Housemarque’s highly anticipated new shooter, “Saros,” has left our reviewer, Michi, completely stunned during his hands-on experience with the PS5 version. His highest expectations were shattered, as “Saros” represents a truly gigantic leap forward from the team’s critically acclaimed predecessor, “Returnal.” Beyond its near-perfect shooter mechanics, “Saros” brilliantly transforms “Returnal’s” primary weakness into its greatest strength. The game remains incredibly challenging, yet it has simultaneously become significantly more accessible, striking a masterful balance.
From the moment you start, the story immediately hooks you, drawing you into its rich narrative. The gameplay itself is nothing short of brilliant, offering an unparalleled shooter experience. As a roguelike, “Saros” excels with immense variety, ensuring that each run feels fresh and engaging. Surprisingly, even the act of dying is integrated in a way that makes it enjoyable, fostering learning and progression rather than frustration. The combat encounters are exceptionally designed, making every battle a thrilling and unique challenge. This is further enhanced by a meticulously crafted risk-and-reward system that constantly encourages strategic play. Visually and technically, “Saros” is breathtaking, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our overall verdict points towards “Saros” being a potential mega-hit, with promising implications for co-op modes and a future PC release.