When the PlayStation 5 launched last November, one of its most notable features was thebrand-new DualSense controller. Set to be a tech demo of sorts for the DualSense,Astro’s Playroomwas a well-received pack-in game that ignited the imaginations of PlayStation fans across the globe over the potential of the new controller.
Astro’s Playroomfeatured all sorts of interesting ways for the controller to be used from the trigger’s haptic feedback to the 3D audio. It seemed like every element of the gamewas incorporating the DualSense in some way or another. When people got their hands on otherPS5 launch titles, however, it seemed as if many of the exclusive DualSense features had been forgotten about by game makers. Nothing had come anywhere nearAstro’s Playroomin terms of controller functionality untilReturnal.
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Based on the early reception ofReturnal, it looks like itis the first game sinceAstro’s Playroomto really utilize the PS5’s DualSense controller in a meaningful way. Described by Game Rant as, “the most immersive uses of haptics ever in a video game, bar none,“Returnalmight just be the final proof of concept needed for other studios to see just how incredible the DualSense can be. In a similar vein, it’s quite hype-inducing for one of many upcoming Insomniac Games titles.
Insomniac and the DualSense
Ever since the release ofSunset Overdriveback in 2014, Insomniac has become a household gaming name. With last year’sMarvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moralesand the upcomingRatchet and Clank: Rift Apart, the studio has acquired some real momentum. Plenty of eyes are looking at what it’s planning next afterRift Apartreleases. Despite the lack of official announcements, it’s pretty clear that one of the studio’s next projects is the directsequel to 2018’sMarvel’s Spider-Man.
WhileMiles Moraleswas a worthy sequel/spinoff in its own right, the lack of any real DualSense integration felt like something of a missed opportunity. With the general lack of PS5 availability and the prevalence ofMiles MoralesPS5 bundles, plenty of PS5 owners went directly from the pack-inAstro’s PlayroomintoMiles Morales. The difference in DualSense incorporation betweenAstroandSpider-Manis pretty vast. WhileMiles Moralesdefinitely had some use of the adaptive triggers and 3D audio, playing the two games side by side, unfortunately, highlighted the lack of meaningful controller features inMiles Morales.
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Where to Go After Returnal
Now thatReturnalhas set the bar so highwith its use of the DualSense, the proverbial ball is in the courts of all other Sony published studios. It has been made clear thatReturnal’s use of the controller is more than just a gimmick and adds to the overall immersion and ambiance. What’s more, it’s made the game literallyfeelunique and memorable.
TheSpider-Mansequel would do well to use the lessons being taught byReturnalwith its controller use. Luckily, it seems like Insomniac Games is already on board withusing the DualSense for meaningful gameplayfeatures inRatchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Hopefully, withSpider-Man 2,the studio will use the combination of DualSense features thatRift Apartdirector Mike Daly highlighted when discussing the upcoming release.
At this point, only time will tell if other studios will continue to take full advantage of the new hardware in ways other than what’s in the PlayStation 5 itself. IfReturnalis setting the stagefor what’s to come, however, then it seems like a new age of video game immersion might be just around the corner.
