- #1 Invaders from the Lost Sectors
96% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: The Lost Sectors
Windows
Invaders from the Lost Sectors is classic arcade action. Aliens descend with increasing speed towards your base. Shoot them all before they land. Player controlled settings like guided missiles, rate of fire, enemy speed and more help you customize exactly the game experience that you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Shooter 15.1%, Arcade 12.4%, Space 7.2%, Score Attack 6.9%
- #2 Apano SYN Fighter
97% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ASIN Games
Windows
Is there a gamepad lying around somewhere?!! Ready to play some real shooter games again? Grab the controller and become an APANO SYN PILOT to face the alien invasion. Connect up to four controllers and shoot until you drop. 100% survival chance on "Easy", low on "Impossible".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Shooter 13.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Space 8.1%, 1980s 7.8%
- #3 Nephenthesys
96% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: Let's Dev StudiosPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off on a treacherous mission to recover an unidentified energy source amidst an alien onslaught! Nephenthesys is a vertical scrolling shoot’em up presented in widescreen top-down 3D style.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, 2.5D 19.2%, Shooter 13.5%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 5.9%
- #4 Planet Cracker
95% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: Nemoto Keisuke
Windows
Planet Cracker is a 2D shooting game features physics engine and 3D environment. You must protect a space station from space debris trying to surpass the line of defence. Destroy all debris, and accomplish the most important mission: SURVIVE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34%, 2.5D 25.4%, Shooter 17.9%, Casual 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.4%
- #5 Astrokicker
94% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: Quadrivo Software, LLC
Windows
Mixing old and new, Astrokicker is inspired by classic shootemups going back to the 80s, with a few twists. The player gets to fly in any direction, and using a combination of skill and strategy, takes out the starbases controlling warpfields.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, 2.5D 22.6%, Arcade 13.6%, Action 9%, 1980s 8.8%
- #6 Exterminator V Pollinators
94% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Hydro Shock Studio
Windows
In this Shoot'em, you fight against an alien swarm of pollinators taking over the system! With your laser beam, Blast through waves of enemies, traverse challenging puzzles, and reclaim control in this fast-paced shooter. Step up to the challenge and push back the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, 2.5D 15.3%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 10.5%, Space 8%
- #7 Guardian: Planet Defense
93% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Eager Lemur
Windows
Take command of an orbiting defense satellite in this action-packed planetary defense shooter. Blast away at waves of incoming asteroids and crafty aliens before they destroy your planet. Scavenge powerful weapons from vanquished alien ships and turn them against your foes. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Shooter 18.2%, Arcade 14.2%, Action 8.4%, Casual 7%
- #8 PAWARUMI
92% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, 2.5D 23.7%, Arcade 11.5%, Shooter 10.8%, Score Attack 9%
- #9 Ray’z Arcade Chronology
90% matchVery Positive90% of 100 reviews2023
Dev: M2 Co.,LTDPub: TAITO CORP.
Windows
Lock-on to an exhilarating sci-fi shooting fest with the trilogy which put Taito on the 90s arcade shooting map: The Ray Series, together in one collection for the first time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, 2.5D 18.2%, Shooter 16.2%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Action 7.1%
- #10 Blurple Food Wars
91% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Patrick Milholland
Windows
Return to classic 80s shooters while fighting off the fast food horde in this retro space shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Shooter 16.9%, 1980s 11.7%, Action 10.6%, Casual 9.1%
- #11 Alpha Warrior
89% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Smobile
Windows
Alpha Warrior is a retro, space shooter where the player engages in flight combat with enemy terrestrials and arcade style bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Shooter 18.1%, Arcade 16.5%, Casual 11%, Space 8.7%
- #12 DIM-EGION
91% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: aa9bbPub: Akasha Apostles
Windows
Single Player Shooting Game with 2D Collision Detection and 3D Rendering
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Shooter 21.3%, Action 9.5%, Space 8.3%, 1980s 8.1%
- #13 Cosmic Cruiser
88% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: ImaginePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this unique shooter from 1984. take on the role of a pilot of an out-dated Cosmic Cruiser, fighting to rescue the crew of a distant space station that had been captured by a raiding party from the sinister Rallom Empire.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Shooter 19.3%, Arcade 12.6%, Score Attack 7.3%, Space 7.2%
- #14 Amicade
86% matchPositive91% of 35 reviews2023
Dev: Gaterooze, Ink
Windows
Three classic Score Attack games with online Leaderboards. Blast, Chomp and Swerve your way to high scores!
Why similar: 2.5D 26.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Arcade 17.4%, Score Attack 14.8%, 1980s 13%
- #15 VectaGuard: Zero
89% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: RetroNinja
Windows · Linux
Arcade-inspired shmup action where neon vector caverns explode with modern visuals, dynamic music, weapon upgrades and intense score chasing.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, 2.5D 19.5%, Arcade 10.6%, Shooter 9.5%, Score Attack 8.3%
- #16 Asteroid Blasters
87% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Asteroid Blasters is a non-stop action space shooter. Inspired by Asteroids, this game will see you choose between 6 different ships each with their own characteristics and utilize a variety of weapon powerups to eradicate your enemies. Play 2 players to increase your chance of survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 12%, 1980s 10.7%, Space 7.1%
- #17 Galactic Plague 2000
85% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2025
Dev: Yacoobs C.MPub: Y3TuuStudio
Windows
A classic shoot 'em up with a modern edge. Galactic Plague throws you into a cosmic nightmare where survival means upgrading your ship, mastering legendary weapons, and battling the relentless Martian invasion. Are you ready to face the chaos?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.7%, Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 13%, Score Attack 7.3%, Space 7%
- #18 Chicken Invaders 1
83% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2025
Dev: InterAction studios
Windows
Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Shooter 15.5%, Arcade 14.3%, Action 9.8%, Casual 8.5%
- #19 Stars of Strife
86% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Sicur54
Windows
Shoot, dodge, and survive your way through unique bosses and swarms of enemies in this Galaga inspired arcade shooter where the fate of a galaxy rests in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Shooter 16.6%, Arcade 15.2%, Action 11.1%, Casual 9.6%
- #20 Energy Fighters
82% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
A modern retro inspired side scrolling shooter with a deep upgrade system and the ability to absorb enemy fire and also deflect it back to your enemies. A fast paced shooter that can be played solo or local co-op with 12 difficulty modes and lots of boss battles.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, 2.5D 20%, Shooter 12.9%, Arcade 8.9%, Sci-fi 7%
- #21 Syder Arcade
84% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.7%, Arcade 12.3%, Shooter 11.6%, Space 6.9%, Action 6.2%
- #22 Anthea's Justice
84% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Karl_SpencerPub: ITNC Games
Windows
The year is 2248. You play as Anthea, a pilot for the Spacing Guild. She's battling a pirate fleet. During the game, you'll need to destroy four leader ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.6%, Shooter 18.4%, Arcade 10.7%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Action 6.6%
- #23 ImageStriker
82% matchVery Positive93% of 91 reviews2019
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Image Striker is a 2D vertical scroll shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Shooter 16.8%, Score Attack 12.4%, Arcade 7.3%, 1980s 6.2%
- #24 Terra Flame
81% matchPositive96% of 28 reviews2022
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Terra Flame is a horizontal shmup inspired by the 90's. The feature is that you can switch between three types of weapons in real time.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Shooter 15.8%, Score Attack 11.5%, Arcade 6.8%, 1980s 5.6%
- #25 Super Psy Penguin
81% matchPositive100% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: SHOKIZM INTERACTIVE
Windows
Super Psy Penguin is a Cyber Penguin Hero Simulator in which you play a realistic Cyber Penguin, giving you the power to save the galaxy! The game is inspired by Parodius and Xenon-II and many other Shmups from our childhoods.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.1%, Shooter 21%, Arcade 16.7%, Action 7.9%, Indie 2%
- #26 Space Demon Combat Tactics III
80% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Matt Kuhn
Windows
Join the High Commander as the eternally loyal Green in an epic journey to save the Blues from the menace of the Greys and their evil Red Gems!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Shooter 18.3%, Arcade 16.7%, Action 11.5%, Space 9.1%
- #27 EGGCONSOLE ZANAC EX MSX2
77% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2026
Dev: D4Enterprise Co.,Ltd.
Windows
The Zanac battle, which was supposed to have ended, was not over. To suppress the reactivated organic intelligence, Zanac takes flight once again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Shooter 16.9%, Arcade 15.3%, Action 10.3%, 1980s 9.2%
- #28 Zero Wrath Vendetta
79% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Incandescent Workshop LLC
Windows
Dodge enemy beams with your space fighter, kill huge bosses, and sing along to seven distinct songs in this unique rock opera videogame.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Shooter 14.5%, Arcade 13.6%, Action 9.3%, Space 6.4%
- #29 Gun-REViper
78% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: naga84games
Windows
This is a 2.5D vertical scrolling shooting game. Use your ingenuity to fight your way to a high score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.4%, Shooter 16.3%, 2.5D 15%, Score Attack 8.7%, Sci-fi 8.4%
- #30 Distant Space
76% matchVery Positive86% of 2,983 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Arcade 13.6%, Space 11.9%, Shooter 8.6%, 1980s 8.5%
- #31 WOLFLAME
77% matchVery Positive85% of 116 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 43.1%, Shooter 15.4%, Arcade 14.2%, Action 6.5%, Score Attack 6.1%
- #32 Short Warp: Deep Space Bounty
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Short Warp LLC
Windows
Short Warp: Deep Space Bounty is a modern arcade shoot ’em up mixing top-down and side-scrolling missions in a rugged sci-fi universe. Pilot stock ships or craft custom builds across multiple game modes. Cast a short warp and Lower Away!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, 2.5D 14.3%, Shooter 12.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Score Attack 9.3%
- #33 Space & Pixels
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Basil Masil
Windows
Space & Pixels is a top-down space shooter with classic gameplay. Battle through each level, blast lots of enemies, upgrade your ship's firepower, and uncover the truth behind your dangerous mission.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Shooter 19%, Arcade 17.4%, Action 12.2%, Space 8.4%
- #34 Asteroides
76% matchMostly Positive73% of 15 reviews2022
Dev: Verrua GiuseppePub: bit ManiaX
Windows · Mac
it's simple, fast, rocking, without pauses, without life, without time will you save the earth? Asteroides is a 70/80s shooter with realistic physics and a completely three-dimensional environment. Moving, destroying and surviving is complicated in an infinitely finite space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, 2.5D 22.2%, Shooter 17%, Action 9.6%, Space 7.2%
- #35 SkyDefender
73% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Dopaminer
Windows
SkyDefender is a high-octane arcade shooter inspired by the golden era of coin-op cabinets. Take control of a powerful anti-air machine gun, clear the skies of enemy squadrons, and test your reflexes in a relentless battle for the high score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.8%, Shooter 17.2%, Arcade 13.7%, Score Attack 9.3%, Action 6.7%
- #36 Ricky Recharge
73% matchPositive94% of 31 reviews2022
Dev: Team Recharge
Windows · Mac
Ricky wakes up all alone in a robot apocalypse. Little did they know that this was exactly what he had been waiting for! Charge, zap, blast, and recharge your way through an ever growing army of bots in this high score focused arcade shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, 2.5D 17.3%, Shooter 11.8%, Score Attack 11.5%, Arcade 11.2%
- #37 Nevultra
74% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Zoblin Multimedia
Windows
Nevultra is an exciting shoot'em up that will take you back to the 8bit/16bit era. The protagonist, Nina, needs your help to reach her destination in deep space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Arcade 14.1%, Shooter 13.5%, Score Attack 8.4%, Action 8.2%
- #38 Mud River
75% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Rocpain Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Mud River is a horizontal 2D Shoot‘em Up game. The Rio Doce (Sweet River) was a paradise for mankind and animals, but now it has become a territory destroyed by the unscrupulous activities of Dr. Wellin. This is Pacal's first destination, ascending the Rio Doce preventing its complete destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, 2.5D 20.5%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 6.7%
- #39 Eschaton: Battle For Eternity
72% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Aaron Lehnen
Windows · Mac · Linux
Eschaton is a vivid, fast-paced top-down arcade sci-fi space shooter with weapon upgrades, intense boss fights, dynamic SFX, and an original metal-meets-synth soundtrack. Chase high scores, accuracy ranks, and speedrun times while killing aliens in this chapter of a longer legendary saga.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, 2.5D 23.6%, Arcade 13.7%, Action 9.1%, 1980s 8.5%
- #40 White Eyes
74% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Chocolate Ship Games
Windows
Embark on an interstellar race as the universe collapses. Swing swords, fire projectiles, and reflect hazards to save nomads. 60 challenging missions. Random encounters. Simple mouse controls. Conquer diverse hazards. Will you guide them home?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, 2.5D 22.8%, Arcade 13.7%, Action 9.5%, Casual 8.2%
- #41 Infinite Shooter
75% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2016
Dev: Minion Productions Inc.
Windows
Infinite Shooter is a top down arcade shooting game, also known as a "Shmup", with the emphasis squarely on the action. With no story in the way of your fun, simply choose an opponent and take them down to earn powerful weapons, upgrades, ships, and power-ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Shooter 17.6%, Arcade 14.9%, Action 12.7%, Indie 4.4%
- #42 R-Type Final 2
72% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Shooter 17%, Arcade 14.6%, Space 7.9%, Action 7.6%
- #43 Crazy Invader ShootEm Down
71% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Crazy Retro Games
Windows
Enjoy fast paced action in this retro inspired arcade ShootEm Up Style game
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Arcade 17.6%, Space 8.2%, Casual 7.7%, Retro 7.5%
- #44 Verisim Skies
69% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: Carry-On Games
Windows
Verisim Skies is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up with an emphasis on story and cinematic action. Go forth, Champion. Find your purpose. Fulfill your destiny. Accept your fate.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.9%, Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 12.3%, Action 9%, Sci-fi 5.8%
- #45 Asteroids: Recharged
70% matchMostly Positive76% of 104 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 11.7%, Score Attack 8.2%, Space 8.1%
- #46 While you are Downloading
71% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2018
Dev: Alien Nude LTD
Windows
A quick and action paced retro styled arcade shooter, or shoot 'em up (shmup) if you like. Perfect to play in short chunks, like when you are waiting for big games to download.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 12.1%, 1980s 10.4%, Space 8.4%
- #47 Astro Attack
68% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Blocky Pixel
Windows
A single-stick arcade shoot 'em up inspired by the golden years of retro gaming. Blast to the synthwave beat to combine powerups and destroy waves of invaders. Complete missions, compete on leaderboards, discover secrets, and unlock over 80 unique ships from every era of gaming.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Score Attack 13.6%, Arcade 10.9%, Shooter 10.8%, 1980s 6.4%
- #48 Raging Blasters 2
73% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
The sequel to the speed-and-destruction shmup "Raging Blasters" is here! It's called "Raging Blasters 2." This is an arcade-style vertical scrolling shmup in which players control a fighter jet and battle various enemies in outer space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.6%, Arcade 16%, Action 9.3%, Score Attack 8.6%, Casual 8.2%
- #49 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
68% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: SNOWBALL EFFECT GAMES
Windows
A classic style SHMUP in the tradition of 80's and 90's vertical scrolling shooters. Maximize your run and get to the top of the High-score Leaderboard. Can you achieve the rank of Fleet Admiral? It's a challenge. Visit our website for a free playable browser demo of the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Shooter 17.3%, Arcade 13.8%, Action 9.6%, 1980s 9%
- #50 Defender's Squad: The Last Ride
67% 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 34.3%, Shooter 15.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Score Attack 10.6%, Space 10.3%
- #51 MissileDancer
70% matchPositive83% of 18 reviews2018
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Vertical Scroll Shooting Game with Lock-on Missile
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.1%, Shooter 18.8%, Score Attack 14.7%, Action 5.7%, Arcade 5.7%
- #52 Rolling Gunner
67% matchVery Positive91% of 65 reviews2022
Dev: Project Rolling GunnerPub: mebius.
Windows
March 18th, 2061 - "Operation Downfall" Commences With its reliance on BAC, humanity had forgotten how to operate even basic transportation, let alone weapons. After the attacks from BAC and the subsequent social chaos, the human population was reduced by half.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.2%, Shooter 22.9%, Score Attack 13.4%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Action 4.1%
- #53 Tiger Heli
68% matchMixed64% of 22 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Take off on a classic arcade journey with Tiger-Heli, Toaplan's pioneering vertical shooter that set the stage for an entire genre. Now available on PC with a host of modern upgrades!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.3%, Arcade 18.1%, Score Attack 9.3%, 1980s 7.6%, Action 6.9%
- #54 Attack of the Mechadonk - The ultimate donkey
69% match9 user reviews80% of 10 reviews2020
Dev: Mechadonk Media
Windows
Old school side scrolling shoot'em up. Blast through exciting different locations. Defeating waves of defenders until the final boss battle. Attack of the Mechadonk is a indie game developed for fun and learning for the creator.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Shooter 17.2%, Arcade 15.3%, Action 11.1%, Casual 9.6%
- #55 The Pacifist
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Taillis, Inc
Windows
The Pacifist is a retro sci-fi top-down action game with unique mechanics that blends elements of the Arcade and Rhythm genres on a gorgeous, minimalist battlefield. Only in The Pacifist can you fight without fighting.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, 2.5D 21.7%, Arcade 11.4%, Score Attack 6.4%, 1980s 6.3%
- #56 Sun Blast: Star Fighter
70% matchMixed66% of 782 reviews2015
Dev: OBLONE SoftwarePub: Senpai Industrial Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sun Blast is the best 3d space shooter on Steam. Earn upgrades as you fight your way through a huge seleciton of levels. Full gamepad support!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 9.8%, Shooter 9.6%, Space 8.9%
- #57 Bounce your Bullets!
67% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: Quentin Edel
Windows
A small game where you cannot stop moving forward. Your bullets get stronger and stronger after they bounce enough times. Bounce your Bullets! is a casual yet increasingly difficult colorful shmup where you survive for as long as possible against growing waves of enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Score Attack 14%, Shooter 12.5%, Space 12.1%, Arcade 8.2%
- #58 Killistar
66% matchNo user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: Area Code 313 Games LLC
Windows
Killistar: A 2D/3D sci-fi shoot-em-up remake of the classic arcade game Sinistar.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Shooter 18.2%, 1980s 8.7%, Space 8.4%, Action 8.3%
- #59 Asteroids
66% matchPositive96% of 26 reviews2022
Dev: Play Asteroids
Windows
Another version of the classic Asteroids game
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Shooter 17.7%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 10.1%, Space 6.9%
- #60 Horizon Shift '81
67% matchPositive94% of 18 reviews2019
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows · Mac
An explosive wave based shooter (shmups) with a real Retro feel to it. You can even play the game in Tate screen mode! "...if you have the itch for some old-school arcade blast-em-up fun, Horizon Shift '81 is a great way to feed that craving." - 8/10 - The Sixth Axis
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.8%, Shooter 18.2%, Arcade 15.4%, Space 12.9%, Indie 6.1%