- #1 Santa's Monster Shootout
97% matchPositive83% of 41 reviews2023
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Monsters and Zombies from all the world are trying to steal the gift packages, they want it all and they want it now. But Santa has guns, big guns!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Side Scroller 22.7%, Shooter 15.7%, Gore 12.1%, Action 8.8%
- #2 Coal Road
96% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: BUstation
Windows
This is a horizontal shooter game. The story takes place in a city infected by "coal", where most people have become coal zombies. When the government learned of the great changes in the city, it sent two elite soldiers to investigate the situation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Shooter 15.6%, Platformer 15.5%, Arcade 9.7%
- #3 Kanamono
96% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Karai
Windows
Destroy your enemies and use the scraps that come out to destroy them even more! Side-scrolling space fantasy shooting game, that is "Kanamono".
Why similar: Side Scroller 34.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Shooter 15.5%, Action 7.4%, 2D 4.5%
- #4 R-Type Final 2
95% 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 35.5%, Side Scroller 27.9%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 10.7%, Action 6.5%
- #5 Twinkle Hunter
94% matchPositive100% of 30 reviews2024
Dev: Silver Cat
Windows
Twinkle Hunter is a 2D action game focused on boss battles. Become a hunter whose teddy bear was stolen by the great villain 'Twinkle Thieves', and experience journey to retrieve the teddy bear. Can you hunt the thieves who attack you in various ways and rescue the teddy bear 'Mari'?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Side Scroller 28%, Platformer 14.9%, Shooter 13.9%, Action 5.2%
- #6 The Perdition Man: Interval
94% match9 user reviews70% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: STEX23
Windows
The Perdition Man: Interval is a side scrolling run n' gun steeped in heavy atmosphere. You are alone on your mission and unable to control what you see and what you are about to do. In this single player campaign you must traverse platforming sections and push on through hordes of haunting enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Side Scroller 26.6%, Gore 11%, Platformer 10.7%, Shooter 9.6%
- #7 Stellar Raid
93% match8 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Berry Patch Games
Windows
Stellar Raid is a side-scrolling run and gun game inspired by the greatest classic games of the genre! With a variety of weapon upgrades at your disposal (including a support drone) you’ll charge through hordes of enemy mercenaries to take down one of the Universe’s most notorious space terrorists!
Why similar: Side Scroller 33.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 8%, Platformer 6.8%
- #8 Guns, Gore & Cannoli
92% matchVery Positive92% of 4,209 reviews2015
Dev: Rogueside
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Gore 16.4%, Platformer 9.5%, Shooter 8.1%
- #9 Black Otaku - SOS HD
91% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: Def Sauce
Windows
Big guns have begun an attack on YOUR communities, and trust, bredren, YOU DI ONLY BLACK MAN DAT CYAN STOP DEM ...and di only way to stop dem, is to run-right and shoot everything that moves!!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Side Scroller 23.7%, Shooter 14.7%, Platformer 10.6%, Cartoony 7.1%
- #10 Intrusion 2
91% matchVery Positive90% of 2,224 reviews2012
Dev: Aleksei Abramenko
Windows · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 37%
"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid
Why similar: Platformer 23%, Physics 15.1%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Shooter 12.1%, Action 10.8%
- #11 The Splice Creatures
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Badri Bebua
Windows
What starts as a battle against a minor evil may ultimately lead to saving the whole world
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Platformer 14.7%, Shooter 13.2%, Gore 9.5%
- #12 Spacewing War
89% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2022
Dev: Pneuma GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Side Scroller 31.7%, Shooter 15%, Arcade 9.8%, Action 5.9%
- #13 Astro Fighters 2178
89% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Take to your ship to ensure the survival of humanity against an alien force determined to see you fail. Customize your ship with upgrades to raise your chance of success. Take a friend into battle to immediately become a stronger force and watch each others tail
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Side Scroller 23.1%, Shooter 15.7%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 9.4%
- #14 Iron Project: Reclaim
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Vinicius OliveiraPub: Yu Game Studio
Windows
In a world devastated by machines, humanity places its last hope in a warrior equipped with special armor. Explore intense stages, face challenging bosses, and fight to reclaim what remains of the planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Side Scroller 23.1%, Arcade 11.4%, Platformer 11.1%, Shooter 10.4%
- #15 Mission Ammunition
87% matchMostly Positive77% of 102 reviews2017
Dev: Quantized Bit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 35%
The most secure prison facility in the country is under attack ... The city mayor called personally and asked you to take care of this problem.
Why similar: Side Scroller 26%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Platformer 17%, Action 12.5%, Shooter 12.3%
- #16 Raw Fists
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Sinclair Strange
Windows
There isn't anything better than punching things in 8-bit that will end up leaving you with RAW FISTS! *Warning, this game contains old school difficulty* (Blowing in the cartridge is not required.)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Platformer 15.9%, Shooter 14.3%, Arcade 11.2%
- #17 Habroxia 2
86% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Side Scroller 24%, Shooter 16.6%, Arcade 12.3%, Action 9.9%
- #18 Exterminator V Pollinators
85% 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 30.5%, Side Scroller 23.9%, Shooter 15.6%, Arcade 9%, Cartoony 6.6%
- #19 The Rift Rebels
84% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Playthrough Experience
Windows
An unknown force from a parallel reality trapped Earth’s energy in three runes. The best resistance fighters have been sent on a critical mission to destroy the runes and seal the dimensional rift.
Why similar: Side Scroller 27.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Platformer 15.6%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 9.1%
- #20 Freedom! Do or Die
84% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2020
Dev: Julian HenleyPub: Indie Retro Games
Windows
When terrorism threatens the world there is no need to send a bunch of iconic movie heroes back from the '80s. One under-funded over-powered mercenary is all that's needed to save the world in this epic run 'n' gun destruction-fest of a homage to Broforce!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Gore 12.1%, Shooter 11.7%, Platformer 11.4%
- #21 Shooting Saucer
82% matchVery Positive90% of 51 reviews2023
Dev: SinksAdventure
Windows
A flying saucer chases you all over the galaxy. Run away, defeat enemies, and evolve to avoid getting abducted
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Side Scroller 26.5%, Platformer 14.9%, Shooter 13.7%, Cartoony 7.1%
- #22 Ballpoint Universe - Infinite
82% matchMostly Positive77% of 726 reviews2013
Dev: Arachnid Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a shoot-em-up adventure game featuring artwork entirely drawn in ballpoint pen. Explore immaculate worlds, discover the secrets of the doodles, and customize your Ink-Ship for battle! Press"Ballpoint Universe Infinite is too exuberant to ignore.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Platformer 15.4%, Shooter 8.8%, Action 8%
- #23 C-RUSH
83% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 17%
C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.6%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Shooter 12.7%, Action 8.6%, Arcade 7.6%
- #24 Contract Rush DX
79% matchVery Positive100% of 219 reviews2025
Dev: FigburnPub: Team Ficus
Windows
Contract Rush DX is a hand-animated 2D Shoot 'Em Up, with multiple playable characters. Explore the world, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Platformer 13.6%, Shooter 10.6%, Gore 10.1%, Violent 7.1%
- #25 Paper Pilot
81% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Timco
Windows
Immerse yourself in the adventure of Paper Pilot, where you control the "Paper Pilot" through 15 unique levels. Collect star boxes to unlock new levels. Beware, your gun can overheat! Develop a strategy to navigate this adventure successfully.
Why similar: Side Scroller 32.8%, Platformer 16.3%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Cartoony 6.2%
- #26 Loco Bonobo
81% match9 user reviews67% of 9 reviews2022
Dev: dwicko
Windows
Loco Bonobo is an indie platform shooter with ragdoll physics, gory mayhem and princess rides! Die constantly like you deserve whilst kicking ass as a lobotomized lab monkey slaughtering a never-ending barrage of evil clones!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Gore 17.3%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Physics 11.9%, Platformer 11.3%
- #27 The Last Shot: Arcades
79% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: Rumata LabPub: Nelset
Windows
The pack of Arcades in The Last Shot Universe
Why similar: Side Scroller 30.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Physics 15.7%, Arcade 9.5%, Simulation 5.2%
- #28 Jet Gunner: Refueled
78% matchPositive87% of 15 reviews2025
Dev: Sinclair StrangePub: Clickteam
Windows
Jet Gunner is reloaded, remade and refueled for a new explosive 8-bit adventure. Relive the past glory days where VHS was king, phones didn't have screens and you'd have to blow into a cartridge to get your gaming fix.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Platformer 15.5%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 10.8%
- #29 Origami Flight
80% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2019
Dev: Whalesoft Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Origami Flight is a sidescrolling 2D shoot' em up where you control a paper airplane with a simple but challenging mission: to save the Origami World. Now you must beat 6 different stages with tons of enemies in order to save the Tsuru from the evil Origami Fox.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.8%, Side Scroller 28%, Shooter 10.1%, Stylized 8.1%, Arcade 7.6%
- #30 UNCRACKED
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Marty's Makings
Windows
Crack your enemies with an arsenal of weapons and various tactics in this 2D egg-splosive, gore-filled, yet kid-friendly action platformer, teeming with splattering yolk and shattering eggshels and survive the fierce cage wars.
Why similar: Gore 23.7%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Shooter 16.9%, Combat 10.8%, Platformer 8.3%
- #31 Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2
76% matchVery Positive94% of 5,401 reviews2018
Dev: Rogueside
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 revives the good, old, action platform run & gun genre, but this time with a bunch of humor and buckets of blown off body parts. In this sequel to Guns, Gore & Cannoli, Vinnie Cannoli’s story continues and this time it’s personal.
Why similar: Side Scroller 28.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Gore 16.4%, Shooter 10.8%, Platformer 6.9%
- #32 Promethium
77% matchMixed67% of 24 reviews2017
Dev: Xiotex Studios LtdPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Inspired by classic Commodore 64 and arcade games, Promethium is a hard-as-nails retro inspired side-scrolling shoot-em-up that takes place over numerous levels that get harder and harder. If you’re after a nice calm casual game this isn’t it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Side Scroller 22.6%, Shooter 14.4%, Arcade 9.9%, Action 8.7%
- #33 Speyarranoth
77% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2020
Dev: Eivind Magnus Noersterud Hvidevold
Windows
Speyarranoth is a classic sci-fi space asteroid shooter in 3D. You control the game using WASD and shoot with the space key. It's wonderful to just blast full speed through the asteroid fields lasers ablaze and enjoy the explosive light show.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Side Scroller 27.5%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 8.5%, Sci-fi 6%
- #34 Slayer Cat
76% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: Ducktail Games
Windows
Slayer Cat is a classic action shooter game that combines hand-drawn drawings with classic gameplay. Inspired by games like Contra, Doom, and Cuphead. Play as The Slayer Cat as you traverse strange places on an enemy planet, and discover and discover the mysteries of this place!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Side Scroller 21.6%, Platformer 16%, Shooter 15%, Arcade 10.9%
- #35 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
75% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: leimonyaPub: leimonya
Windows
Super simple 2D shooter game! Use the two types of shots to push forward.Kick out the swarming zakos and take on the powerful bosses.7 crazy worlds are waiting for your cat!?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Side Scroller 26.8%, Shooter 17.2%, Arcade 12.2%, Action 6.4%
- #36 Valfaris
74% matchVery Positive83% of 2,694 reviews2019
Dev: Steel MantisPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 45%
Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.
Why similar: Gore 23.4%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Platformer 16.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%, Violent 9.2%
- #37 Attack of the Mechadonk - The ultimate donkey
75% 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 29.1%, Side Scroller 22.6%, Shooter 16.8%, Arcade 12.1%, Action 10.2%
- #38 Gates of Zendocon
74% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Epyx, Inc.Pub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Side Scroller 28.5%, Shooter 14.4%, Arcade 9.2%, Action 5.8%
- #39 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
73% matchPositive88% of 26 reviews2025
Dev: Limited Run GamesPub: Ziggurat
Windows
You are the Rendering Ranger, a special forces soldier defending Earth from a devastating alien invasion through nine levels of action platforming as well as blisteringly fast horizontal shooter stages. Originally developed for Super Famicom by Manfred Trenz, creator of the Turrican series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.8%, Side Scroller 27.1%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 9%, Action 5.6%
- #40 Future Knight
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Studio KobaPub: Aeternum Game Studios
Windows
Frenetic action and LCD aesthetic! In this 2D Shoot 'Em Up, switch between a robot hero and his benign tumor to stop a bizarre cult. You have 8 hours to save humanity's memory: defeat grotesque bosses, ride the skies on your Future Board, and master the chaos in a retro-futuristic Tokyo.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 9.3%, Cartoony 8.9%
- #41 Ondine: Prototype
72% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Pier38
Windows · Mac
Collect souls, level your weapons, and unleash devastation in one of the most mechanically complex 2D shooters ever made.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 18.2%, Action 9.8%, Tactical 7.8%
- #42 Rocket Panda Panic
73% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2020
Dev: GuMa Games
Windows
It's a Panda-emic! Spreading across the globe causing panic and fear. Only one hero has the courage, power and cuteness to save us all. Join Pandy and his jetpack as they travel the world, protecting us from the critter panda plague.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Platformer 17.4%, Shooter 16.4%, Cartoony 10.2%, Combat 9.1%
- #43 City Siege: Faction Island
72% matchMixed68% of 252 reviews2017
Dev: Ish GamesPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
The ultimate 2D Physics War Game - War just got fun, build your army with tanks, guns, spies, flame tanks and helicopters. Then embark on battles of mass destruction and tactical rescues. Bring peace to faction island by destroying all your enemies!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Platformer 13%, Shooter 11.9%, Physics 11.3%
- #44 KLITTER
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ENUPub: CreativeForge Games
Windows
KLITTER fuses the precision of arena combat with the chaos of glitchcore and the flow of a movement-driven brawler. Every dash, every shot, every kill defines your rhythm - stop moving and you die, flow perfectly and the system collapses. PURE FLOW. ZERO MERCY.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Shooter 17.4%, Gore 11.6%, Arcade 10.3%, Action 9.4%
- #45 Forest Fury
71% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: CouraGGe ent.
Windows
Get ready for adventures, gather allies, and uncover the secrets of Forest Fury! Your forest is waiting for you to cleanse it of dark forces and restore its former beauty.
Why similar: Side Scroller 37%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.2%, Shooter 16%, 2D 4.5%, Action 3.9%
- #46 Thunder Tiger
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Incredibly Moot Studio
Windows
Thunder Tiger is a fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up, blending 1980s arcade style with futuristic flair. Blast enemies, grab power-ups, and chase high scores in intense 2D stages. Classic retro vibe meets modern gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Side Scroller 28%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.7%, Action 5.8%
- #47 The Rush
70% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Side Scroller 27.5%, Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 9.8%, Action 4.4%
- #48 Age of Valakas: Vietnam
70% matchVery Positive84% of 64 reviews2022
Dev: LuftWaffelPub: LuftWaffel
Windows
2D platformer with a gray morality, where there is no clear division into good and evil... Destroy hordes of enemies in the name of freedom, participate in a democratic crusade, fighting for the freedom and independence of Vietnam.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.4%, Platformer 17.4%, Shooter 15.6%, Gore 13.1%, Action 9.1%
- #49 LASERPITIUM
70% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: THE REETEAM
Windows
Free the galaxy by destroying the EVA program and its artificial planet HELOS. In this 2D shoot'em up, take control of one of the three ships of your choice and go to the different planets to eliminate each threat. 1 or 2 Player coop.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Side Scroller 24.9%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 9.8%, Shooter 8.2%
- #50 Ernesto's Asteroid Arcade
69% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: xen-42
Windows · Linux
Shoot lasers in space because a fish told you to. Ernesto's Asteroid Arcade is a twin-stick side-scrolling space shoot-em-up which tells the story of a man side-scrolling in space and shooting-em-up with twin-sticks. This game has at least 2 characters in it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Side Scroller 22%, Shooter 17.1%, Arcade 12.7%, Action 10.8%
- #51 Planetstar Warrior
68% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: Todd FrantzPub: Hardbyte LLC
Windows
Planetstar Warrior is a horizontal scroll-space shooter with numerous powerups and a gradually increasing level of difficulty. Defeat all enemies on each level to progress.
Why similar: Side Scroller 30.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 8.8%, Action 5.5%
- #52 Beer Gunner
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Des Interactive
Windows
A fast-paced run-and-gun shooter in the spirit of the classics — shoot, jump, and shred monsters to energetic music.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Side Scroller 24.3%, Shooter 18.3%, Platformer 12.2%, Action 6.6%
- #53 Gun Rage
69% match8 user reviews63% of 8 reviews2018
Dev: Denis Galewski
Windows
Gun Rage is an old-school, fast-paced, side-scrolling run and gun, with 16-bit era graphics, inspired by greatest classic games of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Gore 14.7%, Platformer 12.5%, Violent 9.2%
- #54 Weird Hero
69% matchMixed68% of 209 reviews2016
Dev: Snail-Ninja Studio
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Weird Hero is a humorous and challenging shoot'em up where the hero, SuperMegaDude, battles countless foes with his arsenal of weird weapons: the Flickinator, the Atomic Toaster, a magician's hat and other strange devices.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Side Scroller 22.6%, Platformer 17.1%, Shooter 13.9%, Action 12.9%
- #55 R-Type Dimensions EX
68% matchVery Positive87% of 323 reviews2018
Dev: Tozai Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 38%
R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.8%, Side Scroller 25.6%, Arcade 11.5%, Action 8.4%, Shooter 5.9%
- #56 Shadows of Steel Moons
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Shiv
Windows
Shadows of steel moons is an action-platformer with dark techno-fantasy style. The story of a valiant knight who defeats mechanical gods and monsters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Side Scroller 27.2%, Platformer 15.7%, Shooter 9.2%, Sci-fi 6%
- #57 Kamikaze Empire
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Kamikaze KoboPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Carve the path to victory with kamikaze attacks! Blow away enemies with outlandish weapons, then become your own projectile and take the rest out in a blaze of explosive glory! A self destructive shmup where you devastate everything in your wake. "Squadron, charge~!"
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Side Scroller 27.9%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 8.7%, Action 6.7%
- #58 tz mini stg collection
66% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Shooter 17.8%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 10.8%
- #59 Contra: Operation Galuga
64% matchVery Positive88% of 909 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Platformer 13.6%, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 9.5%
- #60 Pier Pressure
66% matchPositive83% of 29 reviews2020
Dev: Headcannon
Windows · Mac · Linux
Take flight in one of three unique ships to battle a legion of enemies and massive bosses across a city sky, through a dark cave, along the bottom of the sea, and into a secret laboratory! Confront a buff, flamboyant crawfish scientist to retrieve the Power Pearl and save your job!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Side Scroller 23.9%, Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 10.3%, Cartoony 10.1%