Saros Launches Major Zenith Update Enhancing Gameplay Experience
- The Zenith update for Saros introduced a boss-rush mode, New Game Plus, and new game modifiers.
- A Slow Game Speed option allows players to slow down gameplay for better strategy.
- Housemarque emphasizes a balance between making the game accessible while preserving its challenging nature.
The bullet-dodging PlayStation shooter Saros has launched the significant Zenith update today. This update focuses on making the game more accessible for newcomers and more replayable for experienced players.
Key features of the update include a new boss-rush mode, New Game Plus, additional difficulty modifiers, and a notable Slow Game Speed option. Players can customize the slowdown intensity, enhancing strategic gameplay. Visual demonstrations show that this feature resembles slow-motion effects in other titles, allowing for critical decision-making time.
In a blog post, developer Housemarque expressed its concerns about reducing game difficulty. The studio stated, “Although we realise our games can look intimidating at first, we didn’t want to compromise the combat system of Saros by reducing the projectiles that put the ‘bullet’ in ‘bullet ballet,'” leading to the introduction of the slow game speed option.
The updated game includes ten new Protection modifiers for those seeking assistance. For example, the Corruption Melee Enhancement introduces powerful melee damage from the game’s Corruption mechanic. Conversely, players looking to increase difficulty can choose Trial modifiers, such as Hostile Regeneration, which allows crowd-controlled enemies to rapidly regain health.
The New Game Plus mode, titled Eclipse Layers, becomes available after completing the game. Each layer offers an intensified experience with different rules, requiring players to meet specific prerequisites, such as activating a set number of modifiers. Additionally, character Arjun now dons a sun-like crown during Eclipse Layers that evolves based on the modifiers in play, which is essential for uncovering twelve new story visions introduced in this update.
Furthermore, the Overlord Rush mode is designed for quick, 10-minute boss challenges, culminating in the Totality set where players face all eight Overlords in a continuous succession.
Saros, which launched on PS5 in April, initially received positive reviews; however, sales were slow compared to Housemarque’s previous title, Returnal. Nonetheless, Housemarque remains optimistic, stating, “this is just the start of the discussion,” with ongoing efforts to refine and expand the game in the future, highlighting the significance of the Zenith update in this process.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
