Housemarque, the studio behind the acclaimed 2022 roguelite shooter Returnal, has unveiled its next project: Saros. Starring Rahul Kohli, this new title is slated for a 2026 release on PlayStation 5, with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.
Unveiled during the 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-shifting planet shrouded in eclipse and guarded by formidable entities. The game's atmosphere and the phrase "come back stronger" strongly suggest a roguelike structure, while the fiery projectile displays hint at the studio's renowned bullet-hell mechanics.
Creative director Gregory Louden describes *Saros* as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-focused approach. While a new single-player IP, it builds upon the third-person action established in *Returnal*.However, Saros isn't simply a rehash. According to Louden on the PlayStation Blog, a key difference lies in its system of permanent progression. While the world dynamically changes upon player death, similar to Returnal, players will also retain and upgrade their weapons and suits permanently.
Further details are promised later this year, with Housemarque planning to showcase extended gameplay footage.
For a complete rundown of the PlayStation State of Play announcements, check out our recap.