Completing some games, like Returnal, makes you think about them for days. But to help you fill this void, we have some similarly mindblowing recommendations.
Returnal combines a perfectly crafted plot, stunning audiovisuals, a psychological horror aura, and challenging roguelike mechanics to deliver a memorable story about a woman stuck in a time loop with no way out. Only a few video games offer a matching experience! By checking out the alternatives below, you may consider another comparable option.
Key Features that Define Returnal’s Experience
Featuring a roguelike core, Returnal involves starting each run in randomly generated circumstances. The leading character, Selene, relives her worst memories and experiences on an alien planet that does not want to let her go. Worse still, each following playthrough affects her fragile mental condition. This rule, paired with classic survival gameplay and multiplying questions, leaves players haunted by its content and craving even more.
Top Games that Resonate with Returnal’s Essence
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Hades | 2019-12-10 | Indie | Supergiant Games |
 | Control Ultimate Edition | 2019-08-27 | Action | Remedy Entertainment |
 | The Binding Of Isaac | 2011-09-28 | Adventure | Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl |
 | The Binding Of Isaac Rebirth | 2014-11-04 | Action & Shooter | Nicalis, Inc. |
 | The Binding Of Isaac Afterbirth | 2015-10-30 | Adventure | Edmund McMillen |
 | BPM Bullets Per Minute | 2020-09-15 | Shooter | Awe Interactive |
 | Gunfire Reborn | 2020-05-23 | Shooter | Duoyi Games |
 | Sifu | 2023-03-28 | Fighting | Sloclap |
 | Nex Machina | 2017-06-20 | Indie | Housemarque |
 | Dead Cells | 2017-05-10 | Action & Shooter | Motion Twin |
 | Doom Eternal | 2020-03-20 | Action | id Software |
 | Bioshock Infinite | 2013-03-25 | RPG | Aspyr (Mac) |
 | Enter The Gungeon | 2016-04-05 | Adventure | Dodge Roll |
The Binding of Isaac
| Release date: | 2011-09-28 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl |
This indie action-adventure game tells the story of young Isaac escaping his mother, who wants to kill him as proof of her deep faith.
Explore randomly generated dungeons to collect unique treasures and face unimaginable terrors. You can develop your character, but like in Returnal, no playthrough will be the same – infinite replayability! Moreover, this recommendation offers many possible endings, but only your choices can help you achieve each.
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Gunfire Reborn
| Release date: | 2020-05-23 |
| Genre: | Shooter |
| Developer: | Duoyi Games |
Enter a captivating world where magic and technology find a middle ground. But with the forces of evil approaching, only you can restore the once-lost peace!
Choose from ten charming heroes to embark on a dangerous journey through procedurally generated levels. Supplied with an impressive arsenal of weapons, you can enjoy this unforgiving Bullet Hell combat as much as you want – just like in your favorite Returnal!
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Control
| Release date: | 2019-08-27 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Remedy Entertainment |
Jesse is searching for her missing brother, but the only trace leads to the Federal Bureau of Control – a gloomy location invaded by hostile forces and multiplying secrets.
Control is a third-person action game from the creators of the phenomenal Alan Wake. On the surface, it focuses primarily on combat and exploration – but there is more to this game than you might initially expect. Like in Returnal, some locations change shape, the female protagonist investigates a rather spooky area, and the mysterious aura flawlessly enriches the compelling plot.
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Sifu
| Release date: | 2023-03-28 |
| Genre: | Fighting |
| Developer: | Sloclap |
Play as a young kung fu student seeking revenge on his family’s murderers. Your talisman can resurrect you after each failure but in exchange for rushed aging leading to eventual death.
Like the steady descent into madness in Returnal, the hero’s resurrection includes grave consequences in this game. Sifu is a third-person fighting title where older age makes your character more powerful – but closer to the end. By using 150 unique skills, you may be able to endure this trial and reach the well-deserved revenge!
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Luna Abyss (release soon)
| Release date: | TBD |
| Genre: | FPS |
| Developer: | Bonsai Collective |
This sci-fi recommendation tells the story of a prisoner entering a mysterious abyss to learn its dreadful past. All by herself, with one exception – artificial intelligence supervises her every step.
Explore the remains of the abandoned colony to discover their terrifying secret and recover forgotten technology. You are just a prisoner, but your skills can help you survive in this world where enemies lurk at every turn!
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Nex Machina
| Release date: | 2017-06-20 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Housemarque |
In a world where people are addicted to technology, no one notices machines gaining consciousness. Disrespected, they decide to exterminate the entire human race.
Nex Machina is an adrenaline-fueled twin-stick shooter offering over a hundred levels in six unique worlds. Your job is to free humans and defeat hordes of brutal machines to ascend the online ranks for the best of the best. Choose this game if you adore bullet-hell combat!
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Dead Cells
| Release date: | 2017-05-10 |
| Genre: | Action & Shooter |
| Developer: | Motion Twin |
Prepare for procedurally generated locations, high replayability, and an enigmatic story. Sounds familiar? These are just a few similarities between Returnal and this brilliant game!
Dead Cells is like Dark Souls but in a more platform arrangement. Explore a procedurally generated world, fight in incredibly challenging combat, and discover the secrets of forgotten dungeons to see all possible endings. This game is all about heart-pumping action!
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The randomness of roguelike adventures ensures a brand-new experience each time. It doesn’t matter how many times you beat them, as high replayability is every gamer’s dream come true. Enriched with immersive worlds, enchanting stories, and challenging combat, roguelike games like Returnal motivate you to try again – even if the previous run ended in an epic fail.