Intense action and unsettling atmosphere: why 'Saros' is one of the standout video games of 2026?

The catalog of exclusive PlayStation games continues to grow with Saros, the new project from Housemarque that picks up the legacy of Returnal but aims to reformulate some of its key ideas. The previous title from the Finnish studio arrived a few months after the launch of PlayStation 5 and marked the beginning of Sony's current generation by becoming one of the first games that excited with its technical and gameplay possibilities. Since then, Housemarque has been refining the formula that consolidated them within the PlayStation Studios label to give rise to their most ambitious game to date.

Saros arrives at a time when video games in the roguelite subgenre have long since ceased to be a niche offering and have found their way to a wider audience. Without sacrificing the demanding nature of Returnal, Housemarque is now seeking a more open formula, with clearer progression and more tools for the player to adapt the experience to their pace. We analyze in more detail the innovations that Saros proposes and the main changes compared to its predecessor.

A plot of mystery and cosmic horror

Saros embraces a narrative that combines science fiction with elements of cosmic horror, betting more on a universe full of unknowns than on offering immediate answers. The action moves to Carcosa, a remote planet where a colony has disappeared under the influence of a permanent and unsettling eclipse. The player embodies Arjun Devraj, a member of a Soltari squad tasked with finding the lost crew at all costs. Unlike other more linear proposals, here the story unfolds organically, integrated into the gameplay loop. The hero finds himself trapped in a cycle, but each attempt and each death represents a further step in understanding the mysteries of Carcosa. The roguelite component plays an essential role because repetition is not just another mechanic, but a key narrative tool.

The first major difference the studio has introduced compared to its previous title is the inclusion of more characters in the plot. Selene's solitude and slow-paced narrative in Returnal contrast with the new protagonist and his companions, replacing the feeling of isolation with a more choral tension. In this way, the narrative of Saros is much more explicit and ambitious, with more weight on human relationships but without abandoning the aura of mystery. Furthermore, Housemarque has also opted for much more elaborate cinematics that faithfully show the great performances of the acting cast, with the intention of connecting more emotionally with the player.

A more accessible structure

The term roguelite defines games where each defeat forces a restart, but leaves some form of permanent progress between games, a formula as addictive as it is frustrating for many players. Saros opts to maintain this structure, but takes it a step further and makes it less severe: death remains central, but weapons, resources, and some upgrades are preserved between cycles. The new title aims to give the player more leeway so that the genre's defining mechanics are not a burden, but another tool at their disposal.

The player can improve their arsenal, customize their equipment to adapt it to their playstyle, and share discoveries with their squadmates in a main hub. In this place, new possibilities are also offered that represent fundamental differences with Returnal. For example, Saros allows cycles to be started in any biome (or sector of Carcosa) that Arjun has already discovered. This avoids having to retrace the entire path if the player prefers. The eclipse also comes into play, which beyond being a narrative element, can also transform the game environment: enemies are more dangerous and combat and exploration become more complicated, but the greater the risk, the greater the reward. This set of elements, along with other optional modifiers, offers the user more control over whether they will face a more demanding or more accessible experience.

New options in combat

If there is one element that defines Saros, however, it is its intense and demanding combat. Housemarque once again opts for fast-paced confrontations and constant mobility, but without forgetting the bullet hell (literally translated as hell of bullets) elements that defined Returnal. The scenarios fill up with projectiles with hypnotic patterns that put the player in extreme situations and force them to react in fractions of a second. Precision, reflexes, and adaptability are also fundamental to survive on Carcosa.

In order to enrich the experience, Saros introduces specific innovations in combat. For example, the incorporation of defensive mechanics such as the shield and deflection add a new tactical layer. The shield, in particular, becomes a key strategic element, as it is also the energy source for using certain specific weapons. This is how some projectiles become opportunities, as the player can absorb them to convert them into offensive energy and have more options in the arsenal. All of this aims to offer more interaction to the player, move away from the obstacle course concept where you only have to dodge everything, and get closer to a playing field.

The new Housemarque title is released exactly five years after Returnal with the intention not only of repeating its success, but of reinterpreting it. Third-person shooting with roguelite and

bullet hell elements are once again combined in demanding, but also fun and absorbing combat. The question is whether the change in focus, more accessible and less punitive, will be able to maintain the tension and identity that made its predecessor a cult title. With this combination of intense action, unsettling atmosphere, and a friendlier structure, Saros is shaping up to be one of PlayStation's standout releases this 2026.