PS5 Exclusive Returnal Channels Housemarque's DNA In New Footage

Returnal, the latest PS5-exclusive from arcade-shooter veterans Housemarque, is launching in a few months, and the latest developer diary from the studio shows off more elements of its rogue-lite.

Housemarque is known for its fast and frenetic 2D shooters, namely Resogun, Nex Machina, and Super Stardust HD. The transition to 3D is a big leap for the studio, but it's evident from the footage that the DNA of its previous work is there. There are enemies firing off waves of projectiles, blisteringly fast movement, and bright neon effects everywhere. Check it out below.

In addition to the new footage, Returnal game director Harry Krueger explained how the addition of a new dimension is letting the team at Housemarque experiment with something entirely new to them.

"Naturally, there's been quite a few interesting challenges on that road," Krueger explained. "I think it comes down to … yes, most of our games during this last ten-year period, during the arcade era, have been mostly 2D experiences, right? So usually confined to a simple 2D playfield and lots of clean obstacles and challenges to overcome, lots of explosive action. Now we just have this extra dimension-- literally an extra dimension--of both ambition and complexity to the mix."

Krueger also mentioned that the PS5's new DualSense controller has allowed the team to come up with new ways to experience the third-person shooter action, specifically with regards to how half-presses of triggers will do different things. Returnal's control scheme will be entirely customizable, however, if you enjoy something more traditional.

Returnal launches on PS5 on March 19. It's the first PS5 exclusive expected to launch this year ahead of the sequel to God of War, Gran Turismo 7, and Horizon Forbidden West.