Housemarque unveils Saros, the highly anticipated successor to their acclaimed 2022 roguelite shooter, Returnal. Starring Rahul Kohli, Saros is slated for a 2026 release on PlayStation 5, with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.

Unveiled during the recent PlayStation State of Play, Saros bears the unmistakable Housemarque signature. Players assume the role of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer embarking on a perilous quest for answers on a volatile, ever-shifting planet, shadowed by an eclipse and a formidable, colossal entity. The game's atmosphere strongly echoes Returnal, with the recurring phrase "come back stronger" hinting at its roguelike elements, while the fiery spectacle showcases Housemarque's signature bullet-hell style.

Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's signature gameplay-focused experience. While a new single-player IP, it builds upon the foundation of Returnal's engaging third-person action.

However, Saros introduces significant gameplay innovations. According to Louden on the PlayStation Blog, a key difference lies in the system of persistent resources and progression. While the game world dynamically shifts upon player death, as is typical of the genre, players will also accumulate permanent upgrades for their weaponry and protective suits.

Further details are promised later this year, with Housemarque planning to showcase an extended gameplay preview. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the PlayStation State of Play, check out our detailed recap.