Housemarque’s upcoming PS5 title, Saros, is shaping up to be a more accessible take on the challenging roguelite formula established by its predecessor, Returnal. While Returnal garnered critical acclaim for its intense gameplay and unique narrative, its unforgiving nature proved a barrier for some players. Saros appears to directly address these criticisms with a suite of new mechanics designed to provide a more rewarding and less punishing experience, without sacrificing the core thrill of the cycle-based gameplay.
Permanent Progression and the Armour Matrix
A key change lies in the introduction of permanent progression systems. Unlike Returnal, where each death reset progress to the beginning, Saros features ‘Come Back Stronger’ mechanics that allow players to carry forward advancements between runs. This represents largely facilitated by “The Passage,” a central hub area where players can interact with other characters and upgrade their capabilities. The most significant of these upgrades is the Armour Matrix, a branching system of permanent buffs. Players must strategically choose where to invest resources – whether to increase survivability by bolstering damage resistance, or to improve resource acquisition for faster progression.
This branching system introduces a layer of strategic depth beyond simply becoming more powerful. The choice between prioritizing defense and resource gathering reflects a fundamental trade-off, forcing players to tailor their builds to their preferred playstyle. The Armour Matrix isn’t a linear path to omnipotence; it’s a system that demands thoughtful consideration and adaptation.
Balancing Challenge with Carcosan Modifiers
Housemarque isn’t simply removing the challenge entirely. Saros introduces Carcosan Modifiers, which allow players to customize the difficulty of their runs. These modifiers come in two varieties: Protection Modifiers, which ease the experience by reducing incoming damage or simplifying weapon reloading, and Trial Modifiers, which increase the difficulty by making enemies more aggressive or degrading weapon performance. The core principle is balance. Players can stack modifiers to create a tailored experience, but easing one aspect of the game might necessitate accepting a corresponding disadvantage elsewhere. For example, making weapon reloading easier could come at the cost of losing the “Second Chance” ability, a lifeline in tense situations.
This system suggests a sophisticated understanding of player agency. Saros isn’t aiming to be an easy game, but rather a customizable one. Players who enjoyed the brutal difficulty of Returnal can still create a challenging experience, while those seeking a more forgiving entry point can mitigate the harsher aspects of the gameplay.
Quality of Life Improvements and Fast Travel
Beyond the core progression systems, Saros incorporates several quality-of-life improvements. Perhaps the most impactful is the addition of fast travel. While players can still choose to play through all biomes sequentially, they now have the option to teleport directly to the area where they last failed. This significantly reduces the frustration of repeating previously cleared sections, streamlining the loop and encouraging experimentation. This addresses a common complaint leveled against Returnal, where lengthy runs could be undone by a single mistake, forcing players to replay substantial portions of the game.
A Delicate Balancing Act
Housemarque acknowledges the inherent risk in softening the edges of a game celebrated for its high-stakes gameplay. The developers recognize that the intensity of Returnal was a key part of its appeal. However, the introduction of these new mechanics suggests a belief that broadening the game’s accessibility won’t alienate its existing fanbase. The goal appears to be to create a more universally appealing experience that retains the core essence of what made Returnal special.
Saros is scheduled for release on , on PlayStation 5. A digital deluxe edition will offer 48 hours of early access for those who pre-order. The changes outlined suggest a thoughtful evolution of the roguelite formula, one that prioritizes player agency and customization without abandoning the challenging core gameplay that defined its predecessor. The success of Saros will likely hinge on Housemarque’s ability to strike this delicate balance, appealing to both veteran players and newcomers alike.
