Shoot 'em up
Ongoing coverage on Shoot 'em up.
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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.
Classic Shmup 'Truxton' Returns After Nearly 35 Years On Switch 2
The classic shmup series Truxton is returning after a 34-year hiatus with Truxton Extreme, developed by Tatsujin and published by Clear River Games. The game will launch on Nintendo Switch on July 30, 2026, featuring fully 3D visuals while retaining its classic top-down design. Composer Masahiro Yuge returns to score the game, which includes Story, Arcade, and co-op Team Modes.
Shmup 'Truxton Extreme' Release Date Set for July 30 With New Modes and 3D Visuals
Truxton Extreme, a new entry in the shoot 'em up series, is set to launch on July 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game features series creator Masahiro Yuge, updated 3D visuals, 18 stages, and introduces a narrative element for the first time. Multiple modes are included, such as Story Mode, Arcade Mode, Heart Starter Mode, Team Mode, and Arena Mode, with a Pipiruville side mode.
Truxton Extreme announced for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch, first new entry in almost 40 years
Clear River Games and Tatsujin have announced Truxton Extreme for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, set for release on July 30, 2026. This marks the first new entry in the Truxton series in 38 years, with original mastermind Masahiro Yuge returning for its modern evolution.
Truxton Extreme launches July 30 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC
The shoot 'em up game Truxton Extreme is set to launch on July 30 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The article confirms the release date and platforms for the revival of the classic shooter.
Telenet Shooting Collection I + II physical bundle announced
Play-Asia has announced a physical bundle for Nintendo Switch titled Telenet Shooting Collection I + II, which includes both Telenet Shooting Collection and Telenet Shooting Collection II with English language support. The collection features eight classic shoot 'em up titles originally developed by Telenet Japan and is scheduled for release in Q2 2026. Both standard and limited editions will be available for pre-order starting April 2.
RAIDEN FIGHTERS REMIX COLLECTION Review 🛩️
Raiden Fighters Remix Collection offers a trilogy of excellent shoot 'em up games with engaging gameplay and score mechanics, but suffers from poor emulation quality, including input lag and incorrect scaling. While the remixed music is a highlight, the lack of features like replay saving and museum content, combined with performance issues, makes this package disappointing despite the quality of the core games.
Review: Marvel Maximum Collection (Switch) - A Decent Nostalgia Cake With A Konami Cherry On Top
The Marvel Maximum Collection on Nintendo Switch offers a compilation of retro Marvel titles, with Konami's X-Men: The Arcade Game being the standout inclusion due to its multiplayer and faithful port. While other games like Silver Surfer and Captain America and The Avengers have their merits, the collection's overall quality ranges from good fun to frustrating, driven primarily by nostalgia rather than an assembly of gaming's finest.
Saros: The Big Preview - IGN
Saros is a new game that may appeal to fans of Returnal, though the author expresses a preference for Housemarque's earlier shoot 'em up titles like Stardust, Resogun, and Nex Machina. The preview suggests that players who enjoy the style of Returnal will likely find Saros engaging.
Sumptuous Retro Shmup 'ZPF' Launches On Switch In Just A Few Weeks
The retro shoot 'em up ZPF, originally released for the Sega Mega Drive, is launching on the Nintendo Switch eShop on April 16, 2026. Publisher Mega Cat Studios confirmed the release date for the title developed by ZPF Team. The game features six levels, multiple characters, and a chiptune soundtrack.