Source: CFK

Global game publisher CFK announced on the 18th that it has released 'Shikhondo: Blue Pieta,' a new fantasy bullet hell shooter developed by indie studio DeerFarm, on Steam and STOVE.

To celebrate the launch, a 20% discount will be available on Steam and STOVE for two weeks starting from the release date of May 18. Shikhondo: Blue Pieta is the sequel to 'Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage,' which was released on Steam in 2024 and Nintendo Switch in 2025.

The game introduces a new perspective on bullet hell action by adopting a side-scrolling format for the first time in the series. It follows the story of two protagonists who meet in a foreign metropolis across the sea. Key features include full voice acting by a star-studded cast and support for ultra-wide monitors up to 32:9.

In terms of gameplay, the series shifts from its traditional vertical-scrolling format to side-scrolling. Players will face new, formidable enemies inspired by exotic folklore across modern settings, including a metropolis, subway stations, mansions, theme parks, and clock towers.

The story is delivered through full voice acting, featuring characters such as the apprentice grim reaper Chae-uri, the vampire hunter Leila, and the series' first human boss, Maria. The 'Soul Collect' system also returns with enhancements: grazing enemy bullets fills the Soul Gauge, which can then be activated to turn all on-screen bullets into score items and double the score. Players can also consume a bomb to enter a secondary mode, offering a high-risk, high-reward experience that quadruples the score and boosts attack power.

A new 'Counter Bomb' system has also been introduced, allowing players to avoid damage by pressing the bomb button within 8 frames of being hit, triggering either the Soul Collect mode or a bomb consumption effect. This system requires the Soul Gauge to be full or for a bomb to be available.

Shikhondo: Blue Pieta is Steam Deck Verified, ensuring an optimized experience in handheld environments. The official promotional video released ahead of the launch showcases the full scope of the game, from the first meeting of the two protagonists in the foreign city to the spectacular bullet hell action across five stages.

Following its release on Steam and STOVE, Shikhondo: Blue Pieta is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.