Salo Cycle scores perfect marks as PS5's toughest shooter of the year

Sony's holding a strong hand this time. Housemarque's Saros Cycle just lifted its media embargo, and Dailystar awarded it a perfect 5/5, calling it a first-tier PS5 title for the year. The studio behind Returnal and Resogun is back to shake up the shooter space.

The game blends third-person adventure with bullet-hell dodging in a way that clicks. You play Arjun Dravje, a Soltari enforcer deployed on the shapeshifting planet Carcosa. The premise sounds ambitious, and the execution delivers. Housemarque recreated the hardcore appeal of 1981's classic space shooters but wrapped it in modern tech—visual impact is off the charts.

DualSense features are pushed to their limit. Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback give each shot a distinct feel, creating immersion other platforms can't replicate. The game uses Rogue-like mechanics: when your character falls, you respawn at a base hub, and the world layout shifts slightly. Every run feels fresh.

Late-stage bosses are a standout. Media reviews compare their oppressive presence to Elden Ring-level intensity—a gift for players who crave hardcore challenges. If you're into sci-fi settings, bullet-dodging, and high-speed shooting, Saros Cycle delivers peak satisfaction. This isn't a casual experience. It's a pure hardcore offering, both a quality sci-fi epic and a high-intensity challenge. Based on current reviews, its overall quality firmly places it at the top of this year's PS5 lineup. Shooter fans should pay attention.