When a studio creates a bold new game that connects with a mainstream audience, it can find itself at a crossroads. Do you follow that up by doing the same thing again or taking another big swing? That was the position Housemarque found itself in after 2021’s Returnal . The dazzling PlayStation 5 shooter introduced more players to a shapeshifting studio known for creating innovative, arcade-style games. Those new fans who found Housemarque through Returnal ’s unique bullet-hell roguelike experience would surely want more from a studio that rarely ever makes sequels to its own games. Now, five years later, Housemarque has returned with a fair compromise. Saros isn’t Returnal 2 , but a totally new game. It is, however, a clear variation on a theme. It repeats virtually all of Returnal ’s gameplay beats, but modifies them with a tweaked approach to defense and lots more opportunities for progression.…