- #1 Ghost Grab 3000
77% matchPositive98% of 49 reviews2019
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Introducing the Grapple Beam! Chain ghosts together then pop them all at once for points in an endless 'bullet hell' arcade apocalypse.
Why similar: Score Attack 16.6%, Arena Shooter 15.4%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%, Perma Death 10%
- #2 Switch 'N' Shoot
77% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Score Attack 16.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.2%, Bullet Hell 13%, Perma Death 10.3%, Difficult 9.7%
- #3 Void Resurgence
68% matchVery Positive95% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: Puza Games
Windows · Mac
Command a starship in Void Resurgence, a retro-futuristic space roguelite. Battle through colorful cosmic fields, collect upgrades, and build your ultimate ship. Dodge intense bullet-hell patterns and fight for survival. Every run offers new challenges and permanent progress.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 16.7%, Score Attack 14.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Perma Death 9%
- #4 Chippy
69% matchVery Positive91% of 1,169 reviews2019
Dev: Facepunch Studios
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Chip destructible bosses apart pixel-by-pixel in this twin-stick bullet-hell shooter.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 16%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Score Attack 12%, Difficult 9.3%
- #5 Shmup Arena
71% matchPositive100% of 20 reviews2020
Dev: Revox Games
Windows
Take on intense challenges and waves of enemies in this frenetic arena shooter that demands quick reflexes and nonstop action. Survive the onslaught and defeat powerful bosses while staying in motion, mastering arenas designed for those who crave adrenaline and intense combat.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 20.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Difficult 13.5%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Space 8.4%
- #6 Flashover MegaSector
72% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: Happy Frog Games
Windows
Using a powerful weapon and raw skill, can you take out an entire space pirate fleet? Harken back to the era of old browser games in this fast-paced bullet hell shoot 'em up where stages change based on objectives cleared!
Why similar: Score Attack 18.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Abstract 8.3%, Difficult 7.7%
- #7 Space Fuel
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: MXT Games
Windows
Bite-sized arcade shmup. Slam enemies, beat Bosses, get power-ups and repeat! Pilot your ship through deep space.
Why similar: Score Attack 20%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Bullet Hell 16%, Fast-Paced 10.5%, Space 10.1%
- #8 Blaster Panic
76% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: Pirate Dog Games
Windows
Blaster Panic is a 2D space shooter where you defend your home base against an onslaught of enemies. Fight through ongoing boss battles. Last as long as you can to dominate the leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.9%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Score Attack 12.8%, Arena Shooter 12.7%, Space 7.5%
- #9 Cycle 28
70% matchVery Positive83% of 58 reviews2018
Dev: Pill Bug Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cycle 28 is a classic arcade space combat game where you have six minutes to beat your high-score. Simple controls, powerful upgrades, and intense dogfights. Perfect for when you just need to switch off and shoot something. See you on the scoreboard!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 14.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Score Attack 11.9%, Arena Shooter 9.4%, Difficult 9%
- #10 HYPER METEOR
68% matchPositive100% of 16 reviews2023
Dev: Vertex Pop
Windows · Mac
YOU ARE LOST IN SPACE! ALL WEAPONS ARE DOWN! Survive by ramming your ship into meteors and hostile forces.
Why similar: Score Attack 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Arena Shooter 15.3%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Space 8.6%
- #11 Space Invaders Extreme
69% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Score Attack 13%, Difficult 11%, Arcade 7.4%
- #12 Swarmlake
66% matchVery Positive95% of 1,861 reviews2018
Dev: Dominique Grieshofer
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Swarmlake is an ultra-intense first-person shooter ballet about fighting a record-breaking swarm.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 22.5%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13%, Score Attack 10.9%, Retro 8.7%
- #13 Defender's Squad: The Last Ride
66% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: JMC
Windows · Linux
Defender's Squad is a sci-fi vertical scrolling shooter 2D that combines 7 different levels. Play Solo and pick one of the 3 ships to kill enemies and save the earth from aliens.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Score Attack 17.9%, Space 10.2%, Bullet Hell 10.1%, Arcade 8.3%
- #14 Marimoth
68% matchPositive85% of 13 reviews2021
Dev: Nether Lamp
Windows
Marimoth is a short shoot 'em up that puts in control of a moth whose shots bounce off the walls. Calculate your aim, evade enemy attacks by learning their patterns and collect coins to power up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Score Attack 15.3%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Arcade 10.7%, Retro 9.7%
- #15 Polyfury
66% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: Wayfarer Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
You thought geometry was difficult? Now it's got a gun! Face the fury of the Seven Deadly Shapes and blast your way through a barrage of bullets and lasers in this highly accessible bullet hell.
Why similar: Score Attack 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Perma Death 11.3%, Difficult 10.7%
- #16 Sphere Fight
65% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2026
Dev: Markus Karl Stöcker
Windows · Linux
Fast arcade survival with short 3–5 minute runs. Grow from an insignificant being into a god of the arena. Fight endless waves, upgrade your abilities, and chase higher and higher scores.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 23.5%, Score Attack 21.3%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Arcade 8.3%
- #17 Suicide Runners
67% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Score Attack 10.6%, Retro 10.2%, Arcade 10%
- #18 Space Toads Mayhem
68% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2018
Dev: LimeVibe Games
Windows · Mac
A no nonsense, no autofire hiscore attack. A fast-paced, reflex-based topdown shoot 'em up. Like 1980s arcade-flavoured ice cream with laser blast sprinkles :)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Score Attack 17.5%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Fast-Paced 14%, Difficult 11.8%
- #19 MewMew - PewPew
65% matchPositive91% of 47 reviews2022
Dev: Gäng Gäng StudiosPub: Ahlman Games
Windows
Dinosaurs have invaded MewMew’s home and now it's time for him to pick up his trusty old meteor gun and send them right back to extinction. Keep your combo as high as possible and get stronger with items and powerups as you try to gain highscores in this chaotic 2D horde shooter.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 23.7%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.6%, Arcade 10.4%, Score Attack 7.9%
- #20 TechBeat Heart
64% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2021
Dev: Lost Machine Games
Windows · Linux
SCORCHING TECHBEAT ACTION! A frantic combo-based score attack shooter. Make combos to earn more time. Master all weapons and defeat a raving mad machine. 100% arcade action. Online ranking. Lots of achievements. A Dual Gunstrike spin off.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 17%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Score Attack 13.7%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Perma Death 9%
- #21 Danmaku Unlimited 4 WYVER ULTRA
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Arise Wyver and fly against overwhelming odds in this modern labor of love tribute to classic shoot'em ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Score Attack 14.2%, Difficult 9%, Space 8%
- #22 Spinner Invaders
67% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Wobi Games
Windows
Shoot your way through a thrilling action adventure of 120 waves in 4 different game modes while fighting against waves of enemies and 12 extreme bosses. Save the world from The General by yourself or with a friend locally and play 10 different Challenges.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Score Attack 14.3%, Difficult 12.6%, Space 8.3%
- #23 Solaroids
65% matchVery Positive96% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Chad YatesPub: DynF/X Digital LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Classic Asteroids® updated with modern gameplay and perfected controls. Explore hazardous environments and sneak around asteroids to surprise attack giant bosses. Upgrade your ship to use additional power-ups. Single player or fight with up to 3 friends with intense local coop.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 19.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Score Attack 12.9%, Space 7%
- #24 Hyperslice
62% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2026
Dev: MrEliptik
Windows · Linux
Fast paced action arena roguelite where you defeat waves of enemies, hazards and dangerous threats using only your dash as a weapon. Don't get fooled, your dash is a powerful weapon. Upgrade your ship and buy unique abilities to chose your own playstyle and turn your ship into a killing machine.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 23.7%, Score Attack 17.4%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Arcade 8.6%, Abstract 8.2%
- #25 Super Astrovade
65% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2023
Dev: Matthew Kelley
Windows
Master the difficult art of dodging bullets while blasting thruster flame in the face of your enemies. No guns, no upgrades, no level-ups. Just your reflexes against an endless bullet hell maze of death. How long will you survive?
Why similar: Score Attack 18.8%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Difficult 13.8%, Fast-Paced 13.3%, Arcade 8.3%
- #26 2 Many Pixels
65% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Alex Le Mesurier
Windows
2 Many Pixels is an endless & fast-paced 2D minimal shooter. Blast enemies & unlock upgrades to help you survive for as long as possible!
Why similar: Arena Shooter 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Perma Death 10.9%, Difficult 10.2%
- #27 Shotgun Witch
61% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,093 reviews2020
Dev: Asephy
Windows
Only armed with a double barrel shotgun, go through waves of hell spawns to get your book back! A bullet hell arena shooter!
Why similar: Arena Shooter 25.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Difficult 13.1%, Score Attack 7.1%
- #28 ULTRABUGS
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vlambeer's ULTRABUGS is a fast-paced high-score game in which you fight endless space bugs that split up into MORE space bugs as you fight and defeat them.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 19%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Score Attack 12%, Difficult 9.7%
- #29 Senli 307
64% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
Senli 307 is a top-down shooter where you can turn, accelerate, and decelerate using only WASD (or arrow keys), and repeatedly search for and destroy enemies.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 20.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Score Attack 15%, Abstract 9.9%
- #30 Breakpoint
61% matchVery Positive97% of 236 reviews2020
Dev: Studio AesthesiaPub: The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Breakpoint is a twin-stick slasher where your weapons explode. Break through the swarm to claim your spot on the online leaderboard.
Why similar: Score Attack 16.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13%, Fast-Paced 12.7%, Difficult 10.3%, Space 8.4%
- #31 Overrun
65% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Total Involve
Windows
Fight through immense waves of enemies and test yourself in this difficult, top-down shooter. Swap between short and long-range weapons to tackle any situation. Unlock and upgrade dozens of weapon combinations to customize your loadout. How long can you survive before you get OVERRUN!
Why similar: Arena Shooter 17.8%, Score Attack 13.3%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.7%, Fast-Paced 10.6%
- #32 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
61% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Difficult 13.5%, Score Attack 10.5%, Arcade 6.8%
- #33 Planes, Bullets and Vodka
62% matchVery Positive86% of 2,579 reviews2016
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Score Attack 14%, Fast-Paced 11.4%, Difficult 9.3%
- #34 PAWARUMI
63% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!
Why similar: Score Attack 17.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Difficult 10.5%, Arcade 9.7%
- #35 HyperShot
64% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Pirate Dog Games
Windows
In this Bullet Hell shooter, the more enemies you shoot, the more enemies spawn! Keep moving so you don't get surrounded, and shoot enough enemies to clear each level.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.7%, Fast-Paced 16.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.9%, Difficult 12.5%, Arcade 8.5%
- #36 Shapefighter
61% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: oatware
Windows · Linux
Shapefighter is an arcade-style, twin-stick shooter where you blast through 5 stages of pure shape onslaught. Shoot and dodge shapes that will swarm you in a ever-changing formations. Defeat all 5 bosses and take down the shape invasion!
Why similar: Score Attack 19.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Perma Death 12.3%, Arcade 9.5%
- #37 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
64% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Bullet Hell 16%, Score Attack 14.3%, Difficult 12.6%, Space 8.4%
- #38 BLASTER MAYHEM
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Stormduck
Windows
Weave and cleave your way through walls of bullet and push your score to unknown limits in this aggressive Shoot'em'up to save humanity from its own hubris
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Score Attack 21.1%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Arcade 9.7%, Space 5.1%
- #39 Syder Reloaded
60% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Difficult 11.1%, Space 10.2%, Arcade 9.3%
- #40 WOLFLAME
64% matchVery Positive85% of 115 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Arcade 11%, Score Attack 11%, Retro 6.6%
- #41 Pangaroids
63% matchPositive82% of 17 reviews2022
Dev: Adam Wozniak
Windows · Mac
Destroy the deadly bouncing orbs for the highest score in this Pang meets Asteroids arcade blaster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.3%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Score Attack 13.8%, Perma Death 12.4%, Space 7.6%
- #42 CRATES N' MOHAWKS
63% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: hslentz
Windows · Linux
CRATES N' MOHAWKS is a chaotic arena shooter where every crate swaps your weapon. Grab crates, adapt to constantly changing guns, dodge swarms of enemies, and survive as long as possible while pushing your score higher.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 24.1%, Score Attack 15.9%, Fast-Paced 14.2%, Difficult 10.4%, Bullet Hell 10.1%
- #43 Void Gore
62% matchMostly Positive76% of 17 reviews2024
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Void Gore casts you as an ace pilot descending through the levels of hell and getting rich in the process.
Why similar: Score Attack 26.6%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Arcade 8.9%, Shooter 6.3%
- #44 SUPER FLAIL
62% matchVery Positive93% of 158 reviews2018
Dev: CryptMadePub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 44%
SUPER FLAIL is a fast-paced arcade score attack game of flail-swinging rampage. Swing your flail to destroy everything until you die. Compare your score with other players and get on the top of the leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Score Attack 14.8%, Difficult 13.3%, Arcade 7.9%
- #45 RESHOOTER
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: spieleschreiber
Windows
RESHOOTER offers heart-pounding shoot-em-up action that elevates classic arcade gameplay to the next level. Dive into the retroflow with electrifying visuals, immersive audio, and captivating mechanics.
Why similar: Score Attack 20.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Arcade 12.4%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Sci-fi 10.8%
- #46 BroodStar
60% matchVery Positive95% of 99 reviews2022
Dev: David Schmidthoffer
Windows · Mac · Linux
BroodStar is a classic arcade shmup with roguelike elements. Acquire crazy item combos, encounter strange events and fight challenging bosses on a quest to destroy the living planet, the BroodStar.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Score Attack 14.4%, Perma Death 10.7%, Space 8.3%
- #47 Solbane
62% matchPositive87% of 15 reviews2023
Dev: Odime Games
Windows
Battle against bosses in a shoot'em up combined with RPG elements. Choose between three diverse classes, and create your combo build from a pool of over 50 abilities. The game features a variety of bosses that require different strategies and builds to conquer.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Arena Shooter 14.1%, Difficult 12.1%, Space 8.6%
- #48 Bit Blaster XL
59% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Bullet Hell 16%, Score Attack 15%, Difficult 12.7%, Space 8.2%
- #49 ROIDERS
61% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: Melonic Games
Windows · Linux
Become an asteroid miner and loot your way to supremacy! Fight waves of vicious aliens or battle against your friends.
Why similar: Score Attack 17.2%, Arena Shooter 16%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Difficult 10.4%
- #50 Vectro Blast
62% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: Sagittaras Games
Windows
Jump into endless fights in this arcade game. You have just one job: Survive as long as you can and beat your score over and over. The enemies are stronger with each wave so your journey to great score would not be easy.
Why similar: Score Attack 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Arena Shooter 14%, Arcade 12.2%, Bullet Hell 9.1%
- #51 Shape Shipter
61% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2023
Dev: Jorge T. Vargas
Windows
Embark on an retro adventure of ever-changing challenges. Adapt to unique ships, dodge bullets, blast enemies, and shape-shift your way to victory. Get ready for non-stop excitement and pure arcade fun!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Arena Shooter 13.4%, Score Attack 11.4%, Space 9.7%
- #52 MechsNBugs
67% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Purple Tortoise
Windows
Two Mechs. One player. And an arena filled with alien bugs. Survive five rounds in the arena to become the new champion.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 23.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Fast-Paced 11.9%, Difficult 11%
- #53 Nebulock
58% matchVery Positive87% of 541 reviews2025
Dev: LostVolBytes
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Nebulock is a short bullet-hell game with intense gameplay, where the player must destroy bosses made of blocks, collect resources and upgrade his spaceship.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 18.2%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Difficult 11.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.7%, Space 10.2%
- #54 Exile Squadron
62% matchPositive86% of 22 reviews2019
Dev: One Bit Studio
Windows · Linux
In this sidescrolling shoot ‘em up, you are the top pilot of the Exile Squadron, who has to stop the invading colonial forces. Unlock and upgrade an array of tactically diverse weapons, complete bonus objectives and compete with other players on the online leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Score Attack 13.9%, Perma Death 13.4%, Difficult 12.9%, Space 8.3%
- #55 Space God
62% matchPositive89% of 18 reviews2018
Dev: Jellypig Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Space God is a 'hyper retro neon' style top-down shooting game. Play in single player, online co-op mode, or online multiplayer. Don't stop, keep moving! and you might survive... maybe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Fast-Paced 12.5%, Score Attack 10.9%, Space 8.7%
- #56 Akka Arrh
60% matchVery Positive84% of 64 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Akka Arrh is a modern take on a scrapped project from the 1980s, providing players with a fast-paced, addictive, arcade shooter experience and psychedelic visuals. Protect your life rings as you chain together combos and go for a high score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Score Attack 10.8%, Abstract 9.6%, Arcade 8.7%
- #57 Power Gunner
61% matchPositive100% of 32 reviews2019
Dev: Mega Toast Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Gun your way towards survival in this action arcade adventure! Use your fuel supply to find upgrades to your ship and collect more fuel to keep progressing against harder and harder foes! Classic arcade action with a unique control scheme to pilot your ship.
Why similar: Score Attack 14.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Fast-Paced 10.8%, Difficult 9.9%
- #58 Eigengrau
58% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Score Attack 18.7%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Difficult 12%, Arcade 9%
- #59 Nova Drift
55% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,388 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 17%, Space 9.6%, Arcade 8.3%
- #60 Probe
61% matchPositive85% of 26 reviews2020
Dev: Nate Bit Games
Windows
A challenging 2D block breaker featuring arcade elements and a modern spin on the popular retro games. Destroy data blocks and galactic enemies using only your probe, bullets and power ups but don't lose your ball to the void. Do you have what it takes to reach the end of the universe?
Why similar: Score Attack 20.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Difficult 14.5%, Retro 9.2%, Arcade 8.9%