LONDON: Right from the start, before you even take control of Selene Vassos, a reconnaissance scout who has crash-landed on a prohibited and mysterious planet, you are warned that “Returnal” (available originally for PS5 but now PC too) is “intended to be a challenging experience.”

Such difficulty may deter the casual gamer used to a steady progression of character and exploration through a game environment.

However, “Returnal” is a thoughtful and rewarding adventure that claims much originality of thought in its setup. The key theme is that when you die, you return — but not to the same environment you were in before. Instead, each new cycle poses new challenges and progress can only be made by unlocking upgrades.

Selene herself is a professional, unfazed character who does not appear too bothered when she soon comes across the body of her former self, who died in this strange world where the laws of physics and time seem not to apply. Staying alive is crucial, particularly as it allows her to retain better weapons for longer. In addition, avoiding damage allows for boosts of agility, vision and more, making for an overall more lethal Selene.

The environment is varied and of course surprising with each incarnation, and the weapons on offer come complete with a range of exciting alternative fire mechanisms such as homing missiles or lasers. A hostile environment where even plants are a threat to life is mitigated by your technology, which you can improve despite the reset of deaths through fancy smart “xeno-tech” that becomes integrated with alien kit left around.

There is a paradox in “Returnal” described by Selene herself: She is trapped in an environment that is “always the same, always changing,” and players must be patient in the early chapters as they get used to the sapping dynamic of death and return.

Once that makes more sense, the loneliness of both her alien environment and the impossibility of even dying to escape it make for a pretty special atmosphere that a smart-shooting engine then complements.

Have you ever had feelings of inadequacy, even after accomplishing something remarkable? Or perhaps you avoid taking on new difficulties out of a worry that failing will reveal your deception. If so, you may benefit from Carol Dweck’s “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.”

A renowned psychologist, Dweck unveils the groundbreaking idea of fixed vs. growth mindsets. Fixed mindsets believe intelligence and talent are set in stone. Growth mindsets, on the other hand, view them as muscles that can be strengthened through effort and learning.

Imagine yourself struggling with a new skill. A fixed mindset whispers, “See, you’re not good at this.” A growth mindset roars back: “This is tough, but I’m learning and getting better every day!“

Dweck’s book is not just theory. It is packed with real-world examples, from classrooms to CEOs. She demonstrates how embracing a growth mindset can transform students from giving up easily to persevering and thriving.

“Mindset” is for anyone who wants to unlock their full potential. Dweck equips the reader with the tools to reframe setbacks as stepping stones. Instead of dwelling on “I can’t,” you can learn to say, “I can’t yet.” This simple shift in perspective can be a game-changer.

This book is about ditching the drama of fixed mindsets and embracing the “yet” of growth. It is about realizing that your potential is limitless, and the only thing holding you back is the story you tell yourself.