Risk of Rain Returns

A satisfying, if conservative, return to the seminal roguelike's 2D roots.

Risk of Rain Returns shines thanks to a fantastic roster of classes, sublimely chaotic gameplay, and fever-dream like presentation. When firing on all cylinders, it's rare for a game to make the player feel as powerful as this one does, even if some runs take a little too long to get going.

Risk of Rain Returns is a beautiful re-entry into the series that started some great memories and friendships. This game already has me hooked for the next couple of years. It’s beginner friendly and helps you learn from your mistakes to become better aware of what to do or grab. I can’t wait to see what they have in store or what the mod community have in store either for Returns.

“Risk of Rain Returns” has its own flavor while staying true to what made the original special. I might not agree with the chaotic nature that longer playthroughs become, but with so many positives, so many hours already pumped into it — and many to come —, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. If you manage to fall in love, I recommend checking the original game if you haven’t and its sequel. But, a fair warning: I won’t be responsible for the hours you might spend in each game. Whether this goes to the dozens or to the hundreds. What I can say is: buckle up, it will be one hell of a ride, and one I’m happy that it exists. I’m happy that “Risk of Rain” is “back”, I’m happy that I’m having a great time with it. I hope you will too.

Risk of Rain Returns is a highly attractive package with a good variety of elements to explore and a customizable difficulty that gives the player the tools to adapt their experience as they please. Though the game elements' visibility leaves a lot to be desired, especially on Switch's Handheld Mode, this is still an easy recommendation for those looking for an experience in the genre.

Risk of Rain Returns is a phenomenal game that revitalizes the classic with a visual overhaul and many thoughtful new additions.

Basically a rehash of the same great roguelike from years ago, complete with enough new content worthy of being a separate game, but also the same issues that the first had.

With its enhancements over the original release, Risk of Rain Returns is an excellent game to spend some time with, whether that's on your own or playing with mates. It does make me want to go and play more Risk of Rain 2 though, as I do miss the extra dimension, but that could just be a me problem.

Additional achievements, challenges, unlocks, and secrets bring enduring value to Risk of Rain Returns, and the new graphics do just enough to contemporize the look of the game without sacrificing its creepy pixelated presentation. This all manifests into a project that feels like a true gift for fans and a premium prospect for roguelite veterans who may have missed its original launch. Risk of Rain Returns takes an all-timer which might have been overshadowed by its sequel and gives it much, much more than a fresh coat of paint.

Be it for newcomers looking for an enticing experience or for the veterans who wish to rediscover the game with its brand new content, Risk of Rain Returns stands out as a renewed rain able to please a vast group of players.