- #1 Shmadow
97% 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: Bullet Hell 34.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Local Co-Op 18%, Shooter 12.5%, Action 4.5%
- #2 Grav Blazer Squared
96% matchMixed40% of 85 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 23.2%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Fast-Paced 14.8%, Procedural Generation 14.6%, Shooter 9.7%
- #3 FullBlast
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 87 reviews2016
Dev: UFO Crash Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Local Co-Op 22.6%, 2.5D 15.6%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8.8%
- #4 Dimension Drive
95% matchVery Positive80% of 106 reviews2017
Dev: 2Awesome Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 95%
This intense space shoot ’em up challenges you to fight across two battlefields on one splitscreen. Instantly switch between them to dodge waves of bullets, reach secret areas, or surprise your enemies. Play solo or turn it up to 11 with a local co-op partner.
Why similar: Split Screen 28.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Local Co-Op 24.5%, Shooter 7.3%, Arcade 7.1%
- #5 CounterAttack: Uprising
94% matchVery Positive91% of 344 reviews2019
Dev: Relative GamesPub: Relative Software LTD.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
CounterAttack: Uprising is a side scrolling space shooter (shmup). Team up or fight solo, 1 - 4 player local or up to 8 players online coop, unlock upgrades, use powerful ultimate abilities, enhance your ship the way you want, and save the Earth from annihilation.
Why similar: Co-op Campaign 15.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, Local Co-Op 14.9%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Online Co-Op 11.5%
- #6 Steel Rain
94% matchVery Positive84% of 106 reviews2015
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through overwhelming enemy fleets! Liberate planets, build colonies, research tech and skills, craft items, or even play 2p co-op in this unique new indie game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, Survival 10.7%
- #7 Grav Blazer
93% matchMixed48% of 157 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 12%
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 23.5%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Fast-Paced 14.8%, Shooter 10.4%, Procedural Generation 10.4%
- #8 CometStriker DX
92% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Shooter 9%
- #9 Bleed 2
91% 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 30.9%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Local Co-Op 17.6%, Procedural Generation 10.6%, Arcade 9.1%
- #10 Xenoraid: The First Space War
91% matchVery Positive87% of 140 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Local Co-Op 19.2%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Survival 12%, Shooter 9.8%
- #11 Revolution Ace
90% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,880 reviews2014
Dev: Laser Guided Games, LLC
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Local Co-Op 17.5%, Shooter 7.7%, Arcade 6.1%
- #12 Steredenn: Binary Stars
89% matchVery Positive88% of 958 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 67.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 22.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Local Co-Op 15.7%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Side Scroller 9.9%
- #13 Space Elite Force II
89% 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 24.3%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Local Co-Op 14.6%, Arcade 8.5%
- #14 Blazing Chrome
87% 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 24.4%, Local Co-Op 18.6%, Side Scroller 18%, Co-op Campaign 12% ★, Fast-Paced 8.1%
- #15 Sine Mora EX
88% matchMixed65% of 678 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Side Scroller 17.1%, 2.5D 11.8%, Local Co-Op 9.5%
- #16 The Bug Butcher
86% 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 26.1%, Local Co-Op 23.9%, Fast-Paced 16.3%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Arcade 8.6%
- #17 Eigengrau
84% 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 24.6%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Local Co-Op 14.2%, 2.5D 14%, Shooter 8.9%
- #18 Square Heroes
86% matchVery Positive86% of 246 reviews2015
Dev: Gnomic Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Join the Galactic Tournament in this fast-paced comical action shooter. Level-up your Hero and unlock an arsenal of weapons. Lay waste to your friends and foes in local, LAN and online multiplayer matches, or hone your skills in single player and custom games.
Why similar: Online Co-Op 84.2%, Action 15.8%
- #19 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
82% 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: Bullet Hell 21.7%, Local Co-Op 20.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Survival 10.8%, Shooter 9.2%
- #20 Galacide
85% matchVery Positive86% of 95 reviews2015
Dev: Puny Human
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Local Co-Op 25.2%, Shooter 11.5%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, 2.5D 5.6%
- #21 Crisis Wing
84% 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%, Bullet Hell 22%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, PvE 10.5%, Shooter 8.9%
- #22 Space Elite Force
83% matchVery Positive89% of 185 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Local Co-Op 16%, Arcade 8.7%
- #23 Deadzone: Rogue
77% matchVery Positive85% of 14,091 reviews2025
Dev: Prophecy Games
Windows
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Deadzone: Rogue is a roguelite FPS set in space. Blast through swarms of hostile machines, combine powerful augments and elements to forge your build, and grow stronger with each run — solo or in co-op.
Why similar: Online Co-Op 29.5%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, PvE 17.8%, Shooter 12.7%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #24 Out Zone
81% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Local Co-Op 32.8%, Arcade 13.6%, Top-Down 11.9%, Action 3.5%
- #25 Revolgear Zero
78% 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 32%, Co-op Campaign 18.9% ★, Local Co-Op 15.1%, Side Scroller 15%, Sci-fi 7.7%
- #26 Sky Force Reloaded
80% 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 25.4%, Local Co-Op 20.9%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, 2.5D 9%, Arcade 8.3%
- #27 Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax
81% matchVery Positive94% of 232 reviews2015
Dev: Dreamloop Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Local Co-Op 18%, Bullet Hell 14%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Co-op Campaign 11.2% ★
- #28 Arsenal Online
78% matchVery Positive87% of 110 reviews2024
Dev: Wilkin Games
Windows · Linux
High-octane 2D shooter. Put your shooting skills to the test with over 200 weapons and attachments. Play game modes solo or co-op online!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 29.1%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 14.1%, Online Co-Op 5.4%
- #29 Power-Up
82% matchMixed58% of 263 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 30.3%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Fast-Paced 15.2%, Shooter 8.9%
- #30 Rival Megagun
79% matchVery Positive93% of 74 reviews2018
Dev: RJ ArcadePub: KOMODO
Windows
Rival Megagun is a competitive split-screen shoot 'em up where you transform into a giant boss ship and battle your rival head-to-head in local or online PVP.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 26.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Shooter 8.5%, Arcade 7.4%
- #31 Phoenix 2
77% matchMixed67% of 211 reviews2025
Dev: Firi Games
Windows
A fast-paced shoot 'em up where skill matters. Master over 100 ships, unleash powerful special abilities, and blast through waves of Invaders. Play a new mission every day and climb the world-wide leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Procedural Generation 18.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Top-Down 7.9%
- #32 Bladestar
79% matchMostly Positive70% of 107 reviews2016
Dev: Fair Weather Studios
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Bladestar is a sci-fi cinematic action shooter featuring visually rich worlds with potentially endless enemies on each level. Defend the galaxy flying a Manta Starfighter through asteroid, mine, and debris fields while battling pirates, rebels, and aliens.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 29.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Procedural Generation 15%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8.6%
- #33 Assault Android Cactus+
76% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Fast-Paced 15.6%, Local Co-Op 14%, Shooter 8.2%
- #34 Super Hydorah
75% 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 46.9%, Co-op Campaign 20.7% ★, Arcade 13.8%, Bullet Hell 10.4%, Action 4.8%
- #35 Tower 57
76% matchMixed64% of 814 reviews2017
Dev: PixwerkPub: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Tower 57 is a fast-paced neo-retro shooter where cooperation is as important as your ammo capacity. As a member of an extraordinary task force fight your way through a dieselpunk megatower and uncover its hidden secrets.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 65.5%, Action 34.5%
- #36 Chroma Blast
75% matchVery Positive82% of 252 reviews2017
Dev: William Cheek
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Chroma Blast is a fast paced twin stick shooter with many different styles of play where you fight through waves of enemies while constantly leveling up your ships colorful arsenal. Beat your friends and challenge yourself in the leaderboards, or seek out a true test of skill for those good enough to find it.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #37 Rocket Wars
74% matchVery Positive91% of 95 reviews2017
Dev: Rooftop Panda
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 23.3 hrs≥1hr: 99%
Fast-paced local multi-player game packed with action. Destroy your friends with all sorts of different weapons and power-ups across multiple game modes!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Split Screen 21.7% ★, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Local Co-Op 15.2%, Shooter 8.2%
- #38 Enemy Mind
74% matchVery Positive85% of 797 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 26.4%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Local Co-Op 15.7%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Shooter 10.7%
- #39 Shape Shifter: Formations
69% matchVery Positive91% of 267 reviews2025
Dev: Castec Studios
Windows
Shape Shifter: Formations is an action twin-stick shooter with rogue-lite elements, where you must destroy hordes of geometric enemies alone or with a friend. Select your ship and combine a large variety of weapons, abilities and infinitely stacking upgrades to craft your own unique build.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 32.5%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Top-Down 8.1%, Sci-fi 5.5%
- #40 Grand Brix Shooter
73% matchVery Positive93% of 82 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 21.6%, Local Co-Op 20.2%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Shooter 8.6%
- #41 PewPew Live
71% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Top-Down 10.2%
- #42 Shoot 1UP DX
73% matchVery Positive80% of 152 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Local Co-Op 12.3%, Shooter 9.6%
- #43 Definitely Sneaky But Not Sneaky
72% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2019
Dev: boxedworks
Windows · Linux
Definitely Sneaky But Not Sneaky is a fast-paced action game featuring tight controls and slow-motion combat. Unlock items, customize your gear, and take out your enemies one by one! Co-op included.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 27.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Local Co-Op 15.7%, 2.5D 15.6%, Top-Down 9.4%
- #44 Warspace 2
69% matchMixed61% of 82 reviews2025
Dev: Magic Game Art
Windows · Mac · Linux
Warspace 2 is a 1-4 player CO-OP space shooter with RPG elements, open-world and procedurally-generated galaxy. You can trade, craft, and fight your way through a universe, either solo or with friends.
Why similar: Online Co-Op 23.8%, Procedural Generation 22.7%, PvE 21.4%, Shooter 15.3%, Sci-fi 10.3%
- #45 Sky Force Anniversary
70% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Local Co-Op 16.6%, Arcade 7.8%, 2.5D 7.8%
- #46 Meltdown
71% matchVery Positive85% of 822 reviews2014
Dev: Phenomenon Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Meltdown is a tactical arcade shooter featuring both singleplayer and intense online multiplayer. Become the most skilled soldier, choose your weapons, get the best upgrades, buckle up and start your mission. Be careful, each enemy has it’s own combat style, special AI and gear. Adapt to them to survive!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 39%, Arcade 22.7%, Shooter 21.4%, Action 16.9%
- #47 Solstice Chronicles: MIA
72% matchMostly Positive74% of 313 reviews2017
Dev: Ironward
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
In this 2-player twin-stick shooter, use a friendly drone for a game-changing abilities. Survive waves, upgrade, and uncover the mystery in this cooperative, action-packed experience.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 53.5%, Shooter 18.7%, Top-Down 10.3%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Action 4.8%
- #48 Flying Tank
67% matchVery Positive86% of 101 reviews2024
Dev: Hexage
Windows
Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 34%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Side Scroller 23.6%, Shooter 8%, Sci-fi 4.3%
- #49 Sky Mercenaries
73% matchMixed69% of 125 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.2%, Bullet Hell 31.1%, Online Co-Op 17.1%, Arcade 11.6%, Action 4.9%
- #50 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
71% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.2%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Local Co-Op 10.7%, Arcade 10.4%
- #51 Aaero2
67% matchVery Positive93% of 68 reviews2024
Dev: Mad FellowsPub: Wired Productions
Windows
Tune into Aaero2 - a heart-pounding rhythm-shooter with 20 stunning alien worlds, each powered by a legendary Monstercat track. Trace ribbons of light, unleash devastating firepower, and conquer colossal bosses! Play solo or co-op and feel every beat as you fight to the soundtrack.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 41.9%, Arcade 18%, Shooter 15.7%, Sci-fi 12.3%, 3D 7.6%
- #52 Blazing Trail
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 72 reviews2025
Dev: Gamenergy studio
Windows
Escape failed! All we have left is our will to survive, the endless hordes of enemies, and enough bullets to rip them all to shreds. Blazing trail. Vertical co-op shooter, offering accessible, action-packed gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Shooter 17.2%, Arcade 14.3%, Top-Down 14.1%, Local Co-Op 7.7%
- #53 RagingBlasters
68% 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 37.4%, Local Co-Op 26.7%, Shooter 14.5%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Arcade 6.4%
- #54 Bang Bang Barrage
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 897 reviews2025
Dev: Monkey BreadPub: Spiral Up Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Survive the treacherous sea in this quirky multiplayer shooter game! Play solo or team up and fight off Cthulhu's minions. Master a unique recoil-based mechanic to blast enemies and chart your course. Mix and match upgrades to craft the perfect sea-surviving strategy!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 41.9%, Bullet Hell 28.6%, Online Co-Op 17.5%, Shooter 11%, Singleplayer 1%
- #55 Hyper Sentinel
70% matchVery Positive84% of 68 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.5 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: Fast-Paced 30.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 4.9%
- #56 Shadowgrounds
70% matchVery Positive81% of 1,601 reviews2006
Dev: Frozenbyte
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Shadowgrounds breathes fresh air into the action genre with explosive combat sequences, an innovative weapon upgrade system, and an intriguing storyline. The adrenaline-pumping, top-down gameplay and audiovisual fireworks set the scene for this new action experience which also includes single computer (split keyboard or joystick) co-op...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Local Co-Op 20.5%, Shooter 14.1%, Sci-fi 12.5%, Top-Down 12%
- #57 Holodrive
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,233 reviews2021
Dev: BitCake StudioPub: Versus Evil
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
A fast-paced multiplayer shooter where you customize your robot, zoom around with a jetpack, and battle with various weapons. Master the arenas, surprise your enemies, and enjoy the nonstop action!
Why similar: Shooter 79.1%, Action 20.9%
- #58 Beat Hazard 2
66% matchVery Positive86% of 2,250 reviews2019
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Experience your music collection as 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: Bullet Hell 26.1%, Procedural Generation 25.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Arcade 10.1%, Shooter 9.8%
- #59 Dark Gravity: Prologue
65% matchVery Positive85% of 101 reviews2023
Dev: KorgorusPub: GamePlanet
Windows
Shoot, destroy, collect, craft and destroy even more! "Dark Gravity" is a fast-paced, low poly vertical shoot'em up game that features non-linear campaign mode with lots of enemies and bosses. Craft new weapons, upgrade your fighter and build an ultimate aerial war machine!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.6%, Local Co-Op 16.5%, Shooter 14.5%, Arcade 12.1%, Top-Down 11.1%