- #1 COTTON REBOOT!
97% matchMostly Positive77% of 75 reviews2021
Dev: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.Pub: BEEP
Windows
Cotton Reboot! is a completely remastered version of Cotton.Fantastic Night Dreams, the originator of the witchy shooting game released 30 years ago, with new features and the latest visual design.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.6%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Shooter 15.1%, 1990's 10.5%, Anime 9.7%
- #2 Graze Counter GM
96% matchVery Positive97% of 191 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, 1990's 9.9%, Anime 9.6%, Shooter 8.8%
- #3 Game Tengoku CruisinMix Special
96% matchMostly Positive78% of 100 reviews2017
Dev: CITY CONNECTIONPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Game Tengoku CrusinMix is a vertically scrolling shooting game mixing cute characters, a game world parodying a wide range of gaming tropes and history, tight controls, refined mechanics and eggplants?!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Shooter 11.6%, 1990's 11.1%, Anime 9.2%
- #4 Yuri Sword Saga
94% matchVery Positive98% of 213 reviews2024
Dev: Pico Games
Windows
This is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up game set in a beautifully drawn Japanese world where you can slay enemies and bullets with simple controls. Parry enemy attacks and use a variety of special moves to defeat powerful demons and evil monsters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Shooter 11.2%, Anime 8.6%
- #5 WITCH-BOT MEGLILO
95% matchVery Positive93% of 121 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Stop time and project yourself through space with “Time-stop warp” magic, pass through physical obstacles, dodge incoming bullets and shoot down your enemies! A satisfying shooter, filled with dark humor!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Anime 10.5%, Shooter 10%, Cartoon 7.4%
- #6 COTTOn Boomerang - Saturn Tribute
94% matchMixed63% of 19 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
COTTOn Boomerang, the explosive and timeless witch girl shooting game, is finally back! There are team battles this time! Take full advantage of all the amplified action and push forward!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 14.3%, 1990's 12.9%, Comedy 8%
- #7 DRAINUS
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,121 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 44.3%, Shooter 18.4%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Action 10.3%, Side Scroller 6.6%
- #8 BULLET SOUL
91% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Anime 12.8%, Action 9.3%, Sci-fi 6.3%
- #9 G WARRIOR
90% matchVery Positive92% of 121 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 18.2%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, 1980s 13.5%, Shooter 11.5%, 1990's 9.9%
- #10 BULLET SOUL INFINITE BURST
91% matchMostly Positive74% of 93 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Bullet Soul Infinite Burst is a vertically scrolling shooting game crossing old-school gameplay with a bullet hell twist. It adds numerous gameplay enhancements over its predecessor, Bullet Soul, not least of which is Burst Mode. The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, now with more destruction, more coins and more tunes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Anime 12.9%, Action 10.8%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #11 R-Type Final 2
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 820 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 36.7%, Side Scroller 26%, Shooter 16.9%, Action 7.7%, Bullet Hell 7.1%
- #12 DANMAKAI: Red Forbidden Fruit
89% matchVery Positive92% of 108 reviews2020
Dev: 森の中の猫の小屋
Windows
PowerUp and BusterAttack! Despite the beauty of the Danmaku aggressive playing leads to victory in this Makaism Danmaku shooter. The Danmaku Garden awaits you. There's even a cat!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Shooter 13.4%, 1990's 9.1%, Anime 8.4%
- #13 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 813 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 67%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Shooter 13.3%, 1980s 13.1%, 1990's 10.9%
- #14 SATAZIUS
88% 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 19.2%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Robots 8.9%, Shooter 8%
- #15 Deathsmiles I・II
86% matchVery Positive95% of 110 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Angels swooping across a disastrous sky! The shoot 'em up of gothic horrors is back
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 19%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Shooter 12.7%, Anime 8.5%
- #16 WOLFLAME
87% matchVery Positive86% of 118 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 36.3%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Shooter 15.4%, Action 6.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%
- #17 Earthion
83% matchVery Positive96% of 484 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, 1990's 13.5%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Shooter 10.7%
- #18 Revolgear Zero
82% matchVery Positive99% of 115 reviews2026
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Anime 11.9%, Sci-fi 9%, Cute 8.3%
- #19 Rangok Skies
85% matchMostly Positive73% of 40 reviews2021
Dev: Samurai Games
Windows · Mac
War has started! Rangok Skies is a vertically scrolling arcade shooter inspired by the genre classics. Highly replayable with 4 different characters, each with their own unique ship, weapons, and bombs. Includes 2-player local co-op.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Shooter 17.3%, Action 10.1%, Anime 9.3%
- #20 Shikhondo(食魂徒) - Soul Eater
84% matchVery Positive83% of 216 reviews2017
Dev: DeerFarm
Windows
Select one of the Grim Reaper or girl. Find escaped yokai from limbo, extricate soul that they absorbed. You must reseal them after
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.9%, Bullet Hell 31.1%, Shooter 10.5%, Anime 8.2%, Action 7.8%
- #21 Shikhondo: Blue Pieta
80% matchPositive100% of 42 reviews2026
Dev: DeerFarmPub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows
Once more, the hunt for Youkai begins! Across the ocean in a city far, far away, the side-scrolling shoot 'em up action of our two protagonists unfolds! Complete the Pietà of struggle that burns blue with its raging barrage!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Shooter 10.4%, Action 8.1%
- #22 MINUS ZERO
84% matchMixed47% of 17 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Triangle Service’s MINUS ZERO is a shooter that focuses on a tried-and-true shoot-’em-up weapon: the lock-on laser. It’s shoot-’em-up purity: just you, your lock-on laser, and a whole bunch of enemies. As long as you continue to blast away at the waves of enemies, you’ll maintain invincibility, but if you lose track of your position...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Bullet Hell 24%, Shooter 11.6%, 1990's 11.6%, Action 10.9%
- #23 Andro Dunos II
81% matchVery Positive92% of 223 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.2 hrs≥1hr: 32%
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 41.3%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Shooter 14.1%, Action 5.8%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%
- #24 Steel Vampire
82% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Action 9.9%, Casual 8.2%, Anime 7.4%
- #25 GRADIUS ORIGINS
79% matchVery Positive93% of 269 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Shooter 20%, 1980s 18.7%, 1990's 13.1%, Action 9%
- #26 Deathsmiles
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 617 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Bullet Hell 33.7%, Anime 9%, Side Scroller 6.8%, Action 5.1%
- #27 ZANGEKI WARP
81% matchMostly Positive79% of 48 reviews2017
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Take control of the hyperdimensional fighter craft ‘ZanFighter’ and use its advanced warp functions to defeat an army of space beasts controlled by an evil scientist!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Shooter 11.7%, Robots 8.4%, Action 6.8%
- #28 Flying Red Barrel - The Diary of a Little Aviator
78% matchVery Positive96% of 113 reviews2020
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Flying Red Barrel ~The Diary of a Little Aviator~ is an old-school bullet hell/STG game with multiple endings based on actions you take.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Action 17.7%, Shooter 15.6%, Anime 13.6%
- #29 STURMWIND EX
78% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Shooter 11.5%, Sci-fi 7.8%
- #30 Zero Wing
76% matchVery Positive88% of 80 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Side Scroller 22.2%, 1980s 14.8%, 1990's 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%
- #31 The Rush
75% matchPositive91% of 32 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 21.8%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Shooter 12%, 1980s 8%
- #32 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
77% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Side Scroller 14.3%, 1980s 11.8%, Shooter 11%
- #33 RagingBlasters
74% matchVery Positive99% of 124 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Shooter 16.5%, 1980s 10.4%, Bullet Hell 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 8%
- #34 Art Strikers
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Friendly Fire Software
Windows
Draw your path to victory in Art Strikers! A unique art themed bullet hell shoot-em-up that looks and plays like a beautiful work of art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Cartoon 12.8%, Shooter 11.4%
- #35 ARMED SEVEN
75% matchVery Positive91% of 80 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Robots 10.6%, 1980s 9.7%
- #36 Akai Katana Shin
72% matchVery Positive96% of 107 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Shooter 16%, Action 6.9%
- #37 Cosmic Destroyer
76% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Turn the incoming swarm of deadly bullets into your own weapon of chaos in this precision STG bullet hell. Grab and toss enemies, dodge and deflect torrents of bullets, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Bullet Hell 19%, Shooter 11.3%, 1980s 6.9%
- #38 Rangerdog
74% matchPositive91% of 11 reviews2021
Dev: OOEGAMESPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Save the universe with Rangerdog! A cute retro-style side-scrolling shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Cartoon 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Shooter 9.3%
- #39 COTTOn 2 - Saturn Tribute
73% matchMixed68% of 34 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Set in the Pumpkin Kingdom which has lost its national treasure—the "Bluewater Willow," this brain-stimulating action-shooter follows Cotton, a witch with the biggest appetite in the universe, and Appli, the most tomboyish girl in the royal family.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 14.3%, 1990's 12.9%, Comedy 7.9%
- #40 Chromacell
71% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: 171Dev
Windows
In this sideways scrolling shmup, take control of your spaceship and navigate through vibrant pixelated environments filled with hordes of enemy spacecraft. Upgrade your ship and weapons, dodge enemy fire while blasting through each stage. Emerge victorious as the ultimate space pilot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 12.2%, 1980s 8.1%
- #41 Is It Wrong to Try to Shoot 'em Up Girls in a Dungeon?
71% matchVery Positive92% of 248 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: PQube
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Enjoy a free shoot'em up side-scrolling mini-game with the characters from the anime and JRPG DanMachi, and fight through stages of bullet hell and bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Shooter 11.7%, Anime 7.4%
- #42 The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis
70% matchPositive92% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: Minimum Wage MediaPub: holo Indie
Windows
The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis is a vertical shoot 'em up game where you control Ninomae Ina'nis from Hololive Myth and her companion AO-chan.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Shooter 19.3%, Casual 12.8%, Action 12.4%, Anime 11.2%
- #43 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
73% 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 34%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Anime 10.1%, Shooter 8.2%, Action 7.3%
- #44 Kamikaze Empire
73% matchNo user reviews2026
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 20.4%, Side Scroller 16%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Anime 9.1%, Shooter 8.6%
- #45 Herodes
71% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: TecnoloGilsPub: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Pilot a miniaturized ship and save humanity from the inside out! Herodes is a fast-paced action SHMUP where you enter the human body to hunt a deadly virus. Destroy organic defenses and survive visceral bosses in this tribute to genre classics.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Shooter 13%, Science 6.3%
- #46 ZPF
69% matchMostly Positive76% of 21 reviews2026
Dev: ZPF TeamPub: Mega Cat Studios
Windows
ZPF is a retro-inspired horizontal shooter originally designed for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Blast your way through a cosmic gauntlet of epic boss battles, addictive scoring, and hidden secrets in a thrilling arcade-style adventure through fantasy, sci-fi, and alien-themed worlds.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 10.7%, Robots 8.1%
- #47 StanÇact -Sexy Tenacious Girls-
70% match5 user reviews40% of 5 reviews2023
Dev: marumellon
Windows
『StanÇact』is a cute and sexy girl-on-girl SHOOT'EM UP. Mai, a military officer, is on her way to quell a riot, but the rioters and the military have teamed up and are on the rampage and the head of the military was the ringleader.Witness one woman's struggle to complete her mission amidst the chaos!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 16.5%, 1980s 11.5%, Shooter 10.2%, 1990's 8.7%
- #48 Lilac 0
67% matchVery Positive95% of 75 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 31%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Shooter 13.7%, Futuristic 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%
- #49 Thunder Tiger
72% matchNo user reviews2026
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 23.7%, Side Scroller 19.9%, 1980s 11.6%, Shooter 9.6%, 1990's 8.8%
- #50 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
70% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: Pixel Bones Studio
Windows
Pig Ship and the Giant Wolf is a classic Shoot'em Up with a 8btis monochrome aesthetic. Cross the 6 worlds full of enemies and defeat the Giant Wolf to save your brothers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Side Scroller 13.9%, 1980s 12.4%, Shooter 10.1%
- #51 BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted
68% matchPositive94% of 48 reviews2023
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
A PIONEER OF THE BULLET HELL GENRE BY TOAPLAN IS BACK!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Shooter 14.4%, 1990's 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%
- #52 Neptunia Shooter
68% matchVery Positive88% of 740 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 66.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Anime 11.7%, Cute 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #53 Automatic Eltron
69% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Elysion CD
Windows
A side-scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by 8-bit games and 80s Sci-Fi movies. Play as Automatic Eltron, a cybernetic law enforcer, and save the city from the machine domination.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Side Scroller 13%, 1980s 12.5%, Shooter 9.8%, Bullet Hell 9%
- #54 Librarian of Aquademia : The Forbidden Grimoire
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Shrimp0ster
Windows
An auto-2D side-scroller shoot'em up game that aims to be beginner-friendly for someone who has never experienced a shoot'em up bullet hell game before.
Why similar: Side Scroller 24.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Shooter 12.9%, Casual 5.4%
- #55 Bad Chicken
67% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Coquibyte Games
Windows
Bad Chicken is a retro styled sideway scrolling shoot-em-up inspired by the retro classics. It takes place in 8 locations in the Ferus system, each one with different challenges, and dangers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Shooter 11.5%, Comedy 6.5%
- #56 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
64% matchPositive86% of 28 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 30.6%, Side Scroller 22%, Shooter 14.1%, 1990's 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #57 The X-Type
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Shooter 10.9%, 1980s 8.2%
- #58 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
66% 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 23.3%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Shooter 15%, 1980s 12.9%, 1990's 9.3%
- #59 Space Dragons
63% matchPositive87% of 39 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Choose your spaceship and defeat the alien threat that comes from the Moon. Blast your way crushing, ripping apart and exploding hostile aliens that are taking control of powerful weapons and military technology from Earth. Find the entity that controls the threat and make it explode into blood.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Shooter 9.9%, 1990's 9.3%