- #1 Super Bit Blaster XL
97% matchVery Positive94% of 878 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 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Score Attack 9.7%, Space 8.5%, Arcade 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This is the direct, expanded sequel that builds upon the core mechanics of the original with more content and refined arcade action.
- #2 Switch 'N' Shoot
96% matchVery Positive96% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.2%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Score Attack 11.5%, Difficult 10.3%, Minimalist 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the same minimalist, one-button-style intensity where every movement and shot must be calculated for high-score survival.
- #3 Ding Dong XL
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 890 reviews2018
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
A fast-paced, neon-infused arcade game with simple one-button controls! Addictive, easy to learn, and perfect for quick sessions. Challenge yourself to beat your high score while waiting in queue for another game!
Why similar: Difficult 19.7%, Score Attack 14.5%, Minimalist 13.1%, Arcade 11.1%, Family Friendly 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game offers the same addictive, minimalist 'just one more try' arcade loop.
- #4 Orbt XL
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 3,416 reviews2017
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Defy gravity in Orbt XL! A fast-paced, addictive, 'just-one-more-round' arcade score chaser. Stay in orbit, dodge obstacles, and rack up points, the closer you are to the black hole, the higher your score! Easy to learn, tough to master, and perfect for quick play sessions while waiting in queue.
Why similar: Difficult 16.5%, Score Attack 14.4%, Minimalist 11.1%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: Another minimalist arcade title that focuses on survival and high-score chasing within a confined, high-pressure space.
- #5 Diamo XL
94% matchVery Positive93% of 551 reviews2017
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 33.9 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Diamo XL is a fast-paced, addictive, and challenging arcade score chaser. Dodge obstacles, rack up high scores, and master precise movement. Easy to learn but tough to master, it's perfect for quick sessions or leaderboard dominance. Play while waiting in queue or push for endless high-score glory!
Why similar: Difficult 22.2%, Score Attack 14.2%, Minimalist 13.9%, Arcade 12.2%, Family Friendly 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game provides a similar minimalist, high-difficulty arcade experience that tests your reflexes in short, intense bursts.
- #6 Super Destronaut DX
94% matchVery Positive88% of 93 reviews2018
Dev: Petite GamesPub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
Inspired by an arcade classic, Super Destronaut DX is retro space shooter that pits you against an enemy more dreaded than a UFO, a scoreboard.
Why similar: Action 100%
Why You'll Like It: This game captures the exact retro-arcade aesthetic and fast-paced, screen-clearing satisfaction found in Bit Blaster XL.
- #7 Bing Bong XL
93% matchVery Positive90% of 275 reviews2018
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Bing Bong XL is a fast-paced, minimalist arcade score chaser with simple one-button controls. Dodge obstacles, collect points, and survive as long as possible in this addictive ‘just-one-more-round’ challenge. Perfect for quick sessions or while waiting in queue for another game!
Why similar: Difficult 21.9%, Score Attack 14.8%, Minimalist 12.8%, Arcade 12%, Survival 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: It maintains the signature minimalist aesthetic and arcade-style challenge that fans of Bit Blaster XL will find immediately familiar.
- #8 Pivot XL
92% matchVery Positive94% of 189 reviews2018
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Pivot XL is a fast-paced, minimalist arcade score chaser with simple one-button controls. Pivot, dodge obstacles, and survive as long as possible in this addictive ‘just-one-more-round’ challenge. Perfect for quick sessions or while waiting in queue for another game!
Why similar: Difficult 21.6%, Score Attack 15%, Minimalist 14%, Arcade 11.8%, Family Friendly 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A perfect companion piece that focuses on simple, reflex-based arcade gameplay in a minimalist 2D environment.
- #9 Righty Tighty XL
91% matchVery Positive93% of 178 reviews2018
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Righty Tighty XL is a fast-paced, minimalist arcade score chaser with simple one-button controls. Turn right, collect points, and return them to the goal zone while dodging obstacles. An addictive ‘just-one-more-round’ challenge, perfect for quick sessions or while waiting in queue!
Why similar: Difficult 21.1%, Score Attack 15%, Minimalist 14.2%, Arcade 11.6%, Family Friendly 10%
Why You'll Like It: This title continues the trend of minimalist, high-score-focused arcade games that prioritize quick, addictive action.
- #10 Sophstar
90% matchVery Positive100% of 103 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 17.2%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Aliens 9.2%, Score Attack 8.3%, Space 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A modern, fast-paced shoot 'em up that delivers the intense bullet-hell action Bit Blaster XL players crave.
- #11 Space Smash
91% 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 14%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Difficult 11%, Score Attack 9.2%, Minimalist 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This arena shooter provides a similar level of chaotic, fast-paced action in a confined space.
- #12 Space Invaders Extreme
89% matchVery Positive87% of 265 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 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 14.9%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Difficult 10.8%, Score Attack 8.4%, Space 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A modernized take on a classic that mirrors the high-energy, arcade-style intensity of Bit Blaster XL.
- #13 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
89% matchVery Positive91% of 1,092 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 16.8 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: Bullet Hell 24.5%, Arcade 19.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Retro 11%, Shooter 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for minimalist twin-stick arcade shooters, offering the same frantic, high-score-chasing intensity.
- #14 Space Elite Force
88% matchVery Positive89% of 186 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 16.8%, Bullet Hell 15%, Aliens 9.3%, Score Attack 8.8%, Space 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shooter offers the same retro-inspired bullet-hell action and addictive gameplay loop.
- #15 RagingBlasters
86% 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 26.8%, Score Attack 15.5%, Shooter 13%, Retro 7.7%, Bullet Hell 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, retro-styled shoot 'em up that focuses on fast-paced action and classic arcade mechanics.
- #16 Waves
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,557 reviews2011
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Score Attack 15.2%, Shooter 12.9%, Arcade 11%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist twin-stick shooter that focuses on pure, high-octane survival against waves of enemies.
- #17 Astral Gunners
83% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2024
Dev: Sati Bros
Windows
Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Difficult 13.9%, Score Attack 9.3%, Old School 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity bullet-hell shooter that provides the same level of challenge and arcade satisfaction.
- #18 Super Hexagon
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,003 reviews2012
Dev: Terry Cavanagh
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 18.7 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.
Why similar: Difficult 56.7%, Arcade 15.8%, Score Attack 11.4%, Minimalist 9.9%, 2D 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: While a different genre, it shares the exact same minimalist, high-difficulty, and highly addictive 'one more try' philosophy.
- #19 CometStriker DX
85% matchVery Positive98% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Difficult 15.3%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that rewards quick movement and precise dodging.
- #20 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
84% matchVery Positive82% of 103 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 17.9%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Difficult 13.2%, Score Attack 9.9%, Space 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game delivers the same classic, high-intensity arcade shooter experience with a focus on survival.
- #21 Cycle 28
84% matchVery Positive81% of 59 reviews2018
Dev: Pill Bug Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cycle 28 is an intense momentum-based space shooter driven by a cinematic orchestral soundtrack. A game where the physics, the music, and the fight to survive combine to pull you into a place where nothing else exists... just you, your ship, and the need to do better.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Score Attack 15.5%, Difficult 14.3%, Space 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and high-score chasing.
- #22 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
82% matchVery Positive84% of 605 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Difficult 8.5%, Retro 8.4%, Arcade 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style shoot 'em up that provides the same intense, bullet-hell gameplay experience.
- #23 Hyper Sentinel
82% matchVery Positive84% of 69 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 21%
A face-melting, pixel-pumping arcade shoot 'em up featuring awesome power-ups, epic boss battles and spectacular effects at a blistering 60fps. Blast into battle against giant space destroyers in Arcade Mode, tackle endless waves of enemies in Survival Mode and face off against epic level guardians in Boss Run mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Arcade 17%, Retro 12.8%, Action 9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that captures the fast-paced, screen-filling action of 80s quarter-munchers.
- #24 LUFTRAUSERS
81% matchVery Positive91% of 4,499 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.7 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: Bullet Hell 25.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Arcade 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Shooter 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style flight shooter that emphasizes high-score chasing and addictive combat loops.
- #25 Downwell
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,526 reviews2015
Dev: MoppinPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.
Why similar: Difficult 28.8%, Arcade 18.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Retro 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-difficulty, and highly addictive game that shares the 'easy to pick up' appeal of the seed game.
- #26 Ultratron
81% matchVery Positive88% of 695 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Arcade 16.8%, Retro 13.8%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, retro-style arcade shooter that focuses on addictive, fast-paced combat.
- #27 Bullet Heaven 2
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 558 reviews2015
Dev: Matt Roszak
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Difficult 13.5%, Action 5.5%, Shooter 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game shares the minimalist aesthetic and frantic bullet-hell action that makes Bit Blaster XL so engaging.
- #28 Danmaku Unlimited 3
79% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Arcade 11.3%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Action 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: A high-quality bullet-hell shooter that offers the same level of intense, reflex-based gameplay.
- #29 Undercroft Warriors
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 502 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Difficult 14.7%, Score Attack 9.9%, Shooter 9.1%
- #30 Reflex
78% matchVery Positive86% of 1,148 reviews2017
Dev: Easy gamePub: Game for people
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 63%
A simple puzzle game. Simple graphics and nice music. Try your mind in more than 70+ levels. They are waiting for you.
Why similar: Casual 50.6%, Action 49.4%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-speed challenge that tests your reflexes in a way that feels very similar to the seed game.
- #31 Waves 2: Notorious
78% matchVery Positive93% of 322 reviews2015
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 20.4 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Waves 2: Notorious is an arcade twin-stick shooter set in Cyberspace. Build Combos, earn Adrenaline and unleash powerful Burst attacks as you Dive into the Net and do battle against an AI that adapts to your weaknesses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Score Attack 14.8%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: An intense, minimalist twin-stick shooter that builds on the arcade-style chaos of its predecessor.
- #32 Distant Space
76% matchVery Positive82% of 3,256 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 24%, Space 13.2%, Arcade 9.6%, Bullet Hell 9.6%, Difficult 9.5%
- #33 Space Codex
77% matchVery Positive81% of 413 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Retro 15.5%, Casual 14.4%, Arcade 10.2%
- #34 Pewt 'em Up!
71% 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 22.7%, Aliens 16.1%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 11.1%, Space 8.9%
- #35 Grav Blazer Squared
77% 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 20%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Aliens 11.5%, Shooter 10.5%, Space 9.4%
- #36 Space War: Infinity
73% matchVery Positive90% of 126 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 17%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Score Attack 12.5%, Space 9.5%, Old School 8.4%
- #37 Offendron Warrior
74% 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 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Difficult 13.4%, Space 9.4%, Shooter 8.8%
- #38 Grav Blazer
76% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Aliens 10.8%, Space 10.5%, Shooter 9.7%
- #39 XIIZEAL
75% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 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: Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Difficult 12.5%, Score Attack 8.8%, Shooter 8.2%
- #40 Syder Arcade
74% matchVery Positive84% of 692 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 32.2%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Arcade 9.4%, Shooter 8.7%, Space 8.4%
- #41 1982
72% matchVery Positive93% of 801 reviews2017
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 36%
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
Why similar: Arcade 15.2%, Retro 15%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Shooter 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%
- #42 Super Glitter Rush
70% matchVery Positive95% of 113 reviews2021
Dev: tiny cactus studio
Windows
Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Shooter 12.4%, Minimalist 9.3%, Score Attack 7.6%
- #43 Space Elite Force II
72% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Score Attack 13.5%, Space 9%, Arcade 7.9%
- #44 Asteroids: Recharged
71% matchMostly Positive77% of 108 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Shooter 11.5%, Score Attack 11.5%, Space 10.6%, Arcade 9.7%
- #45 Dark Matter
75% matchMixed59% of 155 reviews2015
Pub: Meridian4
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dark Matter is a classic arcade space shooter inspired by Asteroids, featuring fast-paced ship combat, physics-based movement, and score-driven gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Bullet Hell 16%, Score Attack 9.1%, Minimalist 8.7%, Shooter 8.5%
- #46 Gamma Bros
71% matchVery Positive92% of 164 reviews2018
Dev: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The original 8-bit twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love, available to play for free.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Aliens 10.1%, Shooter 9.2%, Space 9.2%
- #47 Poosh XL
66% matchVery Positive99% of 267 reviews2023
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Poosh XL is a neon-infused, one-button arcade score chaser where precision and timing are everything. Launch yourself past obstacles, collect powerups, and climb the leaderboards in this fast-paced, endlessly challenging game. Simple to learn, hard to master, perfect for quick, addictive gameplay!
Why similar: Score Attack 26.5%, Family Friendly 14.9%, Arcade 14.7%, Difficult 12.1%, Minimalist 11.9%
- #48 Grand Brix Shooter
69% 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 19.9%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Difficult 14.5%, Space 12.2%, Shooter 9.9%
- #49 Planes, Bullets and Vodka
69% matchVery Positive85% of 3,018 reviews2016
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Difficult 11.7%, Score Attack 11.5%, Shooter 9.4%
- #50 Akka Arrh
66% matchVery Positive85% of 66 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.8 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: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 10%, Score Attack 9%
- #51 Power-Up
73% 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 29.1%, Bullet Hell 17%, Space 11.7%, Shooter 10.7%, Retro 9%
- #52 Void Invaders
70% matchVery Positive84% of 412 reviews2015
Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.7%, Arcade 21.8%, Retro 17.5%, Action 9.9%
- #53 Schildmaid MX
65% 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 25%, Space 10.6%, Shooter 9.8%, Score Attack 9.5%, Arcade 8.8%
- #54 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
61% 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 23.5%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Score Attack 16.2%, Shooter 11.8%, Sci-fi 7.8%
- #55 Hyper Space
63% matchVery Positive100% of 53 reviews2024
Dev: Fennec Game Studio
Windows
Hyper Space is a “Dodge ’Em Up” Arcade game. Collect stars while avoiding space hazards to reach the highest score, unlock new skins, compete with your friends and travel through space to the most distant galaxies.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19%, Score Attack 16.2%, Space 14.7%, Old School 12.6%, Arcade 10.8%
- #56 Blood and Bacon
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 36,010 reviews2016
Dev: Big CorporationPub: Grunge Games LTD
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 77%
This Co-op Shooter , has Day and Night levels, multiple maps, players will take on 25 enemy types and numerous bosses, like Gargantuan Monsters and Minibosses every 10 days as you explore, shoot and run for your life against the onslaught of porcine monstrosities.
Why similar: Shooter 64.6%, Survival 17.8%, Action 17.6%
- #57 Phoenix Force
69% matchVery Positive84% of 952 reviews2014
Dev: Awoker Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Phoenix Force is a shoot 'em up about a group of phoenixes that fight big and strong mythological creatures in over 100 levels. It takes the boss battle as the foundation for every level, creating engaging and challenging fast battles that will require your best strategies and reflexes.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Difficult 20.3%, Shooter 11.3%, Arcade 9.8%
- #58 Blast-off
68% matchVery Positive87% of 419 reviews2018
Dev: Quad-Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Blast-off is a hardcore jumper/runner/shmup, where your alter ego will be a ball of anti-matter seeking to leave our Universe. Anti-matter is extremely difficult to exist in our universe, because when it contact with matter it annihilates.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Space 17.2%, Arcade 12.3%, Sci-fi 11.5%
- #59 Alien Crusader
70% matchMixed62% of 101 reviews2018
Dev: Zydrone
Windows
Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Difficult 21.9%, Space 17.1%, Sci-fi 10.7%, Action 10.6%
- #60 Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders
56% matchVery Positive96% of 136 reviews2026
Dev: Combo Game StudioPub: Nuntius Games
Windows
Slide, jump and shoot in 8 directions in this explosive Run 'n Gun for up to 3 players! Swap weapons in real time, activate insane specials and take on alien bosses in an action-packed invasion of retro mayhem!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Aliens 18.8%, Bullet Hell 14%, Old School 12%, Shooter 9.2%