Returnal, a PlayStation 5 title available through PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers, has sparked a wave of comparisons to the revered Metroid Prime series on the Nintendo GameCube. The game’s thrilling gameplay, atmospheric environments, and narrative depth have resonated with players, drawing parallels to the acclaimed 2002 classic, Metroid Prime, and its sequel, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
This renewed interest in Returnal comes as PS Plus subscribers discover the sci-fi roguelike third-person shooter developed by Housemarque. While PS Plus Essential members miss out on this particular title, those with Extra and Premium subscriptions have access to this critically praised game. Released in 2021, Returnal garnered significant recognition, earning an impressive Metacritic score of 86 and securing the Best Action award at The Game Awards that year. It was also nominated for Best Audio Design and Best Game Direction.
A recent Reddit post on the PlayStation Plus subreddit boldly proclaimed, “Returnal is PlayStation’s Metroid.” This statement, while perhaps provocative, has resonated with many in the community. One user shared their experience, transitioning from Nintendo Switch to PlayStation 5, and finding a refreshing experience in Returnal’s unique gameplay loop. The sentiment expressed was one of rediscovering the thrill, eeriness, and even frustration reminiscent of the GameCube Metroid titles.
Returnal Gameplay
Numerous comments on the post echoed similar sentiments, with some players highlighting the challenging nature of Returnal, even exceeding the difficulty of the Metroid games. Despite differing gameplay mechanics, the similarities in environment, atmosphere, and narrative setup are striking. One user admitted to their ongoing struggle with the first boss, despite owning the game since launch, while still wholeheartedly recommending the experience. Another comment praised Returnal as a “one-of-a-kind” release, lauding its gameplay loop, captivating story, immersive worlds, stunning visuals, and impressive sound design. Even amidst a sea of new releases, Returnal maintains its position as a standout title of the current generation.
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For those intrigued by the Metroid Prime comparisons and considering diving into Returnal, expect a gameplay experience ranging from 20 to 30 hours for a standard playthrough, including some side content. Completionists aiming to uncover every secret and achieve 100% completion can anticipate investing around 60 hours in this PS5 exclusive.
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