Back in 2021, I never would have imagined a game that looked like a Dollar Store version of Castlevania would have created a whole new genre of games. But here we are, four years later, with more "Bullet Heaven" or "Survivors-likes" than we can shake a procedurally generated stick at. Vampire Survivors is a hell of a game, filled to the brim with content galore and crossovers beyond our wildest dreams. Yet, at the end of the day, there are a few other games in this same genre that have completely sapped away every moment of free time that I could have asked to have.

From the recently released Megabonk to the more unknown Yet Another Zombie Survivors, there's enough variety here to make any type of player happy. But, it also begs the question: when is Steam going to add a Bullet Heaven tag on their platform? How do I get in touch with Gaben to make it happen?

While the Name Is Slightly Generic, ‘Yet Another Zombie Survivors’ Is Anything But

So, let's start this off on the right foot. Most folks would want to jump in and talk about Megabonk, as it's currently destroying the Steam charts. Look here if you don't believe me. I was just as shocked as you are. But I'm starting this off, talking about one of my personal favorites in the Bullet Heaven genre. Yet Another Zombie Survivors. It's got a great hook, great visuals, an excellent soundtrack, and enough blood and guts to make someone clutch at their pearls. While the name may make it seem like it's yet another rip-off, YAZS is anything but.

See, it has a very unique mechanic that helps it feel fresh, no matter how long you're playing. The ability to recruit additional NPCs to join your squad. Starting as a one-man or one-woman killing machine, it's up to you to shamble around the city, blasting through hordes of zombies. As you find other survivors, you can add them to your crew and utilize their skills to keep yourself alive as long as possible. With up to three "players" in total, you've got a near 360-degree death machine that can fill the screen with vicera. It's incredibly satisfying, and more importantly, incredibly fun.

Constant Updates Make ‘Yet Another Zombie Survivors’ a Standout in the Genre, as Well

Here's the thing about Yet Another Zombie Survivors, too. The game is constantly being updated. There is always something new to look forward to, so you don't need to fret about the game feeling stale anytime soon. Much like its inspirations, it's a game that's incredibly easy to get into and becomes a visual treat once you understand and create the best builds. Running like a dream, while also looking this good, isn't an easy feat. But Yet Another Zombie Survivors pulls it off without breaking a sweat. Now, if you're hoping to dive in? Now would be one of the best times to do so. A massive update recently hit the game, and it gives you a chance to see what Awesome Games Studio is capable of.

Also? Do yourself a solid and wishlist HELLREAPER while you're at it. No, I'm not getting paid by these guys to promote their stuff. I just genuinely think that they have one of the best indie development platforms out there. Plus, I'm never going to say no to a game that looks like Dead Cells just got into its Hot Topic phase. I'm an emo boy at heart, so anything that looks like that is easily going to win my heart and attention.

‘Soulstone Survivors’ Was the First Game in the Bullet Heaven Genre To Catch My Full Attention

I'm about to say something controversial here. While Vampire Survivors is admittedly a fantastic game, it's not one that kept my attention. I've played it a fair bit, on and off, but I've always found games that I enjoy more. Soulstone Survivors is the first of the growing list that I've come back to visit more than its inspiration. Maybe it's because the idea of playing as a Wizard is more enticing to me. Maybe I just like seeing lots of shiny objects on the screen. It activates my monkey brain and makes me feel good or something, I guess. Regardless, Soulstone Survivors has been on a near-constant repeat in my playlist, especially now that I've got my hands on a portable PC. But even console fiends can jump in on the fun, as the game is available on just about everything.

Could it be that the vibrant, colorful graphics are a major turn-on for me? Maybe it's because the game itself feels a little more focused, while still being balls-to-the-wall crazy when it needs to be? Perhaps, it could just be the fact that I can be a goddamn wizard. Regardless of the cause, Soulstone Survivors is one of my favorites to jump into at any time. I could just be a little bored, or ready to rise and grind. It rewards me for being a slashy little loot goblin, and I'm all in for it.

Even With All of the Stuff Going On, ‘Soulstone Survivors’ Keeps Running Like a Champion

I think I may have finally figured it out. The reason why Soulstone Survivors keeps drawing me in. And it's just like I said before: seeing all of the carnage unfold before me in 244 Hz without losing a single frame activates something in my pea-sized brain that delivers the greatest dopamine rush possible. During its Early Access period, a large pool of enemies could kill off even the most powerful of GPUs. But now? The game has been refined to such a quality degree that it runs like a dream, even on the most basic of rigs.

The power of optimization, especially in a world where more games depend on DLSS and Frame Generation to make their game look pHoToReAlIsTiC, helps bring in a tremendous amount of new players. That, and playing as a wizard... that shit is always cool. Remember what I said about Absolum? Frog wizard. Soulstone Wizard. There's an obvious connection here that I may be able to put together sooner rather than later.

‘Megabonk’ Pulls From MLG Memes and General Internet Culture To Make a Game That I Can’t Stop Playing

Two words. It will only take two words to sell you on Megabonk, the newest indie darling taking the world by storm. Kickflipping Skeleton. That's right. There's a Skeleton, named Calcium in Megabonk, that rides a skateboard, and every time you jump? He does a kickflip. There's also a knockoff Giga Chad, a monkey named Monke, and so many weird characters. Pulling from the vaults of the old internet, Megabonk is a celebration of what makes, or made, the internet the best place to be. Old memes brought to new life, basically feeling like an MLG compilation come to life in the modern era, all mixed with a fantastic chiptune soundtrack that gets my blood pumping. Sure, I still haven't beaten Tier 2 of the Forest, but I'm having way too good a time to legitimately give a shit about Min/Maxing my character and perfecting my build.

Part 3D platformer, part Bullet Heaven extraordinare, Megabonk does it all in excess. The absurdity is cranked up to 11, the characters are all memorable and unique in their own ways, and players are expected to try and survive while smashing, dashing, and crashing in a fully explorable world. It's pure bliss. This is what video gaming is all about. There's a good chance that you've probably seen your favorite streamer playing Megabonk at this point, but stop watching someone else play the game and do it for yourself. You'll be incredibly glad that you did.

If ‘Megabonk’ Can Somehow Add in Co-Op, It’s GGs for Most Other Games in the Genre, TBQH

For a game that seemingly came out of nowhere, Megabonk has been going crazy on Steam. For good reason, though! The game itself kicks so much ass, it isn't even funny. As a fully 3D, exploration-filled Bullet Heaven game? I can't think of a single game that has done it better than this. This isn't even recency bias either. Megabonk is polished, incredibly fun, and just a joy to experience on every level. Plus, it runs fantastically on portable hardware, meaning that I can bonk to my heart's content on the go.

Regardless of the type of games that you enjoy, I would strongly encourage you to check out the Bullet Heaven genre. While there are a ton of "Survivor-likes" right now, there are also games like this that go way above and beyond what the original titles attempted to do. Dare I say that these games easily surpass their inspiration? That's up to your interpretation. But if you're hoping to find something cheap, simple, and fun to help pass the time? You've got quite the list to choose from here.