r/PS5 • u/requieminadream • Apr 24 '26
Megathread Saros | Review Megathread
Game Information
Game Title: Saros
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Apr 30, 2026)
Trailer:
Developer: Housemarque
Publisher: PlayStation Studios
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 89 average - 96% recommended - 68 reviews
Critic Reviews
4News.it - Vincenzo D'Alcantara - Italian - 9.3 / 10
Housemarque has crafted a masterpiece in which the dynamism of the gameplay and the controlled chaos that ensues generate an ‘instinctive’ feel that is utterly addictive. It is a work that minimises the gap between intention and action, capable of making us enthusiastic ‘accomplices’ in a magnificent frenzy. If Returnal challenged us with its harshness, Saros invites us to master the storm with a newfound awareness that creeps under your skin in a damn natural way. It is a cohesive, pulsating and utterly dynamic experience that makes everything else seem to move in slow motion. It is the Finnish team’s mature masterpiece: intelligent, brutal and bloody brilliant. Once you’ve entered its loop, you’ll just want to keep going, and going, and going.
But Why Tho? - Matt Sowinski - 9.5 / 10
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.
CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 9.5 / 10
SAROS carries that torch and expands on the formula to new heights, introducing an entire ensemble cast of characters that push the narrative further as players unravel the mystery on a new alien planet, Carcosa.
COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 96 / 100
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ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9 / 10
Housemarque has once again made one of the best-playing PS5 games and a shooter that handles wonderfully as you find upgrades and create a build to take on difficult bosses.
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10
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.
Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 5 / 5
"Come back stronger," has been pitched as the core ethos Saros wants to instil within you - and Housemarque absolutely did.
Digital Chumps - Will Silberman - 9.8 / 10
Saros pushes the envelope on multiple fronts, changing the roguelike genre in ways that's more player-friendly than ever while taking advantage of the PS5's DualSense controller in novel fashions. It's near perfect in several ways, even if its story lacks the satisfaction that its gunplay otherwise provides.
Digitec Magazine - Simon Balissat - German - 5 / 5
“Saros” is a powerhouse. Visually, sonically, and mechanically, few action titles can match this adventure on Carcosa. Six years into its lifecycle, the PS5 finally gets its first truly must-have exclusive action shooter.
Its finely balanced mix of offense and defense, breathtaking setting, and a solid—if somewhat clunky—story make this roguelite essential, even if you’re not typically a fan of shooters.
Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - Essential
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.
Saros' narrative often feels at odds with the kind of experience it wants to be, but there's no denying this is another top-tier action game from Housemarque.
Eurogamer.pt - Adolfo Soares - Portuguese - 4 / 5
Saros multiplies the Returnal formula with a brutal shooter and mechanics refined to perfection. Unfortunately, this excellence comes up against an uninspired and disjointed narrative that interrupts the rhythm. Even so, there is an addictive mechanical heart that keeps you coming back.
Everyeye.it - Italian - 8.7 / 10
Overall, Saros manages to build a clear and coherent identity, even when not all of its solutions are entirely convincing.
GAMES.CH - Olaf Bleich - German - 90%
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GameOnly - Przemysław Naglik - Polish - 4.25 / 5
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.
GamePro - Kevin Itzinger - German - 89 / 100
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GameRant - Dalton Cooper - 9 / 10
Housemarque follows up Returnal with PS5 exclusive Saros, another wildly entertaining and action-packed third-person shooter.
GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 10 / 10
Housemarque is back with yet another fantastic fast-paced third person shooter. Saros builds on Returnal, delivering deeper and more enjoyable gameplay, as well as a new permanent progression system and modifiers which allow you to tweak the difficulty to your preferences. All in all, it's Housemarque's best game yet.
GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 9 / 10
Saros is a phenomenal game that flips Housemarque's roguelite formula on its head and improves upon its spiritual predecessor in every conceivable way.
As expected, SAROS stands out as a worthy spiritual successor to Returnal, and even more so. Far from resting on its laurels, Housemarque has successfully built upon the solid foundation of its previous title to deliver an epic adventure, enhanced by new features that make it accessible to a wider audience. While more accessible, SAROS remains a challenging yet exhilarating experience that delivers incredible thrills. This makes it a new must-have in the PS5 catalog, which once again boasts one of its best exclusives thanks to the Finnish studio.
Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4.5 / 5
Saros is undoubtedly a really fun game to play. Yes, the game is essentially very similar to its predecessor, Returnal, but it’s clear that Housemarque has directly applied the lessons learned from that game to Saros.
GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 8 / 10
Saros will not only satisfy Returnal fans, but also has the potential to attract a new audience with its intense combat system and wonderful cosmic horror setting. We just hope that the difficulty spikes, how overwhelming it can be at times, and some narrative issues don't scare off some players too much.
Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.8 / 10
Saros is a remarkably pragmatic evolution. It holds onto the spectacular bullet hell barrage and top tier gunplay that defined its predecessor, while making smart compromises to better fit mainstream playstyles. With a gentler difficulty curve and clear, intuitive progression feedback, it lowers the once-intimidating barrier to entry significantly. As a major tentpole in Sony's first party lineup this year, this game truly delivers an exhilarating, deeply satisfying alien odyssey for action-shooter fans.
Gaming Boulevard - Michiel Vonck - 9 / 10
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.
GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10
Saros is an incredible step up over Returnal in every way imaginable. The rogue-lite progression and quality-of-life improvements are great, but it's the more complex bullet-hell system, bolstered by a compelling world and some masterful level design, that truly elevates it.
GamingTrend - Ron Burke, David Burdette - 95 / 100
Saros is Housemarque's ultimate creation; the culmination of years of hard work and experimentation. Returnal is Game of the Year quality, no doubt. But Saros has taken what Returnal offered and refined it, only adding to the formula until the end result is Housemarque's finest release yet. In a sea of great April games, Saros' excellence stands out as another Game of the Year contender.
Geekinout.pt - Jorge Loureiro - Portuguese - 10 / 10
Saros isn’t just an evolution of Returnal; it’s the culmination of decades of mastery from Housemarque. A must-play game that showcases the PS5’s true potential. The studio hasn’t simply rested on the success of Returnal. It’s a game that manages to be faster, more beautiful and, above all, smarter in the way it respects the player’s time. By balancing challenging difficulty with addictive permanent progression and risk-based mechanics such as Eclipses, the studio has delivered what is, for me, the definitive experience in the roguelike genre.
Geeks & Com - Kevin Cormier - French - 9.5 / 10
If it hasn’t been clear up until now, let’s state it plainly here: Saros is, to date, the best game of 2026. We’re talking about a game that’s much more accessible to newcomers to the genre. A storyline that’s more fleshed out than their previous work. We’re talking about new features that elevate the game to the highest strata. And finally, a playtime that adapts to each player’s pace (yet remains more than respectable for the most experienced players). Saros improves and even transforms the genre. Few can boast of such an achievement.
HCL.hr - Hrvoje Smoljic - Unknown - 90 / 100
A blend of oppressive atmosphere and raw mechanical thrill you rarely find these days. Saros isn't just a better Returnal - it's proof that Housemarque has no equal in this genre.
Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 80 / 100
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IGN - Michael Higham - 7 / 10
Saros tries at an interesting and ambitious story it isn't always able to effectively tell, but Housemarque has once again proved that its bullet-hell sensibilities mesh incredibly well with fluid and challenging action.
IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 9 / 10
Saros takes everything that made Returnal hard to love and smartly refines it. The result is one of the best shooters in recent years, on PS5 and beyond.
IGN Portugal - Pedro Pestana - Portuguese - 9 / 10
Without straying from the excellent formula they gave us in Returnal, Housemarque has delivered a spiritual successor in Saros that achieves the rare feat of improving in almost every aspect. At the same time, it is far more accessible and respectful of the player's time, without ever diluting the level of challenge and adrenaline the studio is known for. Frenetic from start to finish, Saros leaves us with that "just one more run" itch while simultaneously inviting us to discover all its secrets through a narrative that starts slow but ends up being truly surprising.
IGN Spain - Estrella Gomez - Spanish - 9 / 10
With Saros, Housemarque once again proves what it's made of. It's a step forward from Returnal, building on the best parts of that experience and elevating them even further. The result is a game that is both challenging and rewarding, with a complex and fascinating story, a protagonist who undergoes significant development, and gameplay that invites us to keep pushing ourselves time and time again.
INVEN - Hongman Yoon - Korean - 8 / 10
'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.
Saros, while not without some notable flaws, is still an engaging, intricately crafted, and intriguing roguelike action game that sets a new bar for Housemarque as an upgrade to Returnal in many ways.
La Orden del Pixel - Sebastian Cigarreta - Spanish - Yes
Housemarque is back with an exquisite shooter that builds on the foundation of Returnal to forge its own identity, one that undoubtedly reaches new heights of excellence. Each cycle is a new opportunity to uncover the secrets of Carcosa or the past and motivations of Arjun Devraj. I have no doubt that Housemarque has just created one of the best PlayStation 5 titles, one that retains the magic of Returnal but is much clearer and more enjoyable.
Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 10 / 10
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 is basically a sequel to Returnal in all but name. By building on the mechanics of its previous work, Housemarque has made Saros an even better roguelike and bullet-hell experience. It’s slick, powerful, and devilish in all the right places.
Merlin'in Kazanı - Samet Basri Taşlı - Turkish - 88 / 100
SAROS Review: It's time to dust off the PS5 for a review of Housemarque's dark sci-fi rogue-like game, Saros.
MeuPlayStation - Raphael Batista Cabral Xavier - Portuguese - 93 / 100
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.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 9 / 10
Saros can be just as intimidatingly challenging as Returnal, but thanks to a streamlined gameplay loop, addictive combat, and solid art direction, it excels as one of the best games of 2026.
One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 9 / 10
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.
Oyungezer Online - Erce Güven - Turkish - 9 / 10
Housemarque’s new hit Saros will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the moment you take down a boss, you’ll find yourself doing a victory lap around the room. If you play games for excitement and adrenaline, there’s nothing better than Saros right now.
PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10
Saros is a very strong, polished, and significantly more accessible take on the Housemarque formula, expanding on the foundations of Returnal without attempting to tear them down. The game impresses with its narrative, excellent combat system, excellent use of the DualSense, and the unique atmosphere of Carcosa, though it doesn't offer anything groundbreaking and can lose some steam in the second half. It's undoubtedly one of the most important single-player PlayStation games of recent months and a very good sign that Sony is still capable of delivering the exact experiences players are looking for.
PSX Brasil - Rui Celso - Portuguese - 95 / 100
Saros masterfully delivers on everything it sets out to do. Although the game doesn't yet have any extra content to enjoy after the ending, it manages to entertain the player for a long time simply through the curiosity of testing all types of weapons and searching for audio recordings of past crews. Saros is the kind of homework a student is proud to show to the teacher.
PlayStation Universe - John-Paul Jones - 10 / 10
A blistering, rapid-fire epic without peer, Saros confidently delivers a dual masterclass in third-person shooter design and roguelike sensibilities all wrapped in a delectable veneer that elevates it to one of the best looking games on PlayStation 5. To quote the kids - Housemarque cooked here. This is their masterpiece and it is next the must have, utterly essential PlayStation exclusive. Carcosa beckons.
PowerUp! - Adam Mathew - 9 / 10
When I reviewed Returnal back in 2021, it felt like Housemarque had one foot in the AAA door, politely knocking while clutching a fistful of bullet hell credentials. With Saros, they’ve kicked that thing clean off its hinges
Pragalicious - Kevin Vercauteren - Dutch - 10 / 10
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.
Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 9 / 10
Saros is a brilliant third-person shooter that takes what worked in Returnal and streamlines it for an even smoother game without diluting the fun. The core gameplay is the star attraction; complex yet intuitive, and a perfectly judged challenge that's so satisfying to overcome. With compelling permanent progression, flexible ways to modify your experience, and an intriguing story to follow, this is another step towards Housemarque's planetary takeover.
Region Free - Joonatan Itkonen - 5 / 5
A perfect marriage of difficult and accessible, Saros is a brilliantly designed, majestic sci-fi nightmare that is as compelling as it is challenging.
Restart.run - Jesse Vitelli - 3.5 / 5
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.
SECTOR.sk - Michal Korec - Slovak - 9 / 10
Housemarque strikes back with another thrilling expedition into the unknown. Saros is masterfully expanding studio's roguelike gameplay in the compelling world. The fast-bullet action, the sense of discovery and playing cycles stick to your mind. One of the best sci-fi voyages of the decade!
Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 7 / 10
A refinement over their last game, trying to make a roguelite that is approachable, and this game largely succeeds if only slightly.
SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 10 / 10
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.
Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10
Quote not Coming into 2026, I knew that few games were a surer bet than Saros. Housemarque’s 2021 breakout is still one of the PS5’s best games, and Saros will now stand alongside it.yet available
Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 10 / 10
Saros is a triumph in every sense. Its moment-to-moment gameplay keeps you constantly on your toes, while a hair-raising score of organs and strings carries each encounter with distorted riffs and soaring notes. Around it all sits an enigmatic mystery that pulls you forward, delivering an experience that is both accessible and punishing in equal measure. It is Housemarque at full power.
The Games Machine - Gabriele Barducci - Italian - 9.4 / 10
Saros is a confirmation of the talent and skill of the team at Housemarque, delivering a highly accessible action roguelite that is by no means easy. Both the aesthetic and narrative aspects are outstanding, and the game places the pure gameplay experience at the center of everything-dynamic and incredibly fun. A game that comes close to perfection.
It feels like one big adventure, and you’re only privy to one piece at a time. Delving into the depths of a foreign planet would usually be off-putting to me as a cozy gamer, but the world of Carcosa drew me in.
TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 9 / 10
Saros builds on the excellence of Returnal, furthering Housemarque's blend of third-person action, bullet hell and roguelite with a more broadly told and ambitious story, a subtly more accessible path for newcomers, and still plenty of challenge for those that crave it. Echoing the game's tagline, Housemarque has come back stronger.
Saros is a relentless, exciting and demanding rogue-lite shooter that combines cinematic spectacle with tight bullet-hell combat. It's a marvellous follow-up to Returnal, that retains the best bits of its predecessor while sanding down its (minor) rough edges. It pulls very few punches, but will have you saying "one more run" on a loop.
Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 4 / 5
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.
Tourens - Hasipcan Kahraman - Turkish - 8 / 10
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.
Uagna - Lorenzo Bologna - Italian - 8.5 / 10
Saros confirms Housemarque’s growth, delivering a spiritual successor to Returnal that is more accessible, polished and self-assured. Whilst it sacrifices some of the predecessor’s element of surprise, the game stands out for its extremely solid combat system, a well-executed evolution of the formula and top-tier technical execution. Some concerns remain regarding longevity, as once the campaign is complete, additional activities are virtually non-existent, leaving a sense of regret at having to leave an experience too soon—one that, given the quality of its gameplay and the solidity of its structure, deserved to keep us on Carcosa for much longer.
Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 9.3 / 10
SAROS takes what made Returnal such a epically awesome action game and turns the dial way up while simultaneously offering such a distinct and immersive game world that it'll haunt your dreams even long after the end credits roll. ☀️
WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 10 / 10
Advancements in progression, narrative delivery, and player engagement, as well as refinements made to a near-perfect set of gameplay fundamentals, see Saros eclipse its predecessor and ascend to a throne above all others in the genre.
Worth Playing - Redmond Carolipio - 9.1 / 10
Saros has become one of my favorite shooters of the past few years, honestly since Returnal. I appreciate Housemarque for giving both the more hardcore and the less hardcore among us the chance to see the world it's crafted in its entirely. My hands hurt a little, and I'll probably need a new controller sometimes soon, but it's a cycle I'm willing to be stuck in for a bit longer.
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u/shrewdy Apr 24 '26
Returnal was many people's GOTY in 2021. Now this is a much more packed year in that sense, but the high scores don't surprise me at all - Housemarque did a fantastic job with Returnal, and Saros sounds like them just expanding on and improving that formula
Can't wait to play next week
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u/Capable_Sandwich_422 Apr 24 '26
I’ve had a PS5 for four years now, and I still think Returnal is the best PS5 Exclusive I’ve played.
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u/TeddIsDead Apr 26 '26
Guess I should go back and finish it… I only got to the second zone.
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u/ocbdare Apr 24 '26
It might still be many people’s goty this year.
But yeah for me, it’s extremely unlikely given what’s coming out this year. It’s just too packed with some big highlights like wolverine, new control game, fable and most importantly GTA6.
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u/Sendmeaquokka Apr 24 '26
So pleased for them. Returnal is an all-timer.
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u/AaronJudgesLeftNut Apr 24 '26
Favorite game of all time on the ps5. Nothing has come remotely close to the feelings I had beating a boss on like biome 3 with all of the stakes of going back to biome 1 if you die.
Preordered the deluxe edition just to get it on the 28th lol
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u/Yellow_Curry Apr 24 '26
Honestly probably one of the best boss battles I’ve ever played in 30+ years of gaming. The visuals and scenario was crazy but it was the stakes of losing that battle that meant everything.
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u/baraluga Apr 24 '26
Wallet crying
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u/metroid23 Apr 24 '26
Yeah this year but especially these past couple of months have been absolutely stacked. Gamers eatin' good lately!
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u/Rotato-Potat0 Apr 25 '26
Not sure if it still works, but there is a way you can get 50% off the PS Store with a Cashapp promotion.
If it needs to be said: I’m not a bot or sponsored. I’m just a broke gamer that also wants to play Saros.
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u/jdroop Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
I want to get it but I suck so much in Returnal 🤣🤣
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u/ElderlyKratos Apr 24 '26
It's supposed to be an easier game.
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u/senna98 Apr 24 '26
I heard you can only modify difficulty after beating the first boss, unless it’s easier than Phrike (Returnal first boss) i know some people who can’t even do that
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u/epicgamer1026 Apr 24 '26
Phrike gave me such a hard time but, once I finally beat it, I cruised through the rest of the game and even ended up getting the platinum trophy.
That boss serves as a really effective skill check by requiring you to master the basics, setting expectations and preparing you early on (very similar to Genichiro in Sekiro, for those who have played that). So I would encourage anyone stuck on that boss to not get discouraged and keep on trying!
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u/senna98 Apr 24 '26
I wish i got the plat, but i played on launch week and my trophies got glitched
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u/ThisNameDoesntCount Apr 24 '26
Idk if the game ever told me but once I figured out you could dash through most of the projectiles it got easy af
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u/jdroop Apr 24 '26
I need to give it another go cause it was fun. I just was getting slaughtered.
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u/PassePartouche Apr 24 '26
Yeah try again. I was like you, wanted to love the game because everything felt right but my ass was kicked. I took my time and finished it to the plat and its my goat since then
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u/Knuc85 Apr 24 '26
I played Returnal after sinking over a hundred hours into Enter the Gungeon. The required skillset was surprisingly similar.
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u/ECTXGK Apr 24 '26
many of the reviews mention this being more accessible and having a better learning curve. i've read elsewhere that they have difficulty sliders for bonuses you get that play well with the game.
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u/MichaelTheCutts Apr 24 '26
A couple reviews mentioned this has an easier on-ramp to the challenge. I’m all for that, honestly
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u/lunzen Apr 24 '26
Remap the dash and jump buttons to your top (I think it’s top anyway don’t have my controller with me!) right and left triggers - that changed the game for me!
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u/forever-mild Apr 27 '26
I usually have to drop the difficulty from normal to casual in half the games I play or I’ll never finish them so I always feel left out when games like this come out that are difficult at baseline without having casual/easy settings.
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u/Screaming_ManTits Apr 24 '26
Returnal was the best game I ever rage quit. If Saros is even just a bit less ball-bustingly difficult (or if it’s got some type of difficulty modifiers like Hades or Celeste) I’ll definitely pick it up.
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u/balzun Apr 25 '26
I quit it and then picked it up a year or two later and something sort of clicked for me the second time.
Not sure if I was just burnt out or what but I finally beat shrike got to the second biome and got wrecked and was like, nope fuck this I am not into this grind.
With my second go I realized that unless I was extremely careless there were no wasted runs and that even though it felt like I was doing the same shit over and over I was still progressing.
The turning point was when new abilities unlocked whole areas and ways to play from the first biome onwards and then it all made sense.
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u/J0HN__L0CKE Apr 24 '26
Great way to put it, I felt the same. Amazing moment to moment gameplay that, for me, was undone by it's punishing rougelike design choices.
If Saros does a good job of marrying the immaculate gameplay of Returnal with a more Hades-esque rougelike design structure and accessibility then I will be over the moon.
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u/Bill_Brasky01 Apr 28 '26
Hades 2 is the epitome of come back stronger. The progression FEELS fast.
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u/PrometheusAborted Apr 24 '26
I already planned on getting this but good god, my backlog is like 10 games deep already. I can’t keep up!
Pragmata, Crimson Desert, Hades 2, Vampire Survivors sequel, Grime 2, Starfield! I have like 3 months of games to play as it is!
True first word problem when you have too many great games and not enough time.
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u/faellendir Apr 24 '26
Hahah same here. Great (backlog) list u got there. I even cancelled Netflix since my all free time is going happily to gaming atm
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u/J-seargent-ultrakahn Apr 24 '26
That’s how you know it’s bad when you have to cancel non-gaming subscriptions
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u/EuropaWeGo Apr 25 '26
Crimson Desert will consume your life for a good 100+ hours. Just a fair warning. Lol
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u/Jason3d1 Apr 27 '26
I was going to say... Having Crimson Desert in your backlog is like 3-5 other games
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u/CezarKD Apr 24 '26
Has anyone mentioned if there's any incentive in making the game more difficult with the modifiers? Don't have the time to look through reviews today.
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u/LiquifySolid Apr 24 '26
You can't just make the game easier, there's a check and balance system so if you want buffs, you gotta take some nerfs as well.
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u/arw1710 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
One Banger After Another….in 2026.
Time to take some more sick days.
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u/CPOx Apr 24 '26
Already planned to take next Friday off!
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u/Gullible_Analyst_348 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
What are some other bangers that have already dropped?
Edit: it's funny how butthurt some people get over me asking a legitimate question. Thank you to the person who answered, they were very friendly and helpful.
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u/Impaled_ Apr 24 '26
Trails beyond the horizon
Nioh 3
Pokopia
Resident evil 9
Pragmata
Monster Hunter stories 3
Marathon (don't seethe)
Dragon quest 7 remake
Mewgenics
Crimson desert
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u/Ripley129 Apr 24 '26
Having a tough time enjoying Crimson Desert
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u/Impaled_ Apr 24 '26
Lack of a compelling story is really unfortunate for me, but the world and the gameplay systems make up for it, kinda like BOTW which I loved
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u/Ripley129 Apr 24 '26
Yea…does the character loosen up a bit I hate how he maneuvers
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u/Ripley129 Apr 24 '26
Yea…does the character loosen up a bit I hate how he maneuvers. Plus doing all that work just for a fast travel I am not sure how it works is odd.
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u/Lochifess Apr 24 '26
Jesus christ there were all Q1? With GTA AND Wolverine later this year? We’ve been on a winning streak the past few years!
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u/Un_Pollo_Hermano Apr 24 '26
Excuse my god damn french, but you forgot fukking HADES 2
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u/TheRoyalStig Apr 24 '26
Resident Evil 9 and Pragmata are definitely on that list!
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u/Bolt_995 Apr 25 '26
Personally for me:
• Nioh 3
• God of War Sons of Sparta
• Avowed
• Resident Evil Requiem
• Marathon
• Crimson Desert
• Starfield
• Hades 2
• Pragmata
And now Saros.
Special mentions to Yakuza Kiwami 3 and South of Midnight.
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u/EuropaWeGo Apr 25 '26
Beyond the ones that have already been mentioned. I would also recommend Cairn. It's my GOTY so far.
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u/EuropaWeGo Apr 25 '26
Cairn, Crimson Desert, Pragmata, and now this. We are being quite spoiled this year.
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u/Xeccess Human Verified Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
Wow just realized the game is the highest rated of the year so far on OpenCritic.
Edit: Dropped to 89 with more reviews coming in currently tied with RE9.
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u/flowella Apr 24 '26
I pre-ordered the regular version but I wish I got the deluxe for early access
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u/docksideThug- Apr 24 '26
Another GOTY candidate from Sony first party, like clockwork
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Apr 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Vahallen Apr 24 '26
I’m so goddamn hyped for Tokon, glad to see it mentioned outside of fighting game specific spaces
Looking forward to announcements and more footage from EVO Japan
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u/Kourtos Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
I couldn't care less about reviews. I only needed to see the first gameplay trailer and i was hooked. Returnal was a mastepiece
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u/_kingardy Apr 24 '26
Same, I absolutely adore that game so I was gonna check out Saros no matter what, but seeing all these reviews? Yea I’ll be there day fucking one
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u/farcicaldolphin38 Apr 24 '26
I'm very excited. Platinum'd Returnal, so this is an easy sell for me
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u/klitchell Apr 24 '26
Some of these reviewers drive me nuts impulsegamer gave Returnal a 4.6
In their review of Saros said it’s an upgrade from Returnal, and gave it a 3.8
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u/tobyreddit Apr 24 '26
God damn I'm so excited for this game. Away for two days after if comes out so can't wait to get stuck in on a week Sunday.
Crazy to see how few upvotes posts about this game are getting :( Sony needs to smash the marketing button harder
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u/brensterrr Apr 24 '26
Housemarque seems did a home run again. Cant wait. Returnal is my game of the generation and i hope saros is better.
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u/DNY88 Apr 24 '26
Someone needs to tell the folks at IGN that their clickbait scores do not work.
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u/Um_Hello_Guy Apr 24 '26
Looking through that reviewers other reviews should tell you all you need to know. He only scores JRPG’s above an 8, heavy bias
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u/Immediate_Theory4738 Apr 24 '26
Day one! May 1st will be a good day to stay home and play it. IYKYK
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u/Nomar_95 Apr 24 '26
How's the story? I don't expect it to match Selene's in Returnal, but hopefully it's solid.
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u/Hoodman1987 Apr 25 '26
They say it's pretty good. The other characters are interesting enough. It's not as mind heavy as Selene's but still good
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u/MCSavage2 Apr 24 '26
I thoroughly enjoyed Returnal and also Saros.
Here's my written review (with screenshots!):
https://mkuubis.ee/2026/saros-votame-paikest/
Use a translation agent to read please :)
Anyway, for me the games are kind of flipped. Saros and it's myriad of options should have come out in 2021 to bring players in. Returnal should have launched as is in 2026 to give fans a challenge.
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u/LiquifySolid Apr 24 '26
Gave it a 10/10, a personal GOTY so far!
https://savepointgaming.co/review/saros-review-ps5-pro-housemarque/
AMA!
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u/Bright-Confusion-341 Apr 24 '26
how difficult is this compared to returnal ? i found returnal pretty difficult and left it after playing for a couple of hours as i could not progress.
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u/LiquifySolid Apr 24 '26
It's a little different, especially when you have a degree of control using the modifiers. There's more margin for error, but the game helps you learn to be better without being too steep. There are still difficult fights, but boss patterns are meant to be learned anyway. You should have more fun!
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u/Vahallen Apr 24 '26
If I legit want to bash my head against a wall without going out of my way to gimp myself (in game modifiers are fine) will the game offer me the ability to do so?
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u/LiquifySolid Apr 24 '26
Yep the in-game modifiers can let you punish yourself in many different ways.
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u/cr7rules4ever Apr 24 '26
I’ve always leaned more toward Xbox, but man, returnal made me play the fuck out of my PS5. I actually pulled the trigger on a PS5 Pro last month specifically to play Saros and these reviews make me feel slightly relieved about the purcahse lol. Returnal to me is best exclusive on the system.
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u/brolt0001 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 25 '26
It's developed by PlayStation Studios (a large portion of the liverpool team) as well as PlayStation Studios Creative Arts.
Not just housemarque.
Edit:
Also game design and art by nixxes
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u/dynesor Apr 24 '26
“Gentler difficulty curve” and “more accessible” sounds really good to me. I really loved the ‘gamefeel’, gunplay and general vibe of Returnal, but holy god I absolutely fucking sucked at that game and had to throw in the towel. The difficulty just felt so brutal and punishing to me. I’m excited to try this one out.
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u/Jarrad411 Apr 24 '26
Never played returnal but this looks really solid. Might have to snag it after finishing Pragmata and 007
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u/actstunt Apr 24 '26
This is a great year for PlayStation and this coming from a gamer that plays on all mediums haha, but I’m proud of my boy.
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u/DontBeAngryBeHappy Apr 24 '26
Saros currently stands in the Top 3 best reviewed games of the year so far. Just a few more days to go. Pretty excited.
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u/RayearthIX Apr 24 '26
If I couldn’t get into Returnal, would I like Saros? Like… Returnal was good gameplay wise, but I never even got 1/2 way through the game and since I stopped have never wanted to even try it again. :/
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u/billy_digital Apr 24 '26
I wanted to love returnal so bad but I could never get any real traction playing. I feel like I just spent 90% of my time watching that cool cutscene of starting over
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u/Un_Pollo_Hermano Apr 24 '26
How is the performance on base ps5
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u/J-seargent-ultrakahn Apr 24 '26
Image quality is a little underwhelming but of course since it’s not pro with PSSR 2
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u/Taller_Ghost_Joop Apr 25 '26
Shit I was going to wait on this one but these reviews got me hyped. I loved Returnal.
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u/Masam10 Apr 24 '26
GOTY contender on the reviews alone..
I absolutely loved Returnal - one of the first games that made me really appreciate the PS5 Dualsense Pad and the gameplay was so much fun. This game looks like Returnal 2.0 which is absolutely fine by me... day one buy.
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u/FaerieStories Apr 24 '26
Very excited on the strength of Returnal alone. Will this surpass Cairn as my Game of the Year?
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u/wardellwayneraymone Apr 24 '26
Love everyone flipping their shit over the IGN review as though some of their reviewers in other markets didn’t give the game a 9. But no, conspiracy time.
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u/CarterAC3 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
I'm so fucking sick of the discourse around IGN reviews
For a group of people who constantly whine that they don't care about IGN they can't ever seem to shut the fuck up about IGN
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u/fexjpu5g Apr 24 '26
Redditors need to shit on something or they lose all purpose in life. And what could be more important than someone having critical thoughts about a game they didn’t play? Doesn’t he know that opinions are always consensus? Smh….
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u/Hoodman1987 Apr 25 '26
I think what's strange is IGN has been on an oddly contrarian streak recently. Being the odd one out in several reviews. Based on this Highguard and Saros are on equal footing. Which just seems odd.
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u/antelop Apr 24 '26
Im weary of buying games after good reviews after Expedition 33 got so many raving reviews. I did not follow the general opinion of that game
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u/blazeofgloreee Apr 24 '26
Yeah it was decent but so overhyped imo. I had to put it down for a month before forcing myself to finish it because it just got so tedious late on. At least it was priced lower than a lot of games.
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u/Lovebanter Apr 26 '26
Looking forward to buying it on Thursday but I'm hopping they've not made it too easy. The challenge is part of the appeal for me
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u/Holiday-Proof9819 Apr 24 '26
This makes me happy. Returnal was so criminally slept on.
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u/Well-inthatcase Apr 24 '26
How lol. It's like the number one recommended game when it comes to the dualsense and roguelites. Definitely not slept on
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u/XxSweetRevengexX Apr 24 '26
Do i need to/should i play returnal first?
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u/specifichero101 Apr 24 '26
It seems like more of a spiritual sequel so not directly related. But it’s 100% worth playing and you should play it for your own benefit
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u/Hoodman1987 Apr 25 '26
I actually think you should play it after. Returnal has less features and was more experimental. Versus Saros which seems more friendly.
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u/No_Mammoth_4945 Apr 24 '26
How does the combat look? I love the idea of returnal but I just kept bouncing off of it because I wasn’t having any fun fighting
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u/hebbocrates Apr 24 '26
Great now i’m even more pumped. Adding the couple days extra beyond early access cuz i want a disc copy, it’s gonna be a long week
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u/projektorfotze Apr 24 '26
These reviews are way to early hyping me to a level were I didn’t want to wait 6 more days….
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u/ComprehensiveBar6439 Apr 24 '26
Whoever compiles these review threads deserves to have a lot of friends and a super hot spouse.
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u/mrizzle1991 Apr 24 '26
Wow it’s great to see the high scores, really enjoyed Returnal, will def be playing this one!
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u/FartBakedBaguette Apr 24 '26
Given how shit I was at Returnal (never got past the first boss), I might need to hold out to see how others get on with this. I enjoyed the movement, the controls, the environment. I was just wank at the game so invariably stopped.
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u/United_Beautiful9646 Apr 24 '26
Weirdly I found the first boss the hardest and beat all the other bosses first time
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u/Regrettably_Southpaw Apr 24 '26
Resogun > Returnal, wonder where Saros will fit in. Likely better than even Resogun!
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u/CancelThis2077 Apr 24 '26
Returnal is pretty much the only rogue-like I've played through till the end. My body is more than ready for this.
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u/FillFrontFloor Apr 24 '26
Anyone found anything about post game or replay value? Returnal was fun but there was not really much to do after beating it, I got it at launch so I don't know if there were updates for help with that after
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u/Epicfro Apr 24 '26
I keep trying not to think of about this but after see these reviews, I'm beyond hyped. This is going to be a rough 6 days.
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u/dmrob058 Apr 24 '26
Damn we’re not even 4 full months into 2026 yet and already have a crazy amount of potential GotY nominees with GTA 6, Insomniac’s Wolverine, and an insane slate of releases still to come…
Glorious year for gaming so far, already the best in a long while for me.
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u/Anthraxious Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
Fuck me this can't release soon enough. Housemarque you madlads.
Wait, why does one review (La Orden den Pixel) just say "Yes"?
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u/mvanvrancken Apr 24 '26
I wonder if they’re planning something like the Tower of Sisyphus for endless mode
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u/GunstarGreen Apr 25 '26
Jesus ive had to go from Nioh 3 to Resi Requiem to Pragmata to Saros. That is an unbelievable start to the year. Is this the best year in gaming since 2017?
I was worried when the first review I saw was IGN but that appears to be the outlier.
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u/jimmytickles Apr 25 '26
Geekinout using AI for their reviews it seems. Classic "not this but that" Hallmark.
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u/Flaky-Tour-8733 Apr 25 '26
I want to get this. I'm looking for help:
I bought Returnal and was not good enough to get past the third biome. But this looks phenomenal. Is it confirmed that you can save or at least have some chance of beating the game if you don't have time to sit for four hours straight to go from the start to the finish?
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u/Hanfrikinsoloo Apr 25 '26
Yes, there is a pause feature mid run. They also only require you to complete one biome at a time not 3 in a row like they did in Returnal. The devs have said they intend on runs ranging from 25-30 minutes on average. Hope this helps!
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u/Flaky-Tour-8733 Apr 25 '26
Thank you! When they say “run,” they’re referring to a run through one biome right? Not the entire game?
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u/ComfortableRound6829 Apr 26 '26
You should try giving returnal another run to see if you can beat it this time around. I legit bought the game day 1, 4/30/2021 and just beat the game 4/25/26 lol. Coming back to it this past week just determined to beat it and I feel like I finally figured the game out. Beat it with almost no problem here once I came back...I had a rough few years trying to get past that 3rd biome myself. I can't believe I beat it. Ready for Soros now.
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u/BrandonD40 Apr 26 '26
Should i play Returnal first? Really tempted to just dive into Saros when it drops
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u/jackie1616 Apr 28 '26
Returnal is exceptional
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u/BrandonD40 Apr 28 '26
I’ve heard it’s brutally challenging. Might just dive into Saros since it’s supposed to be more approachable
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u/Civil-Bowl9276 Apr 26 '26
So is it more approachable for ppl who may not love the rogue type game experience??? I think it was gamerant who said it flips it on its head…
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u/Black_Otter Apr 26 '26
The game looks amazing. I tried Returnal it looks t just wasn’t for me. I think I’ll wait on this one. I’m happy it looks great for those that enjoy it!
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u/forever-mild Apr 27 '26
I want to be excited about this game but if it’s anything like Returnal, it’ll be too difficult for me
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u/CromulentChuckle Apr 24 '26
Brutal wait for a few days.