**Spoiler Alert for the Opening Scene of the Upcoming Game Saros:** The game kicks off by showcasing a sequence of words. These characters materialize on the screen one at a time, presenting certain world-building aspects to lay the groundwork for the narrative. The exact details are easy to miss because of the strong tactile experiences prompted by the controller. Each letter evokes a sharp haptic buzz, creating a clicky-clacky sensation. From the very beginning, Saros emphasizes its commitment to immersive storytelling through physical experiences.
Since the launch of the PlayStation 5, its DualSense controllers have enabled developers to harness haptic feedback, allowing the controller to vibrate in targeted ways. This innovation can replicate various on-screen sensations, such as typing letters, the sound of rain, or the powerful tremor when discharging a weapon or executing a melee strike. The adaptive triggers offer varying levels of resistance, clarifying the difference between a light pull and a full press.
Saros, scheduled for release on April 30, is crafted by Housemarque, a Finnish studio under Sony’s ownership. The studio previously introduced the widely praised PlayStation 5 title Returnal in 2021. As a launch title for the console, Returnal highlighted the newest advancements in Sony’s hardware, particularly the haptic and adaptive features of the DualSense controller. Gregory Louden, the creative director at Housemarque, managed the development of both titles and felt a distinct pressure to showcase the console’s potential.
“Releasing Returnal, there was a feeling of obligation since it was a launch title for PlayStation 5. We aimed to explore what the hardware could accomplish,” Louden revealed to WIRED. “We develop for the audience, but we also seek to advance the gaming medium and inspire others.”
Similar to Returnal, Housemarque’s new installment takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controllers. It also incorporates 3D audio to enrich the game’s atmosphere. Although both titles operate on the same hardware, Louden is confident that the integration and experience are now more fluid.
“We pushed the graphics and hardware boundaries,” Louden articulated. “Our ambition was to provide something exceptional to players and fully leverage the potential of the DualSense.”
After several hours of gameplay, Saros emerges as a captivating experience. This dark sci-fi roguelike features intense confrontations where players fend off swarms of ominous aliens with dynamic, tactile action. The immersion is amplified by the synergy between what is displayed and the feedback from the controller. Clear mechanics like firing weapons or absorbing hits with a shield through haptic feedback are augmented by subtler techniques, such as during cinematic moments, where steady haptic pulses heighten the tension and emotions conveyed by the characters.