Summary
A new game calledScar-Lead Salvationfrom the developers of theNeptuniafranchise is sparking comparisons to the hit roguelike shooterReturnal.Scar-Lead Salvationis headed for release on the PS4,PS5, and PC on June 13, 2025.
Though it’s almost five years old, Housemarque’sReturnalremains one of the more unique AAA shooters out there. With a long history of developing arcade-style shooters likeSuper StardustandResogun, Housemarque bucked expectations in the PlayStation 5’s launch era by trying out a third-person shooter with a roguelike run-based structure. Thanks to its intense shooting mechanics and eerie atmosphere,Returnalcaptured audiences' imaginations, leading many to hail it as one of the best early PS5 titles, even after the game eventually made its way to PC. In 2025,Housemarque announcedSaros, a new IP that, while distinct, appears to carry some structural similarities toReturnal.
WithReturnal’s developers treading new ground withSaros, publisher Idea Factory International and developer Compile Heart are stepping up to try its own hand at anew and unique roguelikeshooter withScar-Lead Salvation. The game stars a young woman named Willow Martin who awakes in an unfamiliar room with no memories of who she is or how she got there. Guided by a mysterious AI, she must battle against deadly traps and mechanical foes to escape an odd loop of death and combat. The game will launch on July 03, 2025, for PS4, PS5, and PC.
The trailer shows off more of Willow Martin’s anime-style character design, which features a glowing tattoo under her eye. The tattoo shows a number that grows every time Willow is killed by one of the mechanical or alien beasts that populates the deserted military installation she’s attempting to escape. Repeated scenes of Willow’s collapsed form emphasize the game’s theme of trying again after death. The dialog also emphasizes the angle of attempting to solve the mystery behind Willow’s past with each loop, a staple of storytelling in roguelikes. The combat also appears intense, with enemies throwing out screen-filling clouds of projectiles worthy of thebest scrolling shmup games.
Another notable aspect ofScar-Lead Salvationis visible when Willow takes damage: Her high-tech bodysuit appears to shred under enemy fire, exposing some skin underneath. The anime character design and concessions to sex appeal are of a piece with manyCompile Heart RPGs, the best known of which are theNeptuniatitles.
With the grim tone and shooter mechanics ofScar-Lead Salvation, it looks like Compile Heart is going a bit further afield from its most familiar territory. With luck, that foray intoReturnal’s turf will prove successful and expand the developer and its fans' horizons.
Returnal
WHERE TO PLAY
Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet. After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies.Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time.Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fueled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move.Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth.
