- Housemarque unveils Saros, a sci-fi roguelike set on Carcosa
- Features permanent progression, deep combat, and a haunting story
- Rahul Kohli voices Arjun Devraj, a futuristic Soltari Enforcer
Housemarque, the renowned studio that also crafted games like Returnal made the State of Play event extra thrilling by announcing the next upcoming title—Saros, set to launch in 2026.
A New Sci-Fi Roguelike Adventure
For those who prefer the roguelike genre, this game is going to be the right fit for them. Saros has a deep and intriguing narrative for players to explore, an action-packed game that focuses on combat and survival.
While playing this single-player IP gamers may reminicise their Returnal gameplay, launched in 2021 on PlayStation 5. As the gameplay details are kept under wraps the revealed glimpse is enough for players to make a sketch regarding what they can expect, a mysterious world filled with danger and challenges.
The game is set on Carcosa, a planet overshadowed by a haunting eclipse. Players will have to sit in the shoes of a futuristic soldier, named Arjun Devraj, who is a Soltari Enforcer.
This character will be played by Rahul Kohli, a British-Indian actor, suggesting that the game may have some cultural influences, but this is just a mere guess. Players will step out on a journey to uncover the hidden aspects of this distinct planet, having strange creatures, mysterious forces, and endless threats.
The trailer shares amazing cinematic shots, beginning with a scene where Arjun wakes up on the shore, with a gloomy atmosphere in his background and in his surroundings as well.
As he moves forward a massive creature emerges out of the water ready to fight using bullet-hell-style attacks (a combat style Returnal fans will recognize). Also, his monologue hints at the repetitive cycle of rebirth and dying, suggesting that the game will include roguelike elements.
However, Saros appears to build upon these mechanics in new and exciting ways. Roguelike games offer a different gameplay experience where players die a lot and instead of getting the whole story restarted, the dying changes the narrative.
What distinguishes Saros from Returnal is its permanent progression system. Each time the player dies, the world changes, offering new challenges and opportunities.
Carcosa Awaits: A World Shaped by Death
This means that while retaining the roguelike essence, it also rewards players with lasting upgrades, making them stronger with every attempt. The game’s description goes as,
“Set on the planet Carcosa under the threat of an ominous eclipse, take on the role of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer searching for answers on a lost off-world colony.”
“SAROS features permanent progression systems, where every death reshapes the world while offering new upgrades to overcome challenges. With a haunting story, deep third-person action, and a grounded performance by Rahul Kohli, SAROS presents the next evolution in Housemarque’s gameplay-first experience.”
For now, for the gameplay updates or reveal players will have to wait further as this was only a cinematic trailer which didn’t provide detailed insights into the game.
Saros will be first released on PlayStation 5, keeping in view the pattern of Returnal — first released on PS 5 and then later on PC, the same pattern is being assumed for this upcoming banger.
