PlayStation Studios senior product developer director Mihir Sheth is urging players not to avoid the upcoming sci-fi roguelike Saros due to concerns about its difficulty, emphasizing that the game was designed to be accessible to a wide range of skill levels despite its challenging nature.
Addressing the Difficulty Curve
As the release of Saros approaches, discussions regarding its potential difficulty—often compared to Housemarque’s previous title, Returnal—have intensified. However, PlayStation leadership is moving to address these fears directly. On social media, fans highlighted that after defeating the game’s second boss, players gain access to toggleable bonuses, allowing them to customize the gameplay experience to their personal preferences.
Sheth supported these sentiments, clarifying the development philosophy behind the title. “Housemarque made this game with care and consideration for many types of players while preserving challenge,” Sheth stated. “There is more in your hands for how to play… but if this video game looks cool to you, then IT IS FOR YOU.”
More Than Just a Punishing Roguelike
While Returnal was widely recognized for its steep learning curve—often requiring players to step away and reset before tackling the hostile environments of Atropos—Saros appears to offer a more flexible approach. The inclusion of granular modifiers and an expanded selection of weaponry allows for a more tailored experience. Features such as enhanced defensive capabilities and resistance to enemy infections provide players with the tools to mitigate the game’s most punishing moments, a luxury that might have made Returnal feel more approachable for many.
Why You Should Give Saros a Chance
Beyond the mechanics, Saros stands as one of the most significant PlayStation 5 releases of the year. Whether you are interested in the narrative, the visual design, or seeing the lead performance by Rahul Kohli, Sheth’s message remains clear: do not let the reputation of the genre or the studio’s past work deter you from experiencing the game.
The critical reception further supports this, as Saros has already secured a high Metacritic score, positioning it as one of the top-rated titles of the year, trailing only behind major hits like Resident Evil Requiem and Pokemon Pokopia.
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