Source: CFK

CFK (CEO Koo Chang-sik) announced today (the 14th) that the global release date for 'Shikhondo: Blue Pieta,' a new fantasy bullet hell shooter developed by the Korean indie studio DeerFarm, has been set for Monday, May 18, 2026, on Steam and STOVE.

'Shikhondo= Blue Pieta' is the sequel to 'Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage,' which was released on Steam in 2024 and Nintendo Switch in 2025. Adopting a side-scrolling perspective for the first time in the series, the game moves the setting to a foreign metropolis across the sea, where the two protagonists meet and embark on a new story.

Set against meticulously detailed modern environments such as a large city, an amusement park, and a subway station, the game features fantastic creatures from foreign folklore as new, formidable foes. The story is brought to life with full voice acting from a star-studded cast, and the game supports ultra-wide monitors up to 32:9.

● 'Shikhondo: Blue Pieta' Game Systems

- First Side-Scrolling Bullet Hell in the Series

Moving away from the vertical-scrolling format of previous titles, 'Shikhondo: Blue Pieta' introduces a side-scrolling perspective for the first time in the series. Players can experience the two protagonists' struggle from a new angle, showcasing the signature bullet hell action of the 'Shikhondo' series in a side-scrolling format.

- A Story Set in a Foreign City

Set against meticulously detailed modern environments such as a large city, an amusement park, and a subway station, the game features fantastic creatures from foreign folklore as new, formidable foes. The story of the two protagonists is vividly delivered through full voice acting by a star-studded cast.

- The Evolved 'Soul Collect' System

The Soul Collect system, which was well-received in the previous title 'Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage,' returns in an evolved form for 'Shikhondo: Blue Pieta.' The Soul Gauge charges when players graze enemy bullets; once full, the Soul Collect mode can be activated. Upon activation, all bullets on screen are converted into score items, and the score multiplier doubles.

If a bomb is available, players can consume it to enter the second-stage Soul Collect mode, which quadruples the score and further enhances standard attacks. It is a high-risk, high-reward system where players become stronger the closer they get to danger.

- 'Counter Bomb' System

The newly added 'Counter Bomb' system turns the moment of being hit into an opportunity for a comeback. When a player takes damage, a flashing effect triggers; if the 'Bomb' button is pressed within 8 frames of this moment, the player avoids damage and can trigger Soul Collect mode or consume a bomb.

Note that the Soul Gauge must be full or a bomb must be available to use this feature.

'Shikhondo= Blue Pieta' is scheduled for a global release on Steam and STOVE on Monday, May 18, 2026. Add it to your wishlist now to receive an immediate notification upon release, and check the store page for the latest updates. Following the Steam and STOVE launch, the developer plans to expand to various console platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.