Saros offers intense sci-fi action in a stunning yet perilous alien world

Housemarque has long been synonymous with delivering exceptional action-packed gameplay, characterized by superb gunplay and meticulously refined mechanics. In just over a month, PlayStation 5 users will have the opportunity to experience this hallmark of excellence once more with the Finnish studio’s latest release, Saros. The game follows a rescue crew as they attempt to uncover the fate of a human colony that has mysteriously gone silent at the farthest reaches of the universe. Saros combines sci-fi action with elements of cosmic horror.

Housemarque has previously provided a glimpse of what to expect through a story trailer and has detailed the gameplay features that will be essential for survival on the alien planet Carcosa. Players will assume the role of Enforcer Arjun, whose combat skills make him the ideal candidate to navigate the treacherous terrain for the rescue crew. On Carcosa, death is not a permanent end; Arjun resurrects each time he falls, returning to the crew’s base to restart his mission. This resurrection theme was prevalent during a three-hour hands-on session, which included the game’s first two levels—Shattered Rise and Ancient Depths—and the formidable bosses at their conclusion.

In conjunction with this session, discussions with creative director Gregory Louden and art director Simone Silvestri offered deeper insights into the game’s mechanics.

Transforming threats into opportunities

Saros boasts extensive yet easily graspable core mechanics, utilizing the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and bumper functions. Players will collect human-crafted Soltari tech weapons like Hand Cannons, Rifles, and Shotguns, each with unique perks and dual firing modes. A primary fire mode is activated by pressing R2, while a secondary mode, selected by partially pulling L2, adds a layer of strategy to combat.

Players can also use a Dash ability (L1) to evade damage and deploy a Shield (R1), which relies on sufficient power levels. A key gameplay element is the relationship between Soltari tech and alien Carcosan weaponry, which defines Saros’ playstyle. An encounter with an alien artifact grants Arjun the ability to harness Carcosan energy, used in the Power Weapon, which can neutralize multiple foes but requires energy collected by absorbing enemy projectiles.

Louden describes a shift from the obstacle course-like gameplay of Housemarque’s previous title, Returnal, to a more dynamic ‘playground’ experience, emphasizing constant movement and interaction during combat.

Embracing risk for greater rewards

Players will encounter a device in every area of Carcosa that, when activated, initiates a biome-specific eclipse. This optional event drastically alters the visual and auditory landscape, increasing enemy difficulty but offering greater rewards. During eclipses, players can collect Lucenite, a valuable currency for upgrades, and discover corrupted weaponry with unique perks.

Arjun’s Armor Matrix, an upgrade tree available at the crew’s base, unlocks abilities like parrying, enhancing the combat experience.

Exploration and narrative

Levels in Saros are procedurally connected, with handcrafted design ensuring a seamless experience. Each level includes a direct path to objectives and side paths with rewards, often guarded by reflex-testing puzzles.

The game’s narrative unfolds through remnants of colony camps and logs, unraveling the mystery of the colony’s fate. Unlike Returnal’s solitary narrative, Saros explores group dynamics, with crew relationships and motivations adding depth and urgency to the story.