Risk of Rain Returns Reviews
A satisfying, if conservative, return to the seminal roguelike's 2D roots.
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.
Risk of Rain Returns an incredibly playable side-scroller that will absolutely appeal to fans of the genre or the franchise.
The ultimate Risk of Rain experience, featuring quality new content that makes this game extremely entertaining and replayable.
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 1 was already a very good roguelike, and this is an improved and expanded version of it, so what's not to love? Wish Hopoo added the ability to save during a run, though.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While it would have been expected that the series would continue with another sequel, Hopoo Games’ decision to go with the remastered Risk of Rain Returns is a pleasant surprise that we didn’t know we needed. The visual upgrade, coupled with the smart additions and gameplay tweaks to an already solid roguelike formula, make for an experience that constantly entertains and challenges the player, even with the niggling issues that will take some getting used to. Brilliantly modernized for a new generation of players, who knew death could be so rewarding?
Risk of Rain Returns partly reflects the progress made in the Roguelite genre a decade ago. However, compared to many modern Roguelite games that have kept up with the times, it still shows some clear flaws and areas that need improvement.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Whether it's your first run or 50th, Risk of Rain Returns offers roguelike action like few other titles. The HD visuals and new content are great, but the game's excellent core is polished and enhanced even more.
A faithful remaster full of neat tweaks and new goodies best enjoyed in co-op.
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 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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
“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 phenomenal game that revitalizes the classic with a visual overhaul and many thoughtful new additions.
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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Risk of Rain Returns is an example of not only how to perfect a remake but also how to perfect a roguelike. All of the changes made to the game felt fitting and, on top of that, improved upon so many elements of the game that it just made it an insanely high-quality product. In terms of roguelike games, Risk of Rain Returns will sit up there as one of the best alongside games like The Binding of Isaac, Hades, and even Risk of Rain 2.
Risk of Rain Returns might not be quite as free-flowing as its 3D successor, but it's a brilliant recreation of the original title that started it all. It hooks you and keeps you playing, dying, then playing again.
More than an attempt to cash in on the growing popularity of a series that started out in a somewhat niche way, Risk of Rain Returns is a welcomed remake that offers enough quality-of-life improvements and new content to be relevant and appealing to both fans and newcomers to the action roguelike genre. It plays great, has enough content and diversity to keep you entranced for weeks, and the new additions might just be what the game needed to appeal to a crowd that wasn’t attracted by the original. While not perfect, it’s a blasted good time where every frustrating death is nothing but an invitation to another run with renewed confidence.