I downloaded Returnal because I liked the vibe the trailers gave off. I tend to avoid spoilers as much as I can so I really didn’t do any research into the game. I was immediately immersed. The game felt like it was something that belonged in the Alien universe; a series that I love. The world reminded me of Alien Covenant, the tutorial didn’t seem to slow the game to a stand still, the controls felt solid, and killing enemies felt satisfying. I really can’t recall the last time a game grabbed me as quickly as Returnal did.
Quick Note: As interested as I am in Returnal I only played through the first loop. So please don’t spoil anything.
It makes me wonder what games immediately pulled you in?
I feel like Battlefield 1’s first level did a similar job. For those that haven’t played it you fight a wave of enemies and if you die you get transported to a different solider. It was an interesting change from the usual CoD-style hero shooter. You really felt like you were being shoved into a meat grinder.
Derail Valley. It’s an Early Access game on Steam and it is incredible. Amazing progression, super chill but fun grind, immersion through the roof. Goes to show that some of the best games can come from small (= in this case around 10 people) devs.