Overview
Heliobane is a top-down bullet-hell shooter from developer and publisher Gand, released on October 28, 2026. The game drops you into the role of Wren, a salvage runner with a criminal record, piloting the HB-0 HELIOBANE—a prototype gunship built to survive inside a star's corona.
The story begins when Project SOLACE drills a siphon into the old orange star Aurel, waking a crystalline hive called the Umbrine that feeds on fusion. Within ninety days, the hive consumes entire worlds and even wears the Concord battle fleet like a hermit crab's shell.
Your mission: fly where the Umbrine lives and deliver the Solar Lance.
Highlights
- Bullet-hell combat: Expect dense patterns, narrow dodging windows, and the need for precise movement—classic shoot-'em-up mechanics with a top-down perspective.
- Pixel-art retro aesthetic: The game embraces a pixelated visual style that fits its arcade-inspired action.
- Full controller support: Play with a gamepad, including DualShock controllers, for a more traditional shooter feel. Steam Achievements are also included.
Who It's For
If you're a fan of bullet hells like Ikaruga or Touhou, or you enjoy tough-as-nails retro shooters with a sci-fi twist, Heliobane should be on your radar. The difficulty is listed as high, so players who relish a challenge will find plenty to sink their teeth into.
The game is single-player only, so it's a solo experience through and through.
Game Info
- Developer/Publisher: Gand
- Release Date: October 28, 2026
- Genres: Action, Indie, Shoot 'Em Up, Bullet Hell
- Modes: Single-player
- Features: Steam Achievements, Full controller support, DualShock Controller Support
- Languages: English, Japanese, Turkish, Spanish (Spain), Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Simplified Chinese (full audio support for all listed)
Heliobane is currently available on Steam with a discount—check the store page for the latest pricing and user reviews.
