Released in 2021, “Returnal” is a third-person shooter roguelike video game that follows Selene Vassos, an ASTRA astronaut who crash-lands on the alien planet Atropos while investigating a mysterious signal called “White Shadow.” Trapped in an endless time loop, Selene must navigate shifting extraterrestrial landscapes filled with hostile creatures, dying repeatedly and resurrecting after each death. This loop not only alters the environment but also distorts her perception of reality and identity as she uncovers recordings of her past selves and confronts traumatic memories. Major tropes include the time loop and its psychological effects on immortality and self-perception. The primary setting is the ever-changing planet Atropos in an indeterminate future. “Returnal” blends fast-paced action with deep psychological narrative, offering an innovative take on time manipulation within the roguelike genre.
