New PlayStation 5 Exclusive, Saros, Received Glowing Reviews from Critics

The embargo on Saros—the upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive from Housemarque (Returnal)—has officially been lifted today. And it seems the studio has exceeded all expectations, as the first reactions to the game from gaming media have started to come in.

According to initial reviews, Saros has become a huge hit and another contender for the Game of the Year award. The game is receiving high praise from critics for its visuals, engaging gameplay, and fun combat system with thrilling shootouts; it’s being called an evolution of the genre and a huge step forward compared to Returnal. However, it’s not without its drawbacks—in this regard, the plot is often noted as not always being interesting. But otherwise, Saros is, in the opinion of many, a must-buy PlayStation 5 exclusive. It's currently rated 88 on Metacritic, based on 86 Critic Reviews, and 91 on OpenCritic, with 95% Critic Recommended. Some of the reviews you can check out below:

VGC – 100/100:

“Saros is a bold, confident realization of 30 years of Housemarque. It builds on the mystery and exceptional gameplay of Returnal with an excellent lead performance, and changes to the formula mean even more players will come to realize that Housemarque is PlayStation's secret weapon.”

Eurogamer Germany – 100/100:

“Saros might not be perfect, with the storytelling in particular showing some rough edges. It takes a while getting up to speed but when all systems are in place, it's an exceptional arcade shooter and an extraordinary spectacle.”

CGMagazine – 95/100:

“SAROS is head and shoulders above Returnal, which was already a stellar reinvention of the bullet-hell genre, thanks to a richer story, tougher enemies and gameplay systems that tailor the game to the player.”

Game Informer – 93/100:

“Moving, shooting, improving (both in stats and skill), winning, and even losing is an unequivocal joy in Saros, and I only wish I could write this sentence faster so I can hurry up and get back to planet Carcosa and attempt another run.”

Gamereactor UK – 90/100:

“Saros is a fantastic example of just how much good can come from giving a razor-sharp developer the time and freedom to create the game they want from a clear vision. For whilst Saros is, in scope, Housemarque's biggest game to date, it still feels laser-focused in its desire to bring bullet hell into a 3D space and equip the whole thing with an engaging sci-fi story set in a fantastic world.”

IGN Germany – 90/100:

“Saros is a fiercely focused hybrid of bullet-hell, roguelite, platformer, and horror sci-fi whose demanding but fair combat and aggressive risk-reward loop easily outweigh its flat supporting cast and static hub.”

GameSpot – 90/100:

“It might not be a direct sequel, but decisions like this and others elsewhere address every issue I had with Returnal. Housemarque's previous game is fantastic in its own way. Yet Saros elevates the studio's roguelite formula to another level. Its structure is surprisingly malleable, combat is deeper and more rewarding, and I couldn't resist being wrapped around the finger of its mysterious and foreboding narrative. I find roguelites hit-and-miss, but it didn't take long before I was utterly infatuated with Saros. It's an incredible game that does more than just refine what worked before. Even after rolling credits, I can't wait to dive back in.”

Game Rant – 90/100:

“Saros is an excellent, heart-pounding action game that is easily one of the PS5's best exclusives. The combat is exhilarating and Carcosa is a blast to explore. The quality-of-life features make it more accessible than Returnal, and while that might upset some purists, it helps Saros avoid some of the frustrating pitfalls that roguelite games sometimes fall into. Saros is one of the year's best releases and a must-have for PS5 gamers.”

• PSU – 100/100
• WellPlayed – 100/100
• GameSpew – 100/100
• COGconnected – 96/100
• GamingTrend – 95/100
• PSX Brasil – 95/100
• Atomix – 95/100
• Worth Playing – 91/100
• AreaJudones – 90/100
• GAMES CH – 90/100
• The SixthAxis – 90/100
• GamingBolt – 90/100
• Vandal – 90/100
• Snacknews – 90/100
• GAMINGbible – 90/100
• Wccftech – 85/100
• GamesRadar+ - 80/100
• Screen Rant – 80/100
• IGN – 70/100
• Saudi Games – 70/100

Saros is the upcoming sci-fi third-person action RPG set in the future. You play as Soltari enforcer Arjun Devrai, and alongside your crew, the task is to explore the planet of Carcosa, where the human colony vanished. Carcosa is also in a state of perpetual eclipse, which distorts reality and directly influences gameplay and the plot. It was also described by Legion Looterana as “Interstellar as a video game”, where one of the key features is the play on time—a task that lasts only a few days in the game can span years or even decades on the protagonist’s planet.

Are you excited for Saros, the new title from Housemarque studio? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The game is releasing on April 30 exclusively for PlayStation 5.