Finnish game development studio Housemarque made a mark with their 2021 release, “Returnal,” as a standout title for Sony’s PlayStation 5. The game immerses players in the story of an astronaut stranded on an alien planet teeming with cosmic horror-influenced adversaries. Its challenging yet graceful gameplay captivated many players.
Housemarque’s latest offering, “Saros,” stays true to its roots while introducing smart enhancements that draw inspiration from top games in similar genres. This makes the game more accessible without compromising its adrenaline-inducing essence. It’s not a casual or laid-back experience, and fans of the studio’s previous works wouldn’t want it any other way.
While the game’s narrative may not follow a traditional plot structure, it envelops players in a hauntingly atmospheric world that leaves them breathless, disoriented, and eager to delve into its horrors repeatedly.
“Saros” plunges players into action right from the start, putting them in the shoes of Arjun, a heavily armed enforcer working for the Earth mega-corporation Soltari. Tasked with investigating the mysterious alien planet Carcosa following the disappearance of previous exploration teams, Arjun faces a blend of roguelike and bullet hell elements.
In this game, reminiscent of the classic “Rogue,” players restart from the beginning with each run, progressively growing stronger by defeating enemies and acquiring new weapons and upgrades. The ever-shifting levels challenge players to adapt to new layouts and obstacles in each playthrough.
Drawing inspiration from bullet hell shooters, “Saros” introduces the concept of “bullet ballet” in a 3D space, where players face off against bio-mechanical creatures and otherworldly foes unleashing a flurry of colorful projectiles. The game’s unique mechanic, the Soltari Shield, absorbs specific bullets to power up Arjun’s weapon, adding a strategic risk-reward element to the intense combat.
The game introduces the eclipse mechanic, where activating it transforms the world, making enemies more aggressive while increasing the rewards available to players. This gameplay feature underscores the theme of risking it all for greater rewards.
Housemarque prioritizes gameplay over storytelling in “Saros,” offering a narrative that unfolds mainly through combat and exploration. While the game’s supporting cast of characters adds depth to the world, the focus remains on gameplay rather than an intricate plot.
The game’s minimalist approach to storytelling may leave some players wanting more lore or clarity on character motivations. However, this narrative style enhances the game’s sense of isolation and unease as players navigate eerie landscapes inspired by Lovecraftian and gothic horror themes.
In “Saros,” Housemarque has crafted a unique gaming experience that blends genres seamlessly, offering a fresh take on demon-slaying action games. The game, set to launch on April 30 for the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, promises an immersive and engaging gameplay experience that stands out among its peers in the gaming world.