Hell Architect: Survivors, due out in 2026, is a darkly hilarious spin on the concept, set within the circles of Hell.
We have reached peak irony. Just after telling you about Nuclear Gladiators 3000, another “bullet hell with procedurally generated arena” arrives. The difference here is that Leonardo Interactive and Leonardo Productions are tackling the survivor-style roguelite, or bullet heaven, genre with a cult-hit license and a distinct visual approach.
When Metal Slug meets the inferno
The developers know exactly what they’re trying to evoke. The visual identity of this new entry is the most compelling aspect: cartoon pixel art that is specifically said to be “reminiscent of classic Metal Slug.” See for yourself:
There’s definitely an old-school aesthetic, and a chaotic energy, and it seems the developers are aiming for charm, chaos, and a healthy dose of infernal fire.
Roguelite meets deadly sins
The core gameplay promises to deliver the endless, dopamine-fuelled loop that defines the ‘survivors’ genre, but it applies the dark, irreverent humour of the original Hell Architect simulation game.
Players take control of iconic damned souls, each representing a deadly sin and coming with a unique playstyle and set of punchlines. This instantly elevates the character roster above generic power-ups.
The journey through Hell will span at least seven distinct levels, each inspired by one of the infamous Circles of Hell, ensuring the setting constantly changes. To survive the procedurally generated arenas, you will have to experiment with the over 20 unique weapons and 20 passive items, all featuring absurd twists and synergy systems.
If the developers can nail the fluid action of a true bullet heaven game while retaining the clever, comedic writing and strong retro style, Hell Architect: Survivors could be a standout release when it arrives in 2026 on PC, mobile, consoles, and arcade machines—a platform list that screams confidence.
Follow Leonardo Interactive to stay up to date on the release details for Hell Architect: Survivors.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
