Returnal: Ascension DLC Gameplay Trailer Is 20 Minutes of Awesome Combat
The upcoming Ascension expansion for Returnal has received a roughly 20-minute gameplay trailer that walks hopeful players through what they should expect from the new endless mode. Sony and developer Housemarque announced Returnal: Ascension during a recent State of Play stream, unveiling the first details about a free update boasting two different modes - co-op and Tower of Sisyphus.
Notably, the Ascension expansion will go live free of charge for all Returnal owners at the end of this month. The two-player co-op mode featured in the update will allow users to team up with a friend online and take on the formidable forces of Atropos. According to Housemarque, the cooperative option was designed with teamwork in mind, meaning those who venture too far from their partner can expect the game to tether them back together. The Tower of Sisyphus, on the other hand, offers something completely different - an endless mode that harkens back to the studio's arcade roots by testing player skill and perseverance. With the brand-new Returnal content right around the corner, now seems as good a time as any for a deep dive into all the endless tower has on offer.
Today, March 16, PlayStation uploaded a nearly 20-minute gameplay trailer showcasing Returnal's Tower of Sisyphus mode. As one would expect, the gameplay bears a lot in common with the core experience. The procedurally generated nature of the Returnal means each section of the tower will be unique, for example. But Selene will also stumble across a host of new secrets that further elevate the narrative. Players can also anticipate challenges and enemy encounters that should truly put their skills to the test, as evidenced in the gameplay video featured below:
Akin to the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends update, which added co-op multiplayer to the open-world experience, Returnal: Ascension should entice players to revisit a title they likely moved on from some time ago. That it's free serves as the icing on the cake, especially since the new content looks as though it will be well worth trying out at launch.
A third-person shooter with roguelike sensibilities, Returnal arguably counts as Housemarque's most difficult game to date. The challenging adventure places users in the boots of Selene, an astro-scout whose crash landing on an alien planet proves far deadlier than anticipated. Since Housemarque tied the gameplay loop and narrative so closely together, those who successfully navigate Returnal's world of Atropos likely find plenty of reasons to keep returning.
Returnal: Ascension hits PS5 on March 22, 2022.
Source: PlayStation/YouTube