Saros: Housemarque’s Upcoming Arcade Sci-Fi Game

Saros: Housemarque’s Next Bold Leap in Gaming

Housemarque is back. The Finnish developer, famed for its relentless arcade shooters, has unveiled its latest venture, Saros. The excitement is palpable, especially when the protagonist declares, "But after every death I always come back stronger." Slated for a 2026 release on PlayStation 5, this game has already caught the gaming world’s eye.

An Eerie Setting with New Dynamics

Wednesday’s PlayStation State of Play showcased Saros with a tantalizing cinematic teaser. While gameplay remained hidden, the atmosphere was not. The world of Saros promises time loops, eclipses, and madness-inducing adversaries. It’s a spiritual successor to the acclaimed Returnal but with a key twist. This new game will include "permanent resources and progression."

Unlike Returnal’s punishing resets, Saros allows protagonist Arjun Devraj, voiced by Rahul Kohli, to retain upgrades after each demise. Such a feature marks a bold departure for Housemarque. This approach aims to enhance player investment as they persist through the game’s challenges.

Arjun Devraj’s Epic Quest

Set on the planet Carcosa, players will guide Arjun, a Soltari Enforcer, through his perilous mission. Saros promises a haunting narrative, immersive third-person action, and a standout performance from Kohli. Each death reshapes Carcosa, creating dynamic gameplay that evolves with every run.

Housemarque’s creative director, Gregory Louden, introduces it as "the ultimate evolution" of their signature style. As a nod to tradition, expect encounters with the studio’s infamous bullet hell orb patterns. Housemarque fans are in for a treat.

Anticipating the Future

When Saros drops in 2026, it will feature PS5 Pro enhancements. Framerate plays a crucial role in this genre, and Pro support aims to elevate the player experience. Details on actual gameplay remain scarce, yet anticipation builds. We await further glimpses by year’s end.

2026 can’t come soon enough. Until then, join the celebration of Housemarque’s 30-year journey. Dive back into Returnal, if you haven’t explored it yet, and get ready for Saros. This next chapter in Housemarque’s storied history promises excitement, intensity, and innovation.