Housemarque have acknowledged the lack of save options for Returnal, and a fan’s proposal keeping the rougelike elements.
Some players had taken issue with there being no way to suspend their progress mid-run; only auto saving once they died and starting in the latest unlocked biome. Some runs could also take several hours. While the PlayStation 5 does have rest mode, many users may prefer to fully power down their console before bed or leaving their home.
In a thread on the game’s official subReddit, one user proposed that if players could not freely choose between save files (only using the latest one), and were deleted when the player died, it would keep the rouge-like elements of the game. The user also proposed auto-saves when entering doors, and manual saves.
The idea seemed to be popular with other users; showering the poster with Reddit awards. Housemarque acknowledged the proposal on Twitter, linking to the thread. “We hear the community and we love you all. Nothing to announce now, but keep playing and enjoying the challenge as you can!” The public acknowledgement would seem to heavily indicate Housemarque will address the concerns somehow.
As previously reported, astronaut Selene crash lands on a hostile planet, and is stuck in a loop of reviving after death. Players are not the only ones who will adapt, as the planet seems to change with every loop, and Selene’s mind slips more into insanity.
You can find the full rundown (via PlayStation) below.
Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet.
After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies.
Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time.
Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fuelled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move.
Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth.
Intense combat
- Fight to survive in this third-person roguelike shooter.
- Take on ruthless enemies in explosive, bullet hell-fuelled combat.
Thrilling exploration
- Manage equipment and resources carefully – every time you die, you restart from the beginning.
- Scavenge alien tech for upgrades to enhance your abilities in future cycles.
Haunting narrative
- Piece together fragments of Selene’s memories as she seeks out answers.
- Forge a personal connection with the planet as you explore its constantly evolving and decaying terrain.
Returnal is available on PlayStation 5.
