- #1 Lazy Galaxy: Rebel Story
97% matchPositive88% of 43 reviews2018
Dev: Coldwild Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Start a Rebellion! Lead your ships to take down the evil O'Xelg base in this squad-based shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.6%, Action 11.2%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Bullet Hell 10%, Indie 8.1%
- #2 Starr Mazer: DSP
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 271 reviews2016
Dev: Imagos SoftworksPub: Digital Tribe
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 58%
The UNFP's been kicked in the teeth by a G'ell invasion force and their last and only hope is a planetary outpost and its fleet of experimental DSP MkI Forward Assault Fighters and anyone marshal enough to strap into one and forcefully accept some apologies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Bullet Hell 10.6%, Action 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Side Scroller 8.6%
- #3 Syder Arcade
96% matchVery Positive84% of 694 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Action 8.1%, Space 8.1%, Side Scroller 7.9%
- #4 Syder Reloaded
95% matchPositive96% of 23 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 16.5%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Space 10.6%, Difficult 7.7%
- #5 STURMWIND EX
94% 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 18.8%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Space 10.9%, Action 10.7%
- #6 Tri-Star
94% matchPositive100% of 14 reviews2021
Dev: Stardust Smithy
Windows
Tri-Star is an endless horizontal-scrolling space shooter featuring Roguelike and Roguelite elements. Blast through waves of enemies and battle against arduous bosses. Form a squadron of three unique ships from an expanding roster and equip them with upgrades as you engage in a battle for survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, Space 10.5%, Roguelite 8.3%
- #7 Jets'n'Guns Gold
93% matchVery Positive87% of 1,531 reviews2014
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Side Scroller 14%, Bullet Hell 6.9%, Action 6.3%
- #8 Enemy Mind
92% 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 18.4%, Space 12.9%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Shooter 8.3%
- #9 Really Big Sky
91% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,891 reviews2012
Dev: Boss BaddiePub: Ripstone
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Indie 16.3%, Space 13.6%, Action 11.5%, Bullet Hell 11.1%
- #10 Space Moth DX
91% matchVery Positive80% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Action 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Indie 10.3%
- #11 Star Saviors
90% matchVery Positive82% of 1,685 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Space 9.6%, Action 8.1%
- #12 BULLETnico
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Difficult 10.9%, Action 8.3%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #13 Polygon Attack
89% matchVery Positive88% of 273 reviews2016
Dev: Magnolia Art
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!
Why similar: Space 13.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Indie 9.1%
- #14 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
88% matchVery Positive84% of 615 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 25.2%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Action 9.7%, Indie 7.5%, Arcade 7%
- #15 Distant Space
86% matchVery Positive82% of 3,372 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 23.6%, Space 15%, Arcade 9.1%, Bullet Hell 7.9%, Difficult 7.5%
- #16 Promethium
87% 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 22.2%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Indie 13.9%, Action 13.2%, Difficult 9.3%
- #17 ZeroRanger
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,191 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Action 7.5%, Indie 6.9%
- #18 Habroxia 2
85% matchVery Positive92% of 62 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 22.1%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Action 15.7%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 10.7%
- #19 Escape 2 Space
84% 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 18.2%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Space 10.4%, Shooter 9.4%
- #20 NARWHAR Project Hornwhale
84% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2019
Dev: AB
Windows
NARWHAR Project Hornwhale - the ray themed roaming 16-bit style action shmup.
Why similar: Action 18.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Adventure 17.5%, Indie 14.5%, Side Scroller 14.2%
- #21 Clusterbug
83% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Visionair GamesPub: Mediacollege Amsterdam
Windows
Clusterbug is a space-themed, insect-filled, and futuristic bullet hell shoot 'em up. Travel through the insect-filled world as you cleanse it from a bio-mechanical virus that has turned any living being infected by it into frenzied mech mutations, bringing freedom and peace.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Action 11.3%, Arcade 9.3%, Space 8.3%
- #22 Sisyphus Paradox
80% matchPositive89% of 28 reviews2026
Dev: Unruly Mob
Windows
Sisyphus Paradox is a fusion of roguelike tactical elements with classic side-scrolling shoot 'em up gameplay. Explore and fight your way across the galaxy as you try to get back home to Earth in this hand drawn indie game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Side Scroller 20%, Roguelite 13.8%, Roguelike 8.8%, Shooter 8.7%
- #23 Vulture Strike
82% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Vulture Strike
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vulture Strike is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you have the ability to travel between 2 parallel timelines whenever you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Action 14.9%, Difficult 12.2%, Side Scroller 10.3%
- #24 The Rush
81% matchPositive91% of 33 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 19.3%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Shooter 9%, Arcade 8.1%
- #25 Black Paradox
82% matchMixed68% of 133 reviews2019
Dev: Fantastico Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Roguelite 12.6%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Action 9.3%
- #26 Creepy Road
81% matchMixed69% of 140 reviews2018
Dev: Groovy Milk
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 45%
The world has gone mad and Flint Trucker must go down a long, creepy road to get back home and save his beloved Angelina. Blast your guns across different scenarios to fight hordes of ravenous beasts and bloodthirsty enemies.Will you survive?
Why similar: Action 15.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Indie 11.6%
- #27 Ernesto's Asteroid Arcade
79% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: xen-42
Windows · Linux
Shoot lasers in space because a fish told you to. Ernesto's Asteroid Arcade is a twin-stick side-scrolling space shoot-em-up which tells the story of a man side-scrolling in space and shooting-em-up with twin-sticks. This game has at least 2 characters in it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Action 16.3%, Adventure 14.3%, Side Scroller 14%, Arcade 10.4%
- #28 Offendron Warrior
79% 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 17.1%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, Difficult 10.6%, Space 10.6%
- #29 Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 - Ninpo Blast
78% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Jump on your hoverbike and blast off for unlimited ninja-themed bullet hell mayhem!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Roguelite 15.2%, Action 9.6%, Shooter 9.5%
- #30 R-Type Final 2
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 822 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 27.2%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Action 10.6%, Shooter 10.6%, Space 10.1%
- #31 Quiberon Zeta
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Genteel
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot stuff and earn $pacecoin in this wonderfully generic shmup.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 15%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Action 14.4%, Roguelite 12.8%, Shooter 10.1%
- #32 Drone Break
78% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: James H. Van der MeulenPub: Trash Vomit Studios
Windows
Run and Gun Roguelite where the goal is to upgrade each consecutive alien drone on death so the next can strive to become overpowered enough to escape the all consuming hive mind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Space 13.4%, Bullet Hell 13%, Roguelite 12.8%, Sci-fi 8.2%
- #33 Peace Data
76% matchVery Positive90% of 209 reviews2020
Dev: BITach
Windows
Peace Data — hard "Roguelike" game, in which you have to play for Bitard, saving Rusland from the tyranny of the authorities that destroyed the opposition and led the country to ruin, making slaves of citizens.
Why similar: Action 17.6%, Adventure 16.9%, Indie 13.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.9%, Roguelite 9.3%
- #34 tz mini stg collection
74% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Action 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Arcade 11.1%
- #35 Cosmic Survivor
75% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Aoki Games
Windows
Cosmic Survivor is a space arcade survival game: pilot unique ships, face waves of meteors, alien swarms, and colossal bosses while unlocking weapons, achievements, and new challenges.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Action 14%, Space 10.7%, Shooter 10.2%
- #36 Earth Atlantis
76% matchMixed56% of 90 reviews2019
Dev: Pixel PerfexPub: Headup
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 35%
Earth Atlantis is a side-scrolling shooter with an original "Monster-Hunting" gameplay. Search and hunt down dreadful sea monsters and explore the post-apocalyptic underwater world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 16%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Action 10.1%
- #37 Graceful Explosion Machine
75% matchPositive81% of 47 reviews2017
Dev: Vertex Pop
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Skillfully pilot the Graceful Explosion Machine, a fighter ship armed with a ludicrously overpowered quad-weapon array! Lost in deep space, you'll shoot, dash and combo your way through jewel-hued uncharted planets, fighting an alien armada to find a way home.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Action 17.2%, Indie 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, Space 9.2%
- #38 SATAZIUS
74% 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 19.3%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Space 8%, Arcade 7.1%
- #39 Escape Space
71% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Space 14.4%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Shooter 8.2%
- #40 Star Waker
73% match8 user reviews63% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: From The Bard
Windows
Star Waker allows you to command customizable spaceships with the mission to show your agility in order to save mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Space 13.7%, Difficult 10.4%, Action 8.4%, Indie 7.7%
- #41 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
72% matchVery Positive91% of 404 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Action 7.5%
- #42 Fast Food Fighters
73% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: Unstoppable Studio
Windows
A very unique group of farm animals that tired of the abuse of the big chains of fast food decide to oppose them; Armed and trained to fight, our heroes must make their way through every restaurant and fight to stop their evil machinations... or be cooked in the attempt.
Why similar: Action 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Indie 11.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.4%, Bullet Hell 9.7%
- #43 Dark Old Sun
71% matchVery Positive92% of 53 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.
Why similar: Action 27.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Bullet Hell 12.1%, Space 10.5%, Difficult 8.1%
- #44 Power-Up
72% matchMixed58% of 266 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 23.7%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Bullet Hell 11.7%, Space 11%, Action 10.8%
- #45 Princess Maira: Initiation
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 14 reviews2021
Dev: Termeno, s.r.o.
Windows
First instalment in the series of 2D action side-scrollers, taking place in very distant galaxy and not so distant future. Gameplay main hallmarks are fast-paced laser guns shootouts, punch 'n' kick combats, managing obby-like obstacles, using wits in overcoming deadly traps and witty dialogues.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Action 16.1%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Adventure 14%, Arcade 10.7%
- #46 Huge Enemy - Worldbreakers
71% matchPositive82% of 39 reviews2018
Dev: Huge Enemy Production
Windows · Mac · Linux
Huge Enemy is a horizontal Shoot ‘em up that takes place in a dark sci-fi universe with Japanese influences.
Why similar: Action 20.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Indie 16%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Bullet Hell 14.1%
- #47 Red Ruin
73% matchNo user reviews2019
Dev: David Seifers
Windows
Red Ruin is a Space-Arcade-Shooter, in which you control two ships. Each ship has unique properties and they can switch position with each other. Using the advantages of both ships strategically will bring you victory.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Space 16.6%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Action 15.8%, Difficult 13.8%
- #48 Suicide Runners
69% 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 22.5%, Bullet Hell 14%, Action 14%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Arcade 9.5%
- #49 Invaders Loop
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: hunterllama
Windows
In Invaders Loop, which combines classic arcade spirit with roguelite mechanics, survive relentless waves of enemies raining down from the depths of space, dodge bullets, equip yourself with various items from the market, and defeat epic bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Roguelite 15%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Action 10.8%, Shooter 8%
- #50 Space Foes
70% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Alexandre Yoshinaga
Windows · Linux
A space shooter inspired by old school games. You set the order of the levels, get new weapons and upgrades. Each stage has a boss and a sub-boss with unique skills and challenges.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Action 16.2%, Adventure 15.1%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Indie 12.1%
- #51 Crome: Before Purgatory
69% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2019
Dev: Stumphead Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Inspired by the heyday of 8-bit arcade gaming, Crome: Before Purgatory is an intense space shoot em' up experience. Play as the Galactic Consul's best star pilot, Crome, and fend off endless the hoards of invaders while competing for the top score on the global leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Action 18.6%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Difficult 11.1%, Arcade 8.2%
- #52 The X-Type
69% 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 18.5%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Space 8.6%, Shooter 8%
- #53 Nova Strike
67% matchMixed63% of 24 reviews2023
Dev: Sanuk GamesPub: Nacon
Windows
Fire up your blaster cannons and take on waves of enemies in this retro shoot'em up with procedural levels. Come back stronger with each attempt and beat the high score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Space 10.8%, Action 10.2%, Sci-fi 8.8%
- #54 Star Hunter DX
68% 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 24.6%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Action 11.7%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Sci-fi 9.1%
- #55 Celestia
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Devon Meyer
Windows
Celestia is a solo-developed indie game. An angelic bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you defeat enemies throughout the skies, and relax on a floating island with your companions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Shooter 9.3%, Action 8.5%
- #56 LUFTRAUSERS
66% matchVery Positive91% of 4,517 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Arcade 10.1%, Action 8.5%
- #57 Ether Loop
67% matchMostly Positive70% of 314 reviews2020
Dev: Moon Lens
Windows
Ether Loop is a hardcore fast-paced bullet hell with roguelike elements. Descend the unforgiving depths of a mysterious world, encounter challenges, discover dynamic environments and fight ruthless creatures while unveiling the secrets of Ether Loop.
Why similar: Action 15.1%, Adventure 13.8%, Indie 11.6%, Roguelite 11%, Bullet Hell 10.9%
- #58 Red Horizon
68% matchMostly Negative37% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: Allen Games
Windows · Mac
Red Horizon is an addictive space shmup game. Heavily influenced by the classics of the past, Red Horizon takes a modern spin on the genre combining it with some subtle Rogue-like elements to provide players with a unique experience every time they play.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Indie 12.8%, Space 11.3%, Action 11.2%, Bullet Hell 11.2%
- #59 Tiamat's Drink
67% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2020
Dev: TriBug
Windows · Linux
Tiamat’s Drink is a shoot ’em up roguelike game inspired by the 16-bit era consoles. Fight against powerful enemies, defeat unique bosses, unlock challenging levels and obtain extra powers! So get ready and don't forget to enjoy our exclusive soundtrack!
Why similar: Action 27.3%, Indie 20.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Roguelite 7.8%
- #60 Sweezy Gunner
67% matchVery Positive83% of 245 reviews2014
Dev: Windybeard
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!
Why similar: Action 22.4%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Indie 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Space 16.8%