Sony Interactive Entertainment and developer Housemarque are releasing Saros, a new AAA title for the PlayStation 5, on April 30. The game is a spiritual successor to Housemarque's 2021 title Returnal. Players control Arjun Devraj, a Soltari enforcer on the alien planet Carcosa. Creative Director Gregory Louden has discussed the game's narrative themes, performance choices, and gameplay mechanics.
Game Details
- Platform: PlayStation 5.
- Release Date: April 30.
- Developer: Housemarque (previously known for Returnal and Resogun).
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment.
- Genre: Third-person action shooter with rogue-lite elements.
Plot and Setting
The game follows Arjun Devraj (voiced by Rahul Kohli), a soldier for the Soltari corporation, on the alien world of Carcosa. The narrative involves revisiting levels, with environments, enemies, and objectives changing upon each return. Death functions as a part of the progression system. Supporting character Jerome Jackson is voiced by Australian actor Ben Prendergast.
Actor Performance and Creative Direction
Recording Process
Actor Rahul Kohli stated that he initially recorded a grounded, screen-oriented performance. After reviewing the material, he determined it did not align with the game's arcade shooter genre.
Kohli approached Creative Director Gregory Louden with his concerns. Louden supported the change, and Kohli subsequently re-recorded almost every line to deliver a performance with a more action-oriented style.
Louden stated this change improved immersion.
Setting and Language
Louden stated that the portrayal of accents and Australian slang in the game aimed for authenticity rather than caricature.
Developer Background and Themes
Creative Director's Career
Gregory Louden's career includes visual effects work on films such as Sucker Punch, Gravity, and Prometheus. He later moved into game development, working at Remedy Games on Quantum Break before joining Housemarque to work on Returnal. He also developed the independent game Stone, a neo-noir Australian adventure.
Design Philosophy
Louden's previous titles, including Stone, Quantum Break, and Returnal, feature protagonists who repeatedly traverse the same path, gaining skill and knowledge. Louden stated that while this recurring theme was not deliberate, it stems from the concept that a good story often involves a loop of growth and change.
Regarding Saros, Louden described the narrative as mysterious and encouraged players to discover it without spoilers. He stated that the game’s world is designed to surprise players and change to avoid repetition.
Gameplay Advice
Louden provided the following gameplay guidance:
- Be curious and explore the environment.
- Chase the resource Lucenite.
- Take risks by running into danger rather than fleeing.
Saros launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on April 30.