Shoot 'em up
Ongoing coverage on Shoot 'em up.
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Fluid Shoot-’em-Up Gunboat God Now Available on Steam
The fluid shoot 'em up Gunboat God, developed by Janson RAD and published by Fireshine Games, is now available on PC via Steam. The game features a chaotic 2D side-scrolling shooter experience with guns, numerous enemies, and over 20 mission types. A launch discount of 25% is available until April 27.
Gunboat God Is a Vibrant, Fluid Shoot ‘Em Up That’s Now Out on Steam
The indie shoot 'em up Gunboat God, developed by Janson RAD and published by Fireshine Games, is now available on Steam for PC with a launch discount. The game features 212 levels, over 70 enemy types, and multiple boss fights. Console releases for PlayStation and Xbox are planned for a later date.
Master the Gunboat and Ascend in Vibrant Shoot ‘em Up Gunboat God - Available Now on Steam
The shoot 'em up game Gunboat God is now available on PC for $12.99, with a 25% launch discount. Developed by Janson RAD and published by Fireshine Games, the title features 2D side-scrolling action, a vibrant visual style, and numerous levels and mission types. It is also slated for release on PlayStation and Xbox Series X|S soon.
Commando - This Hack/Mod of an 8bit classic looks rather super now on the ZX Spectrum
A new hack/mod for the classic ZX Spectrum game Commando has been released by tiboh'24-26. This modification overhauls the intro graphics and adds AY-Music, bringing it closer to versions on other platforms like the Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, and Commodore 64. The game, originally released by Elite Systems Ltd in 1985, is a vertical scrolling shoot-'em-up.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 13 to 17
This week's "Next Week on Xbox" feature highlights numerous game releases for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC between April 13 and April 17. Titles include Dosa Divas, Hades II, Replaced, Pragmata, and many more across various genres, with several also available on Game Pass.
Sigma Star Saga DX Out Now on Switch, PS5, and Steam
Sigma Star Saga DX, an updated version of the 2005 sci-fi shoot-em-up/RPG, is now available digitally on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam for $19.99. Developed by WayForward and licensed by Bandai Namco Entertainment America, the DX version includes quality-of-life improvements, new features like a concept art gallery and music player, and an all-new vocal theme song. Physical editions for Switch and PlayStation 5 are also available for preorder.
Sigma Star Saga DX launch trailer
WayForward has released a launch trailer for Sigma Star Saga DX, a hybrid shoot 'em up and RPG originally released for the Game Boy Advance. The enhanced DX version for Nintendo Switch and PC features improvements like a rebalanced EXP system and new bonus content, including a vocal theme song. Players take on the role of Ian Recker, a double agent infiltrating the Krill empire.
Obscure GBA Genre Mashup Returns on PS5, But It's Not Cheap
WayForward has released an emulated version of the 2005 Game Boy Advance genre-blending RPG shooter, Sigma Star Saga, on PlayStation 5. The 'DX' version includes quality-of-life features like save states and rewind, alongside gameplay improvements such as a rebalanced EXP system and decreased random encounters. Despite the enhancements, the $19.99 price point is considered steep for a 20-year-old title.
Sigma Star Saga DX Review - Retro Hybrid Still Divides
Sigma Star Saga DX, an updated release of the 2005 Game Boy Advance title, offers a unique blend of top-down exploration and shoot 'em up combat. While its narrative and charming pixel art are highlights, the game suffers from repetitive shmup segments, unclear navigation, and significant backtracking, making it a compelling but flawed retro hybrid.
Shoot 'em up 'Shikhondo: Blue Pieta' Introduces Side-Scrolling Gameplay and New Mechanics
CFK and DeerFarm have revealed new gameplay details for their upcoming side-scrolling shoot 'em up, Shikhondo: Blue Pieta. The game introduces a shift to side-scrolling gameplay, featuring mechanics like the Soul Collect system and a new Counter Bomb system. Shikhondo: Blue Pieta is slated for release in the first half of 2026 on PC, with console versions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 to follow.
Sigma Star Saga DX Review 🚀
Sigma Star Saga DX, a remake of the 2005 Game Boy Advance title, offers a fun blend of overhead exploration and shoot 'em up combat. While the in-game audio can be tinny, the gorgeous sprite animations and modernized gameplay elements make it a compelling retro experience on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Xeno Genesis - A possibly unheard of Amiga shoot'em up action game has been recovered
A previously unreleased Amiga shoot 'em up game titled Xeno Genesis by Demantoid Productions has been recovered from a user's loft. Originally intended for release by Microvalue and distributed by Cat Computer Club, the game was found on an old Amiga disk and has been successfully preserved. Searches on major Amiga databases have yielded no prior results for this title.
From Horror to RPGs: 10 Games Worth Playing This Month – Top Games April 2026
April 2026 offers a curated selection of games, balancing a few larger titles with smaller, momentum-building releases. This month's list includes diverse genres such as anime-styled action, narrative survival visual novels, hybrid RPGs, adventure horror, life simulations, sci-fi roguelites, cyberpunk platformers, retro shooters, and classic survival horror.
Razing Core - This Vertical Shoot 'Em Up for the Sega Master System looks incredible
The Sega Master System shoot 'em up 'Razing Core' by Badcomputer has received an update, showcasing impressive visuals and gameplay. The developer is targeting 60FPS and has detailed technical advancements, including enemy and bullet counts, and weapon cycling techniques to maintain performance. The game is planned to feature six stages with mid-bosses and bosses.
ChromaBlast - A cute(?) Vertical Scrolling Shoot-em-up is demo'd on the Amiga!
Developer lisoform2003, led by Michele Ferrigno, has released a Level 1 demo for ChromaBlast, a new vertical scrolling shoot-em-up for the Commodore Amiga. Developed through human-AI collaboration with Claude AI, the game targets OCS/ECS and AGA hardware and features a combo-driven evolution system. This demo showcases the first level and includes gameplay and boss fight music.
April 2026: Switch 2 Drops Fortnite, GTA, Mario & Perso... | TAG
Multiple reports indicate potential price increases for the Nintendo Switch 2, with experts suggesting a price point over $450 by year's end due to rising component costs. Meanwhile, Kena: Bridge of Spirits receives a Switch 2 port that offers little improvement over previous versions. Sony is also reportedly increasing prices for the PlayStation 5 lineup, with a PS5 Pro potentially costing $900.
Almost 40 Years After the Original, Toaplan's Truxton Will Be Revived on PS5
Truxton Extreme, the first new entry in the Truxton franchise since 1992, is set to release on PlayStation 5 on July 30th for $24.99 digitally. Developed by Masahiro Yuge's studio Tatsujin, the game features a new soundtrack, a traditional arcade mode, and a story campaign with manga-style sequences, playable in co-op.
“Who Are They? Shikhondo: Blue Pieta Reveals Its Cast” Shikhondo: Blue Pieta — Major Characters Revealed
CFK and DeerFarm have revealed three major characters for their upcoming fantasy bullet hell shoot 'em up, Shikhondo: Blue Pieta. The game will feature side-scrolling gameplay for the first time in the series and is set to launch on PC and consoles in the first half of 2026. The revealed characters include protagonists Layla (Vampire Hunter) and Chae Woori (Rookie Grim Reaper), along with the first human boss character, Sister Maria.
Haunted Lands Review – Gamerhub UK
Haunted Lands is a platformer that may divide players due to its intentionally difficult design, reminiscent of older games like Ghosts 'n Goblins. While it functions as a competent platformer, the reviewer wished it leaned more into its shoot 'em up elements for a more action-focused experience. Its artificial challenges may lead to boredom for some players.
Super Meat Boy Flops into 3D: A Dimension Too Far... | TAG
Several gaming updates are covered, including the "fine" but uninspired port of Kena: Bridge of Spirits to Nintendo Switch 2, speculation surrounding a God of War Trilogy Remake by Sony Santa Monica, and a critical review of Super Meat Boy 3D's transition to 3D platforming. The article also highlights a sale on the Lovecraftian TTRPG Trail of Cthulhu, financial dealings related to a potential EA buyout, the upcoming Truxton Extreme shoot 'em up, and Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase featuring Gears of War: E-Day.
