"Saros: Housemarque's Next Big Hit After Returnal, Set for 2026"

Housemarque has unveiled Saros, the eagerly anticipated sequel to their 2022 roguelite shooter, Returnal. Set to launch in 2026 exclusively for PlayStation 5 and optimized for the PS5 Pro, Saros features Rahul Kohli in a starring role.

Showcased during the recent PlayStation State of Play, Saros embodies the signature style of Housemarque. Players will step into the shoes of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer on a quest for truth on a treacherous, ever-changing planet. This world is shrouded in mystery, haunted by an eclipse and dominated by at least one formidable entity. The game's theme of "come back stronger" resonates with the roguelike genre, while the display of fireballs hints at Housemarque's penchant for bullet-hell mechanics.

Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-centric approach. Although it introduces a fresh single-player narrative, it builds upon the third-person action foundation laid by Returnal.

However, Saros isn't just a repeat of its predecessor. According to Louden's insights on the PlayStation Blog, a significant gameplay difference lies in the management of permanent resources and progression. While the world of Saros transforms with each player's death, players can also permanently enhance their weapons and suits, adding a new layer of strategy and development.

Fans can look forward to more details later this year, as Housemarque is set to reveal an extended gameplay demonstration.

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's PlayStation State of Play, be sure to visit our detailed recap.