Saros Reviews
Saros is a ton of fun to play, especially if you prefer a character leveling system to a ‘git gud learning patterns’ one. It is stunning to look at and has an excellent soundtrack. An emphasis on its weak story wastes some solid acting performances and incredible art style.
After around 20 hours of playtime, Saros turns out to be a solid Returnal 1.5 but unfortunately not much more than that. The new approach to the game structure and the inclusion of rather generic NPCs make the experience feel less mysterious and somewhat diluted compared to its outstanding predecessor. However, if you can live with a simpler story and are open to new gameplay ideas, you will definitely have just as much fun here as you did with Returnal.
Review in German | Read full review
Saros stands out as an exceptional roguelite, built around a life‑and‑death cycle that’s as addictive as it is relentless. The constant urge for “just one more run” speaks to its finely tuned design, while the stunning visuals elevate the experience into something truly memorable. It’s a must‑play for fans of the genre and one of the year’s essential releases.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Given the recent price hike of the PlayStation 5 console, is it really worth buying a toned-down positive feedback-filled version of Returnal, albeit with a shinier coat of paint? Especially with less expensive roguelite and shmup fares out there? [...] What is on tap right now is decent, not remarkable given the studio's pedigree. Unless this is your first Housemarque roguelite bullet hell experience, wait for a discount.
HouseMarque's decision to create a game that's different from *Returnal*, rather than a "sequel" in the traditional sense, was an excellent one.
Review in Greek | Read full review
SAROS Review: It's time to dust off the PS5 for a review of Housemarque's dark sci-fi rogue-like game, Saros.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Saros confirms Housemarque’s growth, delivering a spiritual successor to Returnal that is more accessible, polished and self-assured. Whilst it sacrifices some of the predecessor’s element of surprise, the game stands out for its extremely solid combat system, a well-executed evolution of the formula and top-tier technical execution. Some concerns remain regarding longevity, as once the campaign is complete, additional activities are virtually non-existent, leaving a sense of regret at having to leave an experience too soon—one that, given the quality of its gameplay and the solidity of its structure, deserved to keep us on Carcosa for much longer.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If it hasn’t been clear up until now, let’s state it plainly here: Saros is, to date, the best game of 2026. We’re talking about a game that’s much more accessible to newcomers to the genre. A storyline that’s more fleshed out than their previous work. We’re talking about new features that elevate the game to the highest strata. And finally, a playtime that adapts to each player’s pace (yet remains more than respectable for the most experienced players). Saros improves and even transforms the genre. Few can boast of such an achievement.
Review in French | Read full review
Saros will not only satisfy Returnal fans, but also has the potential to attract a new audience with its intense combat system and wonderful cosmic horror setting. We just hope that the difficulty spikes, how overwhelming it can be at times, and some narrative issues don't scare off some players too much.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Housemarque is back with an exquisite shooter that builds on the foundation of Returnal to forge its own identity, one that undoubtedly reaches new heights of excellence. Each cycle is a new opportunity to uncover the secrets of Carcosa or the past and motivations of Arjun Devraj. I have no doubt that Housemarque has just created one of the best PlayStation 5 titles, one that retains the magic of Returnal but is much clearer and more enjoyable.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A blend of oppressive atmosphere and raw mechanical thrill you rarely find these days. Saros isn't just a better Returnal - it's proof that Housemarque has no equal in this genre.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Housemarque has once again made one of the best-playing PS5 games and a shooter that handles wonderfully as you find upgrades and create a build to take on difficult bosses.
Saros isn’t just an evolution of Returnal; it’s the culmination of decades of mastery from Housemarque. A must-play game that showcases the PS5’s true potential. The studio hasn’t simply rested on the success of Returnal. It’s a game that manages to be faster, more beautiful and, above all, smarter in the way it respects the player’s time. By balancing challenging difficulty with addictive permanent progression and risk-based mechanics such as Eclipses, the studio has delivered what is, for me, the definitive experience in the roguelike genre.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Saros can be just as intimidatingly challenging as Returnal, but thanks to a streamlined gameplay loop, addictive combat, and solid art direction, it excels as one of the best games of 2026.
Saros multiplies the Returnal formula with a brutal shooter and mechanics refined to perfection. Unfortunately, this excellence comes up against an uninspired and disjointed narrative that interrupts the rhythm. Even so, there is an addictive mechanical heart that keeps you coming back.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Saros is undoubtedly a really fun game to play. Yes, the game is essentially very similar to its predecessor, Returnal, but it’s clear that Housemarque has directly applied the lessons learned from that game to Saros.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Without straying from the excellent formula they gave us in Returnal, Housemarque has delivered a spiritual successor in Saros that achieves the rare feat of improving in almost every aspect. At the same time, it is far more accessible and respectful of the player's time, without ever diluting the level of challenge and adrenaline the studio is known for. Frenetic from start to finish, Saros leaves us with that "just one more run" itch while simultaneously inviting us to discover all its secrets through a narrative that starts slow but ends up being truly surprising.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
“Saros” is a powerhouse. Visually, sonically, and mechanically, few action titles can match this adventure on Carcosa. Six years into its lifecycle, the PS5 finally gets its first truly must-have exclusive action shooter. Its finely balanced mix of offense and defense, breathtaking setting, and a solid—if somewhat clunky—story make this roguelite essential, even if you’re not typically a fan of shooters.
Review in German | Read full review
When I reviewed Returnal back in 2021, it felt like Housemarque had one foot in the AAA door, politely knocking while clutching a fistful of bullet hell credentials. With Saros, they’ve kicked that thing clean off its hinges
Housemarque has crafted a masterpiece in which the dynamism of the gameplay and the controlled chaos that ensues generate an ‘instinctive’ feel that is utterly addictive. It is a work that minimises the gap between intention and action, capable of making us enthusiastic ‘accomplices’ in a magnificent frenzy. If Returnal challenged us with its harshness, Saros invites us to master the storm with a newfound awareness that creeps under your skin in a damn natural way. It is a cohesive, pulsating and utterly dynamic experience that makes everything else seem to move in slow motion. It is the Finnish team’s mature masterpiece: intelligent, brutal and bloody brilliant. Once you’ve entered its loop, you’ll just want to keep going, and going, and going.
Review in Italian | Read full review