Housemarque, the studio behind the acclaimed 2022 roguelite shooter Returnal, has unveiled its next project: Saros. Starring Rahul Kohli, this PlayStation 5 exclusive is slated for a 2026 release and will feature enhanced visuals for the PS5 Pro.
Unveiled during today's PlayStation State of Play, Saros immediately evokes the signature Housemarque style. Players step into the shoes of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer investigating a perilous, ever-changing planet shrouded in an eclipse and menaced by a formidable, colossal entity. The tagline "come back stronger" and the fiery, bullet-hell-esque action sequences strongly suggest a roguelite experience reminiscent of Returnal.
Creative director Gregory Louden describes *Saros* as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-focused design philosophy. While a new single-player IP, it builds upon the foundation of *Returnal*'s engaging third-person action.However, Saros isn't simply a retread. According to Louden on the PlayStation Blog, a significant departure from Returnal lies in its system of permanent progression. While the game world dynamically shifts after player death, players will retain and permanently upgrade their weaponry and suits, adding a new layer of strategic depth.
Further details and an extended gameplay reveal are promised later this year.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's PlayStation State of Play, check out our recap.