- The Evolution: For the first time in the series, the franchise shifts from vertical to side-scrolling bullet hell action.
- The Setting: Moves away from the traditional Oriental Underworld to a modern metropolis featuring subway stations and neon-lit amusement parks.
- The Stars: An apprentice Grim Reaper from the East and a Vampire Hunter from the West, brought to life with full voice acting.
- The Tech: Launching with support for 32:9 Ultra-Wide monitors and high-fidelity visual effects.
- The Launch: Arrives May 18, 2026, on Steam and Stove, with console releases to follow.
The acclaimed K-Indie bullet hell series is back with its most ambitious entry yet. DeerFarm and publisher CFK have officially unveiled the promotion video for Shikhondo: Blue Pieta, confirming a global PC launch for May 18. This sequel marks a bold departure for the series, blending modern urban aesthetics with the franchise’s signature “Youkai” mythology.
A Clash of Cultures in a Modern Maze
While previous entries focused on the traditional folklore of the Joseon dynasty, Blue Pieta crosses borders. The story centers on the encounter between a young girl serving as an apprentice Grim Reaper and a Western Vampire Hunter from a legendary lineage.
- Urban Warfare: Stages are set in meticulously detailed modern environments, where subway trains and park carousels become the backdrop for intense bullet patterns.
- Voice Talent: The narrative is elevated by a star-studded voice cast. Ikumi Hasegawa (86, Bocchi the Rock!) voices the Apprentice Reaper, while Yoshino Aoyama (Bocchi the Rock!) takes on the role of the Vampire Hunter.
- Visual Fidelity: The game’s unique art style—a blend of haunting beauty and grotesque boss designs—is enhanced for 32:9 displays, offering a cinematic panoramic view of the battlefield.
High-Risk, High-Reward: The Soul Collect System
The series’ staple Soul Collect system returns with a sharper edge. To gain power, players must “graze” enemy fire—staying as close as possible to lethal projectiles to fill their gauge.
- Soul Collect Mode: Once filled, the gauge can be activated to turn all on-screen bullets into score items and double your point multiplier.
- Counter Bomb: A new high-skill mechanic where players have an 8-frame window after taking a hit to trigger a bomb, negating damage and instantly activating the Soul Collect mode.
- Diverse Modes: Players can dive into the narrative-driven Arcade Mode, a relentless Boss Rush, or a Custom Mode where they can tailor the challenge to their own skill level.
Quick Specification: Shikhondo: Blue Pieta
| Category | Details |
| Developer | DeerFarm (South Korea) |
| Publisher | CFK Co., Ltd. |
| Genre | Fantasy Bullet Hell / Side-Scrolling STG |
| PC Release Date | May 18, 2026 (Steam, Stove) |
| Console Support | Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5 (TBA) |
| Key Features | 32:9 Ultra-Wide, Full Voice Acting, Soul Collect, Counter Bomb |
| Language Support | English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese (Simp/Trad) |
The Legacy of DeerFarm
Since its debut in 2017 with Shikhondo: Soul Eater, DeerFarm has been a leading voice in the K-Indie shooting scene. Their ability to mix traditional folklore with hardcore “bullet heaven” mechanics has earned them a dedicated global following. By partnering once again with CFK, known for bringing high-quality indie titles to the global console market, Blue Pieta is poised to be their biggest international hit yet.
Official Pages: Steam Store | Stove Indie Store
