Returnal Developer Unveils Saros: A New Game with Roguelike Elements

Housemarque, the imaginative minds behind 2021’s phenomenal sci-fi roguelike, Returnal, are back with a fresh venture titled Saros. Already turning heads, this latest project features Rahul Kohli, known for his role in Midnight Mass, leading the charge. The game made its grand entrance with a trailer that left many awestruck and dropped a few tantalizing hints about what awaits players.

In Saros, Kohli steps into the shoes of Arjun Devraj, an enforcer whose journey takes him to a planet that can change its shape. Yes, you heard that right—a planet. In the game’s debut teaser, an ominous eclipse occurs overhead, and from the stark landscape, a ghastly, multi-limbed creature begins to creep forth. Arjun swiftly engages with his firearm, and just like that, the teaser cuts off, leaving us wanting more.

While the trailer avoids showcasing any actual gameplay, Arjun’s dialogue implies that Saros will embrace a roguelike format. He mentions how each death brings him back stronger, though the mechanics of this empowerment remain to be seen. Unlike Returnal, which expertly crafted a time-loop narrative, Saros might chart its own path, especially since its protagonist seems not only conscious of but also embraces the bizarre happenings within this cosmic setting.

The eclipse serves as a significant event in the game. Arjun wakes up just as daylight begins to slip away. This might be the timeframe within which you’ll conduct most of your resource and experience gathering, only to eventually face whatever terrors emerge once night falls. The aim might be to sharpen your skills to withstand these horrors during the eclipse—though I’m just theorizing here. More reveals on gameplay are promised later in the year.

Dubbed as the “ultimate evolution of the Housemarque gameplay-first experience,” Saros is spoken of as an advancement of what Returnal accomplished. That’s a bold claim given Returnal’s accolade as one of 2021’s standout titles. Such confidence, however, only heightens my anticipation and belief that Saros will deliver something exceptional.

This marks Kohli’s largest venture into video games so far. As a passionate gamer himself, he’s lent his voice to roles in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2023, among others. His presence in the game only adds more excitement to the mix.

Set to launch sometime in 2026, Saros has everyone eagerly awaiting. Meanwhile, check out our picks of the best survival and horror games to prepare for any cosmic challenges that lie ahead.

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