Sony recently surprised everyone with a State of Play announcement, promising information on both third-party and first-party games. The presentation delivered, providing looks at some of the most anticipated games coming to the PS5. It opens with an extended look at Saros by Housemarque. The third person shooter action game takes after the developers’ previous work in Returnal, a roguelite also available on the PS5.
The trailer begins with a look at the barren and hostile scenery of the world. The main character, Arjun Devraj, is introduced through a voiceover by Gregory Louden, Housemarque’s creative director. The game returns players to Carcosa with a new mission and new tools. The trailer shows off extensive use of the Sultari shield, which surrounds the player and absorbs enemy projectile attacks. Its second functionality allows players to charge their weapon with the shield, creating a reward for effectively blocking. Use of the ability is mixed in with dashes to reinforce the core gameplay of dodging and defending while dealing damage.
Later in the trailer, the team shows off one of the permanent upgrades of the game, the Second Chance ability, letting players return to life after death. The trailer promises that this is only one of many upgrades that follow players during each run allowing players to get a sense of progression that persists after death. This mechanic seems to be one of the core features of the game’s identity, setting it apart from its predecessor and other roguelites. The trailer’s final moments give viewers a look at the various environments of Carcosa. Devraj is shown fighting massive opponents and making full use of the abilities shown off earlier in the trailer.
Saros is an action game with a unique spin on its genre. There is much to be interested in from what the trailer has shown, whether it be returning to the world, the gameplay, or the new mechanics. It is set to release on March 20th, 2026.