Finnish game developer Housemarque made a mark in 2021 with the release of “Returnal” for the Sony PlayStation 5. The game centers on an astronaut stranded on an alien planet teeming with cosmic horror-inspired foes, captivating players with its challenging yet graceful combat. With their new title “Saros,” Housemarque stays true to their signature style while introducing refinements that draw inspiration from top games in similar genres, making it more accessible without losing its intense nature.
Far from a laid-back experience, “Saros” maintains the studio’s tradition of delivering engaging gameplay that fans have come to expect. The game’s narrative may not always offer clear plot points, but it immerses players in a haunting world that leaves them eager for more, despite feeling breathless and disoriented.
“Saros” plunges players into action from the get-go, casting them as Arjun, a heavily armed enforcer tasked with investigating the alien planet Carcosa on behalf of the Earth mega-corporation Soltari. Drawing heavily from the roguelike and bullet hell genres, the game combines elements of restarting from scratch with each gameplay session, acquiring upgrades to progress, and navigating intense bullet-filled combat scenarios.
In a unique twist, every time Arjun perishes, he is resurrected with newfound knowledge but faces ever-changing levels and challenges. By collecting lucenite scattered across the world, players can enhance their abilities and armaments. With a blend of bullet hell mechanics in a 3D setting, “Saros” introduces the concept of “bullet ballet,” where players engage in frenetic battles against diverse enemies.
The key to surviving the onslaught of enemy projectiles lies in utilizing the Soltari Shield, a tool that absorbs specific bullets to charge up a powerful weapon. Balancing risk and reward, players must strategically gather blue bullets to enhance their offensive capabilities while dodging other threats that can inflict direct damage.
As players progress, they encounter obstacles that require activating an eclipse, unleashing a transformed and more perilous environment. This mechanic not only intensifies gameplay but also reinforces the game’s theme of taking risks for potential rewards.
While “Saros” excels in creating a gripping atmosphere, its narrative takes a back seat to gameplay. The storyline, revolving around Arjun’s quest to find a missing woman amidst the chaos of Carcosa, serves more as a backdrop to the intense combat and exploration elements. Despite the minimal emphasis on storytelling, the game’s mysterious allure contributes to the overall sense of isolation and suspense.
With its seamless fusion of genres, “Saros” stands out as a distinct gaming experience, offering a unique blend of fast-paced action and strategic gameplay. Fans of Housemarque’s previous work will find familiarity in the game’s challenging yet rewarding gameplay, setting it apart from mainstream titles while maintaining its own identity. “Saros” is set to launch on April 30 for the Sony PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro.
