Round Up: ‘Already a GOTY Contender’: 5 Things We Learned from Saros PS5 Previews

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The gaming world is buzzing today, March 26th, 2026, with the release of details, first looks, and gameplay videos for Saros, the upcoming game from the well-respected studio Housemarque.

Saros, from the creators of the acclaimed Returnal, is a new sci-fi shooter that blends fast-paced arcade action with roguelike elements. It seems the developers have significantly expanded on the features that made Returnal so successful.

Early reviews are fantastic, and it looks like this PS5 game is going to be a huge hit when it releases on April 30th. We had high expectations, and it seems like they’ll be met!

Here’s a summary of the latest details from the previews, along with some interesting quotes from various reviews.

We’re eager to share our thoughts on the game, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to attend the preview event. We will definitely be reviewing Saros when it releases, and that’s happening soon!

Anyway, here’s the scoop on Saros.

Saros is more approachable than Returnal, but not necessarily easier

According to director Gregory Louden, the game will still be difficult, but Saros offers a key improvement: you’ll recover from setbacks stronger than before – that’s actually the game’s motto. While challenging, it’s designed to be rewarding, meaning each death will feel meaningful. The team focused on preserving what made the original Returnal great while also making the game more accessible to a wider audience.

The DualSense will be put through the mill once again

Returnal cleverly used the PlayStation DualSense controller’s L2 trigger in two ways. Pressing it halfway provided resistance and switched your weapon to its alternate firing mode. A full press charged up a powerful special attack. The upcoming game, Saros, appears to use this same system. The developers at Housemarque are also making extensive use of the controller’s haptic feedback, really maximizing its potential.

There’s greater gun variety, as well as new offensive and defensive options

The weapons in Saros are more diverse than those in Returnal. Saros features a wide range of weapon types, and each type has numerous possible variations, making it much rarer to find duplicate guns.

As Arjun, I’ve got this awesome Carcosan Power Weapon I can use, but it needs juice. The cool part is, I recharge it with my shield! It’s not just for blocking bullets, though – I can actually absorb them, and that’s what powers up the weapon. So instead of always trying to dodge everything, the game wants me to get up close and personal and actually use the enemy’s attacks to my advantage. It’s a really interesting twist!

The Eclipse is a high risk, high reward system

Okay, so I’ve discovered you can actually choose to trigger something called the Eclipse in each area of the game! It’s pretty cool – the whole place visually changes, but the big deal is that enemies get way tougher. It makes everything so much more intense! But, if you can handle it, you get a much bigger XP boost and better loot. Saros, a character in the game, even gives you extra rewards for taking on the extra challenge, which is awesome.

Saros takes some narrative cues from Hades

Unlike Returnal, Saros focuses heavily on storytelling, featuring a cast of characters you’ll get to know. It’s similar to games like Hades – after each attempt, you’ll return to a central hub where you can talk to your fellow crewmates, who are also stuck on the planet Carcosa. Every time you die and return to the hub, new conversations become available, revealing more about the story and the characters’ backgrounds.

  • VGC – “You’re not running from enemy gunfire, you’re embracing it”

Wow, the game really throws you right into the action! I raced through the beginning and quickly hit the first boss. It was a serious test of my reflexes – could I dodge those attacks, soak up some damage, and learn the boss’s rhythm? Honestly, dying wasn’t even that bad, because it let me check out the incredible world of Saros a little more. The scenery is just stunning!

I’m still learning the ins and outs of Saros, but even after a couple of playthroughs on two different levels, I’m already convinced this faster, more action-packed style is exactly the improvement Returnal needed. In just three hours, I’ve gotten the hang of using the Eclipse mechanic, exploring optional areas, and choosing useful items for each run. It’s clear there’s a lot more to discover, and I’m excited to keep digging deeper.

  • Game Informer – “I now crave those blue orbs and orange lasers”

As the deadline for Saros’s release nears, I’m eager to go back to Carcosa. It’s a place filled with strange, echoing sounds – a mix of technology, metal, and otherworldly music – all playing out against the backdrop of Arjun’s intense activity. He’s desperately searching for a woman who’s been guiding him, and I share that urgency, though for different reasons. We both want to reach the same conclusion, and I’m anticipating what we’ll find there.

  • GameSpot – “Feels unlike anything else Housemarque has made”

Some players might find Saros a bit too similar to Returnal, which could lessen their initial enthusiasm. However, after playing for a while, it’s clear that Housemarque, just like with Selene and Arjun in Returnal, is building on what they’ve learned to explore new and exciting territory.

Are you pumped for Saros after reading all these previews? Tell us in the comments section below.

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2026-03-26 23:08