Bullet hell
Ongoing coverage on Bullet hell.
Latest coverage
Valve make adjustments to Steam tags, and they settled the Vampire Survivor-like argument with Bullet Heaven
Valve has updated Steam's official store tags, adding 17 new ones, removing 28, and modifying others to improve game discovery and recommendations. Notably, 'Bullet Heaven' has been officially added to categorize games similar to Vampire Survivors, distinguishing them from 'Bullet Hell' titles. Several other tags were also renamed or merged for clarity.
Luna Abyss Interview – Inspirations, Gameplay, Narrative, Console Performance, and More
Kwalee Labs developers Hollie Emery, Benni Hill, and John Reynolds discuss their upcoming game Luna Abyss, a narrative-focused bullet hell shooter. Inspirations include Nier: Automata, BLAME!, and Metroid Prime, with a focus on unique environments and fluid combat. The game targets 1920x1080 resolution and 60 framerates across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X, with upscaling used for Series S and Steam Deck.
It's official: Steam decrees 'bullet heaven' the name of the Vampire Survivors genre
Valve has officially added 'Bullet Heaven' as a Steam store tag to categorize games like Vampire Survivors, which focus on automatic attacks and upgrades. This new genre is described as the opposite of 'Bullet Hell.' The update also saw the addition and removal of various other tags, with 'Clicker' being renamed to 'Incremental' and subjective tags like 'masterpiece' being removed.
EDEN95 Announced - A Narrative Survivorlike Set Inside a Windows 95 Desktop
EDEN95 is a new narrative survivorlike game set within a simulated Windows 95 desktop environment. Players pilot a mech with recoil-based movement, engage in strategic shooting with a customizable magazine, and progress through roguelite elements and quest-based levels. The game challenges players to uncover the truth behind the Eden Group's mysterious mission.
Jancer – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Jancer is a precision platformer where music actively reshapes the environment, requiring players to adapt their movements to the beat. The game features hundreds of handcrafted levels, chiptune and EDM soundscapes, and boss battles against classical composers reimagined as cat characters. A beta sign-up is currently available.
HYPERWIRED Electrifies Steam Next Fest: "High-Voltage" Roguelike Space Shooter Demo Launches May 15th and Steam Next Fest june 15 th- 22nd
HYPERWIRED, a roguelike space shooter, will launch a live demo on May 15th for Steam Next Fest, with the full game releasing in Summer 2026. The game features a unique tethered combat mechanic where players must plug into power sockets to recharge weapons. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Last Year's Best Bullet Hell Shooter Is Now On Switch 2, Where It Always Belonged
The twin-stick bullet hell shooter Sektori, originally released on PC in 2025, has now launched on Nintendo Switch. Praised as a cult masterpiece and compared to Geometry Wars, Sektori features procedurally generated levels, dynamic stage shifts, and a deep upgrade system that emphasizes player skill and strategic choices in its roguelike gameplay. The Switch version is highlighted as an ideal platform for the game's hybrid playstyle.
Roguelike shoot ’em up Ira announced for Nintendo Switch 2
Publisher Nicalis and developer ABShot have announced Ira, an anime-inspired roguelike shoot 'em up for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game features procedurally generated levels, over 150 different bows, and bullet hell combat. Ira is planned for a digital launch this summer.
Demos and Freebies
IKARUS, a game blending bullet-hell and roguelike deck-building mechanics, is available on Steam for PC and macOS. Players can dodge, parry, and shoot through waves of enemies in this strategic arcade shmup.
Psychedelic Roguelike Shooter Enter the Chronosphere Releases in Early Access Soon
The publishers of the psychedelic roguelike shooter Enter the Chronosphere have delayed its Early Access release from May 14th to May 25th, 2026, to avoid clashing with Subnautica 2's launch. Developed by Effort Star and published by Joystick Ventures and Gamirror Games, the game features turn-based tactics, bullet hell gameplay, and unique time manipulation mechanics where enemies only move when the player acts. The Early Access version will include five biomes with distinct challenges and procedurally generated runs.
FZ Play – Bullet hell-balett i Saros
The game Saros, described as a bullet hell game with some challenge, is reviewed. The reviewer notes it is less difficult than Returnal but still offers a good challenge. A stream featuring Wakkaah playing Saros will be broadcast on YouTube and Twitch at 7 PM.
Snabbkollen – Har du testat Saros än?
The bullet hell game Saros has been released and reviewed, offering a new experience for PlayStation 5 owners. The article includes a poll asking readers if they have purchased the game, are planning to, or are not interested.
"Every Stage Has a Guardian. Meet Them." Shikhondo: Blue Pieta — Boss Characters Revealed
Publisher CFK and developer DeerFarm have revealed the five boss characters for Shikhondo: Blue Pieta, launching May 18, 2026, on PC (Steam, Stove) with Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 versions to follow. The game introduces side-scrolling gameplay and features voice acting from Ikumi Hasegawa, Yoshino Aoyama, and Sayumi Suzushiro.
Enter the Chronosphere Early Access Release Date Moves to May 25
Effort Star and Joystick Ventures have announced that Enter the Chronosphere will launch into Steam Early Access on May 25, 2026, priced at $14.99. The tactical bullet hell game features a unique stop-and-start combat system where time only progresses when the player acts. The Early Access version will include five biomes, multiple playable characters, and procedurally generated runs.
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta details boss characters
Publisher CFK and developer DeerFarm have revealed new details about the boss characters featured in their upcoming fantasy bullet hell shoot 'em up, Shikhondo: Blue Pieta. Further information regarding the game's bosses has been released.
WE STOPPED MOVING FOR A FEW WEEKS AND ENTER THE CHRONOSPHERE IS NOW RELEASING ON MAY 25 INSTEAD
Developer Effort Star and publisher Joystick Ventures have delayed the Early Access release of their turn-based tactical bullet hell game, Enter the Chronosphere, from May 14 to May 25. This decision was made to avoid competing with the release of Subnautica 2, which also announced a May 14 date. The game will still launch on PC via Steam for $14.99.
Saros is Incredible, But Housemarque Has a Lot Riding On It
Despite Saros's critical acclaim and improved accessibility compared to Returnal, concerns remain about its commercial success and Housemarque's future within Sony. The article discusses the sales figures of Returnal and the financial pressures on studios, questioning if Saros's larger scope and development costs will appease executives, especially after recent layoffs and cancellations within PlayStation Studios.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the team shared their weekend gaming plans, ranging from continuing to play Cyberpunk 2077 and Overwatch to starting Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Others are looking forward to new experiences like Saros or revisiting older titles such as Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and American Truck Simulator. Some are also exploring indie titles like Tavern Keeper and Family Reunion.
TOP DOWN BULLET HELL GAME WHERE TIME MOVES WHEN YOU MOVE… ENTER THE CHRONOSPHERE ENTERS EARLY ACCESS MAY 14
Enter the Chronosphere, a turn-based tactical bullet hell game developed by Effort Star and published by Joystick Ventures, will launch into Early Access on Steam for PC on May 14, 2026, priced at $14.99. The game features a unique 'move-when-you-move' mechanic where time only progresses when the player acts, offering strategic planning within intense bullet-hell scenarios across five distinct biomes with procedurally generated challenges.
Housemarque's Saros Directors: Our Greatest Influence Is Ourselves | HappyGamer
Housemarque directors revealed that their primary creative influence is the studio itself, rather than external games. This self-referential approach has defined their past successes with titles like Returnal and Resogun. While some question if this strategy is universally applicable, Housemarque's long history and technical mastery suggest their upcoming game, Saros, will continue this unique path.
