange events” happening inside that players will need to piece together to get the full story. An interesting way of adding to Selene’s character, these first-person exploration sections should be a nice change from the game’s main gameplay loop.
One interesting thing covered in the PlayStation Blog post about the trailer is how it handles dead players, something that was touched on when Selene stumbled upon the corpse of another version of herself. Much like withtheDark Soulsseries, these bodies will allow players to see how other online players met their demise. From there, they can “revenge” them, spawning the enemies that killed the player, or loot the body for extra items. An interesting use of online functionality, the feature should add to the game without distracting players from their journey.
The rest of the trailer and blog post highlight many things that players already know, such as how Selene crash lands onto the alien world. The game’s replayability is also discussed, with details shared as tohow Atropos changeson every respawn. The fast-paced nature of the combat is on full display as well, showing that each story beat will be accompanied by plenty of action and difficult encounters. Likely to be a brutal but addicting game, the latest footage forReturnalis just as promising as what came before.
Fans have already begun pointing out intriguing details, too, such as a character’s hands aging as they play piano throughout the trailer. Fortunately,those interested inReturnalwill not have to wait long for answers regarding these clues, as the game will be arriving next month.
MORE:Returnal Could Be a Make or Break Game
