Saros feels like Returnal, but it’s a very different game to Housemarque
Housemarque has released Saros, a new PlayStation 5 exclusive arriving five years after the studio’s acclaimed roguelike shooter Returnal. While not a direct sequel, Saros represents a thematic variation on its predecessor, incorporating similar roguelike-structure mechanics and horror-tinged atmosphere while establishing its own distinct identity.
Like Returnal, Saros is an action game structured around roguelike-style runs featuring protagonist Arjun Devraj navigating a sci-fi setting with laser weapons. The game exemplifies a broader resurgence of mechanics-focused, straightforward games in 2026, returning to arcade traditions and uncompromised design sensibilities that represent a deliberate contrast to contemporary industry trends.
The game features multiple endings, including a hidden alternate conclusion that can be unlocked after completing the main campaign. This secret ending provides a “slightly better” fate for Arjun, though its resolution remains intentionally ambiguous. While the game offers subtle guidance toward discovering this conclusion, unlocking it requires additional steps beyond standard completion.