Zaleste Announced: Compile Heart and M2 Reveal New Shmup for Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4

Compile Heart and M2 Officially Announce Zaleste, a New Shmup Arriving on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4 in 2025 Compile Heart and M2, two of Japan’s most respected names in gaming, have officially unveiled Zaleste, a highly anticipated shoot 'em up (shmup) coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 in 2025.

This new title marries the legacy of Compile’s revered Zanac and Aleste franchises, with gameplay promising to introduce innovative features that set it apart from classic shooter entries. Zaleste is the result of a collaboration between Compile Heart, established in 2006 as a subsidiary of Idea Factory and known for its popular Hyperdimension Neptunia series, and M2, a studio globally respected for both its emulation prowess and its original shooter developments.

M2 has previously worked on acclaimed shmups such as Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth, GG Aleste 3, SenXin Aleste, and the ongoing Aleste Branch, as well as the celebrated M2 ShotTriggers series, which highlights their dedication to preserving and enhancing classic arcade shooting experiences. The titular ship for Zaleste, called Fantas, is being designed by Toshiaki Takayama, who brings experience from his previous work on the Duel Masters Trading Card Game.

Takayama’s involvement emphasizes a commitment to high-quality character and vehicle design, further heightening anticipation among genre fans.

According to reports shared by Gematsu, players will be able to pilot three unique ships, each controlled by charismatic female protagonists—a design trend increasingly popular in modern Japanese shooters. Notably, Compile Heart revealed Zaleste alongside several other projects slated for 2025.

These include Todokero! Tatakae! Calamity Angels, a dynamic 2D action title, Beautiful Girls x Book World x 2D Action Game, and a yet-to-be-detailed third-person shooter, which will receive its full unveiling in the January 30th issue of Weekly Famitsu.

The announcement of Zaleste underscores Compile Heart’s continued ambition to explore a wider array of genres and expand its portfolio for current-generation hardware. With Zaleste’s launch planned for Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4, the title aims to reach both dedicated console audiences and shmup enthusiasts.

The prospect of new gameplay concepts in a franchise blending legacy series Zanac and Aleste, supported by M2’s technical know-how and Compile Heart’s creative pedigree, makes Zaleste a release to watch in the 2025 gaming calendar. Fans can expect further updates on Zaleste, including gameplay previews and potential eShop release details, as the development continues.

Stay tuned for more news on this major collaboration between Compile Heart and M2 as anticipation builds for its multi-platform debut.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation PlayStation 5 PS5 Switch PlayStation 4 PS4 M2 Compile Heart