![]() Malfunctions are often severely detrimental effects that display in the corner of the screen and require an objective to fix it – often to simply collect a random artifact. Selene’s suit is not unlike Samus’ Varia suit in that it is a technological marvel, able to interact with all manner of alien tech and integrate its functions, but that doesn’t mean it’s infallible. You can expend some resources to purify it, but should you choose to take the risk you’ll roll the dice in getting a malfunction. ![]() The item will clearly state what level of risk the item has, and if you have a means of clearing the malignancy. ![]() Using it will grant its benefit – be it resources or a random artifact – but it also carries a chance of Malfunction. Malignancy is a sort of status condition on certain items or interactive objects. It’s also worth noting that taking the hidden shortcuts to biomes you have previously visited will offer you a substantial boost in weapon proficiency so you aren’t left under-powered. The higher your proficiency, the stronger the weapons you will find. Weapon proficiency is one of the factors that reset upon death, but is upgraded through successful kills and items found throughout the world. Whether you prefer a pistol, a rifle, or a rocket launcher, there are plenty of ways to defend yourself, and you will be constantly discovering new weapons to try. It also has unlimited ammo and active reloading to keep you in the fight. Returnal is generous with your weapon each shot has a minor homing function so you don’t need to be pinpoint accurate while dodging for your life. There are a limited variety of weapons, but the key is their firing methods. Typical bullet-hell gameplay mechanics abound: you run fast with unlimited stamina, you can jump to avoid damage, and your dodge will grant you temporary invincibility when passing through the barrage of energy flying towards you. Returnal isn’t a game about being scared, it’s about being unsettled, and Selene is the perfect companion to have on this journey. There is a nuance as Perry’s work takes center stage, and the delivery of each line says even more about who the character is in how she says each word. Jane Perry’s depiction of Selene, her analytical mind, her personal life at home, and the haunting situation she finds herself in is subtle and powerful. Selene is a real, flushed out character in an extraordinary situation. She isn’t trigger happy, she isn’t terrified or a bumbling damsel. An inquisitive intellectual fascinated by Greek mythology. Selene is not the typical video game hero she is a scientist and an explorer. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the phenomenal character of Selene and her depiction by voice actor Jane Perry. Returnal is not only a fantastic experience, it’s setting the groundwork for what gaming should be: fully immersive, breathtaking, and incredibly engaging on multiple levels. You can feel the droplets of rain hitting Selene’s helmet, the impact of jumping off of a ledge, and the burst of energy as your weapon is fully charged. It may wear down the charge on your controller a little faster, but the results are astounding. While I don’t have the official PS5 3D Audio headset to take advantage of, the haptics are absolutely incredible. Environments feel lush and ominous in the best possible way, and half of why I don’t mind the cycle of dying and starting over is the chance to experience each biome again and again. The tentacles and tendrils of each nefarious monster ebbs and flows just right. Dust, mud, and debris cling to Selene’s suit. Every single detail in the environment is immaculately rendered. It makes full use of everything the PlayStation 5 has to offer, and it feels like the first boots on the ground for what we can expect in the future of gaming. Let’s get this out of the way: Returnal is gorgeous.
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