Finnish game developer Housemarque made a mark with their 2021 release, “Returnal,” as an early standout for the Sony PlayStation 5. The game portrays an astronaut trapped on an alien planet teeming with cosmic horror-influenced enemies, captivating players with its challenging yet graceful combat. The studio’s latest offering, “Saros,” stays true to its roots with clever tweaks to the gameplay, drawing inspiration from top-tier games in similar genres to create a more accessible yet adrenaline-pumping experience.
Far from a casual, laid-back game, “Saros” maintains the signature intensity that Housemarque fans appreciate. The narrative in the game may not follow a traditional plotline, but it immerses players in a hauntingly eerie world that leaves them breathless, disoriented, and eager for more encounters with its horrors.
“Saros” plunges players into action right from the start, casting them as Arjun, a heavily armed enforcer working for the Earth mega-corporation Soltari on a mission to investigate the alien planet of Carcosa. The game draws heavily from the roguelike and bullet hell genres, requiring players to start anew with each game session, gathering upgrades and weapons to progress through dynamically changing levels.
In a fusion of genres, “Saros” introduces the concept of “bullet ballet,” where players combat bio-mechanical creatures and demons unleashing intricate bullet patterns reminiscent of DNA strands. The game’s strategic gameplay revolves around the Soltari Shield, a crucial tool that absorbs specific bullets to power up Arjun’s weapons, adding a layer of risk and reward to the combat dynamics.
As players navigate through the alien landscape of Carcosa, they must activate the eclipse to unlock new challenges and rewards, intensifying the gameplay experience. Despite a minimalistic storytelling approach, “Saros” focuses primarily on engaging combat and exploration, with occasional narrative elements to complement the immersive gameplay.
While not delving deep into extensive lore, “Saros” excels in creating a captivating atmosphere through its alien environments and Lovecraftian inspirations. Housemarque’s unique blend of genres in “Returnal” and “Saros” offers a distinct gaming experience, with the latter refining gameplay mechanics without compromising on its core appeal.
Scheduled for release on April 30 for the Sony PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, “Saros” promises an engaging experience for players seeking a blend of action-packed gameplay and atmospheric storytelling.
