Sony Returnal - Information Thread, update: Digital Foundry PC Port Review - "It's Good, But Could Be Great"

[SaysWho?]

I’m starting to think my problem is forgetting what I used to do when I played a roguelite.

 

I feel like sometimes, not fighting is the best strategy, but I’m not utilizing the strategy right now.

[SaysWho?]

Avoiding fights did help. I’ve gotten to the boss at the end of biome three now. I’m trying to get there with an astronaut at the ready, but the Tie fighters suck.

[Joe]

Added JPDunks and Johnny. For some reason it didn’t let me add skills due to privacy settings?

[Chris-]

I’m OrangeJuliusPage, add me y’all, you’ll get a lot of content out of it. 

[skillzdadirecta]

1 hour ago, Joe said:

Added JPDunks and Johnny. For some reason it didn’t let me add skills due to privacy settings?

Really? Huh... let me add you. I may have some weird privacy settings on my PSN account. I have no idea how that fucking thing works.

[Bloodporne]

Not playing yet but anyone wants to add me: ApocalypticRaid 

[TwinIon]

After 23 hours total playtime I finally cleared the last boss. The later biomes went much more quickly for me. It took me a few tries to get to the third boss, but I cleared it in my first go, along with the fourth. That run I lost to an update, but my next run I was able to clear the final two biomes in my first shot. I had multiple revives and a bunch of healing stuff I didn't even end up needing.

 

I think much of that was just finally getting the hang of things, both in combat and in what choices to make. I got better at dodging the enemies that get up close, was careful not to lose track of swarms of flying enemies, and made sure to use the environments to my advantage.

 

I also was far more liberal with malfunctions. I picked up just about every infected (or whatever the word is) item, as long as I had fewer than two malfunctions going, and it never really hurt me too much, and I maxed out my health part way into the last biome. Finding guns with leeching shots helped big time, since I was generally able to refill health with that and then primarily use health items to increase my max.

 

More that almost anything though it was just nice to have a run snowball. Finding a good gun let me clear more rooms to find more artifacts to become more powerful and take fewer hits, and on it goes. I barley scrapped past the second and third bosses, but after that by the time I was in a big fight I was almost overpowered. I was still quite stressed towards the end, feeling like the other shoe was going to drop any moment, but thankfully it all went pretty well.

 

Given how much trouble I had to start, I'm kinda surprised I got through it. I'll probably play a bit more, but my desire to revisit has definitely lessened. Probably just need to take a short break. Still have plenty of stuff to unlock and new guns to try out.

[JPDunks4]

16 minutes ago, TwinIon said:

After 23 hours total playtime I finally cleared the last boss. The later biomes went much more quickly for me. It took me a few tries to get to the third boss, but I cleared it in my first go, along with the fourth. That run I lost to an update, but my next run I was able to clear the final two biomes in my first shot. I had multiple revives and a bunch of healing stuff I didn't even end up needing.

 

I think much of that was just finally getting the hang of things, both in combat and in what choices to make. I got better at dodging the enemies that get up close, was careful not to lose track of swarms of flying enemies, and made sure to use the environments to my advantage.

 

I also was far more liberal with malfunctions. I picked up just about every infected (or whatever the word is) item, as long as I had fewer than two malfunctions going, and it never really hurt me too much, and I maxed out my health part way into the last biome. Finding guns with leeching shots helped big time, since I was generally able to refill health with that and then primarily use health items to increase my max.

 

More that almost anything though it was just nice to have a run snowball. Finding a good gun let me clear more rooms to find more artifacts to become more powerful and take fewer hits, and on it goes. I barley scrapped past the second and third bosses, but after that by the time I was in a big fight I was almost overpowered. I was still quite stressed towards the end, feeling like the other shoe was going to drop any moment, but thankfully it all went pretty well.

 

Given how much trouble I had to start, I'm kinda surprised I got through it. I'll probably play a bit more, but my desire to revisit has definitely lessened. Probably just need to take a short break. Still have plenty of stuff to unlock and new guns to try out.

 

There is an additional ending to get, if you're interested in that.

[Dodger]

Just bought this amd RE8. Was going to wait for sales, but then I realized I didn’t spend all this money on next gen consoles to only play last gen games better. Yolo or some shit.

[Joe]

31 minutes ago, Dodger said:

Just bought this amd RE8. Was going to wait for sales, but then I realized I didn’t spend all this money on next gen consoles to only play last gen games better. Yolo or some shit.

Your bidet ain’t gonna be the only thing spraying up your butt anymore!

[SaysWho?]

I beat the Biome 3 boss. Fuck those tie fighters -- they showed up on the main bridge you have to cross and killed me, making me waste an astronaut. However, I was able to get another due to a fabricator shuffler item.

 

I went into the third boss with the works: a shield, a resinous shield, a damage siphon, a large integrity vial, an astronaut artifact, full health, and an augment that grants +15% protection and speed if you do an overload successfully.

 

I never ended up using the astronaut, and I'm not sure if it was because of the shields and siphon or if I still would have had another health without them. Either way, there's something motivating about having all these items going into a boss and getting past a phase while still having a shield up, and a vial and astronaut at the ready.

[JPDunks4]

Did you guys unlock the special mode after finishing that 1st run through?  At the computer when you enter the ship.

[johnny]

5 hours ago, skillzdadirecta said:

Really? Huh... let me add you. I may have some weird privacy settings on my PSN account. I have no idea how that fucking thing works.

yeah i can’t add you either. mine is DippingSticks

[skillzdadirecta]

1 minute ago, johnny said:

yeah i can’t add you either. mine is DippingSticks

Will do... I think I have my privacy settings set to SUPER DUPER PRIVATE or something

[SimpleG]

I am done with this one. I did some digging around because I just kept having "bad luck" with the RNG , as in no upgrades or very limited. Others were having the same issue and had some luck with a complete uninstall and reinstall. So I do the same and low an behold my next run is off to a good start except mobs are on a massive delay to spawn in and they are breaking physics, they walk thru walls and shoot thru them, needless to say that ended that run.  My next run was back to no upgrades again after 25 mins run, I just gave up. 

[Bloodporne]

10 hours ago, SimpleG said:

I am done with this one. I did some digging around because I just kept having "bad luck" with the RNG , as in no upgrades or very limited. Others were having the same issue and had some luck with a complete uninstall and reinstall. So I do the same and low an behold my next run is off to a good start except mobs are on a massive delay to spawn in and they are breaking physics, they walk thru walls and shoot thru them, needless to say that ended that run.  My next run was back to no upgrades again after 25 mins run, I just gave up. 

If you care, the actually functioning version of the last big patch just hit now I think. Apparently it addresses a lot of the random minor bugs etc. and also includes balances. Maybe it addressed this.

[SaysWho?]

Biome 4 boss is down

 

One try.

[Joe]

Phrike is down, bitches.

[stepee]

5 minutes ago, Joe said:

Phrike is down, bitches.

 

You are my inspiration.

[Joe]

7 minutes ago, stepee said:

 

You are my inspiration.

 

Remember when I made up that the patch compensated for not being able to heal at the ship for more powerups? Yeah, it's actually true! I cleared the entirety of the first biome (other than the locked off areas) before challenging Phrike, so I was positively suped up. Even the weapons they give you are more powerful now. I have a machine gun at level 5 and it has a second upgrade slot now. Gooooooood shit.

[SaysWho?]

4 minutes ago, Joe said:

 

Remember when I made up that the patch compensated for not being able to heal at the ship for more powerups? Yeah, it's actually true! I cleared the entirety of the first biome (other than the locked off areas) before challenging Phrike, so I was positively suped up. Even the weapons they give you are more powerful now. I have a machine gun at level 5 and it has a second upgrade slot now. Gooooooood shit.

 

The more biomes you complete, the better the alt-fire options and weapon upgrades in weapons you find. There are some really cool powerups in the game; I'd love if Housemarque did another roguelite, tbh.

[nublood]

I’ve had the game since launch. 

 

I still haven’t beat Shrike.

 

 

 

My last run I went in with full adrenaline, an extra life, homing missiles, and an

augment that cuts special weapon time in half. Made it to the third phase and he just kept rushing me with that ridiculous cheap melee move. I asked for the challenge but good…..lord. I think I hate this game. lol

[skillzdadirecta]

I almost had the second boss beat and owned myself with one of the dumbest moves I've ever made in modern gaming  I couldn't help but laugh. Taking a break for now to watch the Canelo fight. Will give it one more try before I retire for the night.

[SimpleG]

15 hours ago, Bloodporne said:

If you care, the actually functioning version of the last big patch just hit now I think. Apparently it addresses a lot of the random minor bugs etc. and also includes balances. Maybe it addressed this.

I updated the game last night and nothing changed. So I contact PSN Support because the game is just not running right, and I figure fuck it ill take the credit pick up the new RE. Its crashed 3 times in a row at this point so its worthless to me. Chat support goes thru like 20 mins of questioning, why its not working, whats happening....

Here is an excerpt direct from the chat log

 

Philip:OK.  Thank you for the information on this.  I am nearly finished with my research into your refund request.

Philip:According to our records the content has been downloaded. I'm sorry, due to the restrictions outlined in the PlayStation Store Cancellation Policy; a refund cannot be made for this transaction.

I wish I could process the refund of Returnal for you, but I am afraid that I have done everything I can to help you on your refund request at this time.  However, I will pass on what you gave me about the errors and the crashes so that this problem can be addressed.  Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Philip:Thank you for contacting PlayStation, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day

 

He then immediately cancels the chat window before I can respond. 

 

Sony says that once you download a game it can not be refunded, that has to currently be one of the worst digital store policies . Once GG Strive comes out and iam burned out on it, I am dropping the PS5.

 

 

Side note: After checking the game some more I noticed the game said it was updated but the rev. was wrong. So i delete and manual patch and it says its up to date but the rev. is still wrong. So I delete and auto update and this time it works. It was a night and day change for the game, new rooms I hadnt seen, guns everywhere, items and artifacts popping up. I then killed the boss first try with almost full health.

 

[Keyser_Soze]

Yup that is their refund policy. That's why they changed Cyberpunk specifically to say it was defective because they wouldn't have been able to offer a refund otherwise.

 

Although not sure how many stores would have been able to offer you a refund, sounds like you played over 2 hours of it (which would have been the steam policy)

[SimpleG]

55 minutes ago, Keyser_Soze said:

sounds like you played over 2 hours of it (which would have been the steam policy)

Ive had steam refund with 4 hours of playtime, its not an issue if you are just asking for store credit and the game has a record of having issues.

[Keyser_Soze]

43 minutes ago, SimpleG said:

Ive had steam refund with 4 hours of playtime, its not an issue if you are just asking for store credit and the game has a record of having issues.

 

Well I've never asked for a refund so I wouldn't know, just going off the base rules of the policy.

[JPDunks4]

4 hours ago, SimpleG said:

Side note: After checking the game some more I noticed the game said it was updated but the rev. was wrong. So i delete and manual patch and it says its up to date but the rev. is still wrong. So I delete and auto update and this time it works. It was a night and day change for the game, new rooms I hadnt seen, guns everywhere, items and artifacts popping up. I then killed the boss first try with almost full health.

 

 

 

Sounds like a really odd bug. 

 

I updated again but haven't had a chance to play again.  I've done a few more runs after getting the true ending, but the rng of needing the few things you're missing that needs collecting actually show up in a run gets slimmer and slimmer the less you need.  I'm missing a few of those red glowing things, and some logs.  The Activity Cards will show you what you have done in each area, but doesn't help when they simply don't spawn on the run.

 

I'm pretty thorough on every single play through, and have run each biome at least 6-7 times successfully at this point.

 

I think I'm like 70-80% of unlocking every weapon perk.

 

Game was a fun ride for sure that I really enjoyed, but not sure I'll keep at it for the Platinum like I originally intended.  

[Joe]

10 hours ago, nublood said:

I’ve had the game since launch. 

 

I still haven’t beat Shrike.

 

 

 

My last run I went in with full adrenaline, an extra life, homing missiles, and an

augment that cuts special weapon time in half. Made it to the third phase and he just kept rushing me with that ridiculous cheap melee move. I asked for the challenge but good…..lord. I think I hate this game. lol

I actually got pretty good at the melee strike. The key to me was waiting a second when he revs up to do the strike. Previously I was freaking out and dodging the second he lifted his arm up, but that is way too early. 

[JPDunks4]

One tip I'd have for bosses in general, is keep shooting.  In most any case there is no reason to ever stop shooting.  Shoot while strafing, shoot while jumping, shoot all the time.

 

The bosses have a lot of different attack patterns that you could possibly avoid just by putting out damage fast enough.  I've watched some streams and seeing bosses doing certain attacks that I've never seen before that looked far harder to deal with as well.  I think its cause they spend more time dodging and not firing that the boss survives longer and has time to engage in different harder attacks.

[Bloodporne]

I know this is some petty shit but Jason Schreier put out a tweet praising Returnal as 'such a polished experience'. I asked how it can be called polished considering they even rushed out a patch that ended up corrupting people's saves and got banned from dude's account within about 10 seconds.

 

I usually don't engage in nonsense like this but I've been laid up at home and bored as a disclaimer/excuse haha

[best3444]

3 hours ago, JPDunks4 said:

 

 

Sounds like a really odd bug. 

 

I updated again but haven't had a chance to play again.  I've done a few more runs after getting the true ending, but the rng of needing the few things you're missing that needs collecting actually show up in a run gets slimmer and slimmer the less you need.  I'm missing a few of those red glowing things, and some logs.  The Activity Cards will show you what you have done in each area, but doesn't help when they simply don't spawn on the run.

 

I'm pretty thorough on every single play through, and have run each biome at least 6-7 times successfully at this point.

 

I think I'm like 70-80% of unlocking every weapon perk.

 

Game was a fun ride for sure that I really enjoyed, but not sure I'll keep at it for the Platinum like I originally intended.  

 

You're a fucking beast.

[skillzdadirecta]

1 hour ago, Bloodporne said:

I know this is some petty shit but Jason Schreier put out a tweet praising Returnal as 'such a polished experience'. I asked how it can be called polished considering they even rushed out a patch that ended up corrupting people's saves and got banned from dude's account within about 10 seconds.

 

I usually don't engage in nonsense like this but I've been laid up at home and bored as a disclaimer/excuse haha

"HOW DARE YOU QUESTION THE ALMIGHTY J-SCHREIER?"

[johnny]

forgot to mention that i went into rest mode on friday and saturday morning the power went out for a second and my run was gone. pain. 

[JPDunks4]

1 minute ago, johnny said:

forgot to mention that i went into rest mode on friday and saturday morning the power went out for a second and my run was gone. pain. 

 

If only the PS5 had Quick Resume...