Bullet Heavens (Ranked & Rated)
aka VS-like action arena survival survivor horde roguelike reverse bullet hell etc.
I like Bullet Heavens, so I've ranked all the ones I've played. You can also sort by my actual ratings.
Many of these are still in Early Access and the rating would have been at the time I've played it, so may be revised when/if I revisit them. This is just my subjective opinion and it's perfectly ok to like something that I don't.
- Anything 3.5 stars and above or in my top 10 I'm happy to recommend, you are almost guaranteed to enjoy these
- 3 stars or in my top 20 is fine but it may be hit or miss for you
- Lower than the above has a high likelihood of you not liking the game depending how trash you think my taste is
Check the notes for a mini-review and reasoning for rating
I judge on the following things in this loose order of importance:
- "Fun"
- Variety of characters/weapons/items/upgrades
- Replayability & gameplay loop
- Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
- Art style, graphics & animations
- World, map & event design
- Visual clarity & design
- Meta/general progression
- Enemies & Bosses
- Controls
- Sound & Music
I like Bullet Heavens, so I've ranked all the ones I've played. You can also sort by my actual ratings.
Many of these are still in Early Access and the rating would have been at the time I've played it, so may be revised when/if I revisit them. This is just my subjective opinion and it's perfectly ok to like something that I don't.
- Anything 3.5 stars and above or in my top 10 I'm happy to recommend, you are almost guaranteed to enjoy these
- 3 stars or in my top 20 is fine but it may be hit or miss for you
- Lower than the above has a high likelihood of you not liking the game depending how trash you think my taste is
Check the notes for a mini-review and reasoning for rating
I judge on the following things in this loose order of importance:
- "Fun"
- Variety of characters/weapons/items/upgrades
- Replayability & gameplay loop
- Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
- Art style, graphics & animations
- World, map & event design
- Visual clarity & design
- Meta/general progression
- Enemies & Bosses
- Controls
- Sound & Music
57 Games
Probably the most weapons, items and upgrades out of all the Bullet Heavens I've played. There are so many different combos and synergies that give so much replayability.
Due to the above, the gameplay loop is very satisfying and rarely repetitive.
The progression is basic, you can unlock characters and items with specific achievements. These achievements force you to play many different styles to keep it fresh and play even more.
Art style, graphics and animations are simple, however, this gives it great visual clarity.
The map design and special events are very basic and could be improved.
Due to the above, the gameplay loop is very satisfying and rarely repetitive.
The progression is basic, you can unlock characters and items with specific achievements. These achievements force you to play many different styles to keep it fresh and play even more.
Art style, graphics and animations are simple, however, this gives it great visual clarity.
The map design and special events are very basic and could be improved.
1
Very unique style of runs similar to Slay the Spire. Has variety of missions/objectives/rewards. This all contributes to it having awesome replayability.
Great variety of weapons, upgrades, combos and synergies. However the balance isn't the best as you tend to figure out the most OP ones. Runs are also pretty long so you usually end up with the same stuff by the end. It is still satisfying to play despite this.
Dig the art style and animations. The visual clarity is surprisingly good
Progression is pretty basic, just level up stats with earned currency
Great variety of weapons, upgrades, combos and synergies. However the balance isn't the best as you tend to figure out the most OP ones. Runs are also pretty long so you usually end up with the same stuff by the end. It is still satisfying to play despite this.
Dig the art style and animations. The visual clarity is surprisingly good
Progression is pretty basic, just level up stats with earned currency
2
Amazing for a free game. A must play if you're a Hololive fan.
Really good variety of weapons, items, upgrades and waifus.
A good variety of special events and enemies.
Good progression with bonus gatcha style unlocks.
Sadly the inside jokes and references are lost on me
Really good variety of weapons, items, upgrades and waifus.
A good variety of special events and enemies.
Good progression with bonus gatcha style unlocks.
Sadly the inside jokes and references are lost on me
3
Early Access Review
Still early access but has lots of potential. Game gets frequent updates almost every week, which keeps me coming back to it.
I love the map and event design, which offers some unique mechanics with economy and upgrade management. It keeps you constantly engaged and occupied which makes the gameplay loop fantastic. The challenges are also great and keep the game fresh by introducing new playstyles and scenarios, this part is similar to Brotato.
Weapon and character variety is pretty good and still improving
Progression is basic but expands on the unique mechanics
The art is nice, and yes some of it may potentially be AI generated but it does not bother me. If it lets more developers put out games like this then I'm all for it despite it being a bit of a grey area
Still early access but has lots of potential. Game gets frequent updates almost every week, which keeps me coming back to it.
I love the map and event design, which offers some unique mechanics with economy and upgrade management. It keeps you constantly engaged and occupied which makes the gameplay loop fantastic. The challenges are also great and keep the game fresh by introducing new playstyles and scenarios, this part is similar to Brotato.
Weapon and character variety is pretty good and still improving
Progression is basic but expands on the unique mechanics
The art is nice, and yes some of it may potentially be AI generated but it does not bother me. If it lets more developers put out games like this then I'm all for it despite it being a bit of a grey area
4
Nice variety of characters, weapons and upgrades, along with cool synergies and combos. This makes the gameplay loop very satisfying.
The art style is fine and animations great, making the visual clarity very good. Cool enemy and boss design.
Don't need too much grinding to unlock most characters and weapons but the meta progression system is a little boring and could be improved.
Map design is very basic with no special events other than bosses.
The art style is fine and animations great, making the visual clarity very good. Cool enemy and boss design.
Don't need too much grinding to unlock most characters and weapons but the meta progression system is a little boring and could be improved.
Map design is very basic with no special events other than bosses.
5
The game that kick started the genre, not much to say other than great all round game. Would benefit from some more variety & content though
6
I'm a sucker for the Hades style.
Good gameplay loop, map design and events/POIs. Good upgrades and item system.
Good meta progression
Good gameplay loop, map design and events/POIs. Good upgrades and item system.
Good meta progression
7
Early Access Review
Nice amount of content for a new early access game.
Combines the mechanics of mining and bullet heaven to give a satisfying gameplay loop. Ok variety of weapons. Upgrades are basic but the rarity levels give it some flavour. Limited combos and synergies, game would be much improved with more.
Good map and objectives design. Great visual clarity.
Meta progression and unlocks are basic but requires unique minerals to unlock so more objectives while you play.
Characters have some personality even though they are very similar to each other.
Nice amount of content for a new early access game.
Combines the mechanics of mining and bullet heaven to give a satisfying gameplay loop. Ok variety of weapons. Upgrades are basic but the rarity levels give it some flavour. Limited combos and synergies, game would be much improved with more.
Good map and objectives design. Great visual clarity.
Meta progression and unlocks are basic but requires unique minerals to unlock so more objectives while you play.
Characters have some personality even though they are very similar to each other.
8
Good weapon/item/upgrade variety with interesting synergies and combos, keeps the replayability decent.
I dig the art style and animations
The shrines are a good unique addition but are too similar to each other so they lose impact and get repetitive after a short while.
The single map is very bland and lacking events other than shrines.
Enemies and bosses are fine but nothing special.
Progression is very basic.
Still in Early access with frequent updates so has more potential
I dig the art style and animations
The shrines are a good unique addition but are too similar to each other so they lose impact and get repetitive after a short while.
The single map is very bland and lacking events other than shrines.
Enemies and bosses are fine but nothing special.
Progression is very basic.
Still in Early access with frequent updates so has more potential
9
Good variety of weapons and upgrades. Some weapons need balancing. Gameplay loop is fine, but may eventually get repetitive
Pretty good map design and number of maps. No special events though.
Really big and interesting progression tree that is easy to follow unlike other games with big progressions (Scarlet Tower). It does require quite a bit of grind though.
UI controls suck with a controller, but fine in gameplay
Pretty good map design and number of maps. No special events though.
Really big and interesting progression tree that is easy to follow unlike other games with big progressions (Scarlet Tower). It does require quite a bit of grind though.
UI controls suck with a controller, but fine in gameplay
10
11
Early Access review April 2023
Ok variety of weapons and and items at launch. Limited combos and synergies. The gameplay loop is decent with good controls. Great implementation of auto aim with manual aim override, this is something all bullet heavens could benefit from.
Map design is basic with some hazards, item drops, bosses. Progression is also pretty basic.
Art style is nice with good visual clarity.
Music is good.
Has potential
Ok variety of weapons and and items at launch. Limited combos and synergies. The gameplay loop is decent with good controls. Great implementation of auto aim with manual aim override, this is something all bullet heavens could benefit from.
Map design is basic with some hazards, item drops, bosses. Progression is also pretty basic.
Art style is nice with good visual clarity.
Music is good.
Has potential
12
Cool unique art style and animations, similar to paper mario. Despite how hectic it can get, the visual clarity is very good.
Ok variety of weapons and upgrades. Has some nice combos and synergies.
Progression is basic, the talent tree can be fully unlocked a little too quickly.
Sound and music is nice.
Hoping for more content
Ok variety of weapons and upgrades. Has some nice combos and synergies.
Progression is basic, the talent tree can be fully unlocked a little too quickly.
Sound and music is nice.
Hoping for more content
13
Has the most interesting world/map & event design of all Bullet Heavens.
Good amount of weapons and upgrades. Some cool unique mechanics with active item use. A lot of stats and numbers to dig into.
Despite the above, the gameplay loop is still missing something.
The art style and animations are a little blocky, bland and generic, making the visual clarity not the best.
Still in early access so has a lot of potential
Good amount of weapons and upgrades. Some cool unique mechanics with active item use. A lot of stats and numbers to dig into.
Despite the above, the gameplay loop is still missing something.
The art style and animations are a little blocky, bland and generic, making the visual clarity not the best.
Still in early access so has a lot of potential
14
Early Access May 2023 Review
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
6/10
Replayability & gameplay loop
6/10
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
6/10
Art style, graphics & animations
7/10
World, map & event design
7/10
Visual clarity & design
7/10
Meta/general progression
6/10
Enemies & Bosses
5/10
Controls
5/10
- No controller support
Sound & Music
6/10
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
6/10
Replayability & gameplay loop
6/10
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
6/10
Art style, graphics & animations
7/10
World, map & event design
7/10
Visual clarity & design
7/10
Meta/general progression
6/10
Enemies & Bosses
5/10
Controls
5/10
- No controller support
Sound & Music
6/10
15
Interesting style with an actual story even if a bit weird. However this is not enough to carry the game for me.
Simple gameplay loop with not much variation due to plain map design without special events outside of bosses. Bosses have some classic bullet hell thrown in and is probably the best part of the gameplay. Other enemies are boring. Some of the weapons and upgrades are interesting.
Basic unlock progression but a decent looking skill/unlock tree.
Controller support is not the best
Simple gameplay loop with not much variation due to plain map design without special events outside of bosses. Bosses have some classic bullet hell thrown in and is probably the best part of the gameplay. Other enemies are boring. Some of the weapons and upgrades are interesting.
Basic unlock progression but a decent looking skill/unlock tree.
Controller support is not the best
16
Probably has one of the most intuitive and interesting customisation system for weapons and upgrades which helps a lot with replayability.
However the game really needs more content and progression. This doesn't seem likely given the full release and lack of updates.
Also does not have full controller support
However the game really needs more content and progression. This doesn't seem likely given the full release and lack of updates.
Also does not have full controller support
17
Good variety of weapons/upgrades/combos. Some weapons need balancing
Interesting mechanics and synergies on equipment slots
Gameplay loop is ok but can get repetitive
Interesting hex-style mission/map progression. However the maps themselves are pretty bland.
Enemies are not interesting
Controls with a controller is not good
Interesting mechanics and synergies on equipment slots
Gameplay loop is ok but can get repetitive
Interesting hex-style mission/map progression. However the maps themselves are pretty bland.
Enemies are not interesting
Controls with a controller is not good
18
April 2023 update:
It has suddenly exited Early Access but the dev has seemingly abandoned the game and stopped adding content. Game is decent as is but feels like a lot is still missing. Pretty disappointing and dropped my rating because of this.
Original Review:
Has an interesting Darkest Dungeon-style progression system with some RPG home base elements.
Good variety of satisfying weapons and upgrades. The rarity levels give it an additional RNG/variety factor. Not much combos/synergies but the gameplay loop is very good.
Cool artstyle with good visual clarity.
Interesting map design and events/objectives.
It has suddenly exited Early Access but the dev has seemingly abandoned the game and stopped adding content. Game is decent as is but feels like a lot is still missing. Pretty disappointing and dropped my rating because of this.
Original Review:
Has an interesting Darkest Dungeon-style progression system with some RPG home base elements.
Good variety of satisfying weapons and upgrades. The rarity levels give it an additional RNG/variety factor. Not much combos/synergies but the gameplay loop is very good.
Cool artstyle with good visual clarity.
Interesting map design and events/objectives.
19
Early Access Review July 2023
Game has a solid gameplay loop with some unique mechanics. It's lacking a bit of content at the moment but expecting it to improve.
Game has a solid gameplay loop with some unique mechanics. It's lacking a bit of content at the moment but expecting it to improve.
20
It's good
21
Ok variety of weapons and upgrades with some limited combos and synergies. Some upgrades are too similar to each other. Gameplay loop is ok but eventually gets repetitive as you figure out the best upgrades, needs balancing.
Artstyle and animations are simple but do the job. Leads to decent visual clarity, however screen shake needs to be turned off and I don't like how dead enemies linger.
There no progression other than auto unlocking characters/upgrades/maps by just playing.
Overall a bit generic but an ok bullet heaven
Artstyle and animations are simple but do the job. Leads to decent visual clarity, however screen shake needs to be turned off and I don't like how dead enemies linger.
There no progression other than auto unlocking characters/upgrades/maps by just playing.
Overall a bit generic but an ok bullet heaven
22
A free bullet heaven that use a card drawing mechanic for upgrades
It is simple with limited content but fun while it lasts
It is simple with limited content but fun while it lasts
23
This is more of a shoot em' up with some bullet heaven elements.
Good variety of weapons and upgrades with clearly labelled synergies. It lasted several runs before it got repetitive
Overall it's just fine, you may enjoy it more if you like scrolling shoot em' ups.
Good variety of weapons and upgrades with clearly labelled synergies. It lasted several runs before it got repetitive
Overall it's just fine, you may enjoy it more if you like scrolling shoot em' ups.
24
Personal preference but I don't dig the art style/graphics, reminds me of mobile games.
The gameplay loop I found a bit repetitive for some reason even with a good variety of weapons and upgrades. This is probably due to the visual clarity/design, everything just looks the same after a while.
Has a solid progression system though
The gameplay loop I found a bit repetitive for some reason even with a good variety of weapons and upgrades. This is probably due to the visual clarity/design, everything just looks the same after a while.
Has a solid progression system though
25
Early Access Review Sept 2023
Cool concept, similar to Yet Another Zombie Survivors but gameplay isn't as polished.
Cool concept, similar to Yet Another Zombie Survivors but gameplay isn't as polished.
26
Offers some unique mechanics and interesting upgrades/customisation
I like the map design and special events, makes it feel a little like an isometric ARPG
Gameplay loop somehow still feels repetitive and unsatisfying though
The art style is ok, but the animations I'm not a fan of
Still Early Access so there is potential
I like the map design and special events, makes it feel a little like an isometric ARPG
Gameplay loop somehow still feels repetitive and unsatisfying though
The art style is ok, but the animations I'm not a fan of
Still Early Access so there is potential
27
Gorgeous art style and visuals
Gameplay loop feels repetitive due to lack of variety/complexity in weapons, upgrades and synergies. It's copied a little too much from Vampire Survivors.
Progression system is very big, but hard to follow. Each system does not feel that meaningful or significantly different to the other.
Still early access so has potential
Gameplay loop feels repetitive due to lack of variety/complexity in weapons, upgrades and synergies. It's copied a little too much from Vampire Survivors.
Progression system is very big, but hard to follow. Each system does not feel that meaningful or significantly different to the other.
Still early access so has potential
28
Ok variety of weapons, upgrades are pretty generic though with very limited synergies.
Good map design and interesting special events. This helps the gameplay loop but can still sometimes feel repetitive.
The artstyle is cool but the visual clarity is horrible. Hard to see enemies amongst the mess of summons and effects that obscure and look so similar to each other. Also do not like the way dead enemies linger.
Very basic and limited progression.
Good map design and interesting special events. This helps the gameplay loop but can still sometimes feel repetitive.
The artstyle is cool but the visual clarity is horrible. Hard to see enemies amongst the mess of summons and effects that obscure and look so similar to each other. Also do not like the way dead enemies linger.
Very basic and limited progression.
29
Lacks some variety due to focus on a single weapon per character.
Gameplay loop is ok but can get repetitive due to the above.
Not a fan of the art style and animations, reminds me of mobile games.
Different game modes add a little bit of variety, but not enough due to plain map design and no special events.
Early access so may change
Gameplay loop is ok but can get repetitive due to the above.
Not a fan of the art style and animations, reminds me of mobile games.
Different game modes add a little bit of variety, but not enough due to plain map design and no special events.
Early access so may change
30
It's fine but not anything unique or memorable.
31
May 2023 Early Access Review
Surprisingly amount of content and depth for a free game. Good map design with some interesting mechanics.
Yes it does have some sexual content but it's not in your face and you have to unlock it.
Surprisingly amount of content and depth for a free game. Good map design with some interesting mechanics.
Yes it does have some sexual content but it's not in your face and you have to unlock it.
32
Reviewed March 2023
Decent variety of weapons, skills and upgrades. Has an interesting semi tower defence mechanic that makes the gameplay loop ok.
The visual clarity is atrocious, enemies and their projectiles can be easily confused with your own. Most of your deaths will be because of this.
Pretty basic Progression
Still early access so has potential
Decent variety of weapons, skills and upgrades. Has an interesting semi tower defence mechanic that makes the gameplay loop ok.
The visual clarity is atrocious, enemies and their projectiles can be easily confused with your own. Most of your deaths will be because of this.
Pretty basic Progression
Still early access so has potential
33
June 2023 Early Access Review
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
3/10
- Weapons and upgrades not that interesting, especially when upgrades are mostly just boring stat increases
Replayability & gameplay loop
3/10
- Finding it hard to replay. Gameplay loop does not feel that rewarding
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
3/10
Art style, graphics & animations
7/10
- Has the classic Diablo aesthetic. I don't have much attachment to it though
World, map & event design
3/10
- Basic map with basic POIs and occasional bosses, nothing that interesting
Visual clarity & design
6/10
Meta/general progression
4/10
Enemies & Bosses
4/10
Controls
6/10
Sound & Music
6/10
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
3/10
- Weapons and upgrades not that interesting, especially when upgrades are mostly just boring stat increases
Replayability & gameplay loop
3/10
- Finding it hard to replay. Gameplay loop does not feel that rewarding
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
3/10
Art style, graphics & animations
7/10
- Has the classic Diablo aesthetic. I don't have much attachment to it though
World, map & event design
3/10
- Basic map with basic POIs and occasional bosses, nothing that interesting
Visual clarity & design
6/10
Meta/general progression
4/10
Enemies & Bosses
4/10
Controls
6/10
Sound & Music
6/10
34
Intriguing map design with some events/missions
Ok weapon variety with basic upgrades. No unique mechanics. Gameplay loop is just ok
Standard/basic progression
Needs more content. Early access so has potential
Ok weapon variety with basic upgrades. No unique mechanics. Gameplay loop is just ok
Standard/basic progression
Needs more content. Early access so has potential
35
May 2023 Review
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
5/10
- Bit lacklustre, weapons lack impact and are too similar to each other
Replayability & gameplay loop
5/10
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
4/10
Art style, graphics & animations
7/10
World, map & event design
6/10
Visual clarity & design
6/10
Meta/general progression
6/10
Enemies & Bosses
5/10
Controls
6/10
Sound & Music
6/10
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
5/10
- Bit lacklustre, weapons lack impact and are too similar to each other
Replayability & gameplay loop
5/10
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
4/10
Art style, graphics & animations
7/10
World, map & event design
6/10
Visual clarity & design
6/10
Meta/general progression
6/10
Enemies & Bosses
5/10
Controls
6/10
Sound & Music
6/10
36
Good variety of weapons but upgrades and other skills are pretty basic. Characters add a small amount of variety. Not many combos, synergies and unique mechanics.
Basic map design but there are some special events that help with the gameplay loop. Can still get repetitive though. Treasures are also just straight boring.
The pixel art is nice but the visual clarity is not the best, some of the map design also makes it worse. Luckily there are accessibility options to help with this but makes the game look worse art-wise.
Progression is the standard basic affair
Basic map design but there are some special events that help with the gameplay loop. Can still get repetitive though. Treasures are also just straight boring.
The pixel art is nice but the visual clarity is not the best, some of the map design also makes it worse. Luckily there are accessibility options to help with this but makes the game look worse art-wise.
Progression is the standard basic affair
37
Reviewed March 2023
Early access and pretty bare bones at the moment. Very limited amount of content.
Weapons are somewhat satisfying to use but are pretty standard with no unique mechanics. Upgrades and items are interesting and modify various stats.
Gameplay loop is ok but can get repetitive as the difficulty is pretty easy.
Art style is cool, but models have no animations which makes the game a bit lifeless. Visual clarity is very good however.
Map is pretty basic with some items scattered about but don't make it anymore interesting.
Enemies are all the same with varying levels of speed and HP. Kinda boring because of this.
The progression is lengthy but unlocks just boost your stats, nothing really interesting about it and the difficulty is already easy.
Early access and pretty bare bones at the moment. Very limited amount of content.
Weapons are somewhat satisfying to use but are pretty standard with no unique mechanics. Upgrades and items are interesting and modify various stats.
Gameplay loop is ok but can get repetitive as the difficulty is pretty easy.
Art style is cool, but models have no animations which makes the game a bit lifeless. Visual clarity is very good however.
Map is pretty basic with some items scattered about but don't make it anymore interesting.
Enemies are all the same with varying levels of speed and HP. Kinda boring because of this.
The progression is lengthy but unlocks just boost your stats, nothing really interesting about it and the difficulty is already easy.
38
May Early Access Review
Weapons and upgrades are fine But gameplay loop is not to my taste.
Standard (boring) meta progression
Weapons and upgrades are fine But gameplay loop is not to my taste.
Standard (boring) meta progression
39
Feels like a slower paced, basic bullet heaven. Severe lack of weapon/item/upgrade variety leading to poor replayability. No unique mechanics, combos and synergies. Gameplay loop is very repetitive.
The game hard caps how strong you can get and it's not hard to reach this cap in a run. This shouldn't exist in Bullet Heavens.
The graphics and animations are good. So is the map design. Game feels polished in these areas but generic and boring in others. But there is a lack of special events other than a final boss.
Progression is basic
The game hard caps how strong you can get and it's not hard to reach this cap in a run. This shouldn't exist in Bullet Heavens.
The graphics and animations are good. So is the map design. Game feels polished in these areas but generic and boring in others. But there is a lack of special events other than a final boss.
Progression is basic
40
Game feels more like a bullet hell than a bullet heaven (Not my preference). Definitely lacking content for a non-early access game.
Not a great variety of weapons, skills and upgrades. The weapons and skills don't feel that satisfying to use, possibly because of its low impact visually and sound-wise. Upgrades are uninteresting (just single stat increases). Also not a big fan of the casting mechanic, it slows down the game and feels sluggish. 20 minutes till dawn implements this mechanic better. No other unique mechanics.
Plain map design with pretty much only 2 events, one of which is a boss battle. Nothing special here.
Progression is pretty basic, you can unlock more stuff with currency but there's not that much here to unlock.
Not a great variety of weapons, skills and upgrades. The weapons and skills don't feel that satisfying to use, possibly because of its low impact visually and sound-wise. Upgrades are uninteresting (just single stat increases). Also not a big fan of the casting mechanic, it slows down the game and feels sluggish. 20 minutes till dawn implements this mechanic better. No other unique mechanics.
Plain map design with pretty much only 2 events, one of which is a boss battle. Nothing special here.
Progression is pretty basic, you can unlock more stuff with currency but there's not that much here to unlock.
41
43
Decent amount of weapons but most projectiles look and act the same so doesn't feel like there's any variety or depth. No combos and synergies. Gameplay loop therefore feels repetitive and boring.
Artstyle is ok but the visual clarity is horrible despite enemies having a white outline. Enemy projectiles blend with your own projectiles and other objects.
Map design is very basic with no special events except opening treasures that don't feel rewarding.
Progression is the standard basic affair
Movement is bad with controller, it has moments of dead input
Artstyle is ok but the visual clarity is horrible despite enemies having a white outline. Enemy projectiles blend with your own projectiles and other objects.
Map design is very basic with no special events except opening treasures that don't feel rewarding.
Progression is the standard basic affair
Movement is bad with controller, it has moments of dead input
44
The real OG. A decent game for mobile considering it is free. Not much variety/replayability in the gameplay though.
45
Really low variety in weapons/items/upgrades. In turn there's not a lot of combos, synergies and replayability. You can unlock some more stuff but requires way too much grind for the low variety you start with.
Cool art style and animations
Has potential with more updates
Cool art style and animations
Has potential with more updates
46
Early Access Review July 2023
Beautiful art and animations ruined by god awful visual clarity and controls. Having a main Attack that only attacks in front of you with no way to lock the direction is one of the worst design choices you can make in a bullet heaven. Very frustrating to play
Beautiful art and animations ruined by god awful visual clarity and controls. Having a main Attack that only attacks in front of you with no way to lock the direction is one of the worst design choices you can make in a bullet heaven. Very frustrating to play
47
Weapons and upgrades are too simple for my taste and don't have enough impact. Combos and synergies are limited. Contributes to repetitive and unsatisfying gameplay loop.
Enemies are generic, samey and can be infinitely cheesed/herded (Like Runic). To me this is boring gameplay.
Map is static and empty other than occasional item drop.
Art style and animations are fine. Visual clarity and controls are good
Progression is basic and nothing out of the norm.
Enemies are generic, samey and can be infinitely cheesed/herded (Like Runic). To me this is boring gameplay.
Map is static and empty other than occasional item drop.
Art style and animations are fine. Visual clarity and controls are good
Progression is basic and nothing out of the norm.
48
Good concept but terrible controls, did not work with my Xbox controller even though it is listed as "Full controller support". Will keep this rating until I replay a fixed version (if ever)
49
An interesting and unique "crafting" system that offers high customisation which can lead to many possible builds.
I'm however not a fan of the gameplay loop which I find shallow and repetitive. Similar to Void Scrappers in this sense. This style of game is just probably not for me so others may enjoy this more.
Also like Void Scrappers, the enemies feel generic and can be infinitely cheesed/herded. To me this indicates boring/lazy design.
Progression is basic using currency to unlock characters and passive upgrades.
Does not have controller support
I'm however not a fan of the gameplay loop which I find shallow and repetitive. Similar to Void Scrappers in this sense. This style of game is just probably not for me so others may enjoy this more.
Also like Void Scrappers, the enemies feel generic and can be infinitely cheesed/herded. To me this indicates boring/lazy design.
Progression is basic using currency to unlock characters and passive upgrades.
Does not have controller support
50
June 2023 Early Access Review
Didn't play it that much before it lost my attention. Overall pretty barebones and generic feeling despite the theme, hopefully gets more updates.
Didn't play it that much before it lost my attention. Overall pretty barebones and generic feeling despite the theme, hopefully gets more updates.
51
May 2023 Early Access Review
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
3/10
- Badly designed weapons
Replayability & gameplay loop
3/10
- Feels like a chore
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
3/10
Art style, graphics & animations
6/10
World, map & event design
6/10
Visual clarity & design
6/10
Meta/general progression
5/10
Enemies & Bosses
5/10
Controls
2/10
- No way to strafe when you have weapons that only shoot where you are facing
Sound & Music
5/10
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
3/10
- Badly designed weapons
Replayability & gameplay loop
3/10
- Feels like a chore
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
3/10
Art style, graphics & animations
6/10
World, map & event design
6/10
Visual clarity & design
6/10
Meta/general progression
5/10
Enemies & Bosses
5/10
Controls
2/10
- No way to strafe when you have weapons that only shoot where you are facing
Sound & Music
5/10
52
May 2023 Early Access Review
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
4/10
Replayability & gameplay loop
2/10
- Boring with sudden difficulty spikes
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
3/10
Art style, graphics & animations
5/10
World, map & event design
2/10
- Empty map design, also really zoomed in
Visual clarity & design
4/10
Meta/general progression
5/10
Enemies & Bosses
3/10
- Basic enemies are just braindead
Controls
2/10
- Movement is too fast for the amount of space you can see
Sound & Music
5/10
Characters/weapons/items/upgrades
4/10
Replayability & gameplay loop
2/10
- Boring with sudden difficulty spikes
Combos, synergies, unique mechanics
3/10
Art style, graphics & animations
5/10
World, map & event design
2/10
- Empty map design, also really zoomed in
Visual clarity & design
4/10
Meta/general progression
5/10
Enemies & Bosses
3/10
- Basic enemies are just braindead
Controls
2/10
- Movement is too fast for the amount of space you can see
Sound & Music
5/10
53
Bit of a hot take and would likely be higher on other people's lists but there are a lot of things in this I don't like and can't get past.
The art style I can get behind but the visual clarity and UI are probably the worst I've seen in a bullet heaven. Your minions and their attacks blend in with enemies making them feel like they have no impact. All the upgrades and minions don't feel that different from each other since they have so little visual impact.
The biggest problem for me, and the whole point of a Bullet Heaven, is the missing satisfaction you get from feeling powerful/OP. All your minions do the work for you making your sole focus just dodging and surviving. In that sense this game feels more like a Bullet Hell than a Bullet Heaven.
Overall disappointing considering its popularity, but it may just be me
The art style I can get behind but the visual clarity and UI are probably the worst I've seen in a bullet heaven. Your minions and their attacks blend in with enemies making them feel like they have no impact. All the upgrades and minions don't feel that different from each other since they have so little visual impact.
The biggest problem for me, and the whole point of a Bullet Heaven, is the missing satisfaction you get from feeling powerful/OP. All your minions do the work for you making your sole focus just dodging and surviving. In that sense this game feels more like a Bullet Hell than a Bullet Heaven.
Overall disappointing considering its popularity, but it may just be me
54
Decent amount of weapons however they are mostly pretty generic feeling.
Gameplay loop is fairly shallow and repetitive, suffers from same issues as Runic and Void Scrappers. No unique mechanics
No effort was put into the sound design. Weapons have no sound effects at all, giving them no impact. Literally the only sound effects during gameplay are enemies or yourself getting hit or dying and even those sound boring.
Zero map design and no special events
Very basic progression
Gameplay loop is fairly shallow and repetitive, suffers from same issues as Runic and Void Scrappers. No unique mechanics
No effort was put into the sound design. Weapons have no sound effects at all, giving them no impact. Literally the only sound effects during gameplay are enemies or yourself getting hit or dying and even those sound boring.
Zero map design and no special events
Very basic progression
55
Reviewed: March 2023
Lacking weapon variety as many weapons do similar things to each other. There are some interesting combos/synergies though.
The pacing and gameplay loop feels off, it feels too fast for the amount of weapons you need to multitask with. The enemy spawn/chase pattern is also not good with the limited amount of screen space you have.
The artstyle/graphics are decent with good visual clarity
Plays very bad with a controller, sometimes does not read your movement inputs correctly even with the deadzone setting on the lowest. EDIT: Devs have put out a notice that Steam input needs to be switched off. I don't think this is a good solution to expect every user to have to do this for 1 game.
The progression looks fancy with home base building/upgrade but is actually very basic and boring. Crimson Dawn does this part better.
Lacking weapon variety as many weapons do similar things to each other. There are some interesting combos/synergies though.
The pacing and gameplay loop feels off, it feels too fast for the amount of weapons you need to multitask with. The enemy spawn/chase pattern is also not good with the limited amount of screen space you have.
The artstyle/graphics are decent with good visual clarity
Plays very bad with a controller, sometimes does not read your movement inputs correctly even with the deadzone setting on the lowest. EDIT: Devs have put out a notice that Steam input needs to be switched off. I don't think this is a good solution to expect every user to have to do this for 1 game.
The progression looks fancy with home base building/upgrade but is actually very basic and boring. Crimson Dawn does this part better.
56
An interesting concept with a blend of Bullet heaven and tower defence but bad execution in all areas. Balancing issues mean you need mindless grinding to make it through levels
Still in Early access with potential to improve but I don't have high hopes
Still in Early access with potential to improve but I don't have high hopes
57