Housemarque has unveiled Saros, the much-anticipated sequel to their 2022 roguelite hit, Returnal. Featuring Rahul Kohli, Saros is set to launch in 2026 exclusively for the PlayStation 5, with enhancements tailored for the PS5 Pro.
Showcased during the recent PlayStation State of Play, Saros unmistakably bears the signature style of Housemarque. Players will step into the shoes of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer, as he navigates a perilous, ever-changing planet shrouded in mystery by an eclipse and threatened by at least one formidable entity. The game's tagline, "come back stronger," resonates with the roguelike genre's core mechanic, while the display of fiery projectiles hints at Housemarque's penchant for bullet-hell challenges.
Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-centric approach. While it introduces a fresh single-player narrative, it builds upon the foundation laid by Returnal's third-person action dynamics.
However, Saros isn't just a repeat of its predecessor. Louden highlighted on the PlayStation Blog that a significant gameplay difference lies in the management of permanent resources and progression. In Saros, the world shifts following the player's demise, yet players can permanently enhance their weaponry and suits, adding a new layer of strategic depth.
Fans can look forward to more details later this year, as Housemarque is set to unveil an extended gameplay demonstration.
To catch up on all the exciting reveals from today's PlayStation State of Play, make sure to check out our comprehensive recap [ttpp].