Bullet hell
Ongoing coverage on Bullet hell.
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Saros Tech Analysis – The Evolution Of A Near-Perfect Formula
Saros, an upcoming title from Housemarque, is presented as a technical showcase for the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, building upon the formula of Returnal. The game features a refined "bullet ballet" combat system where projectiles are a resource, enhanced visual fidelity, and a more character-driven narrative. Both the base PS5 and the PS5 Pro deliver a solid 60fps experience, with the Pro offering improved image quality, upscaling, and reflections.
Saros Review - Return Stronger
Saros is a roguelite developed by Housemarque that significantly improves upon its predecessor, Returnal. The game features a compelling sci-fi narrative set on the planet Carcosa, where players control Arjun Devraj, an Enforcer investigating lost colony ships. Its combat system is described as a "bullet ballet" with deep mechanics and a satisfying progression system.
The Abyss Awaits: FPS Action-Adventure Luna Abyss Launches This May
Kwalee and Kwalee Labs announced that the action-adventure game Luna Abyss will launch on May 21, 2026. The single-player title features platforming and bullet-hell combat and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PlayStation 5.
First-Person Bullet-Hell Action Game 'Luna Abyss' Gets May Release Date in New Trailer
The first-person bullet-hell action game Luna Abyss is set to launch on May 21, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. Developed by Kwalee Labs, the game combines fast-paced shooting with first-person platforming as players explore a massive underground structure to recover lost technology and investigate a vanished colony.
Luna Abyss launches May 21
The first-person bullet hell action-adventure game Luna Abyss is set to launch on May 21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. The game combines fast-paced shooting mechanics with exploration and adventure elements.
Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is opening more studios and has over 15 games in the works
Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is expanding with two new studios in Japan and Italy and has over 15 games in development. These include Vampire Survivors spinoffs, original intellectual properties, and roguelites based on existing IPs like Warhammer Survivors. The company has also paused third-party publishing to focus on its internal projects.
Hellforged Announced for PC
MoonPyre Studio has announced Hellforged, a new loot-focused bullet-hell extraction game featuring intense demon combat. The game is currently in development for PC and is slated for release in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Vampire Survivors Gets New Turbo Wildcard DLC Vampire Crawlers on PS5
The indie hit Vampire Survivors has released its latest DLC, Vampire Crawlers, for PlayStation 5. This new content, also referred to as 'Turbo Wildcard,' adds new variables to the game's core loop, following the developer Poncle's strategy of releasing small, focused additions. The release continues to show developer commitment and offers PlayStation 5 players a fresh reason to dive back into the addictive gameplay.
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta Drops Debut Trailer for Indie Shooter
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta, an indie bullet-hell shooter, has released its debut trailer, showcasing gameplay that aims to satisfy fans of the genre. The developers are confident in their product, with the trailer's late release suggesting a polished experience. The game is slated for a Spring 2026 release, a period with fewer major AAA titles, potentially offering indie games more visibility.
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta debut trailer
Publisher CFK and developer DeerFarm have released the debut trailer for their upcoming fantasy bullet hell shoot 'em up, Shikhondo: Blue Pieta. Further details about the game's platforms and release date are expected soon.
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta reveals debut trailer
CFK and DeerFarm have released the first trailer for Shikhondo: Blue Pieta, a side-scrolling fantasy bullet hell sequel. The game will launch on PC on May 18th, with console versions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 to follow. The trailer showcases new gameplay mechanics like Counter Bomb and the evolved Soul Collect system.
Disgaea Director Yoshitsuna Kobayashi Returns With New Shooting RPG 'Cosmicgalaxywars' on Steam; It’s No
CosmicGalaxyWars, a new shooting RPG from Disgaea director Yoshitsuna Kobayashi, is now available on PC via Steam. This marks Kobayashi's first project in over 20 years, shifting from strategy RPGs to a bullet hell experience with roguelike elements and extensive replayability. The game features a minimal tutorial approach, encouraging players to discover its mechanics through experimentation.
Saros – 15 Biggest Details You Shouldn’t Ignore
Saros, a new rogue-lite bullet hell experience from Housemarque, launches on April 30th and draws comparisons to Returnal while introducing new mechanics. Key features include returning to a hub world called The Passage after clearing biomes, fast travel options, side objectives for lore, and complex bullet patterns. The game also features an 'Eclipse' mode to increase difficulty and offers permanent unlocks that can be turned off for a purist experience, along with quality-of-life features like mid-run suspension and multiple save slots. A Deluxe Edition offers 48 hours of early access.
Saros Hands On Preview — Coming Back Stronger | Console Creatures
A hands-on preview of Saros, Housemarque's upcoming title for PlayStation 5, reveals a game that builds upon the foundations of Returnal but introduces new mechanics and a narrative focus on a team rather than a lone survivor. Players will embody Arjun Devraj, who awakens in the mysterious planet Carcosa with amnesia and must work with his team, Echelon IV, to escape and uncover the secrets of the Solitari corporation. The game features a 'bullet ballet' combat system with abilities to dodge, absorb, and deflect projectiles, alongside procedurally generated levels that change with each death, offering a blend of handcrafted and random elements.
Saros Could Be the Game Everyone Talks About in 2026
Saros, developed by Housemarque, is presented as a spiritual successor to Returnal, aiming to refine the roguelike formula with more approachable meta-progression systems and customizable difficulty. While retaining the core elements of frantic, bullet-hell combat and atmospheric exploration, Saros introduces permanent upgrades, biome shortcuts, and modifier systems to cater to a wider audience. The game also features subtle combat refinements like the Soltari Shield and a more direct narrative approach compared to Returnal's ambiguity.
CODEX MORTIS ships 12 updates in 19 days as first 100% AI-developed indie title
The AI-developed indie title CODEX MORTIS has received twelve updates in its first nineteen days of Steam Early Access, showcasing a rapid iteration cycle. Developed by GROLAF and published by CRUNCHFEST, the game utilizes AI for all production aspects, including code, art, sound, and music, aiming to prove the viability of AI-driven game development pipelines. The game, described as a blend of Vampire Survivors and Guild Wars, is Steam Deck Verified and actively incorporates community feedback.
Total Washout: Surf Arcade Is an Endless Surfing Bullet Hell with a Unique One-Touch Mechanic
Total Washout: Surf Arcade, a surfing bullet hell game from Super Smith Bros, is now available on the Google Play Store. The game features a colorful, summer-themed presentation with a unique one-touch control system for movement and wave drawing. It offers over 200 challenges and 100 missions, with unlockable content, global leaderboards, and achievements.
The Bathtub Just Got Dangerous: "Total Washout: Surf Arcade" Brings High-Stakes Bullet Hell to iOS and Android
Super Smith Bros LTD has launched "Total Washout: Surf Arcade" for iOS and Android devices. This bullet hell action game features one-touch surfing controls, over 200 challenges, and extensive customization options for players' ducks. The game is available for free and is released in memory of co-founder Steven Smith.
"May 18th. A New Bullet Hell Begins." Shikhondo: Blue Pieta — Steam and Stove Launch Date Confirmed
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta, a side-scrolling fantasy bullet hell game from developer DeerFarm and publisher CFK, will launch on May 18, 2026, for PC via Steam and Stove. The game features full voice acting and ultra-wide support, with console versions for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 to follow. This installment introduces a new side-scrolling perspective and modern urban environments, building upon the Soul Collect and Counter Bomb mechanics from previous titles.
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta for PC launches May 18
The fantasy bullet hell shoot 'em up game Shikhondo: Blue Pieta is set to launch for PC via Steam and Stove on May 18. Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch will follow at a later date. The game features side-scrolling gameplay, full voice acting, and new mechanics like Counter Bomb.
