I’m not a real-world risk taker. I look both ways before crossing a one-way street, I toss spilled salt over my shoulder, and I save all game files twice, y’know, just in case. Despite my neuroses, I perform best under pressure, and few games allow me to test my mettle and endurance like a controlled-but-chaotic “bullet heaven.”
In this fast-paced, increasingly popular subgenre, players’ avatars automatically fire attacks at approaching enemy hordes. As more baddies approach, gamers must rely on unique auto-fire capabilities to successfully stomp and stave off enemy waves, whether with powerful projectiles, far-reaching sword slashes, or magic spells.
The subgenre leans roguelike, with many games incorporating helpful mid-run upgrades like skill buffs, time extensions, level increases, unlockable weapons, and more.
Bullet heavens aren’t new, but the recent success of Vampire Survivors, the blockbuster roguelike released by developer-publisher Poncle in 2022, helped draw new eyes to the niche.
Game developers from around the world began releasing their own bullet heavens — sometimes affectionately called “Vampire Survivors-likes” — after Survivors‘ ultra-successful launch. Vedinad’s Megabonk was a hit in my house, as was Kenny Sun and Devolver Digital’s brick-breaker BALL x PIT. Brotato, Neon Abyss, Wanderburg — all great examples.
Played all the classics and itchin’ for more? These five new indie bullet heavens will keep you locked to your PC or handheld ‘til you’ve reached your limit, and then you’ll ask for five more minutes. Add ‘em to your wishlist on Steam to receive sale reminders and updates, too:
ROLLA
Over-the-top, The Blob-inspired game ROLLA from Tyrma Games and publisher Pantaloon incorporates campy horror’s best clichés — dramatic city takeovers, grotesque invaders, shrieks and screams aplenty — into an addictive arcade game. Push your massive monstrous ball-o-gore through each stage, crushing as much as you can in order to maintain strength and size. Endure persistent police forces as they try to take you down, but remember: don’t stop rollin’. Your survival depends on it. ROLLA is out now on Steam for $7.99.
Antivirus Survivors 2003 Professional
In Antivirus Survivors 2003 Professional, players lead their powerful lil’ cursor through relentless malware attacks on your old home computer. Dodge and stave off malicious downloads “with an arsenal of nostalgic Y2K-inspired weapons,” including Minesweeper-inspired explosives, powerful pinball bounces, satisfying Solitaire shuffles, and more. Pick up Antivirus Survivors 2003 Professional on Steam now for $5.99.
Blood Dungeon
Blood Dungeon, a 2D action roguelike from Wheel World‘s Messhof, sends players through a pixel-art gauntlet packed with aggressive enemies, daring parkour-like leaps, a breathtaking original soundtrack, and truly challenging fun. “Run, jump, and climb to avoid hordes of monsters. Duck and weave between enemies. Scramble up ladders, across grates, and over chains. Walls, ceilings, and even the watery depths are your domains to master.” Blood Dungeon is out now on Steam for just $9.99.
PengPong
PengPong, released by SANDY FLOOR and Gamirror Games on August 20, brings zany cartoony energy to an otherwise ruthless roguelike arena shooter. “Pinball meets gambling” in PengPong, as former hockey star Peng (you) must use his trusty hockey stick to putt ping-pong balls around each stage and strategically place bets along the way. PengPong is available on Steam now for $12.99, though you can try the game’s free demo if you’d rather give it a whirl before going all-in.
Typomagical
“Words are power” in Typomagical, a “spell-building-panic-typing-bullet-heaven-roguelike” where an apprentice mage bear-cub must use the power of the written word in order to cast powerful, dynamic spells. Mavis Beacon who?! Think fast and type faster, pick up words during your run, and strategize using “over 30,000 possible word combinations, passive buffs, and upgrades” to reach the top. Typomagical is available on Steam for $9.99; this one has a free demo, too, so don’t be afraid to try it out!
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