Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Hookstone
Publisher: Psygnosis
Year: 1998
Platform: PC
Sentinel Returns is a surreal puzzle game and the sequel to Geoff Crammond’s 1987 classic The Sentinel. Developed by Hookstone and published by Psygnosis, it was released in 1998 for both PC and PlayStation. The game features over 650 levels set on 3D checkerboard landscapes, where players control a Synthoid—an intelligent presence that inhabits robot “hulls”—to absorb energy and ascend to higher ground.
The core gameplay revolves around strategic movement and energy management. Players must position their Synthoid on boulders to gain height, while avoiding the gaze of the Sentinel and its sentries, which can absorb energy from the Synthoid if they are seen. The objective is to reach a vantage point above the Sentinel to drain its energy and complete the level.
Graphically, Sentinel Returns presents a stark contrast to its predecessor, featuring dark and atmospheric environments with pulsating objects and eerie lighting effects. The soundtrack, composed by John Carpenter, complements the game’s haunting aesthetic.
The game includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in a race to absorb the Sentinel. It also offers a level-skipping mechanic, rewarding players for efficient energy absorption.
