New Sequel Announced: Psyvariar 3
Publishers SUCCESS Corporation and Red Art Games, along with co-developers Banana Bytes and Red Art Studios, have officially unveiled Psyvariar 3, the latest installment in their vertical shoot ’em up series.
Psyvariar 3 is currently in the works for various platforms including Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2, and PS5, with an anticipated release date in early 2026.
Read on for an overview of the upcoming game, accompanied by an exciting trailer:
Set many years after the events of Psyvariar 2, Psyvariar 3 follows the story of a group of Psyvariars who refuse to abandon Earth, deeming it too valuable to forsake. They make a solemn vow to reclaim and repopulate the planet, with GUIS emerging from the ashes to resume their original mission.
Years go by, and the Earth colony flourishes.
However, everything changes when an alien signal is detected, sparking fear and anxiety among the inhabitants. Once again, Earth finds itself under attack, prompting a new generation of Psyvariars to rise up and defend humanity.
Originating in the year 2000 with the release of the original Psyvariar: Medium Unit in Japanese arcades, the Psyvariar series has left its mark on various consoles over the years. Psyvariar 3 is highly anticipated as the next chapter in this acclaimed vertical shoot ’em up series.
Developed with a deep appreciation for the franchise by genre enthusiasts, Psyvariar 3 is a collaborative effort between Banana Bytes (Sophstar), Red Art Games, and Red Art Studios, with the approval of IP holder SUCCESS. The game retains the franchise’s signature “buzz” mechanic while introducing new characters, improved controls, and a range of game modes. Featuring seven unique pilots, each with their own abilities and scoring systems, Psyvariar 3 pays homage to its arcade roots while offering enhanced replayability and accessibility for modern players.
Key Features:
- Seven Playable Characters with unique shot types, buzz & bomb mechanics, and scoring systems
- Guest character: Cotton from the Cotton series is fully playable with her own ship and abilities
- Refined Buzz System rewarding skillful bullet grazing with score boosts and shield chains
- Signature Roll Mechanic updated for modern controllers while preserving the original Arcade “wiggle” input
- Neutrino & Shield System providing shields, speed boosts, and enhanced weapons through buzzing and shooting
- Strategic Bomb Variations with short and long types offering different effects based on the character in use
- Multiple Game Modes: Arcade, Arrange, Mission (49 short challenges), Caravan, Endless, and Practice
- Dynamic Difficulty Selection unlocking harder routes and exclusive boss encounters based on performance
- Seven Distinct Areas and Bosses with varied attack patterns depending on the difficulty
- Arcade-Perfect Intensity maintaining the intense, high-risk/high-reward action the series is known for
- Neo retro 3D aesthetics inspired by early Psyvariar games
