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

Housemarque has unveiled Saros, the eagerly awaited sequel to their 2022 roguelite shooter, Returnal. Featuring Rahul Kohli, Saros is set to launch in 2026 exclusively for the PlayStation 5, with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.

The announcement came during the latest PlayStation State of Play, where Saros was showcased in a way that unmistakably bears the Housemarque signature. 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 haunted by an eclipse and dominated by at least one formidable entity. The game's theme of "come back stronger" resonates deeply with the roguelike genre, while the display of fireballs 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 IP, it builds upon the foundation laid by Returnal's third-person action mechanics.

However, Saros isn't just a repeat of Returnal. According to Louden's insights on the PlayStation Blog, a significant gameplay difference lies in the introduction of permanent resources and progression. In Saros, the world shifts with each player's death, yet players can now permanently enhance their weapons and suits, adding a new layer of strategy and growth.

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, make sure to visit our detailed recap [ttpp].