Saros Players Split on Game’s Difficulty Level
Saros, the spiritual successor to Returnal, aims to strike a balance between challenge and accessibility. Recognizing that many players struggled to finish Returnal, developer Housemarque has introduced options to ease the difficulty in this new title. While the core mechanics remain similar, Saros features persistent progression systems and shorter gameplay sessions, making it a more approachable experience. Housemarque is aware that this shift might ruffle the feathers of those who view conquering Returnal as a badge of honor, but their goal is to broaden the audience for their unique blend of bullet-hell psychological horror.
“When it clicks, it’s something unlike any other game,” said associate design director Matti Häkli in an interview. “I just want to ensure that more players can experience that rather than leaving it to a small niche of hardcore gamers.”
Now that Saros is out, players ranging from Returnal veterans to newcomers are eager to see what the buzz is about. However, opinions are mixed; some players have already snagged the platinum trophy within a week, while others are still grappling with the first area.
One of the most significant changes in Saros is the introduction of Carcosan Modifiers, which allow players to tweak the difficulty by adjusting specific stats and mechanics for a new balance. These modifiers include straightforward options like boosting damage output, as well as more nuanced adjustments that can restrict certain upgrades by removing resources from a run. This flexibility aims to attract those who found Returnal too punishing while still preserving the challenging essence of Saros.
In a Reddit thread, a user new to the roguelike genre expressed frustration with Saros’ first boss, having heard it was supposed to be easier than other games in the genre. They were on the verge of giving up, stating, “I was a fool for believing I can play this. It is definitely not casual friendly.”
That sentiment was disheartening, especially as the user considered abandoning roguelikes altogether after struggling with the first boss. They initially enjoyed the first few hours of the game, captivated by the story, graphics, and gameplay. However, the realization that they had to restart to face the boss again, combined with the long wait for easy mode modifiers, led them to contemplate quitting.
“I’ll never try such a game again. If you’re new to roguelites and are misled by elitists claiming this game is easy and accessible, be warned: it’s brutal!”
With half the community claiming the game is “too easy” compared to Returnal, it’s understandable that some players might hesitate to dive into Saros due to its early challenges. If this is what seasoned players consider easy, what could the later stages hold? Fortunately, other players encouraged the original poster to persevere and shared tips on unlocking modifiers early (like dying frequently), helping them get back on track.
“I really appreciated the response from the community,” they wrote. “I vented in the game subreddit and expected to get roasted, but instead, I received really helpful and friendly replies. Sorry I judged the game unfairly, and thank you for educating and motivating me to get back in it!”
Discussions about video game difficulty can often become contentious, with some players telling others to “get gud” or engaging in gatekeeping. Housemarque designed Saros to be a more customizable experience, aiming to avoid alienating newcomers seeking accessibility while still catering to those craving a challenge. Despite differing opinions on whether Saros is too hard or not hard enough, the community is stepping up to support players who are ready to throw in the towel, encouraging them to keep fighting.
In many challenging games, fans often take it upon themselves to adjust the difficulty. Some popular mods for Hollow Knight: Silksong are designed to fine-tune its notoriously high difficulty. While the developer Team Cherry seems uninterested in making their Metroidvania more approachable, Housemarque is committed to offering players the choice between a breezy experience and one that can be as punishing as, or even more so than, Returnal. Whether this approach is seen as catering to “casuals” or simply allowing for a customizable experience is up to individual interpretation.
