Housemarque Marks 4th Anniversary of Returnal with Exciting PS5 Pro Patch

Housemarque Celebrates Returnal’s 4th Anniversary with Exciting PS5 Pro Patch

In a notable milestone, Finnish developer Housemarque has marked the fourth anniversary of their acclaimed title, Returnal, by releasing a highly anticipated patch for the PlayStation 5 Pro. While specifics about the enhancements remain limited, the studio has confirmed that the patch boasts a resolution improvement of up to 2.5 times compared to the original PlayStation 5 version.

A Closer Look at Returnal’s Technical Advancements

According to insights shared by Digital Foundry, Returnal initially rendered at native 1080p, with temporal reconstruction scaling up to 1440p. The game’s final output achieved 4K resolution through a checkerboard rendering process. The release of the PS5 Pro patch hints at the possibility of native 4K rendering, although a thorough analysis will be awaited for definitive confirmation.

Returnal: A Benchmark in Roguelike Gaming

Powered by Unreal Engine 4, Returnal not only garnered critical acclaim but also played a pivotal role in convincing Sony to acquire Housemarque. With its captivating gameplay loop that rewards both innovation and skill, alongside loot mechanics that enable players to create formidable character builds, Returnal represents what a premier roguelike experience should aspire to achieve. The game’s combat, combined with its atmospheric storytelling, paints a truly immersive picture, making it one of the standout PlayStation 5 exclusives of 2021. Players looking for consistent challenges will find plenty of excitement as they guide Selene through her perilous journey on the alien planet, time and time again.

Looking Ahead: Housemarque’s New Sci-Fi IP, Saros

Despite the success of Returnal, Housemarque is not planning a sequel. Instead, the studio is developing an entirely new science fiction title named Saros, which they describe as the ‘ultimate evolution’ of their signature action gameplay. Set for release next year on the PlayStation 5, Saros will still employ the roguelike elements familiar to Returnal players, but will introduce mechanics that allow for the retention of permanent resources and progression, thereby softening the impact of in-game deaths.

Future of Gaming at Housemarque

Last month, the development team revealed that the scale and ambition of Saros would have been unattainable had they remained independent. The game’s budget is reportedly comparable to that of Alan Wake 2, estimated at around €70 million. This significant investment underscores the studio’s commitment to advancing their craft and delivering a standout gaming experience.

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