It wasn’t a launch game, but Returnal came out close to the PS5’s release. It was one of 2021’s best-reviewed games, along with one of the most challenging ones, since it was a 3D roguelike shooter with a steep learning curve. Additionally, Housemarque, the developer, has been creating bullet hell games for a long time, with laser and particle effects consistently featured in the battle arenas.
At long last, their next game, Saros, has a 2026 release date set for March 20. Between this game and Marvel’s Wolverine launching in Fall 2026, it looks like Sony is going to have a good year on the PS5. So, let’s go over some features that look cool in the latest Saros trailer.
Housemarque’s Bullet Hell Origins Live On
Dodge This!
One of the great things about Housemarque is that the developer hasn’t shifted too far from its gameplay origins. Even in their top-down games, Housemarque featured bullet hell elements in their shooters. Returnal went completely over the top and is easily their hardest game to date.
Saros may be easier by comparison, or it could be even tougher. It’s hard to say, as a roguelike can have great balance, poor balance, or be far too easy. Either way, the trailer’s particle effects from the various enemy beam attacks look great and will presumably look even more dazzling once fans get their hands on the game in 2026.
There Are Permanent Upgrades
Come Back Stronger
The tagline for Saros seems to be “Come Back Stronger,” which is easy to understand now after this latest developer walkthrough. Saros will have permanent upgrades, something that players struggled with unlocking in the initial build of Returnal. It’s not known yet if Saros will double down on permanent upgrades or if it will feature the same number as Returnal.
For now, only one permanent upgrade was showcased. Arjun, the protagonist, dies during the demo, but thanks to his upgrade, he gets to return for another life rather than restarting his run. Plenty of roguelikes incorporate ways to cheat death, like in Hades, along with other games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which fully incorporated the mechanic into the experience. It will be interesting to see what other upgrades players can unlock for Arjun in Saros.
The Shield Looks Useful
Absorb Energy Like Bishop
Beyond blasting enemies, Arjun also has a shield attached to his suit. Players can activate it, and it will create a small dome around Arjun’s body. The shield will fade the more damage it takes, but there is a secret use for the shield. It will absorb energy and allow players to use more powerful weapons by channeling that energy into their attacks.
Housemarque could have taken a page from the X-Men comics, as Bishop, one of the Mutant heroes, can absorb energy and release it back at his enemies. The X-Men didn’t create this trope, and energy absorption has appeared in other media too, but it’s still a cool power to see in Saros. It will be even more interesting to see what sort of weapons the shield can power.
More Than The Main City
Explore Many Ruined Civilizations
The first Saros trailer showed a brief snippet of Arjun facing a boss in an eclipsed orange and black setting. This is where the latest gameplay demonstration begins, and it’s the area shown most throughout the trailer. However, at the end, several more distinct areas were shown as well.
It’s good to know that Saros will have more variety than Returnal, as traversing the same areas on repeat, albeit remixed, can be draining in a roguelike. Other areas highlighted in the trailer include a mountainous area of ruins in more natural light, a ruined city in the rain, and a big pile of abandoned tech parts. It’s a lot of ruinous areas to be sure, but they are distinct from one another.
While Not Strictly Horror, There Are Spooky Vibes
What Is That Boss Doing?
One of the best things about Returnal was that it was a horror game, alongside being a sci-fi roguelike shooter. There aren’t many games that blend those two genres together. It was atmospheric beyond words, like a spiritual successor to Metroid Prime but in third-person and with a female character who could talk. Saros doesn’t look quite as horrific, but there are definitely haunting things it has shown off so far.
The looming eclipsed sun in what seems to be the main city is unsettling. The giant monster that appears from a hidden doorway looks straight out of a Guillermo del Toro film. The trailer didn’t get up close and personal with the other enemies, but they probably have horrific designs, too. So, while the setting of Saros may not be as spooky as Returnal, Housemarque definitely hasn’t dropped the horror vibes completely.
It's A Sequel, But Not
Going The Sucker Punch Direction
Sequels are a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be great to get a sequel to a truly amazing experience. However, it’s not fun seeing a studio tied up with one franchise for years. For example, Insomniac Games has made three Spider-Man games in five years, which is impressive since they are all equally good.
Housemarque is going a different route with Saros. Their next game follows the same gameplay designs as Returnal, with its shooter and roguelike elements. However, it’s a completely new game with a new main character and setting. It’s a spiritual successor rather than a direct sequel, which in this case is more interesting.