Housemarque, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Returnal, is back with Saros, an ambitious PS5 title that pairs cosmic horror and dynamic roguelike mechanics. Scheduled to launch on April 30, 2024, Saros builds on the lessons learned from its predecessor while introducing fresh gameplay mechanics designed to entice both hardcore players and newcomers. Here’s everything we learned about Saros during a hands-on preview.

The setup: a dangerous mission on alien soil

In Saros, you step into the boots of Arjent Devrage, a member of Echelon 4—a team dispatched by the human megacorporation Sultari to investigate the disappearance of previous crews on the alien planet Carcosa. This desolate but resource-rich planet holds vast deposits of Lucinite, a rare and valuable material. But as you might expect, collecting it won’t be a simple task. Carcosa’s ever-changing geography and hostile inhabitants make survival a challenge.

The world of Carcosa is at the heart of the game’s structure. Its landscapes reshape with every new attempt, making it a perfect fit for Saros’s roguelike gameplay. What sets Saros apart from Returnal, however, is its more accessible design. With features like autosave functionality, shorter runs (20–30 minutes on average), and the option to teleport directly to unlocked biomes, Housemarque is aiming to lower the entry barrier for players who were deterred by Returnal’s more punishing mechanics.

Gameplay: digging into risk-reward tactical combat

Saros leans heavily into its risk-reward combat mechanics, requiring players to make tactical decisions at every moment. Weapons, for instance, come with their own perks and trade-offs. A powerful weapon may demand precise aiming, while another could let you rely on auto-lock at the expense of raw firepower. Weapons are bolstered by alternate fire modes, which rotate randomly to keep players on their toes.

Combat in Saros is all about mobility and timing. Arjent’s core tool is the Sultari shield, which not only protects him but also absorbs projectiles that, when fully charged, are unleashed as a devastating attack. This feature requires strategic use, as poorly timed defenses can leave you exposed. Combat often feels less like a hectic shootout and more like a carefully choreographed “bullet ballet,” where agility and precision are key.

Enemies come in various forms, from mechanical monstrosities to indigenous horrors. They behave dynamically, throwing projectile waves in an almost rhythmic manner. The challenge ramps up during boss fights, with each encounter feeling uniquely designed to test your adaptability. The first major boss, “The Prophet,” lets you use specific tactics—such as auto-lock weapons—to shift the odds in your favor, blending combat savvy with quick reflexes.

Comparing Death and Progression in Returnal and Saros

Feature	Returnal	Saros
Save Options	None at launch; added later	Autosave and multiple slots
Run Length	Often over an hour	20-30 minutes
Map Progression	Replay cleared areas	Skip to unlocked biomes
Combat Mechanic Focus	Continuous strafing	Risk-reward timing with the shield
Accessibility Improvements	Limited	Tailored modifiers, shorter sessions

Evolving the roguelike formula

Housemarque has integrated feedback from players to balance Saros’s difficulty without sacrificing the challenge fans expect. Features like permanent upgrades help smooth the experience. Lucinite, the in-game currency, is carried over between runs and can be spent on crucial enhancements. Some upgrades include second-chance revives or progressively raising the base level of weapons found in future runs.

Modifiers add another layer of strategy, similar to the punishment pacts in Hades. Players can adjust difficulties mid-run, further emphasizing player-tailored experiences. This approach seeks to address one of the primary criticisms levied at Returnal: its sometimes inflexible gameplay loop.

The atmospheric centerpiece: the solar eclipse

Carcosa’s haunting beauty is amplified by a recurring event: a solar eclipse. Triggering the eclipse plunges the environment into chaos, as the world’s flora and fauna become increasingly aggressive. For players, this signifies a shift in both aesthetic and difficulty, introducing faster attacks and corrupted projectiles to dodge. The gameplay rhythm changes drastically during these phases, demanding players adapt quickly.

The eclipse holds a critical narrative and gameplay function as well. Ritual motifs connected to the eclipse suggest it plays an integral role in Carcosa’s lore, hinting at a civilization that revered the sun as either a god or a curse. Cinematics and environmental storytelling introduce players to these mysteries, gradually revealing the eclipse’s devastating psychological impacts on previous crews and even on Arjent himself.

A more cinematic Housemarque experience

While Saros owes much to Returnal’s gameplay formula, it significantly expands its narrative ambitions. This is Housemarque’s most story-driven game to date, featuring a larger cast, deep character interactions, and cinematic storytelling. Rahul Kohli voices Arjent, bringing depth and nuance to the lead, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Jane Perry from Returnal.

Players can dive deeper into the backstories of Arjent’s crew through optional NPC conversations and text logs. These interactions seem designed to add emotional weight and complexity to the story, following in the footsteps of narrative-rich sci-fi titles like Solaris or High Life.

Technical mastery on the PS5

Given its status as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Saros takes full advantage of the console’s technical capabilities. The adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller add an extra layer of tactile responsiveness, particularly with the alternate fire modes. The game also boasts impressive visual fidelity and dynamic sound design, blending thundering guitar riffs with moments of eerie silence depending on the context. Early impressions indicate a near-flawless technical presentation, aiming to showcase the best of what PS5 hardware can offer.

Practical takeaways

1. Unique evolution: Saros refines the Returnal formula by emphasizing shorter sessions, easier progression systems, and enhanced accessibility.
2. Deep combat systems: The Sultari shield redefines gameplay, blending protection with tactical risk-reward mechanics.
3. Engaging storytelling: A more narrative-driven approach deepens player immersion without compromising frenetic combat.
4. Technical polish: Stunning visuals, dynamic sound, and clever use of the DualSense controller create a polished experience exclusive to the PS5.

Conclusion

Saros aims to strike a balance between innovation and familiarity. By building on the strengths of Returnal while addressing its pain points, Housemarque appears poised to deliver another standout PlayStation-exclusive title. With its April 30th release date around the corner, players seeking intense combat, gripping narrative, and exquisite technical design have much to look forward to on Carcosa.