The Fascinating Draw of Vampire Survivors-Like Bullet Heavens

When Vampire Survivors got its explosion in popularity last year, I couldn’t help but play it until I got sick of it. This, incidentally, took quite a long while thanks to its rewarding and enthralling nature. It may not have been the first “Bullet Heaven” game, but it’s undeniable that this incarnation did it best. Millions of gamers let the attacking do itself as we navigated our hero against thousands upon thousands of enemies, all with the urge to play one more run after we died minutes into a seemingly-insurmountable challenge. So, why is this genre so downright addictive, and who else has done the “Bullet Heaven” justice in the surge of its popularity?

Scarlet Tower has taken multiple members of the Phenixx Gaming team by storm. This game only just entered Early Access in October of last year, but it’s already so replayable that I’ve pumped almost a dozen runs in a matter of six hours. Facing the boss in Vampire Survivors felt impossible, but in Scarlet Tower, you’re going to come out on top if you can kite just right and dodge when necessary. It’s this sense of accomplishment early on that lets you really feel like your upgrades are worth a damn and, aside from running into trees every minute or two, this is the most fully-realized alpha build of a game I’ve experienced in ages.

Every second I’ve spent with Spellbook Demonslayers has been on the Steam Deck. As Vampire Survivors sat as the most-played game on the Deck for several months, it’s the perfect platform to plug away on Bullet Heavens. This particular title, also in Early Access, is getting a lot of TLC and improving over the months with reasons for players to keep coming back thanks to new spells, adding a dodge, and more areas to grind within. This is another title where upgrades feel more tangible than Vampire Survivors, and one where you’ll feel like the innumerous waves of baddies crumbling within seconds make you feel as powerful as possible.

The toughest of all Bullet Heavens I’ve played, Nebula is also the most barebones of the trio of games in this article. Despite that, it also feels like the most original of the bunch, as you guide a spaceship against enemies throwing projectiles at you with minimal opportunities to heal or gain respite. It’s not always easy to see where you are in Nebula, but with a vast array of upgrades and playstyles at your disposal, you can manage once you get a feel for the game after a few runs. If you can’t get enough of these games like me, what’s the worst that could happen dropping a measly $4 on this hit-or-miss title?

There are so many more Bullet Heavens like Vampire Survivors to recommend, and several I haven’t had the time to sink my teeth into. Considering all of them are typically going to run you the cost of a Starbucks drink and provide you with countless hours of fun, there’s no reason not to take a chance on any of the aforementioned games. Do you have any Bullet Heavens you’ve been enjoying after putting a ton of time into Vampire Survivors? Let us know in the comments section below!