Saros Reviews
In the end, Saros stands out as a must-play for fans of the genre and a worthy successor to Returnal, pushing roguelike shooters forward with confidence and style.
'SAROS' is a game that faithfully carries on the DNA of its predecessor, Returnal. From the relentless barrage of bullets to the rush of breaking through seemingly impossible odds and the sheer catharsis of a punishing shooter, it surpasses Returnal in every way. The one caveat is that it has also inherited its predecessor's shortcomings — a narrative so convoluted it actively gets in the way of the fun.
Review in Korean | Read full review
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Review in German | Read full review
As a follow up to Returnal, Saros is excellent. It builds on the foundations of Selene’s adventure and is a sensational slice of bullet-hell shooter goodness.
SAROS stands as a strong successor to Returnal, carving out its own identity with a more approachable experience while retaining Housemarque’s signature bullet ballet combat. It remains challenging, though its accessibility may feel less punishing than that of its predecessor. For fans seeking the same relentless difficulty, SAROS might seem lighter, but its appeal extends far beyond mechanics. Beneath the frenetic action lies a story of obsession, regret, and redemption, told through a fragmented narrative that grips players with its unsettling mystery right up to the climactic finale. This layered storytelling, paired with its cosmic-horror atmosphere, ensures that SAROS resonates on both emotional and thematic levels.
Saros is an absolute blast to play. The gameplay loop is tight, challenging, and spectacular in all the right moments. When the bullet hell clicks, there's nothing like it.
Saros is Housemarque at its best. It nails the roguelike formula, with each run feeling completely different than what came before thanks to changing areas and a variety of weapons. The story grips you and doesn’t let go, with Rahul Kohli’s fantastic performance at the heart of it.
Saros was a game that was genuinely enjoyable to play but didn't quite live up to its full potential. Its atmosphere and sense of action managed to draw me in, but the lack of variety and certain design choices dragged the game’s score down a bit. Still, looking at the overall experience, it's a game I enjoyed playing despite its shortcomings, and I think fans of the genre should give it a try.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Saros is a game I'll be chewing on for the rest of the year. It's a game that has a lot of flaws, but makes up for them in showcasing the complicated and messy dynamics that humans find themselves in. An easy recommendation for those looking for a bullet hell with a deep mythos around it. A game that isn't perfect, and is messy, much like all of us.
Just like its spiritual predecessor Returnal, Saros is an unparalleled experience. Saros is a game that has kept me on the edge of my seat for 35 hours so far. During that time, I didn’t find a single thing that bothered me. I enjoyed every second of the spectacle conjured up on my screen. Housemarque has also taken a brilliantly clever approach to accessibility, ensuring that players familiar with this genre can still find their own way. The fact that I’ve been living in a cocoon for the past few days to write this review of Saros says it all. This is an unrivalled masterpiece and, at the moment, my Game of the Year.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
A perfect marriage of difficult and accessible, Saros is a brilliantly designed, majestic sci-fi nightmare that is as compelling as it is challenging.
Housemarque’s Saros feels like a proper evolution of Returnal’s mechanics. It’s bold, it’s exciting, thrilling even. Each time Arjun heads out in search of answers yields clues to the truth behind Carcosa and those burdened by its existence.
With a generous progression system and well-considered design decisions, Saros is as challenging as it is motivating cycle after cycle, with Housemarque once again proving that it is an unmissable reference in chaotic action games painted in cosmic horror.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Saros marks the peak of Housemarque’s craft. Moving away from a more traditional roguelite structure, it adopts a slightly less punishing approach without sacrificing challenge or its highly addictive nature. Built around a strong sense of progression, the game delivers a rewarding feeling of evolution throughout the journey. With a well-crafted sci-fi universe and sharp, responsive gameplay, Saros strikes a compelling balance between demanding encounters and an inviting overall experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Saros is Housemarque operating at the height of its powers. Its combat is electric, its mystery lingers, and its progression makes every run feel meaningful. More forgiving than Returnal but no less intense, this is a stunning Game of the Year contender.
SAROS proves that it’s possible to create a big-budget game that isn’t afraid to make bold decisions. It’s an accessible, incredibly enjoyable, and highly spectacular roguelite.
Review in Polish | Read full review