After witnessing the Compile Heart showcase, one title took over all the discussion Scar-Lead Salvation. Scar-Lead Salvation is a collaborated effort between Compile Heart and Neilo Inc. And looking at the trailer, it seems that it will be a game that seems to be inspired by Returnal.
It is wise to note that the Japanese trailer shows PS4, PS5 and Steam versions coming. Though Idea Factory International has announced it coming to the west but only for Steam. Also if you look at the English site it only has Steam listed as a platform they are working on. This could mean that they are working to get the game ported to console but it will come later or they are only working on bringing the game to Steam after having the difficulties they have had with bringing other titles to the West like the Neptunia Re;birth trilogy remasters. The most interesting thing is the worldwide release on Steam. Scar-Lead Salvation will release May 29th, 2025 on Steam for all regions.
The translated Japanese press release thanks to Gematsu has this to say
■ Story
Willow Martin awakens in an unfamiliar room. She has no memory of her past, nor why she is here.
Who is she? Where did she come from? Is the AI offering her advice an ally or an enemy?
After surviving life-or-death battles against mechanical weapons, what lies ahead for Willow?
■ Characters
- Willow Martin (voiced by Fairouz Ai) – The protagonist who has no memory of her past. Although she can’t remember anything, she gets caught up in battles against mechanical weapons. Her body moves instinctively, and she displays exceptional combat skills. Will she be able to escape her confined space and recover her lost memories?
- AI (voiced by Junichi Suwabe) – A mysterious entity that suddenly starts speaking to Willow through her intercom. Despite sensing some hidden agenda in the voice calling itself “AI,” Willow ends up hearing it out. Who is this being, and why is it helping Willow?
■ System
Escape from the loop of repeated death.
With a high difficulty that even advanced players will find challenging, death is not the end.
Willow Awakens in a Mysterious Research Facility and is Attacked by Armed Machines
When Willow dies, she loses her weapons and must restart the stage from the beginning. Evade the relentless bullet barrage, gather powerful weapons, and launch your counterattack.
Enemies are armed machines. Fight off the numerous mechanical weapons that attack you.
Each enemy has its own method of attack, so determine the right strategy to avoid taking hits.
The Further You Progress, The Stronger the Enemies Become… Including Huge Biological Weapons
Use actions to gain the upper hand:
- Mirage Shift – An ability that breaks down the body into data and transports it to a separate space. In addition to passing through attacks, it can be used to quickly move short distances or through the air.
- Striker – A weapon mounted on your armor’s fist. Upon activation, it charges toward the target, dealing significant damage upon impact. It requires close proximity, making it risky, but the damage dealt is substantial.
Scar-Lead Salvation will release worldwide on Steam May 29th, 2025.
