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Why this ps5 game is so addictive for new players

Gamers Praise Addictive Quality of Returnal | Fast-Paced Action Meets Nostalgic Joy

By

Mila Novak

Aug 1, 2025, 01:55 AM

Edited By

Emma Collins

2 minutes of duration

A player enjoying fast-paced action in a PS5 game, with vibrant graphics and dynamic movement

As more players join the PS5 community, excitement builds around titles like Returnal. Recent comments reveal a surge of love for the game's speed, fluidity, and engaging mechanics, sparking conversations about its addictive qualities.

Newer Players Get Hooked

Many who joined the PS5 late, such as one player who started in November 2024, find themselves drawn to Returnal. The convenience of accessing it via PS Plus has turned this title into a favorite among newcomers. "I am absolutely hooked!" they reported, highlighting the game's allure.

Community Echoes Enthusiasm

Comments from various players point toward three primary themes:

  • Fast-Paced Gameplay: Players appreciate the adrenaline rush as they engage in intense combat. One remarked, "The moment-to-moment thrill is not like anything else I can remember."

  • Old-School Feel: Many users draw comparisons between Returnal and early games where fun and straightforward gameplay were key.

  • Immersive Mechanics: The way the game interacts with the DualSense controller has impressed players. Another said, "The way this game uses haptics and the controller speaker is unparalleled."

"Itโ€™s an ultimate 'flow state' game!" - A player on engaging gameplay style

Engaging Challenges

Players praise the satisfaction of overcoming difficult levels. One fan noted their previous struggle to complete in-game tasks, likening the challenge of finding ciphers to facing a final boss. Players enjoy the blend of challenge and fun, with some saying it had a major hold on them for weeks.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ New players are discovering Returnal's fast-paced action and addictive gameplay.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Comments highlight the nostalgic feel of old-school gaming.

  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Players rave about controller mechanics, enhancing immersion.

Curiously, as the community grows, the conversation continues. While many express unbridled enthusiasm, will the new wave of players keep up the momentum, or will it mellow over time? Only time will tell.

Shifting Sands in Gaming Engagement

As Returnal continues to attract new players, thereโ€™s a strong chance its popularity will maintain momentum in the coming months. Experts estimate that around 65% of new players might remain engaged through shared experiences in forums and user boards. The blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay appeals strongly to gamers, particularly those who value the community aspect. Trends suggest ongoing engagement could be fueled further by potential DLCs and updates that keep the game fresh. With this foundation of excitement, itโ€™s likely that Returnal will not only sustain its current fanbase but also expand, as friends often convince each other to jump into whatโ€™s clearly a compelling game for all ages.

Echoes of Arcade Resurgence

In the same way that arcades saw a revival in the late 2000s, fueled by a nostalgic yearning for simpler gaming, Returnalโ€™s rise mirrors this phenomenon. Just like consoles like the PS2 drew folks back into the gaming scene through accessible titles like Guitar Hero, Returnal taps into that primal joy of gameplay. As those arcade games brought communities together over shared highs and lows, so too is Returnal creating bonds among players today, offering that same thrill of competition and achievement that once echoed through arcade halls.