- #1 Gates of Zendocon
97% 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 20.2%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Retro 11.1%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 7.3%
- #2 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
96% matchPositive84% of 31 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 22.4%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Shooter 8.9%, 1990's 7.4%, Score Attack 7.2%
- #3 Frutz
96% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Broken Walls Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Dodge, dash, and blast through five handcrafted worlds in a fast pixel-art arcade shooter built for score chasing, boss fights, and perfect runs. Free demo available.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Score Attack 13.5%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Arcade 8.2%, Shooter 7.6%
- #4 Thundering Skies
95% matchMostly Positive71% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Flat Voxel
Windows
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Old School 12.3%, Arcade 8.5%, Score Attack 7.7%
- #5 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
94% 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 22.2%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 10.3%, 1990's 8.1%
- #6 Thunder Tiger
94% 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 20.3%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Score Attack 10.4%, Arcade 8.7%, Shooter 7.1%
- #7 Zero Wing
92% 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 20%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Score Attack 10.7%, Old School 8.5%, Arcade 8.5%
- #8 Icarus
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Denis EvansPub: Japster's Cavern
Windows
Icarus, a classic side-scrolling space shoot-em-up tribute! - Thumping soundtrack, Bosses, Multiples, Power-ups, Secrets, BIG levels... ...Give the (free) work in progress / teaser demo a try!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Retro 8.9%, Old School 7%, Aliens 6.5%
- #9 Exile Squadron
91% matchPositive86% of 22 reviews2019
Dev: One Bit Studio
Windows · Linux
In this sidescrolling shoot ‘em up, you are the top pilot of the Exile Squadron, who has to stop the invading colonial forces. Unlock and upgrade an array of tactically diverse weapons, complete bonus objectives and compete with other players on the online leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Difficult 11%, Score Attack 9.3%, Old School 7.8%
- #10 Spacewing War
90% matchPositive92% of 13 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 24.1%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 8.9%, Old School 8%
- #11 Star Aegis
89% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Felipe Silva
Windows · Linux
A shmup without shooting. Reflect the bullets with one of your two shields. Bite-sized arcade action. Cover humankind's retreat and make it count.
Why similar: Side Scroller 14.5%, Score Attack 11.5%, Old School 10.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 8.7%, Arcade 8.4%
- #12 ASTROXION
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Branec Games
Windows
Pilot a powerful starfighter through an endless alien invasion. Rescue the Cubes, survive relentless alien waves, and chase the ultimate high score in this fast-paced arcade space shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 18%, Arcade 11.7%, Old School 9.5%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #13 Space Invaders Extreme
89% matchVery Positive87% of 272 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 17.4%, Difficult 10.3%, Score Attack 9.6%, Old School 8.3%, Shooter 7.9%
- #14 Syder Reloaded
87% matchPositive92% of 25 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Difficult 9.4%, Shooter 8.7%, Arcade 8.2%
- #15 Suicide Runners
88% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Retro 9.5%, Arcade 9.5%, Score Attack 7.7%
- #16 Cosmic Cruiser
86% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: ImaginePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this unique shooter from 1984. take on the role of a pilot of an out-dated Cosmic Cruiser, fighting to rescue the crew of a distant space station that had been captured by a raiding party from the sinister Rallom Empire.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Shooter 13.7%, Retro 10.9%, Score Attack 9.6%, Arcade 9.4%
- #17 Space Warpster
84% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: AMAMiZU games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Arcade 9.3%, Retro 8.8%, Old School 8.6%
- #18 Neoteria
84% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: OrangepixelPub: HandyGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
A classic shoot-em up where you avoid waves and waves of enemies coming and shooting at you. This is NOT a Bullet hell shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Old School 17.4%, Retro 10.6%, 1990's 8.8%, Action 7.2%
- #19 Offendron Warrior
85% matchVery Positive86% 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 18.5%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Difficult 11.7%, Old School 10.4%, Shooter 8.5%
- #20 Schildmaid MX
83% 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 22.6%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Retro 8.9%, Score Attack 8.4%, Shooter 8%
- #21 DRUNKEN BARON
86% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Florian Schäfer
Windows
DRUNKEN BARON is a fast-paced 2D arcade shooter inspired by classic flappy-style games. Keep your plane in the air by tapping the button, fly through chaotic corridors, shoot invading aliens, drop bombs, and survive as long as you can!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 10.6%, Old School 10.1%
- #22 Astro Attack
82% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Blocky Pixel
Windows
A single-stick arcade shoot 'em up inspired by the golden years of retro gaming. Blast to the synthwave beat to combine powerups and destroy waves of invaders. Complete missions, compete on leaderboards, discover secrets, and unlock over 80 unique ships from every era of gaming.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Score Attack 17.3%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Arcade 7.9%, Shooter 7.5%
- #23 Airstrife: Assault of the Aviators
82% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2021
Dev: Kenisoft Game Studio
Windows
Use Aileron Rolling or Evading your enemies' attacks while having a realistic damage system. Use different planes with upgradable parts and numerous weapons you can mount to your planes to destroy your enemies. Fly solo or play with your friends and enjoy local coop. A modern re-invented classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Side Scroller 14%, Score Attack 9.8%, Difficult 9.4%, Futuristic 8.4%
- #24 Habroxia
81% matchPositive97% of 33 reviews2023
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives, and untold surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.6%, 1990's 7.4%
- #25 Star Hunter DX
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 32 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Betrayed by her cut-throat crew, Luna Starr - former Space Pirate Captain turned bounty hunter - has a score to settle. As Luna, travel to 5 exotic planets to track down your mutinous mates, and face them in Bullet Hell dogfights to the death!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Score Attack 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Futuristic 7.5%
- #26 Habroxia 2
78% matchVery Positive92% of 63 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 25.5%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Shooter 12.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 8.6%
- #27 INNBC STARFIGHTER
77% matchMostly Positive64% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Jonathan Fior Pub: Innovative Bioresearch
Windows
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Shooter 9.6%, Arcade 8.2%, Old School 8.1%
- #28 Gun Rage
79% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 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 17.6%, Old School 13.8%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Difficult 10.6%, Retro 8.8%
- #29 R-Type Dimensions III
79% matchMixed40% of 61 reviews2026
Dev: KRITZELKRATZ 3000Pub: ININ
Windows
Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds, expanded gameplay modes, and a range of new features designed to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Shooter 10.2%, Old School 5.7%, 1990's 5.6%
- #30 RESHOOTER
76% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: spieleschreiber
Windows · Mac · Linux
RESHOOTER offers heart-pounding shoot-em-up action that elevates classic arcade gameplay to the next level. Dive into the retroflow with electrifying visuals, immersive audio, and captivating mechanics.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Old School 12.8%, Score Attack 11.5%, Retro 9.4%, Arcade 9.3%
- #31 Stellar Nemesis
80% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Perun Games Studio
Windows
A high-definition arcade shooter blending old-school action with modern polish. Battle across the Solar System, upgrade your weapons, and unlock tougher challenges in Nemesis Mode - all set to a hypnotic, retro-electro soundtrack.
Why similar: Old School 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Retro 11.4%, Shooter 10.3%
- #32 VARYZNEX
74% matchVery Positive98% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: zakichi
Windows
classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Score Attack 11.6%, Old School 8.4%, Shooter 7.9%
- #33 Stellar Raid
77% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 25.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Retro 10.3%, Shooter 6.2%
- #34 1993 Space Machine
78% matchMostly Positive70% of 384 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 15.4%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Score Attack 10.3%, Difficult 8.1%, Old School 8%
- #35 Invaders from the Lost Sectors
75% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: The Lost Sectors
Windows
Invaders from the Lost Sectors is classic arcade action. Aliens descend with increasing speed towards your base. Shoot them all before they land. Player controlled settings like guided missiles, rate of fire, enemy speed and more help you customize exactly the game experience that you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10.8%, Score Attack 10.6%, Sci-fi 6.5%
- #36 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
76% 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 21.9%, Side Scroller 15%, Retro 10.7%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8.3%
- #37 Bit Blaster XL
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,157 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 17.7%, Difficult 11.6%, Score Attack 10.8%, Old School 9.5%, Shooter 8.4%
- #38 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
73% 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 22.1%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 10.3%, Old School 8.9%, 1990's 7.6%
- #39 UfoPilot : The Phadt Menace - Steam Edition
73% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: nornware AB
Windows
A sci-fi retro side-scrolling shoot-em-up / rescue game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8.9%, Old School 8.7%
- #40 Promethium
74% 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 26.2%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Difficult 11.2%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 9.4%
- #41 Venkazoid Blast
73% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Phillip Herrera
Windows
You are Vakimoh. They are the Venkazoids. Fight for your life in this quick and brutal arcade-style shooter. Can you escape your cage?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Score Attack 15.9%, Arcade 11.9%, Old School 11.1%, Aliens 8%
- #42 Asteroid Blasters
72% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Blast through endless waves of asteroids, unlock powerful ships, collect devastating upgrades, and survive the ultimate retro-inspired arcade space shooter alone or with a friend.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Old School 12.6%, Shooter 10.5%, 1990's 10%, Arcade 9.6%
- #43 Cosmic Cleaner
71% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2023
Dev: CRUSTSLICE
Windows
A stylish sci-fi arcade shooter about cleansing the galaxy of pesky demons! Cosmic Cleaner is a fast-paced, high score chasing action game that progressively gets more challenging. Designed for quick and easy fun.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Score Attack 16.1%, Retro 11.4%, Arcade 11.4%, Action 8%
- #44 StanÇact -Sexy Tenacious Girls-
71% 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 22.4%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 8.8%, Old School 7.9%, 1990's 7.6%
- #45 SPACEMAN
68% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Colton Crawford
Windows · Mac
SPACEMAN is a short, nostalgic, retro Shoot-Em-Up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Retro 9.8%, 1990's 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%
- #46 ZURD HUNT
75% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: DVPub: David Vecchione
Windows
In the year 2,000,000,009, a team of bounty hunters infiltrates a massive facility swarming with hostile AI. Can they find Zurd?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Retro 11.4%, Arcade 9.9%, Action 7.9%
- #47 VERZEUS
69% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Side Scroller 18%, Retro 9.8%, Shooter 8.4%, Arcade 8.2%
- #48 Chromacell
68% 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 22.8%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Shooter 10.7%, Arcade 9.2%, Score Attack 9.2%
- #49 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%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Old School 8.8%, Shooter 8.7%, Difficult 8.7%
- #50 Probe
70% matchPositive85% of 26 reviews2020
Dev: Nate Bit Games
Windows
A challenging 2D block breaker featuring arcade elements and a modern spin on the popular retro games. Destroy data blocks and galactic enemies using only your probe, bullets and power ups but don't lose your ball to the void. Do you have what it takes to reach the end of the universe?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Score Attack 15.5%, Difficult 14.2%, Retro 9.2%, Arcade 9%
- #51 Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE
66% matchPositive91% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Cat Hui Trading LLCPub: AMATA Games
Windows
A spectacular, satisfying, and super-watchable defense battle! The ultimate 8-bit shoot 'em ups born in the 21st century, ""Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE"", is now on Steam!
Why similar: Side Scroller 19.4%, Shooter 12.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.2%, Aliens 8.5%, Sci-fi 7.6%
- #52 Moon Dancer
68% matchPositive95% of 40 reviews2022
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Moon Dancer is a vertically scrolling shmup featuring an exhilarating lock-on laser.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Score Attack 18%, Shooter 12.9%, Retro 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #53 Meteor Storm
69% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2021
Dev: Z Sculpt Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Welcome back to 1996! This shared screen space shooter is the perfect 4-player competitive game for some casual fun!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Old School 11.3%, Shooter 10.7%, Arcade 9.7%, 1990's 9.2%
- #54 Absolute Blue
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 55 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%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Old School 11%, Shooter 8.7%, 1990's 8%
- #55 Gray Goo
65% match6 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Glitch Nomads
Windows
Gray goo is a short retro arcade shooter with lots of upgrades. This game is about destroying goo in space and saving the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Retro 11.5%, Shooter 8.3%, Space 7.9%
- #56 Pewt 'em Up!
65% 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 23.4%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 10.8%, Futuristic 10.2%, Aliens 8.9%
- #57 Escape 2 Space
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Shooter 11.3%, Arcade 10.3%, Futuristic 8.5%
- #58 Beekyr Reloaded
67% matchVery Positive86% of 98 reviews2017
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The giant hornets have destroyed your hive and taken the pollen. Fight the swarms alone or with a friend and destroy the dangerous hornet queen! The insect world is very dangerous but... what are you waiting for to get your revenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Difficult 12.5%, Score Attack 9.6%, Shooter 9%
- #59 Stop the Saturnians!
67% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Jeff Sinasac
Windows
Stop the Saturnians is a shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Dodge enemy fire, destroy procedurally generated alien waves and fight massive bosses. Collect resources in the midst of combat to upgrade your ship or improve Earth's defenses. Protect yourself and the planet both!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Old School 12.1%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 9%, Retro 7.4%
- #60 Full Moon Rush
65% matchPositive95% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: Silkworm
Windows
Take on a howling challenge in Full Moon Rush! This classic shoot 'em up is a bullet hell masterpiece with a boss rush twist. With 15 epic battles and old-school graphics, you'll need expert shooting skills to survive. Customizable health and Assist Mode make it accessible to all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Difficult 13.6%, Shooter 8.8%, Old School 7.5%