In this Saros Review, we examine how Housemarque’s latest title manages to return stronger than its predecessor. While Saros functions as a roguelite, its definition of a "run" is significantly broader than most games in the genre. The developer shares plenty of DNA with their previous hit, Returnal, offering a sci-fi third-person shooter with intense bullet-hell elements.
By flipping the established roguelite formula on its head, Saros takes bold swings that differentiate it from Housemarque's past work. The game builds upon its spiritual ancestor in spectacular fashion, seducing players through an enthralling marriage of mechanics and story.
A Comprehensive Saros Review: Evolution of the Roguelite
The gameplay elements explored in this Saros Review highlight a title that is not to be missed. As players navigate the chaos, the depth of the mechanical improvements becomes clear.
The narrative begins with very little information on the planet Carcosa. Communication has been severed with the colony ships Echelon I, II, and III, prompting the dispatch of the Echelon IV emergency crew to investigate the silence.
The Mission of Echelon IV
The Echelon IV team is composed of several specialized roles tasked with reconnaissance and survival:
- A pilot
- A crew commander
- An engineer
- Four armed Enforcers
By the time you take control, the number of Enforcers has already dwindled to just two. You play as Arjun Devraj, one of these remaining soldiers. With thousands of colonists missing and crew members losing their minds, Arjun is just as lost as the rest—especially since he possesses the ability to return from the dead.
Corporate Greed and Personal Stakes
The driving force behind the mission is Lucenite, a compound with massive energy potential. The Soltari corporation sent the Echelon program to Carcosa specifically for this resource, placing trillion-dollar profits above all else. This creates intense friction between the crew and those loyal to the company, as Soltari acts much like the Weyland-Yutani corporation from Alien.
As this Saros Review notes, the conflict is not merely professional but deeply personal. Arjun knows someone who was aboard Echelon I, providing an impassioned determination behind his actions. Even as he struggles to piece together the mysterious circumstances of Carcosa, his drive to uncover the truth remains unshakable.
