Side-scrolling shoot 'em up
Ongoing coverage on Side-scrolling shoot 'em up.
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Bullet Hell Meets Crystal Hunting In Shockwave Triggers
Shockwave Triggers, a vertical shoot 'em up with bullet hell elements, is now available on PC and consoles including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch for £12.49. Developed by Eastasiasoft and Shinu Real Arts, the game features two pilots, six stages, crystal collection, ship upgrades, and a unique shockwave mechanic that turns incoming bullets into gems.
YokoXevi - The MSXdev26 officially opened its doors with a brand new MSX 1 game entry!
GW's-Workshop has officially opened the MSXdev26 competition with their new MSX1 side-scrolling shooter, YokoXevi. Inspired by Xevious, the game features parallax scrolling, multiplexed sprites, and dual-attack mechanics, with a boss battle against a mothership.
Review: 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X (Nintendo Switch)
70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X is a side-scrolling shooter for the Nintendo Switch that recreates the experience of watching 70s robot anime. Originally released in Japan for PlayStation in 1999, this remastered version by Bliss Brain focuses on its unique presentation with episodes, commercials, and anime frames, offering a charming nostalgic experience. While the gameplay is considered just 'OK' with clunky controls and dated mechanics, the overall presentation and bonus features make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre and era, though the $40 price point may be a barrier for some.
Shoot ’em up Changeable Guardian Estique making its way to Nintendo Switch [update: release date]
Amata Games and Cat Hui Trading announced that Changeable Guardian Estique will be released on the Nintendo Switch on August 6, 2026. This side-scrolling robot shoot 'em up, originally released for NES and Famicom, will include both versions of the game and a new gallery mode.
ZPF Review – Genesis of the Shmup
ZPF is a solid but unremarkable shmup for the Mega Drive, featuring a colorful 16-bit aesthetic and a choice of ships with different abilities. While it offers a significant challenge with limited lives and no continues, clunky controls and a lack of variety make it feel dated compared to other titles in the genre.
Demos and Freebies
The 70s-style robot anime game Geppy-X has been remastered and released on Steam for PC. This cult classic features fast-paced, arcade-style 2D side-scrolling shooter action.
R-Type Dimensions III Released
R-Type Dimensions III, a remastered edition of the 1993 side-scrolling space shooter, has been released for PC and consoles. A launch trailer showcases the game's updated presentation.
Once Upon a Time in Revolutionary Mexico: Dark Adelita Now Available on Steam!
Brain-dead Rabbit Games and indie.io have released Dark Adelita on Steam, a side-scrolling shooter inspired by Mexican folklore and history. Players control Angela, an adelita, fighting supernatural threats with various weapons in levels based on Mexican states. The game is available for PC for $5.99 USD.
Metal Slug 30th Anniversary Project announced
SNK has announced a 30th anniversary project for the Metal Slug franchise, celebrating 30 years since its arcade debut in 1996. The initiative aims to "reignite and reboot" the series with new games in development and has launched a retrospective video teasing a "new mission" for fans.
Shikhondo: Blue Pieta details prologue, systems
Publisher CFK and developer DeerFarm have revealed new details and screenshots for their upcoming side-scrolling shoot 'em up, Shikhondo: Blue Pieta. The information pertains to the game's prologue and various in-game systems.