Compile Heart Unveils Scar-Lead Salvation – A Challenging Roguelike Shooter with an Anime Twist

Compile Heart and developer Neilo have officially unveiled Scar-Lead Salvation, a third-person shooter with roguelike elements, set to release on May 29, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam in Japan. The game will be available in multiple editions: the standard edition for ¥8,580, a Special Edition (¥12,980), and a Digital Deluxe Edition (¥10,780), offering additional content.

Directed by Hiroshi Aoki, known for his work on Rune Factory 5 and Psychic Force, Scar-Lead Salvation is a tough and high-stakes experience that combines intense combat with a roguelike loop. Players control Willow Martin (voiced by Fairouz Ai), who wakes up with no memory of her past but possesses exceptional combat skills. Guided by a mysterious AI (voiced by Junichi Suwabe), she navigates a dangerous research facility, facing increasingly difficult mechanical and biological enemies.

Drawing inspiration from roguelike games like Returnal, death in Scar-Lead Salvation has real consequences. When Willow dies, she loses all progress, including weapons, forcing players to restart from the beginning. The randomly generated dungeons and growing difficulty mean that each encounter is unique, with every run offering fresh challenges. Players must adapt to new strategies with each death, making Willow’s abilities—such as Mirage Shift (which lets her teleport through attacks) and Striker (a close-range melee charge)—key to surviving.

Although the game embraces classic roguelike mechanics, its anime aesthetic sets it apart, creating a visually striking world that complements the gameplay. While no official Western release has been confirmed, the presence of Idea Factory International handling the PC version hints at a possible global launch.

Image Credit: Compile Heart

Image Credit: Compile Heart

Image Credit: Compile Heart

Prepare for Scar-Lead Salvation’s release in May 2025, and stay tuned for updates on potential Western availability. For more information, be sure to check out the game’s official website.

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