Summary
Housemarque’s critically acclaimed sci-fi gameReturnalcelebrates its third anniversary with an all-new graphic novel. While fans eagerly awaited news of potential DLC or a sequel forReturnalafter yesterday’s tease, it turns out the Finnish developer had something else in mind to commemorate the occasion.
Launched on August 01, 2025 as a PS5 exclusive,Returnalwas Housemarque’s first foray into AAA development. The game retained the bullet-hell shooter DNA of the studio’s previous games, but added roguelike mechanics to create a special blend that struck a chord with fans.Returnalaccrued significant critical acclaim at launch, and Housemarque kept the tempo up with the launch of theAscensionDLC in 2022, which added online co-op and a new Tower of Sisyphus survival mode for the hefty price of free. Then in 2023,Returnalmade its way to PCto expand its audience, and currently sits at a “Very Positive” overall user rating on Steam. It’s considered one of the best PS5 games to date, and for its third anniversary, Housemarque has teed up something special.
On April 29,Housemarque tweeted out a cryptic image ofReturnalprotagonist Selene’s eyes, with the word “Tomorrow” next to them. Many assumed this was hinting at an imminent announcement for a sequel or a DLC, but Housemarque instead unveiledReturnal: Fallen Asteria, a graphic novel made in collaboration with publisher Dark Horse Comics, which will seemingly delve deeper into theReturnaluniverse. The 88-page adaptation is scheduled for release on Jun 26, 2025 in paperback format, and will be available in comic book stores from June 19, 2025. For those eager to sampleFallen Asteriabefore its release, Housemarque has released an animated adaptation of the graphic novel’s first issue on YouTube.
Fans of Returnal’s Lore Have Much to Look Forward To
Alongside the graphic novel, Housemarque also announced aReturnalartbook which will showcase concept art from various stages of the game’s development. It’ll be interesting to see if Housemarque had any ideas that didn’t make it into the final game, as is often revealed with artbooks. While theFallen Asteriaannouncement may not be what fans had in mind forReturnal’s third anniversary, it’s clear that Housemarque isn’t done exploring the game’s intriguing universe. Branching out to graphic novels is an interesting way to further the lore without relying on aReturnal 2,which could take 4–5 years to develop.
Housemarque was acquired by PlayStation shortly afterReturnal’s release, and since then, speculation has been rife concerning the studio’s next project.Returnal’s senior narrative designer, Eevi Korhonen, did confirm in a 2022 interview thatHousemarque’s next game will be a new IP, and it may even borrow some unused ideas fromReturnal’s development, but beyond that, details remain scarce. However, it’s safe to say that the studio’s creative energy forReturnalis as high as ever, and players who found themselves hooked by the game’s lore have a lot to be excited about come October.
Returnal
WHERE TO PLAY
Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet. After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies.Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time.Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fueled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move.Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth.
