Bullet hell
Ongoing coverage on Bullet hell.
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Caladrius is back after 13 years and our ageing shmup reflexes are already terrified
Moss has announced Caladrius 2/Dark Element, a sequel to their 2013 gothic bullet-hell shooter, set for a winter 2026 worldwide release on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game will feature new characters and expanded versions of returning mechanics like Shame Break and Element Shot, set in a dark gothic world.
Long Forgotten PlayStation 3 Action Game Gets Surprise PS5 Sequel
H2 Interactive and Kaminari Games announced Caladrius 2: Dark Element, a sequel to the 2013 action shooter Caladrius, for a winter 2026 release. The new title will feature 2D bullet-hell shooting action in a dark gothic world and is planned for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Caladrius 2: Dark Element announced for Nintendo Switch, 13 years after the original game
Moss has announced Caladrius 2: Dark Element, a new bullet hell shooter for the Nintendo Switch, scheduled for Winter 2026. This sequel to the 2011 original promises a dark gothic world, unique characters, and an evolved gameplay experience.
Mechaconda (PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, X/S, PC)
Mechaconda is a new game that combines the classic Snake concept with bullet hell shooter elements. It is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. The game features a nefarious villain named Dr. Evil who has taken over four planets.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 50
This 50th volume of the 'Hidden Gems' feature highlights overlooked games from the past. It discusses Addams Family Values, Wipeout 3: Special Edition, DoDonPachi, Carmageddon, and Disney's Chicken Little, exploring their unique design elements, commercial struggles, and lasting impact.
Blast’N Bounty (PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, X/S, PC)
Blast'N Bounty is a 2D vertically scrolling bullet hell shooter featuring a unique gameplay mechanic where players can choose their next stage and select a new subweapon upon defeating a boss. The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several staff members shared their weekend gaming plans, with Edwin playing Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children and Darkwood, while Mark might revisit Skyrim. Others are playing Helldivers 2, Hunt: Showdown, or an unannounced embargoed game. James is trying the train-based bullet hell shooter Song of Morus: Limbo Express.
Ground Zero Hero now coming to Nintendo Switch 2
Ground Zero Hero is now slated for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 20, 2026, with a listing appearing on the Nintendo eShop. The game is an action roguelite featuring bullet hell combat and survival mechanics, where players absorb enemy remains to evolve and create unique builds. It will be priced at $9.99, with a 10 percent pre-order discount available.
MineGeon: Renegades Released
MineGeon: Renegades, an action RPG described as a co-op sci-fi roguelite bullet-hell, has been released on PC via Steam. The game is developed by Kickstone Studio.
Mechaconda Slithers Onto PC And Console – Bullet Hell Mayhem And A Mechanical Twist
Mechaconda, an arcade shooter combining snake-like growth mechanics with roguelite progression and bullet hell elements, is now available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch for £6.69. Developed by Nato Games and published by QUByte Interactive, the game features a mechanical serpent battling Dr. EVIL's forces with upgradeable weapon segments and multiple game modes.
Mega M.I.L.V. - Bullet hell Amiga shooter by GoldenCode gets new gameplay footage
Developer GoldenCode has released new gameplay footage for their Amiga shooter Mega M.I.L.V., showcasing a smooth two-player bullet hell experience on an Amiga 1200. The update highlights significant progress with bug fixes, optimizations, and nearing completion of the first level.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for July 27 to 31
Xbox has announced a slate of new games arriving on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between July 27th and July 31st. Titles include remakes like Halo: Campaign Evolved, new adventures such as Dispatch and Mistfall Hunter, and various other genres like city builders, RPGs, and puzzle games.
Pass The Fear Review – Build your own bullet hell
Pass The Fear is a roguelike bullet hell game that offers satisfyingly difficult gameplay and over-the-top guns. While it excels at creating powerful builds, the repetitive boss encounters and similar feeling builds across runs limit its long-term replayability compared to other games in the genre. The inclusion of co-op, even in beta, is a positive addition.
Wind Runners – Beta Demo (Update) | Alpha Beta Gamer
Wind Runners is a high-speed bullet-hell dogfighting roguelite where players pilot resistance fighters against an oppressive regime. The game features distinct pilots, strategic target selection, and challenging boss encounters. Permanent upgrades and between-run improvements contribute to the overall liberation effort.
Luna Abyss Review – An Outstanding Bullet Hell Shooter With Incredible World Design | Invision Game Community
Luna Abyss is a narrative-driven, first-person bullet hell platformer that combines elements of DOOM and Returnal with unique mechanics. The game features intricate world design set on a mysterious red Moon, a compelling story about humanity's hubris, and tight, exhilarating gameplay that blends intense combat with satisfying platforming. Despite some narrative ambiguity, Luna Abyss is a highly enjoyable experience that excels in its genre.
Space Dragons Builds Transformative Gameplay into Retro Style
Space Dragons is a retro-style shoot 'em up for Xbox that features transformative boss battles, customizable builds, and a narrative inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion. The game offers a challenging bullet-hell experience with accessible difficulty curves and deep gameplay mechanics, including optimal routes and execution moves. Players can choose from five unique pilots, each with distinct abilities, to personalize their approach to overcoming alien threats and uncovering the game's lore.
Ascend to ZERO Review – Tick-tock on the clock
Ascend to ZERO is a stylish action roguelite where a 30-second timer is the core mechanic, allowing players to freeze and unfreeze time to strategize. The game features satisfying hybrid autobattler and bullet-hell combat, with deep build customization and rewarding progression systems. Despite a light narrative and initially overwhelming hub systems, its addictive gameplay loop and unique time mechanics make it highly replayable.
Mechaconda heading to Nintendo Switch
Mechaconda, developed by Nato Games and published by QubicGames, is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on July 30, 2026. The game features a unique 'eat-and-grow' mechanic combined with action and survival elements, where players control a bio-mechanical serpent that grows and upgrades in real-time to battle a robotic army. It includes roguelike elements, modular evolution, and multiple game modes.
Beat Hazard Arcade launches free on iOS and Android. The arcade shooter where your own music generates the entire game
Beat Hazard Arcade, a music-reactive shooter where player music generates gameplay elements, has launched for free on iOS and Android. Developed by the solo UK studio Cold Beam Games, the game allows players to use their own music library or the built-in soundtrack to create a unique bullet-hell experience. The mobile version introduces secret 3D warships that are built by each song.
Hit May 2026 PS5 Action Game Already Discounted on PS Store
The PlayStation 5 action game Luna Abyss, released in May 2026, is currently available at a discounted price on the PlayStation Store as part of the July Savings promotion. Developed by Kwalee Labs, the game has received positive reviews and is offered at a reduced price for PlayStation Plus members until July 16.
