Every day from December to January, we’ll be posting our top 30 games of 2021 daily. Here’s number 26.

#26: Returnal

Platforms: PS5

Housemarque surprised us all with a familiar yet different kind of shooter experience. We proudly declare its sole PS5 entry Returnal the Dark Souls of roguelikes; an apt description if there ever was one. Just like other roguelikes such as Hades, you’ll return to the beginning after dying, and trust me, you’ll die a lot in Returnal.

We’ve died a lot in Returnal; moreso than any other game. The game doesn’t hold back, and the combat is immensely satisfying. It feels like a 3D Mega Man meets Control. Dashing and shooting feel punchy and slick, and you’ll need to get good if you want to reach the end of the game. It was a painful but ultimately satisfying experience if you’re ready for a game that will break you apart again and again. And you want to keep at it to find out the real story behind our heroine’s plight, as well as see what other levels and dangers Housemarque throws at you.

Suffering has never felt more delicious than in Returnal. While the game suffered a number of bugs here and there at launch, numerous updates and patches have made this PS5 shooter all the more polished and refined.