- #1 Centipede: Recharged
97% matchVery Positive84% of 172 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Blast bugs and chase high scores in this glorious revival of an old-school classic, all while jamming to a heart-pounding original score by Megan McDuffee. Play solo or tag in a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 20.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 10%, Score Attack 8.2%
- #2 Black Widow: Recharged
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 53 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend your spider web from an onslaught of bugs in this frenetic revival of the cult classic twin-stick shooter, all while jamming to an infectious original score by Megan McDuffee. Play solo or tag in a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Shooter 11.9%, 1980s 10.6%, Arcade 10.4%, Score Attack 8.2%
- #3 Yars: Recharged
96% matchVery Positive86% of 124 reviews2022
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot from affar or get nibble away up-close and personal in a boss-rush, bullet-dodging revival of the 1982 Atari classic title, Yars' Revenge. Take on 60 unique enemy encounters alone or with a friend in local co-op.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Shooter 11.1%, 1980s 9.6%, Arcade 9.3%
- #4 Sky Force Reloaded
95% matchVery Positive93% of 2,723 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Top-Down Shooter 20.2%, Arcade 10%, Score Attack 9.4%, Local Co-Op 7.5%
- #5 Breakout: Recharged
94% matchMostly Positive78% of 128 reviews2022
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 37%
The original brick breaker returns with its toughest challenge yet. Survive as long as you can in arcade or take on one of 50 challenges picking up game-changing power-ups along the way.
Why similar: 1980s 21.5%, Arcade 17.4%, Score Attack 13.8%, Colorful 10.3%, Retro 8.6%
- #6 Gravitar: Recharged
94% matchVery Positive84% of 57 reviews2022
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
The cult classic Gravitar has been Recharged. Complete missions in each solar system, navigating a variety of challenging environments, each with varying levels of gravity that will test your skills as a pilot before unlocking new solar systems to explore.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.5%, Arcade 22.8%, Space 16.2%, Action 13.6%, Combat 5.9%
- #7 Zero Wing
93% matchVery Positive88% of 84 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 21.8%, 1980s 10%, Score Attack 9.8%, Arcade 9.8%, Space 9.5%
- #8 Missile Command: Recharged
92% matchVery Positive91% of 54 reviews2022
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend your cities from an assault of missiles, planes, tanks, and more! Play solo or with a friend in co-op in this modern reimagining of the arcade classic.
Why similar: Shooter 18.2%, 1980s 18.1%, Arcade 15.9%, Score Attack 10.8%, Colorful 9.1%
- #9 Solaroids
91% matchVery Positive96% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Chad YatesPub: DynF/X Digital LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Classic Asteroids® updated with modern gameplay and perfected controls. Explore hazardous environments and sneak around asteroids to surprise attack giant bosses. Upgrade your ship to use additional power-ups. Single player or fight with up to 3 friends with intense local coop.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 19.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Score Attack 9.7%, Shooter 9.4%, Space 9%
- #10 Sky Force Anniversary
91% matchVery Positive92% of 2,157 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Arcade 9.8%, Score Attack 7.6%, Shooter 7%
- #11 Truxton
89% matchVery Positive94% of 111 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Top-Down Shooter 18.7%, 1980s 10.5%, Arcade 9.2%, Old School 8.4%
- #12 Space Invaders Extreme
90% matchVery Positive87% of 267 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Shooter 11.1%, Score Attack 10.3%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 9.8%
- #13 Truxton 2
89% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The sequel to Toaplan’s shoot ‘em up masterpiece Truxton is a thrilling insane space action with an unforgiving difficulty level. Enjoy the visually stunning pixel graphics and vibrant music as you dodge the high-speed bullet rain and take on tough bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Top-Down Shooter 20.5%, Space 10.2%, Arcade 8.9%, Old School 8.3%
- #14 XIIZEAL
87% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Shooter 9%, Score Attack 8.1%, Arcade 7.3%
- #15 Super Bit Blaster XL
85% matchVery Positive94% of 884 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Arcade 9.6%, Score Attack 9.4%, 1980s 9.3%, Space 8.9%
- #16 Berzerk: Recharged
86% matchMixed64% of 59 reviews2023
Dev: SneakyBoxPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Blast your way through an endless maze inhabited by deadly robots and their invulnerable, menacing master Evil Otto. Tag in a friend in local co-op to help you survive this twin-stick revival of an arcade classic.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 24.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Shooter 11.9%, Score Attack 10.3%, Arcade 10%
- #17 DELTAZEAL
86% matchMostly Positive76% of 82 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Arcade 7.3%, Local Co-Op 5.8%, Score Attack 5.7%
- #18 Caverns of Mars: Recharged
84% matchMostly Positive78% of 59 reviews2023
Dev: SneakyBoxPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Race through caverns while blasting away enemies and terrain to reach the depths of Mars in this reimagining of the 1981 classic.
Why similar: Shooter 15.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Score Attack 12.8%, Space 12.4%, Sci-fi 9.1%
- #19 Out Zone
84% matchVery Positive90% of 72 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, 1980s 10.3%, Score Attack 8.3%, Arcade 7.9%
- #20 Bit Blaster XL
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,154 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Shooter 11.6%, Score Attack 11.4%, Space 10.6%, Arcade 9.7%
- #21 DoDonPachi Resurrection
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,065 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Shooter 8.7%, Score Attack 8.6%, Space 8%
- #22 Xenoraid: The First Space War
83% matchVery Positive87% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Score Attack 12.5%, Shooter 10.9%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 9.5%
- #23 Crisis Wing
81% matchVery Positive90% of 90 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Top-Down Shooter 20.4%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 7.6%, Score Attack 7.6%
- #24 Sophstar
79% matchVery Positive100% of 107 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 20.1%, Top-Down Shooter 19.7%, Shooter 8.2%, Space 8.1%, Score Attack 8%
- #25 Super Hydorah
81% matchVery Positive87% of 320 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Arcade 15.7%, Retro 10.3%, Action 7.4%, 2D 5.6%
- #26 RagingBlasters
79% 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 26.1%, Shooter 12.6%, Score Attack 12.4%, 1980s 7%, Local Co-Op 7%
- #27 Super Destronaut
80% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2016
Dev: Petite Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Space 12.6%, 1980s 10%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 9.2%
- #28 Layer Section™ & Galactic Attack™ S-Tribute
78% matchVery Positive80% of 50 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Layer Section, the home console port of arcade game RayForce is back with new features and online ranking. Use the new lock-on laser function to defeat multiple enemies at once for a higher score in this gorgeous 2D vertical shooting game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Top-Down Shooter 21.8%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 10.7%, Space 8.1%
- #29 Steredenn: Binary Stars
77% matchVery Positive88% of 964 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 68.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Score Attack 12.9%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 10.4%, Local Co-Op 7.6%
- #30 Akka Arrh
76% matchVery Positive85% of 67 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Akka Arrh is a modern take on a scrapped project from the 1980s, providing players with a fast-paced, addictive, arcade shooter experience and psychedelic visuals. Protect your life rings as you chain together combos and go for a high score!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 9.7%, Space 7.6%
- #31 Enemy Mind
77% matchVery Positive85% of 798 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Space 13.6%, Shooter 12.9%, Arcade 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #32 FullBlast
78% matchMostly Positive71% of 87 reviews2016
Dev: UFO Crash Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Top-Down Shooter 20.7%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Local Co-Op 8.1%
- #33 Grand Brix Shooter
75% matchVery Positive93% of 84 reviews2019
Dev: Intragames
Windows
Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Space 14.7%, Shooter 13.6%, Arcade 11.8%, Sci-fi 10%
- #34 Polygoneer
75% matchMostly Positive80% of 1,802 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Arcade 12.2%, Score Attack 10.4%, 1980s 8.6%
- #35 Pixel Star
76% matchVery Positive84% of 117 reviews2015
Dev: Soul Forge
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Space 47.9%, Arcade 32.6%, Action 19.6%
- #36 Nova Drift
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,511 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Space 15.7%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 13.1%, Retro 8%
- #37 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
71% matchVery Positive97% of 376 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 8.6%, Score Attack 7.9%
- #38 Phoenix 2
70% matchMixed66% of 233 reviews2026
Dev: Firi Games
Windows
A fast-paced shoot 'em up where skill matters. Master over 100 ships, unleash powerful special abilities, and blast through waves of Invaders. Play a new mission every day and climb the world-wide leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14%, Arcade 10.5%, Old School 9.3%, Score Attack 9.1%
- #39 Revolgear Zero
68% matchVery Positive98% of 128 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 34.4%, Space 12.1%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Arcade 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%
- #40 Space Smash
73% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Fast-paced retro shmup where space keeps shrinking. Collect energy orbs, avoid danger, unlock ships, and chase the highest score in this addictive arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Score Attack 12.7%, Space 11.7%, Arcade 10.4%
- #41 1993 Space Machine
74% matchMostly Positive70% of 380 reviews2016
Dev: ExceedPub: Aurora Punks
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Score Attack 11.1%, Space 8.9%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 8.7%
- #42 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
69% matchVery Positive100% of 68 reviews2025
Dev: Dot bloodPub: Targem Games
Windows
Kickback is a top-down shooter with roguelike elements, where shooting is the only way to move. Repel waves of mutants, create combinations of weapons and upgrades to survive at all costs on your own or with a friend in a local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Shooter 11%, 1980s 10.3%, Arcade 9.7%, Old School 9%
- #43 Jamestown+
72% matchVery Positive88% of 249 reviews2019
Dev: Final Form GamesPub: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Local Co-Op 11.3%, Retro 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%
- #44 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
71% matchVery Positive90% of 1,592 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.8%, Arcade 24.2%, Action 10.1%, Score Attack 6.2%, Local Co-Op 6.1%
- #45 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
73% matchVery Positive81% of 104 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Shooter 11.7%, Score Attack 11.2%, Space 11.1%, Arcade 9.5%
- #46 Schildmaid MX
70% 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 26.4%, Shooter 10.3%, Space 9.8%, Arcade 9.2%, Score Attack 8.3%
- #47 Grav Blazer Squared
74% matchMixed41% of 87 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 24.2%, Shooter 12.7%, 1980s 11.5%, Arcade 10.5%, Space 10%
- #48 Vectorium
72% matchMostly Positive78% of 77 reviews2018
Dev: IndigoBlue Game Studio
Windows
Vectorium is a classical, yet intense arcade shooting game. Can you survive those dreadful enemies and barrage of gunfire?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Shooter 14.4%, Arcade 11.3%, Score Attack 11.2%, Space 10.6%
- #49 Pewt 'em Up!
69% 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 27.5%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 13.4%, Space 9.4%, Sci-fi 7.4%
- #50 Platypus Reclayed
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 666 reviews2025
Dev: Claymatic Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 56%
22 years after its first appearance, the iconic Platypus is coming back, featuring updated gameplay, new weapons and additional content. Get ready to dive into the heart-pounding action of this fast, frantic, and incredibly fun arcade-style shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Shooter 13.3%, Old School 10.9%, Arcade 9.5%, Local Co-Op 8.8%
- #51 Space War: Infinity
71% matchVery Positive90% of 127 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Vertical semi-procedural shmup with upgrades, real-time enemy waves, and infinite replayability. Level up your ship, unlock 20+ weapons, defeat 5 bosses, and survive endless bullet-hell combat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13.4%, Score Attack 12.2%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 8.9%
- #52 Cloud Cutter
69% matchVery Positive88% of 128 reviews2021
Dev: Just Two ltd.
Windows
Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Top-Down Shooter 23.3%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 12.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%
- #53 Space Elite Force
70% matchVery Positive89% of 187 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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 25.5%, Score Attack 11%, Space 10.8%, Arcade 10.7%, Old School 8.4%
- #54 Grav Blazer
73% matchMixed48% of 161 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 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: Top-Down Shooter 19.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Shooter 10.9%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 9.5%
- #55 Eigengrau
67% matchVery Positive100% of 94 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Score Attack 12.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Shooter 10.7%, Arcade 10.2%
- #56 Rocky Mayhem
66% matchPositive88% of 52 reviews2024
Dev: SepSlitherPub: Frederik Holst
Windows
Systems are down and require time to repair, leaving you with a basic gunship with no hopes of escaping an aggressive asteroid event. Will you be able to survive the increasingly difficult 6 minutes to repair the ship's functions and escape? Also discover a variety of genres, all in one game!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 20.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, 1980s 10.4%, Shooter 10.1%, Arcade 9.7%
- #57 Space Elite Force II
68% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Score Attack 12.7%, Space 11%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 9%
- #58 Void Resurgence
64% matchVery Positive94% of 72 reviews2025
Dev: Puza Games
Windows · Mac
Command a starship in Void Resurgence, a retro-futuristic space roguelite. Battle through colorful cosmic fields, collect upgrades, and build your ultimate ship. Dodge intense bullet-hell patterns and fight for survival. Every run offers new challenges and permanent progress.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 27.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Score Attack 14.4%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 9.8%
- #59 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
67% matchVery Positive91% of 1,104 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.
Why similar: Arcade 28.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Shooter 13.8%, Retro 13%, Score Attack 8.6%