What Is Saros, and Why Are Critics Calling It One of the Best Games of 2026?
Saros is Housemarque’s latest PS5‑exclusive sci‑fi shooter, a high‑octane roguelite that builds directly on the studio’s acclaimed Returnal. Early reviews are almost universally glowing, with critics placing it comfortably among the top‑rated games of 2026 so far. Multiple outlets highlight how Saros refines Housemarque’s trademark arcade gunplay and bullet‑hell intensity, but wraps it in a more flexible structure and a narrative that leans into eldritch horror and introspective sci‑fi. Reviewers praise its “electric gameplay” loop of moving, shooting, improving and trying again, noting that combat feels deeper and more rewarding while remaining challenging rather than punishing. The consensus is that Saros is a bold culmination of roughly three decades of Housemarque’s design evolution, elevating their roguelite formula to a new level and enticing even genre sceptics to keep diving back into planet Carcosa after the credits roll.
Saros PS5 Pro Performance: Where PSSR Makes the Action Shine
From a technical standpoint, Saros PS5 Pro performance is where the game truly steps into “next‑gen showpiece” territory. Digital Foundry’s breakdown notes that on PS5 Pro the game runs in a single mode targeting 60fps with a 4K output, backed by Sony’s upgraded PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling. Importantly for a particle‑heavy shooter, PSSR 2 is credited with making Saros’ particle effects “exceptional” – think showers of neon projectiles, environmental debris and atmospheric dust that retain sharpness instead of dissolving into blur during hectic battles. Frame rates are described as “generally very consistent” on PS5 Pro, hitting 60fps the overwhelming majority of the time, with only occasional dropped frames and rare larger dips in the most intense sequences. Mild screen tearing can appear when frames go over budget, but when Variable Refresh Rate is enabled it becomes effectively invisible during normal gameplay.
PS5 vs PS5 Pro: What PSSR Upscaling Actually Does in Saros
PSSR upscaling tech can sound intimidating, but in Saros the benefit is straightforward: higher clarity and steadier performance without sacrificing the density of effects. On PS5 Pro, PSSR 2 takes a lower internal resolution image and reconstructs it towards a crisp 4K output, helping the console maintain 60fps even when the screen is flooded with bullets, particles and environmental chaos. The result is a PS5 Pro PSSR graphics presentation that looks sharp and stable, even if not always “hyper crisp 4K” at every moment. On the standard PS5, Saros reportedly relies on alternatives like FSR 2 or FSR 3 for upscaling. That version is described as “perfectly good considering the platform”, but the image is softer and can flicker or break up slightly, especially on fine details like leaves, projectiles and busy combat effects. In motion, those particles tend to look “a little bit rough” compared to the Pro’s output.
Inside the Saros Trophy List: Platinum Difficulty for Trophy Hunters
For Malaysian players who live for the ding of a new trophy, Saros offers a substantial checklist. The Saros trophy list contains 45 trophies in total: 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 16 Silver and 26 Bronze. That already outpaces Returnal’s 38 trophies, hinting at a more demanding path to 100% completion. Core progression trophies cover defeating multiple “Overlord” bosses, clearing Acts 1–3, and completing Epilogue requirements for the final encounter. The real test lies in skill‑based and grind‑heavy objectives: unlocking all main and power weapons and defeating 25 enemies with each; dispatching 1,995 regular hostiles; surviving 33 expeditions using Carcosan Modifiers; and absorbing 2,021 projectiles with the Shield. Additional challenges push mastery of weapon classes and mechanics, such as landing 50 consecutive rifle shots, achieving perfect shotgun accuracy streaks, or clearing a biome without taking direct damage. Expect a tough but fair Platinum that rewards deep familiarity with Saros’ systems.
Is Saros the Ideal Showpiece for a New PS5 Pro in Malaysia?
Looking at both critical reception and technology, Saros makes a strong case as one of the best PS5 Pro games to show off a new console. It delivers highly rated gameplay that blends tight roguelite shooting with a moody, eldritch sci‑fi narrative, while also putting PS5 Pro visual upgrade features front and centre through PSSR‑enhanced particle effects and a stable 60fps target. For trophy hunters, the rich Saros trophy list and demanding Platinum provide long‑term goals that go beyond a single playthrough. On standard PS5, the experience remains very solid, but players with high‑refresh TVs and an eye for image sharpness and effects will clearly benefit from the Pro. As more next‑gen titles start to lean into PS5 Pro features, Saros already stands out as a reference point – a real game, not just a tech demo, that convincingly answers what the upgraded hardware actually adds.