Saros, the latest game from Housemarque, takes the core foundations of Returnal and expands them into a significantly more aggressive, narratively rich experience. From its boldly designed protagonist to its revamped combat mechanics, Saros feels both familiar and refreshingly distinct, setting itself apart as more than just a spiritual successor to Returnal. Here’s a closer look at how Housemarque has taken this new adventure to the next level.

A distinct protagonist: Arjun Devraj vs. Selene

Saros introduces players to Arjun Devraj, a protagonist with a very different energy from Returnal’s Selene. Whereas Selene’s story in Returnal was one of self-discovery and isolation, Arjun is driven by a mission to rescue missing colonists on the dangerous, ever-changing planet of Carcosa. Arjun works as an enforcer for the mega-corporation Sultari, and his motivations blend professional obligation and a more personal search for a mysterious woman whose voice calls to him across Carcosa.

Arjun’s character is layered, brought to life through the capable performance of actor Rahul Kohli. On the surface, he’s an altruistic hero focused on his mission, but subtle moments of self-doubt and selfish motivations slip into his dialogue, suggesting that his journey will become as much about his own flaws as it is about finding the missing. The game’s narrative builds on themes of duality, creating an intriguing and complex character dynamic with both allies and antagonists.

The setting: Carcosa’s hostile, ever-changing environment

Carcosa serves as a fittingly menacing backdrop for the events of Saros. Designed as a shifting and mysterious planet, the world draws from Lovecraftian influences as well as classic weird fiction. With its crimson-hued cliffs, hellish fire-lit landscapes, and foreboding structures, Carcosa stands in stark contrast to the lonely but subdued atmosphere of Returnal’s Atropos.

A key feature is its connection to the celestial entity known as the eclipse. As players progress, they encounter moments where Carcosa transforms dramatically, becoming a far more hostile environment. During this phase, the once-manageable threats escalate into overwhelming challenges involving corrupted creatures and landscapes seething with danger. The eclipse embodies a tonal shift, amplifying tension and forcing players to adapt immediately to survive.

Housemarque’s attention to detail stands out in Carcosa’s stunning design. The planet evokes both wonder and dread, urging players to explore its labyrinthine horrors while amplifying the stakes of each new challenge.

Combat evolves into "bullet ballet"

While Returnal relied on agility and precision to dodge waves of projectiles, Saros shifts the playstyle toward "bullet ballet," a term coined by Housemarque itself. This change emphasizes aggressive gameplay, encouraging players to charge headfirst into hordes of enemies rather than evading them.

Arjun’s toolkit stands out with its centerpiece, a shield utility powered by absorbed projectiles. By forming an energy bubble around himself, Arjun can negate incoming attacks and convert energy into resources. This mechanic rewards more proactive, offensive strategies, allowing Arjun to push through enemy lines with overwhelming force.

Additional innovations include a deliberate focus on melee combat. Arjun can deliver brutal punches mid-battle, creating opportunities for devastating combos and quick eliminations of enemies armed with turrets or swarming tactics. The gameplay loop feels satisfying and intense, allowing players to embrace an empowering sense of control.

Feature	Saros	Returnal
Player Protagonist	Arjun Devraj	Selene Vassos
Combat Style	Aggressive "bullet ballet"	Dodge-heavy adaptive shooting
Narrative Focus	Rescue mission and personal conflicts	Exploration and self-discovery
Upgrade System	Customizable skill tree with persistent upgrades	Limited roguelike-based boosts
Visual Atmosphere	Fiery, Lovecraftian aesthetic	Somber, isolated sci-fi

Enhanced progression systems

Saros builds on Returnal’s roguelike progression system by introducing new mechanics that balance challenge with customization. Players can unlock permanent upgrades using Lucinite, a resource harvested during runs. These upgrades go beyond Returnal’s obelites system, giving players greater agency in shaping Arjun’s abilities. For example, perks like "second chance," which revives Arjun after death, provide meaningful support without trivializing the difficulty.

Customization options also extend to playstyle modifiers, such as increasing the radius for resource collection or easing the gameplay curve with shields that don’t consume power. However, each perk comes with trade-offs, ensuring that risk versus reward is still a core gameplay consideration.

Narrative depth and character dynamics

Saros maintains its focus on narrative, with greater integration between story and gameplay. Arjun’s team, Echelon 4, plays a prominent role, offering a supporting cast whose motivations and vulnerabilities make them feel essential to the unfolding plot. Each character grapples with the dangers of Carcosa in unique ways, from obsessive determination to outright fanaticism.

The mysterious woman at the heart of Arjun’s quest remains a compelling narrative thread. Although little is known about her in the game’s early stages, her disembodied voice acts as both an anchor for Arjun and a source of lingering unease. Combined with the overarching themes of possession, transformation, and control brought on by Carcosa's otherworldly influences, Saros sets the stage for an ambitious story.

Housemarque raises its visual and design game

From a presentation standpoint, Saros represents a leap forward for Housemarque. The juxtaposition of serene environments with the fiery aesthetic of the eclipse lends a dynamic range to the game's visuals. Sound design further enhances the atmosphere, with everything from alien snarls to the ambient hum of technology creating palpable tension.

The game also draws inspiration from a variety of other works, including Robert W. Chambers’ "The King in Yellow" and the wider Cthulhu mythos. These nods place Carcosa within a rich tradition of unsettling and transformative environments in literature and games. Saros doesn’t simply borrow from these sources, though—it incorporates and evolves them into a setting tailored to its unique gameplay.

Practical takeaways for players

• Expect a steeper difficulty curve: Compared to Returnal, enemies become aggressive earlier in Saros.
• Master the shield mechanic: Absorbing projectiles and managing energy consumption are crucial to survival.
• Use Lucinite wisely: Unlock upgrades that align with your preferred approach to combat.
• Prepare for tonal shifts: Carcosa’s eclipse changes both the visuals and gameplay in demanding ways.

Conclusion

Saros is not merely Returnal with a fresh coat of paint. While it builds on familiar systems, it introduces new mechanics, deeper storytelling, and a uniquely aggressive combat style. Players seeking narrative depth will find Arjun’s journey riveting, while action enthusiasts will enjoy the responsive, high-stakes gameplay. If early impressions are anything to go by, Saros promises to be another standout title from Housemarque, proving their skill in delivering punishing yet rewarding roguelike experiences.