- #1 SATAZIUS
97% matchVery Positive85% of 324 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Robots 12.3%, Shooter 5.9%
- #2 STEEL STRIDER
96% matchMostly Positive79% of 76 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
STEEL STRIDER is the follow up to the acclaimed GIGANTIC ARMY and pays homage to the great run and gun games such as Turrican and Super Contra, but adds mouse / dual analogue stick-operated weapons!
Why similar: Mechs 35.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Action 11.3%, Shooter 9.4%
- #3 Supercharged Robot VULKAISER
96% matchVery Positive94% of 326 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
70s giant robot anime-inspired side-scrolling shooting from the creators of SATAZIUS and GIGANTIC ARMY!
Why similar: Mechs 39.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Action 6.9%, Shooter 6.9%, Indie 5%
- #4 GIGANTIC ARMY
95% matchMostly Positive75% of 365 reviews2014
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Side-scrolling mech-shooting bad-assery is BACK!GIGANTIC ARMY is a heartfelt homage to 16-bit era mech shooters such as Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Metal Warriors, and Front Mission: Gun Hazard, developed by the studio behind the acclaimed shooter SATAZIUS.
Why similar: Mechs 25.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Robots 11.4%, 1980s 5.3%
- #5 ALLTYNEX Second
94% matchVery Positive85% of 160 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 28%
The year is 2192AD. 40 years ago, the Stellar-class All-purpose Administrative Computer ALLTYNEX suddenly attempted to enact genocide upon mankind. Commandeering armies of unmanned weapons, ALLTYNEX enacted a massacre so terrible that within only 72 hours of the start of the incident, approximately 85% of the world's population had...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.1%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Action 11.8%, Shooter 9.7%, Indie 8.2%
- #6 WOLFLAME
93% 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 31.5%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%
- #7 Rigid Force Alpha
92% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!
Why similar: Mechs 17.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Robots 10.5%
- #8 AngerForce: Reloaded
91% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Bullet Hell 37.5%, Shooter 20%
- #9 1917 - The Alien Invasion DX
91% matchMostly Positive76% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Andrade GamesPub: OtakuMaker.com
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
1917 - The Alien Invasions is a bullet hell memorization shooter. Dr. Brunhild Stahlmüller upgrades an WW1 Triplane with superior alien technology to attack the invaders. She will avenge mankind and take the battle into the darkness of space until she reach an ancient alien world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49%, Retro 8.8%, Action 8.6%, Shooter 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%
- #10 KAMUI
90% matchVery Positive90% of 215 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
Centuries have passed since the events of RefleX and mankind has once again attained civilization. Now, ancient technology born of a twisted mind sets in motion a chain of events designed to bring divine retribution down upon mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.4%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Action 10%, Shooter 8.9%, Indie 7.4%
- #11 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
89% matchVery Positive88% of 1,617 reviews2014
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.
Why similar: Mechs 25.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Robots 11.9%, Shooter 7.6%
- #12 Gunlocked
88% matchVery Positive87% of 502 reviews2022
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 20%, 1980s 8.4%, Shooter 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%
- #13 Gundroid
86% matchVery Positive96% of 57 reviews2025
Dev: Kitogoru Games
Windows
Protect the Earth from an alien invasion in this Run N’ Gun action spectacle. Take control of G.U.N.N.R. and battle your way through a blast from the pixelated past.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Retro 10.4%, 1980s 8.2%, Arcade 7.9%
- #14 Rolling Gunner
87% 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 43.8%, Shooter 19.6%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, 2D 6.2%
- #15 Cyberpunk 3776
89% matchMixed52% of 66 reviews2015
Dev: Peter Hann
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, 1980s 7.4%, Retro 6.7%
- #16 Offendron Warrior
86% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Side Scroller 16.3%, 1980s 8.7%, Shooter 7.9%
- #17 Alien Death Mob
84% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2021
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
Aliens have invaded Earth! Towns, cities, deserts, they're everywhere! Take on the role of Earth's last super soldier and confront the alien menace in this intense twin stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 12.2%, Aliens 10%, Action 9%
- #18 Disaster Arms - Impact Project B.A.H.N.
82% matchVery Positive100% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: PD_CGT
Windows · Linux
- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Side Scroller 18%, Shooter 10.1%, Retro 9.5%
- #19 Habroxia 2
83% 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 28.3%, Side Scroller 20%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 8.5%
- #20 Grav Blazer Squared
85% matchMixed40% of 85 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, 1980s 9.8%, Shooter 9.2%, Space 6.9%
- #21 Shoot 1UP DX
84% matchVery Positive80% of 152 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Shooter 8.5%, Aliens 6.3%
- #22 NIGHT STRIKER GEAR
80% matchVery Positive89% of 96 reviews2025
Dev: M2 Co., Ltd.
Windows
A brand new entry to the series, NIGHT STRIKER GEAR revitalizes the sprite scaling pseudo-3D style with polished graphics. The new GEAR System gives an added depth to the gameplay without sacrificing the intuitiveness. Feeling the rush of fast-paced music, strike through the night once more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Mechs 16.5% ★, Shooter 10.5%, Robots 10.2%, 1980s 8.6%
- #23 Acceleration of SUGURI X-Edition HD
82% matchVery Positive82% of 237 reviews2014
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Rockin Android
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 17.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
In Acceleration of SUGURI X-Edition HD (aka AoSXE HD), the "little war" continues at a breakneck pace. AoSXE HD is an enhanced version of the eagerly awaited sequel to SUGURI.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 45.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Action 10%, Indie 7%
- #24 GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION
81% matchVery Positive90% of 144 reviews2022
Dev: ES4 / Eternal Sphere 4Pub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!
Why similar: Mechs 20.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Robots 11.5%, Shooter 6.9%
- #25 Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax
81% matchVery Positive94% of 232 reviews2015
Dev: Dreamloop Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!
Why similar: Mechs 23.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Robots 9.4%
- #26 Radiant Silvergun
78% matchVery Positive93% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Bullet Hell 29.2%, Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 8.9%, Sci-fi 6.6%
- #27 MECHBLAZE
79% matchVery Positive94% of 81 reviews2020
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
An inferno roars over a destroyed secret military base. Then, from the flaming rubble...an invincible super robot is reborn! Mechs born of advanced science and modern weaponry battle in heavy weight Run 'n Gun mech shooter!!
Why similar: Mechs 29.6% ★, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Space 8%, Sci-fi 7.5%
- #28 G WARRIOR
77% matchVery Positive92% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Liao Kai
Windows
G WARRIOR is a retro hardcore action shooting game. Pick up the gun and destroy all robots and aliens. Fight in colorful scenes such as snowy mountains, caves, seas of fire, alien lairs, etc.! !
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Robots 11.2%, 1980s 10.7%, Shooter 8.7%
- #29 Lilac 0
76% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #30 Absolute Blue
78% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, 1980s 10.1%, Shooter 8.1%
- #31 B.A.D Battle Armor Division
79% matchMixed50% of 62 reviews2015
Dev: Crian Soft
Windows
B.A.D is an intense and enjoyable Shoote'em up game that captures the feeling of controlling a mass-produced humanoid robot (Battle Armor) piloted by a single soldier while keeping the realistic fast-paced action in a dramatic large scale conflict, from various Factions of Earth and Mars.
Why similar: Mechs 31% ★, Robots 18.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Shooter 8%, Sci-fi 6.8%
- #32 Graze Counter
75% matchVery Positive96% of 313 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Mechs 21.5% ★, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%, Arcade 6%
- #33 Schildmaid MX
74% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Retro 8.5%, Shooter 8%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%
- #34 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Space 6%, Shooter 5.8%, Retro 5.5%
- #35 Valfaris: Mecha Therion
72% matchVery Positive92% of 431 reviews2023
Dev: Steel MantisPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, Aliens 9.8%, Shooter 9.8%
- #36 Razerwire:Nanowars
76% matchVery Positive86% of 109 reviews2018
Dev: Hammer & Ravens
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 32%
A modern revisitation of the 80s arcades. Use your Razerwire to cut through waves of nanobugs with a rogue-like inspired progression.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 8%, Space 7.5%
- #37 Pewt 'em Up!
73% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Shooter 12.6%, Aliens 10.4%, Arcade 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%
- #38 Destructivator 2
74% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2020
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!
Why similar: Shooter 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Retro 13.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.6%, Robots 8%
- #39 Rogue Invader
73% matchVery Positive92% of 64 reviews2021
Dev: Squishy Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
1-Bit Roguelite Action Shooter.
Why similar: Side Scroller 19.9%, Aliens 11.8%, Shooter 11.7%, Sci-fi 10.1%, 1980s 9.6%
- #40 Space Elite Force
73% matchVery Positive89% of 185 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Bullet Hell 19%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Space 6.9%, Aliens 6.2%
- #41 Power-Up
75% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Retro 8.3%, Shooter 8%
- #42 Distant Space
71% 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 28.5%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Space 10.8%, 1980s 9.9%, Arcade 7.7%
- #43 Railgunners
70% matchVery Positive92% of 60 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Retro 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Shooter 7.6%
- #44 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
72% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.4%, Action 21.3%, Indie 16.3%
- #45 Space Elite Force II
71% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Space 7.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%
- #46 Armechgeddon
69% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: MothCat
Windows
Armechgeddon is a chaotic action rogue-lite with a minimalist control scheme. Pick the right mech and pilot for the job, and lay waste to hundreds of enemies with your custom arsenal.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 34.3%, Mechs 25.6% ★, Robots 13.6%, Arcade 9.7%, Sci-fi 5.3%
- #47 Gunlocked 2
67% matchVery Positive88% of 64 reviews2025
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Movement is your weapon. A sci-fi action roguelike and shmup combined, in Gunlocked 2 you'll pilot and upgrade a state-of-the-art warship against endless waves of deadly aliens. Deep customization, branching paths, and tons of unlockables offer endless replayability!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Robots 13%, Shooter 9.6%, Aliens 8.2%
- #48 GunSuit Guardians
68% matchVery Positive87% of 247 reviews2023
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows
Gear up your GunSuit and defend Earth from an alien siege! Equip and upgrade unique arsenals of overpowered weapons to survive overwhelming numbers in this action-roguelite twin-stick horde survival.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 33.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%, Retro 9.8%, Arcade 9.5%
- #49 Andro Dunos II
68% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Bullet Hell 26%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%
- #50 Laser Disco Defenders
71% matchVery Positive83% of 52 reviews2016
Dev: Out Of BoundsPub: Excalibur Publishing
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
A self-inflicted bullet hell that combines retro sci-fi with the sounds and sights of the disco era
Why similar: Robots 24.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Shooter 7.7%, Sci-fi 6.9%
- #51 Infinos Gaiden
69% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Pixel Graphics 13%, Action 12.2%, Indie 8.6%, Arcade 5.8%
- #52 Blue Rider
70% matchVery Positive87% of 101 reviews2016
Dev: Ravegan
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
In a valley flooded with bullets, your next challenge rises from a heap of scraps. This time there aren't blue hedgehogs or mega men to save you. Hop in and become the Blue Rider!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Mechs 23.8% ★, Robots 18%, Shooter 9.5%, Action 7.9%
- #53 Sophstar
67% matchVery Positive100% of 102 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Shooter 7.8%, Retro 7.6%, Space 7.3%
- #54 DRAINUS
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%, Shooter 14.3%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Action 8.2%, Side Scroller 6.7%
- #55 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
68% matchVery Positive84% of 602 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Retro 9.4%, Arcade 6%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%
- #56 Cyberhunt
67% matchVery Positive85% of 2,639 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, 1980s 11.7%, Space 9.3%, Retro 8.3%
- #57 Z-Exemplar
69% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Retro 15.7%, Action 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Indie 10.5%
- #58 ARRIVAL: ZERO EARTH
66% matchMostly Positive78% of 172 reviews2024
Dev: jounitus
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Fight giant War of the Worlds -style aliens invading Finland during a Winter in the 90's. Build an army of local townspeople in this chaotic semi-autobattler roguelike. Navigate through different biomes to obliterate the aliens from cosmic dimensions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Bullet Hell 32.9%, Shooter 11.5%, Arcade 7.4%, Action 5.5%
- #59 ROCKETRON
67% matchVery Positive83% of 82 reviews2020
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Fly through the sky! Rain down fire on the enemy forces from above! Enjoy solid combat and simple non-linear exploration in this high flying side-scrolling action shooter!
Why similar: Mechs 26.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Shooter 7.4%