- #1 Centipede: Recharged
97% matchVery Positive84% of 161 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 34%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Psychedelic 10.6%, Arcade 10.6%, Shooter 10.3%, Minimalist 7.9%
- #2 Asteroids: Recharged
96% matchMostly Positive76% of 104 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 21.4%, Shooter 11.8%, 1980s 10.5%, Arcade 10.5%, Score Attack 8.3%
- #3 Yars: Recharged
96% matchVery Positive86% of 120 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: Twin Stick Shooter 31%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Shooter 11.3%, 1980s 10.7%, Arcade 10.1%
- #4 Missile Command: Recharged
95% matchVery Positive90% of 52 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: Psychedelic 16.9%, 1980s 12.2%, Minimalist 11.2%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 10.4%
- #5 Breakout: Recharged
94% matchMostly Positive78% of 122 reviews2022
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 4.9 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: Psychedelic 22.6%, 1980s 17%, Arcade 13.3%, Score Attack 8.5%, Colorful 7.9%
- #6 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
94% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 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: Twin Stick Shooter 44.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Arcade 14%, Action 6.3%, Local Co-Op 4%
- #7 Wild Guns Reloaded
93% matchVery Positive87% of 477 reviews2017
Dev: NatsumeAtariPub: Natsume Inc.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Arcade 17.6%, Shooter 16.4%, Action 9.8%, Local Multiplayer 9.5%
- #8 Ultratron
92% matchVery Positive88% of 694 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: Twin Stick Shooter 34.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.9%, Arcade 12.9%, Retro 9%, Local Co-Op 8.6%
- #9 Gravitar: Recharged
91% matchVery Positive84% of 56 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 45.2%, Arcade 27.9%, Action 18.2%, Combat 8.7%
- #10 Berzerk: Recharged
91% matchMixed63% of 57 reviews2023
Dev: SneakyBoxPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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: Twin Stick Shooter 33.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 10.6%, Score Attack 8.7%
- #11 PewPew Live
89% matchVery Positive93% of 76 reviews2022
Dev: Jean-François Geyelin
Windows
A fast twin-stick shooter where you compete for the top spot in the leaderboards.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 30.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 9.1%, Minimalist 8.8%
- #12 Vectorium
90% matchMostly Positive78% of 76 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: Twin Stick Shooter 30%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8.2%, Minimalist 8.2%
- #13 NIDUS
88% matchVery Positive94% of 232 reviews2024
Dev: Caleb Wood
Windows
A symbiotic Flower and Wasp struggle to complete their lifecycle, in a challengingly twisted arcade experience. Control both characters at once in mind-bending Single Player, or team up with a friend in hectic Local Co-Op. Master the symbiotic duet, devour the swarm, and ascend the leaderboard.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.8%, Psychedelic 22.8%, Score Attack 11%, Arcade 10.7%, Local Co-Op 5.5%
- #14 Trigonarium
89% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2015
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Trigonarium is a hardcore twin-stick shooter for fans of challenging arcade gaming. Fight your way through multitudes of enemy formations in constantly shifting battle arenas to face the colossal level bosses.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Psychedelic 14.9%, Local Co-Op 10.7%, Score Attack 7.7%
- #15 Sky Force Reloaded
86% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 30.9%, Arcade 14.1%, Local Co-Op 12.2%, Score Attack 10.8%, Shooter 9.9%
- #16 Undercroft Warriors
86% matchMostly Positive79% of 459 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: Twin Stick Shooter 30.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 8.8%, Score Attack 7.5%
- #17 Beekyr Reloaded
87% matchVery Positive87% of 97 reviews2017
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 23.5%, Psychedelic 15.6%, Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 10.3%, Score Attack 9.3%
- #18 BULLET PARTY
85% matchVery Positive95% of 97 reviews2017
Dev: Awoker Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
The party co-op shoot ’em up! Become the king of the night club! Go alone or group your friends! Shoot the party crashers down!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 30.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Arcade 9.5%, Shooter 9%, 1980s 8.2%
- #19 Platypus Reclayed
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 633 reviews2025
Dev: Claymatic Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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 21.3%, Shooter 12.8%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Arcade 9.8%, Co-op 8.6%
- #20 Iron Fisticle
84% matchVery Positive84% of 513 reviews2014
Dev: Confused PelicanPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A modern take on the classic arcade arena shooter. Taking inspiration from an entire generation of action games, Iron Fisticle builds on classic titles like Gauntlet and Robotron while adding over 100 collectible items, an RPG style upgrade system and local multiplayer.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 35.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Local Co-Op 13%, Action 7.3%, Arcade 6.3%
- #21 Super Hydorah
84% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 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 41.1%, Arcade 16.9%, Retro 11.7%, Action 8.7%, Co-op 5.6%
- #22 satryn deluxe
82% matchVery Positive97% of 132 reviews2021
Dev: maybell🌻
Windows · Linux
a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 39.9%, Arcade 12.1%, Score Attack 11.3%, Retro 8.2%, Shooter 7.5%
- #23 Hazelnut Hex
80% matchVery Positive98% of 121 reviews2023
Dev: Chunderfins
Windows
Rescue breakfast in this arcade-style bullet hell shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Arcade 16.5%, Shooter 15.8%, Colorful 7.9%, Action 7.8%
- #24 Incandescent
83% matchMixed68% of 172 reviews2015
Dev: Stephen Crabb
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 37.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Action 12.9%, Arcade 11.7%, 2D 4.8%
- #25 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
81% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 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: Twin Stick Shooter 39.6%, Arcade 15.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.5%, Retro 7.6%, Psychedelic 7.5%
- #26 RagingBlasters
79% matchVery Positive99% of 123 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 25.8%, Shooter 13.2%, Score Attack 11%, Local Co-Op 8.8%, 1980s 8.1%
- #27 Eigengrau
78% matchVery Positive100% of 88 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 22.9%, Twin Stick Shooter 15.7%, Score Attack 11.1%, Arcade 11%, Shooter 10.9%
- #28 Zero Wing
79% matchVery Positive88% of 75 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 26%, 1980s 13.8%, Arcade 13.1%, Score Attack 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%
- #29 The Bug Butcher
78% matchVery Positive90% of 1,201 reviews2016
Dev: Awfully Nice Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Arcade 17.3%, Local Co-Op 16.5%, Co-op 11.6%, Action 11.1%
- #30 Alien Death Mob
77% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2021
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
Aliens have invaded Earth! Towns, cities, deserts, they're everywhere! Take on the role of Earth's last super soldier and confront the alien menace in this intense twin stick shooter!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 36.7%, Score Attack 12.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.6%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 9.7%
- #31 Twin Cores
75% matchVery Positive93% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Starskeeper
Windows
Defend a Terraforming station against hordes of enemies in this short coop-only rail-shooter! A unique mix of nostalgic arcade elements and modern coop shooter gameplay. Triumph against your foes and compete for the top of the leaderboard!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 18.4%, Arcade 18.3%, Shooter 17.4%, Combat 8.5%, Retro 8.2%
- #32 ChargeShot
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 97 reviews2015
Dev: Cowboy Color
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Shoot, reflect, and jetpack your way through ChargeShot -- a local-multiplayer, space-bounty-hunter, deathmatch game with a focus on fast-paced, twitch gameplay. Prove to your friends that you are the greatest warrior in the galaxy. No friends? No problem.
Why similar: Local Multiplayer 51.3%, Action 46.8%, Singleplayer 1.9%
- #33 Super Bit Blaster XL
74% 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 23.4%, Arcade 11.6%, 1980s 11.6%, Score Attack 9.1%, Local Co-Op 6.9%
- #34 Shmadow
76% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 40.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Shooter 12.9%, Co-op 8.8%, Action 7.2%
- #35 Spidersaurs
74% matchMostly Positive74% of 78 reviews2022
Dev: WayForward
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 43%
The nightmarish dinosaur-spider hybrids known as Spidersaurs have run amok! Armed with an arsenal of awesome weapons, it's up to you (and a friend in co-op mode) to shoot your way through six levels of ferocious run-’n’-gun mayhem and send these mutant monstrosities back to the stone age.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Shooter 19.3%, Arcade 17.1%, 1980s 11.2%, Colorful 6.1%
- #36 Assault Android Cactus+
73% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.2%, Local Co-Op 7.2%
- #37 Dead End Job
75% matchMostly Positive74% of 133 reviews2019
Dev: Ant Workshop LtdPub: Headup
Windows · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Dead End Job sends you into a madcap, Ren & Stimpy-esque world to bust up ghosts. It’s a procedurally generated, couch co-op, twin-stick shooter that straps a vacuum pack to your back and puts a plasma blaster in your hand. For you, it’s just another day in the office.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 26.3%, Action 21.8%, Twin Stick Shooter 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.5%, Shooter 8.4%
- #38 Windowkill
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 3,560 reviews2024
Dev: torcado
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Windowkill is a twin-stick shooter, but the game window itself is constantly closing in on you. Shoot the window edges to push it around your screen as you fight and dodge enemies and bosses in their own windows.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.3%, Minimalist 13.8%, Arcade 12.4%, Score Attack 10.8%, Local Co-Op 7.6%
- #39 Riddled Corpses
76% matchMixed65% of 248 reviews2015
Dev: Diabolical Mind
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Frenetic arcade style twin-stick shooter. Fight your way through hordes of enemies alone or with a friend!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Twin Stick Shooter 34.5%, Pixel Graphics 15.1%, Action 14.4%
- #40 Caverns of Mars: Recharged
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 56 reviews2023
Dev: SneakyBoxPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 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 21.6%, Arcade 19.5%, Score Attack 15.1%, Colorful 10.1%, 2D 7.5%
- #41 Beat Hazard
72% matchVery Positive95% of 7,422 reviews2010
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 43.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Shooter 6%, Arcade 5.5%, 2D 4%
- #42 Chippy
71% matchVery Positive91% of 1,169 reviews2019
Dev: Facepunch Studios
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Chip destructible bosses apart pixel-by-pixel in this twin-stick bullet-hell shooter.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 28.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Shooter 9.4%, Score Attack 8.9%, Arcade 8.6%
- #43 CometStriker DX
72% matchVery Positive98% of 63 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: Twin Stick Shooter 30.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 5%
- #44 Glitch Busters: Stuck On You
71% matchMostly Positive72% of 163 reviews2023
Dev: Toylogic Inc.Pub: Skybound Games
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 63%
It’s a normal day on the net, until a virus outbreak turns everything upside-down. Only your squad of GLITCH BUSTERS can take on the net’s kookiest bugs in an online world gone haywire in this 1-4 player co-op 3rd person shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Shooter 22.1%, Colorful 10.7%, Retro 9.8%, Action 9.5%
- #45 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
73% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 23.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 17.2%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 10.1%, Score Attack 9.5%
- #46 Blazing Chrome
70% matchVery Positive87% of 1,924 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Retro 12.8%, Shooter 12.2%, Arcade 12%, Local Co-Op 10.7%
- #47 Contra: Operation Galuga
67% matchVery Positive88% of 909 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, 1980s 19%, Shooter 15.7%, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 7.8%
- #48 Crisis Wing
70% matchVery Positive90% of 89 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 27.8%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 10.8%, Score Attack 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%
- #49 Revolgear Zero
66% matchVery Positive99% of 105 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 46.9%, Arcade 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Local Co-Op 10.7%, Action 8.3%
- #50 Aqua Kitty - Milk Mine Defender
71% matchVery Positive86% of 480 reviews2014
Dev: TIKIPOD
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Aqua Kitty is a fast paced retro styled submarine arcade shooter with optional 2 player local Co-op.Blast through hordes of mechanical sea monsters in your kitty sub and defend the deep sea milk mining kittens!THE MILK MUST FLOW!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Arcade 10.8%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Action 9.6%, Retro 8.4%
- #51 Bleed 2
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 895 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.4%, Arcade 17.5%, Action 15%, Local Co-Op 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #52 Razerwire:Nanowars
70% matchVery Positive86% of 109 reviews2018
Dev: Hammer & Ravens
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 32%
A modern revisitation of the 80s arcades. Use your Razerwire to cut through waves of nanobugs with a rogue-like inspired progression.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Shooter 19.4%, Arcade 17.1%, Colorful 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%
- #53 Batsugun
66% matchVery Positive97% of 105 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Arcade 15.3%, Score Attack 9.2%, Local Co-Op 6.2%, 2D 5.8%
- #54 Jetboard Joust
69% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Retro 14.3%, Arcade 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Colorful 8.1%
- #55 Switch 'N' Shoot
68% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Score Attack 15.3%, Arcade 13%, Minimalist 12.2%, Shooter 12.2%
- #56 Monsters 'til Midnight
67% matchVery Positive85% of 95 reviews2023
Dev: Retro Dreamer
Windows
Use steampunk weaponry to vanquish the legions of evil and survive until the clock strikes midnight! In this fast-paced horde survival game, each powerful upgrade can help turn the tide. Go it alone, or join another player in your pursuit to outlast the inevitable march of time itself!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 27.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Shooter 9%, Co-op 8%, Arcade 7.7%
- #57 ZOE Begone!
63% matchVery Positive99% of 152 reviews2025
Dev: Retchy GamesPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
A frenetic hand-drawn bullet hell shooter, blending run-and-gun mechanics with classic shmup action in looping arenas. Inspired by drawn-on-film animation of the 1930's - shoot, dash and pound your way through the Animator's creations.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Score Attack 10.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 8.5%
- #58 Space Invaders Extreme
68% matchVery Positive88% of 261 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 22.1%, Psychedelic 15%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 10.9%, Score Attack 9.2%
- #59 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
64% matchVery Positive100% of 67 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 22.6%, 1980s 13.9%, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 12.6%, Local Co-Op 11%