Gaming

Returnal: Should you play it?

A third-person shooter, psychological horror game

Published

April 29, 2021

Imagine the worst day of your life. Now imagine having to relive that day over and over until you find some sort of way out. That’s somewhat the premise of Returnal, except, this particular worst day is on a planet called Atropos and you’re literally fighting for survival.

If you thought that was anxiety-inducing, I’m right there with you. And the anxiety only grows and deepens as you playthrough.

So, this isn’t a review of Returnal. That would require me finishing the game or playing through at least 80 percent of it. But I’ve played enough to help inform you if this is a game that you should pick-up or not.

What is it about exactly?

You play as Selene. An Astra scout that surveys planets, unexplored areas in space. In this game, you crash land in Atropos — a shape-shifting world. With her vehicle broken, she has no choice but to explore the area, find the source of some broadcast, and pray to goodness it leads her out of that world.

Naturally, the whole endeavor is no walk in the park. She faces creatures and machines that will inevitably lead to her demise. But it isn’t the end. Each and every time she dies, she wakes up again next to her ship but this time taking bits and pieces of knowledge from her past demise. Every loop offers new challenges and discoveries but in familiar areas.

Atropos really feels alive

The game takes full advantage of the DualSense controller. The games that have been introduced on the PlayStation 5 thus far were only scratching the surface. Returnal takes the experience to exciting heights.

For instance, the L2 button has two levels of presses. Press lightly to lock in and really focus on a target. Press harder and it’ll trigger the special ability of your weapon.

There’s also the different ways the DualSense vibrates as you interact with certain surfaces and objects in the game. But what takes this even further is the fantastic sound design. The combination of the audio along with the DualSense really makes Atropos feel like a living environment.

For these experiences alone, I can confidently say that it’s definitely a must-try if you’re one of what seems like just a handful of people who was able to snag a PlayStation 5. Absolutely fantastic job by Housemarque — the game’s developer.

Combat offers the right amount of challenge

Expect to die. That’s part of the whole experience. But along the way you’ll also meet plenty of adversaries that are fairly easy to deal with.

Your weapons are primarily guns (if there are more, I simply have not gotten to that part yet). I was quite apprehensive about this at first since I’m not exactly good at shooters. But, the aiming and the movement isn’t all over the place that it made even someone like me actually feel competent.

While engaging in the creatures of Atropos you can jump, dash, and jump and dash. These evasive maneuvers offer enough variety in tandem with the weapons you have that combat feels exhilarating.

It’s a visual treat

Atropos looks drab and wasted. But the level of detail on the environment is insanely captivating. Especially the areas where light seeps in, you’ll see exactly how gorgeous the visuals are even if the place itself is ruined.

The creatures you’ll encounter also look astonishing. Sure, the way they jump and constantly stalk and assault you can be terrifying, but if you pause for a second they don’t actually look all that scary. It might be in how some of them glow, but the creatures here are quite a sight to see.

The items and elements seem a lot to take in

I’m gonna chalk this up to having multiple work deadlines from when I received the code to the target date of publishing, but the items, elements, and what they’re supposed to be for completely flew over my head.

It felt, to me, like information overload. Normally, I’m able to quickly pick up on which item does what but it took me a while to get a better understanding of them in this game.

Returnal_20210427053249

Of course, it helps that they also come in different colors so you more or less get a better idea as you go along. I imagine this wouldn’t be the case for players who will have their full attention on the game as they play.

Should you play Returnal?

This game is brilliant. From the premise of the story, the gameplay, the incredible sound design, and the use of the DualSense controller, Returnal is an absolute banger.

What gives me pause is the whole loop mechanic in this clearly terrifying setting. But I recognize that this has more to do with my in-real-life environment than the game itself. You see, waking up to a dreadful situation day after day is already something I have to deal with thanks largely to the pissful pandemic response by our government. I use video games to escape, and the anxiety-inducing nature of Returnal just isn’t good for my mental health right now.

If you are experiencing anything similar at the moment, it might be prudent to wait until you’re in a better headspace before picking this up. Otherwise, this is definitely a must-buy if you’re curious how a fantastic combination of sound design and proper utilization of the DualSense can really elevate the gameplay experience.

Returnal will be exclusively available to the PS5 on April 30.

Related Topics:Housemarque PlayStation 5 PS5 Returnal

Gaming

Dune: Awakening gets new PS5 gameplay, movie DLC

PS5 gameplay and cross-play confirmed

Published

August 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Dune: Awakening is getting ready for its September 22 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox. At Gamescom, Funcom showed seven minutes of new PS5 gameplay and announced new DLC inspired by the Dune films.

The studio also confirmed that PC and console cross-play is coming after launch. It has not announced a release date for the feature yet.

PS5 gameplay revealed

Funcom premiered seven minutes of Dune: Awakening gameplay captured on a PlayStation 5 Pro.

The footage gives players a look at how the open-world survival game runs on Sony’s consoles. Gamescom attendees can also get hands-on with the PS5 version at the show.

On the base PS5, Performance Mode targets 60fps with dynamic resolution. The PS5 Pro also runs Performance Mode at 60fps.

Quality Mode runs at 30fps on both consoles. Both PS5 models use upscaled 4K resolution in Performance and Quality Mode.

The PS5 and Xbox versions will launch on September 22. The console release will also bring several major additions to the game.

These include a full single-player mode, the conclusion to its story, more customization options, and adjustable difficulty levels.

Funcom says console players will also get a year’s worth of PC additions and enhancements on day one.

Watch the trailer.

Dune movie-inspired DLC arrives

Funcom also announced Filmic Archive, a new DLC featuring outfits and building pieces inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films.

The DLC launches September 22 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. It will cost ₱615.92 ($9.99).

Among its additions are the Aegis of the Unwalked Path armor. It is inspired by Paul Atreides’ visions of Fremen holy warriors in Dune: Part One.

The DLC also includes the Caladan Stormcoat worn by Paul and Duke Leto in the film.

Other movie-inspired outfits are included as well. Players can also build with a 73-piece set styled after the Sardaukar.

Funcom will reveal more of Filmic Archive during the Xbox Broadcast on August 28.

Cross-play is coming after launch

PC and console cross-play was one of the community’s most requested features after Funcom announced the console versions.

The studio has now confirmed that the feature is in development.

However, Funcom has not committed to a release date. It will share more details once they are available.

Dune: Awakening originally launched on PC in June 2025. The PS5 and Xbox versions arrive on September 22, bringing the game’s latest additions and improvements to consoles.

The game will also launch on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.

Players who purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition can start playing five days early. Early access begins September 17.

Funcom will also release a physical PS5 edition through its distribution partners. Pre-orders are already available at select retailers.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe will distribute the physical edition across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Solutions 2 GO will handle North and South America.

In Japan, Spike Chunsoft will publish the game digitally and at retail. Its Japanese release is scheduled for October 29.

Gaming

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now

Super Action Soccer returns

Published

August 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is also available on PC via Steam.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia brings back the popular series with its signature Super Action Soccer gameplay. Players can take control of more than 110 characters and compete across 22 national teams.

Tsubasa Ozora once again represents Japan as they take on national teams from around the world. The goal is to overcome their rivals and win the highly contested World Youth Championship.

The game is available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions on consoles and PC.

Super Action Soccer returns

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS brings back the series’ over-the-top soccer action with enhanced visuals and new supercharged moves.

Players can pass, dribble, tackle, and unleash powerful strikes. Each character also brings signature techniques inspired by their abilities from the anime and manga.

The sequel adds a new system that pits goalkeepers directly against shooters. Players can attack and counter signature shots and blocks in dramatic sequences.

The game also features more than 150 new cutscenes that highlight some of these special skills and moves.

Composer Tadayoshi Makino also returns for the sequel. He created more than 80 new tracks for the game.

A bigger World Youth Championship

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS features more content than any previous game in the series.

Its Story Mode features a new original story written by series creator Yoichi Takahashi. The story draws from the World Youth Championships arc of the original manga.

Beyond the main story, players can compete in a variety of game modes. These include battles against rivals both online and offline.

With its mix of traditional soccer tactics and exaggerated special moves, the game aims to deliver the unpredictable “neo-soccer” action that defines Captain Tsubasa.

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Gaming

Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels help demos at gamescom 2026

Hundreds of gaming monitors feature company’s QD-OLED panels

Published

August 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung Display is showcasing the gaming performance advantages of QD-OLED at gamescom 2026 through hundreds of monitors helping with playable demos.

Samsung Display partnered with CAPCOM, KRAFTON, and CD PROJEKT RED, with their highly anticipated titles being showcased at gamescom 2026 (August 26 to 30, Cologne, Germany) on several gaming monitors featuring Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels.

This demonstrates the outstanding picture quality of QD-OLED to gamers from around the world.

In addition, the company has announced that it will begin the mass production of 24.5-inch QD-OLED panels optimized for eSports and FPS games by the end of the year.

At CAPCOM’s booth, visitors can get a hands-on experience with the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen.

Other playable titles include PRAGMATA, Street Fighter 6, and Mega Man: Dual Override.

Samsung Display is supplying a total of 90 QD-OLED gaming monitors, including the EVNIA 32MN8900, GIGABYTE MO32U24 and MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED X24, for the hands-on gameplay.

Meanwhile, KRAFTON will showcase three of its five upcoming titles on 85 Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitors.

Visitors will have the opportunity to preview the multi-team tactical arena game Project ZETA, two-player coop AG Twisters, and the action RPG TARAE: The Unbound.

Lastly, at the CD PROJEKT RED booth, a trailer for Songs of the Past, the third expansion pack for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be shown on eight QD-OLED TVs.

Visitors can also watch gameplay demonstrations on monitors equipped with similar displays. This gives Samsung Display the chance to highlight the QD-OLED Penta Tandem technology.