Sarco (2026)

Saros is a beautifully executed game. It is not just better than their previous game; it’s one of 2026’s best games so far. It looks gorgeous, it plays wonderfully, and its progression system is simple. The bosses, enemies, and gameplay design all work together so well. It is a game that you owe yourself to play. Housemarque delivered on something genuinely unique, and I will remember this game for years to come.

It wasn't at the time, but now it's abundantly clear that Arcades are, in fact, not dead at all. And yet Saros makes another case for it - showing how contemporary "blockbuster" AAA-design is often at odds with classic arcade philosophies. It would be a shame to see Housemarque stuck in this mold, potentially losing their unique and very important voice for the whole genre.

In the end, I'm glad I gave Returnal a chance five years ago and Saros is a fresh take on a format Housemarque has mastered – a satisfyingly frantic shooter that weaves between strategy and impulse to create a well-balanced and gratifying sci-fi action game.

How can a formula be made more accessible without stripping away its core values? Housemarque's goal with Saros is to answer this very question, and in doing so, the studio has no fear of breaking an established mold. The roguelike progression—which once posed a challenge for casual audiences while fueling the excitement of hardcore fans, has now struck a balance through sound design decisions that still honor the studio's legacy, managing to satisfy both camps. Housemarque's new title may not possess the same powerful, isolating atmosphere of Returnal, but it has deepened the combat core without compromising the action, while establishing a thematic connection between the story, artistic direction, and gameplay.

Housemarque has shown it listened to the criticism aimed at Returnal, building a more accessible and layered experience without giving up its identity of frantic combat, demanding challenges, and a strong arcade component.