GungHo Online Entertainment (hereinafter “GungHo”) is currently developing the co-op bullet-hell shooter *B.L.U.E. NOVA*, scheduled for release in 2027.
Set on an unknown planet, this game has players join forces to annihilate a runaway AI army. A key feature is the ability to form a “ring” with players encountered on the battlefield, allowing them to unleash a barrage of fire with no reloading required and unlimited ammunition.
We were fortunate enough to get an early hands-on experience with the game at GungHo’s headquarters, so we’re bringing you a look at the gameplay, including actual combat! Please note that the content of this article and the images shown are from the current development version and may differ from the final product.
Connect via “R.I.N.G.” and unleash an endless barrage! What is “B.L.U.E. NOVA,” the co-op shooter where up to 30 players battle together?
“B.L.U.E. NOVA” is a PvE bullet-hell shooter currently in development by GungHo. It is scheduled for release on Steam in 2027 as a free-to-play title.
The story is set in the near future, where humanity—facing the imminent threat of Earth’s destruction—has been colonizing a new planet called “DIVAL” as a new home. However, “EVE,” the AI responsible for the planet’s development, goes rogue, and DIVAL falls under the control of an army of weapons created by the AI.
Players take on the role of USF heroes and join forces to explore the battlefield with the goal of annihilating this AI weapon army, “Singular.”
The game is a PvE co-op shooter where up to 30 players can participate in the battlefield. The objective of each mission is to destroy towers and barriers across the map, culminating in the defeat of the massive boss and the destruction of the Master Tower.
Not only does each hero possess unique skills and ultimates, but the game also features build customization elements—such as equipped weapons and suit abilities—that allow players to tailor their playstyle.
Additionally, the most important system in the game’s firefights is called “R.I.N.G.”When players get close to one another, a “R.I.N.G.” is formed. Players connected within the circle gain powerful upgrades—such as no reload time and infinite ammo—for their weapons. There are also robots that can only be piloted while the ring is active.
The gameplay is designed with an emphasis on “casual, accessible fun.” Team up with friends and aim for victory!
Next, we’ll take a look at the actual gameplay. The game is scheduled to feature three modes: “Tower Raids,” where up to 30 players team up to clear a tower; “Boss Raids,” where small groups take on powerful enemies; and “Challenges,” where content varies by day of the week and time. For this preview, we were able to play the “Tower Raid” mode.
Select the characters you want to deploy, and once matching is complete, head to the battlefield! Since this game uses a drop-in matching system, you can reduce matching times by joining existing sessions partway through.
The map where the battle takes place is open-world and consists of multiple tiles. Since the map structure—including tile placement and patterns—is randomly generated each time, it’s crucial to adapt flexibly and adjust your strategy based on the situation.
Once you land on the field, start by checking the map and aim to destroy the “Barrier Towers” scattered throughout the area. AI-controlled mechanical weapons roam around the Barrier Towers and various parts of the field, so use your skills and weapons to attack and eliminate them.
In this demo, we were able to play as two characters: “Blaze,” who specializes in assault rifles and clears a path on the front lines with attack skills, and “Seraph,” who excels at rear support and assistance using sniper rifles and drones.
Blaze’s skill involves attacking with a homing launcher, while Seraph’s skill allows her to deploy drones to reach high places and other locations.
Another notable feature is that not only the characters but also the armor they equip has its own unique skills. The red armor is specialized for attack; activating its skill temporarily increases the weapon’s rate of fire and allows for powerful attacks.
On the other hand, green armor features skills specialized in support, allowing you to heal nearby players and perform other supportive actions. The build system—where you can establish your own playstyle by combining characters and armor to either further enhance a character’s strengths or cover their weaknesses to improve their survivability—promises to be a major draw.
Furthermore, the “R.I.N.G.” system is key to combat in this game. When players on the battlefield get close to one another, a ring forms, and as long as they remain within a certain range, they can unleash a powerful barrage of fire with “infinite ammo” and “no reloading required.”
Forming a ring doesn’t require pre-arranged parties, and since there are no particular drawbacks, coordinating with fellow players is crucial. Even solo players can enjoy this system by teaming up with allies they meet on the spot. Additionally, there are robots that can only be piloted while a ring is active—their ability to dominate the battlefield with a variety of attacks is a must-see!
By fighting repeatedly and destroying towers across the map, your ultimate goal becomes defeating the boss awaiting you in the center of the field and destroying the Master Tower. Battles against giant bosses feature not only large-scale attacks but also situations that require strategic responses, such as the summoning of minor enemies midway through the fight.
Defeat the boss and destroy the Master Tower to win! The entire gameplay session lasts about 15 minutes, so you can enjoy it casually.
I also felt that the design throughout the game prioritizes “casual playability.” Although it’s a co-op shooter, the feature that allows teams to “automatically form a ring” lowers the barrier to entry for solo players. Since you can contribute to your teammates just by being present, even inexperienced beginners can easily join the battle.
The combat itself is currently a casual PvE shooter, and since it involves large groups, it has the fun atmosphere of a “party game.” On the other hand, I’m looking forward to seeing future developments, such as content segmentation based on difficulty levels (including high-difficulty content), character and equipment build options, and mechanisms to prevent combat from becoming too monotonous.
This concludes our early hands-on report on *B.L.U.E. NOVA*. This casual, fun title is scheduled to undergo technical tests in the future, so please check the official X account for further details.
Additionally, the game is part of a multifaceted media expansion that extends beyond gaming, including activities by “SNIVPA,” a VTuber group launched by GungHo. Be sure to check that out as well!
*B.L.U.E. NOVA* is scheduled for release on PC (Steam) in 2027.
