Thanks to the DualSense’s haptics, interacting with a robot becomes enjoyable. The DualSense controller was one of Sony’s major selling points for the PS5. Apart from its striking new design and adaptive triggers, the controller’s haptic feedback provided genuinely innovative experiences in games. While rumble effects had existed for decades, the DualSense offered something remarkably different: I remain impressed by the sensation of sand crunching under Astro’s feet in Team Asobi’s *Astro’s Playroom* or the futuristic feedback from weapons in Housemarque’s *Returnal*.
However, few titles since the PS5’s launch have replicated this magic or showcased the controller’s unique capabilities. This week, Housemarque released their newest game, *Saros*, which stands out as the first game in a while to make the DualSense feel essential.
In many games, rumble and haptics are an optional bonus. They might enhance explosions or gunfire, but disabling them usually doesn’t affect gameplay significantly. In *Saros*, however, the DualSense’s haptics are crucial to the gaming experience.
Here are examples of how the haptics work. When firing a rifle at enemies, the haptics’ pitch increases as a warning of low ammo. With a handcannon firing three bullets simultaneously, the DualSense provides three distinct taps per shot. When a charged crossbow shot is ready, the haptics create a sharp focus, indicating it’s time to fire. If a shield is up for too long, it matches the onscreen shield’s undulation with corresponding rumbles.
Outside combat, the DualSense’s haptics enhance immersion while exploring. As protagonist Arjun traverses Carcosa, short pulses are felt. Using the grappling beam to cross chasms causes a rattle when nearing the grapple point. The controller rumbles ominously when Arjun nears the ominous hands that trigger a world-altering eclipse.
Arjun’s interactions with other characters also use haptics. In one area, while a character hums, the haptics sync with the sound. Engaging with Primary, a robot at Arjun’s base, was intriguing due to the haptics syncing with its voice, adding depth to the interaction.
The haptics are not just a cool feature but enhance gameplay. During intense firefights with bullets and enemies everywhere, relying on the tactile feedback from the DualSense is often easier than deciphering busy visuals on screen.
Over five years into the PS5’s lifecycle, few studios have maximized the DualSense’s potential. Originally a significant selling point, the controller is now often overlooked. *Saros* demonstrates the untapped potential of the DualSense’s features, hopefully sparking renewed interest in its capabilities.