SAROS marks a bold evolution for Housemarque, building on the success of Returnal with a more ambitious narrative and refined gameplay. The PS5 exclusive delivers a hypnotic blend of roguelike mechanics and fast-paced “bullet ballet” combat, where players control Arjun Devraj across the ever-changing planet Carcosa.
Unlike its predecessor, SAROS introduces a permanent upgrade system, allowing players to retain progress between runs. While this makes the experience more forgiving, the core journey remains challenging, with a 10–15 hour main path and an expansive endgame. The gameplay stands out for its fluid movement, dazzling enemy encounters, and visually striking boss battles, all running smoothly on the PS5.
Narratively, SAROS pushes further into cosmic horror, though its broader scope comes at the cost of deeper character connections. Post-launch issues—such as collectible bugs and traversal glitches—also impact the experience, though patches are expected to address them.
Beyond the main story, players can unlock a secret ending that adds emotional weight to Arjun’s journey. After completing the game, players must revisit key locations, uncover hidden story elements, and make a crucial choice during the final boss encounter. Instead of claiming power, Arjun rejects it—leading to a quieter, more reflective conclusion.
This alternate ending reveals more about Arjun’s past, including his troubled relationship with Nitya and implied personal failures. Rather than offering redemption, it suggests acceptance, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions.
Despite some uneven storytelling and endgame pacing, SAROS stands as Housemarque’s most ambitious title yet—combining striking visuals, refined mechanics, and layered storytelling into one of the PS5’s most compelling modern shooters.
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