- #1 Power-Up
97% matchMixed58% of 268 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 32.5%, Side Scroller 23.5%, Shooter 11.9%, Space 8.6%, Arcade 7.4%
- #2 CometStriker DX
96% matchVery Positive98% of 65 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 30.8%, Side Scroller 25.2%, Shooter 13.1%, Arcade 10.8%, Linear 10.3%
- #3 Echoes+
96% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Arcade 16.3%, Action 15.1%, Space 13%, Retro 2.1%
- #4 Space Elite Force
94% matchVery Positive89% of 187 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 28.3%, Side Scroller 26.1%, Arcade 11.7%, Linear 11.4%, Space 9%
- #5 Grav Blazer Squared
95% matchMixed41% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 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 34.3%, Shooter 18%, Arcade 14.6%, Space 10.7%, 1980s 10.2%
- #6 Switch 'N' Shoot
94% 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: Perma Death 28%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Shooter 11.3%, Arcade 11.2%, Minimalist 8.2%
- #7 Habroxia 2
93% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 7.4%
- #8 Pewt 'em Up!
92% 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 35.2%, Shooter 19.5%, Arcade 16.8%, Space 9.1%, Action 6.7%
- #9 Hyper Sentinel
91% matchVery Positive84% of 70 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 55.9%, Arcade 26.9%, Action 13.1%, Retro 4.2%
- #10 Offendron Warrior
91% matchVery Positive87% of 51 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 25%, Side Scroller 23.2%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10.1%, Space 8.9%
- #11 Steredenn: Binary Stars
90% matchVery Positive88% of 968 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 69.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Shooter 15%, Arcade 14.1%, 1990's 6.2%
- #12 Crome: Before Purgatory
89% 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 45%, Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 15.8%, Action 13.3%, 2D 6.7%
- #13 Schildmaid MX
88% 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 31.6%, Side Scroller 25.7%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 10.8%, Space 8.9%
- #14 Absolute Blue
89% matchMostly Positive71% of 55 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 8.4%, Psychedelic 7.3%
- #15 Bit Blaster XL
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,157 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Shooter 16.2%, Arcade 13.4%, Minimalist 12.2%, Space 11.2%
- #16 Space Smash
87% 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 34.4%, Arcade 15%, Minimalist 13.8%, Space 13%, 1990's 7.3%
- #17 VARYZNEX
85% matchVery Positive98% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: zakichi
Windows
classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Side Scroller 25.5%, Shooter 13.1%, Space 12.4%, 2D 5.6%
- #18 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
86% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Space 16%, Arcade 14.7%, Action 10.2%, Shooter 10%
- #19 1982
84% matchVery Positive93% of 807 reviews2017
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 36%
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
Why similar: Arcade 24.3%, Shooter 21.9%, 1980s 17.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Action 8.2%
- #20 Jetboard Joust
84% matchVery Positive83% of 104 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 27%
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: Perma Death 30.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Side Scroller 24.5%, Arcade 8.2%, Action 3.9%
- #21 Distant Space
82% matchVery Positive82% of 3,450 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.2 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 38.2%, Arcade 14.6%, Space 13.9%, Shooter 9.1%, 1980s 8.7%
- #22 WORMHOLE
81% matchVery Positive98% of 64 reviews2024
Dev: Pocket Moon Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Eat, shoot, dash, and explode your way through the cosmos in this adrenaline-fuelled arcade action game. WORMHOLE is a roguelike twist on the classic snake format featuring a stackable perk system and 100+ hand-crafted levels.
Why similar: Arcade 26.9%, Space 21.4%, 1980s 20.7%, 2D 10.3%, Old School 8.8%
- #23 Space Elite Force II
82% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Side Scroller 24.5%, Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 12.2%, Space 11.3%
- #24 Grav Blazer
83% matchMixed48% of 161 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 34.2%, Shooter 19.2%, Arcade 16.6%, Space 13.9%, 2D 8.2%
- #25 Akka Arrh
80% matchVery Positive84% of 68 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 27.7%, Abstract 16.1%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 11.8%, Funny 10%
- #26 Alien Crusader
81% matchMixed63% of 103 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 57.3%, Space 20.9%, Action 18%, Retro 3.2%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #27 Breaking Survivors
78% matchVery Positive89% of 72 reviews2023
Dev: Axel Born
Windows · Linux
Brick-breaking gameplay meets Survivors-like mechanics. Use your balls to destroy bricks, level up and pick upgrades to hold your ground against waves of incoming bricks and try to high score in this roguelite brick breaking game.
Why similar: Arcade 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Minimalist 17.7%, 1980s 16.9%, 1990's 6%
- #28 FLOSS
76% matchVery Positive95% of 90 reviews2025
Dev: GameInCubes
Windows · Mac · Linux
A fast-paced top-down shooter without any excess. Built on aggressive movement, precise controls, and real challenge. Designed for players who love to learn, adapt, and master mechanics.
Why similar: Perma Death 30.1%, Shooter 22.5%, Abstract 18.4%, Minimalist 12.1%, Action 10.2%
- #29 Frantic Dimension
79% matchVery Positive91% of 68 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Frantic Dimension is a retro twin-stick shooter inspired by the earliest twin-sticks, 'Space Dungeon' and 'Robotron 2084'. Never stop moving and shooting... or you'll die.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Arcade 18.7%, Shooter 17.6%, Action 15.2%, 2D 7.1%
- #30 In Extremis
79% matchPositive84% of 50 reviews2016
Dev: LNDFRR
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
In Extremis is a challenging and provocative shoot'em up about finding yourself in the chaos of the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Psychedelic 13.6%, Arcade 11%, Space 11%, Action 10%
- #31 Exodemic
77% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2022
Dev: ganashaw
Windows
Destroy aliens, dash between planets, and buy powerful upgrades. Exodemic is a compact roguelike that combines frenetic shoot 'em up gameplay with a procedurally generated overworld filled with vendors, trading hubs, and combat encounters. Race against the clock to save the human race.
Why similar: Perma Death 36.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Arcade 12.8%, Space 6.7%, Action 5.6%
- #32 Space Codex
78% matchVery Positive81% of 414 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 73.8%, Arcade 20%, Retro 6.2%
- #33 Lilac 0
74% matchVery Positive94% of 84 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Arcade 15.1%, Shooter 14.9%, Perma Death 10.5%, 2D 5.8%
- #34 Cosmic Carnage: Prologue
75% matchVery Positive93% of 72 reviews2023
Dev: LionSwordPub: LionSword Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Prepare for an interstellar showdown like no other in a gripping roguelike top-down twin-stick shooter set in the vast depths of space. Pilot your advanced starship, engaging in relentless battles against hordes of alien adversaries. Destroy, Collect, Upgrade, Die, Unlock, Repeat.
Why similar: Perma Death 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Shooter 14%, Arcade 11.4%, Space 6%
- #35 Gamma Bros
76% matchVery Positive92% of 166 reviews2018
Dev: PixeljamPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Guide the Gamma Brothers through waves of alien attacks, blasting your way home from work in this frantic twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Shooter 18.8%, Arcade 16.1%, Space 12.5%, 2D 6.1%
- #36 100% Challenge
75% matchVery Positive94% of 64 reviews2023
Dev: findemor
Windows
Action arcade! CAPTURE enemies of your color and AVOID the rest to become the best in the world! Fast, addictive and 100% challenging!
Why similar: Arcade 36.6%, Psychedelic 32.4%, Action 16%, 2D 14.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #37 GalaxIverse
77% matchMostly Positive74% of 61 reviews2016
Dev: Sub Orbital Software
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
GalaxIverse is a top down fast paced vertical blastathon, Battle Fleets and formations of aliens with the occasional boss thrown in for good luck.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Shooter 23.4%, Arcade 16%, 1980s 9.3%, Action 6.2%
- #38 Undercroft Warriors
71% matchMostly Positive78% of 573 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 44.1%, Shooter 20.3%, Arcade 16.9%, 2D 7.1%, Action 5%
- #39 Space Pressure 3D: Prelude
72% matchVery Positive85% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Maze TeamPub: Tinaynox
Windows
Immerse yourself in the story of two brave space amazons who dare to challenge the irresponsible aristocratic system. Overcome all the obstacles that appear on your way - hordes of space scavengers, armies of General Admiral and get to the main villain - Evil Moneybag!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 11%, Space 8.5%
- #40 Alien Death Mob
73% matchVery Positive94% of 52 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: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Shooter 22.8%, Arcade 22.7%, Action 10.4%, 2D 6%
- #41 Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders
69% matchVery Positive94% of 159 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 24.7%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Shooter 11.3%, Linear 9.4%, Arcade 9.3%
- #42 Avoid - Sensory Overload
74% matchVery Positive86% of 225 reviews2014
Dev: 48h StudioPub: Strategy First
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Avoid is a fast-paced arcade game that will test your reflexes!
Why similar: Action 55.6%, Arcade 44.4%
- #43 Soulvester VS Lil' Beezey
72% matchVery Positive96% of 51 reviews2023
Dev: Chaz CarterPub: MadeByChaz
Windows
Show Lil' Beezey who the boss of Winkletown is in this addictive and fast paced 2D action roguelite! Created from scratch in only 14 days and nominated for GDWC Game Jam GOTY, Soulvester comes to Steam for the first time, now with controller support and achievements!
Why similar: Perma Death 26%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 9.2%
- #44 Nebulock
69% matchVery Positive87% of 590 reviews2025
Dev: LostVolBytes
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Nebulock is a short bullet-hell game with intense gameplay, where the player must destroy bosses made of blocks, collect resources and upgrade his spaceship.
Why similar: Abstract 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Space 16.2%, Arcade 15.3%, Shooter 9.1%
- #45 Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers
70% matchVery Positive93% of 254 reviews2022
Dev: LoomiartsPub: WhisperGames
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 52%
UFOs! Aliens! Aircrafts! Resistance! SHOOT 'EM UP! Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers is a spaceship shooter with 2D gameplay and 3D environment. Enjoy a smart combination of a fast-paced shooting experience and the 1950's sci-fi movies aesthetic, with live-action cutscenes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Side Scroller 29.7%, Arcade 14%, Space 13.8%, Old School 5.2%
- #46 Shooting Saucer
71% matchVery Positive91% of 54 reviews2023
Dev: SinksAdventure
Windows
A flying saucer chases you all over the galaxy. Run away, defeat enemies, and evolve to avoid getting abducted
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Side Scroller 27.7%, Shooter 14.6%, Linear 10.7%, Space 6.8%
- #47 Interstellar Sentinel
70% matchVery Positive98% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Uplifting Goat LLC.
Windows
ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Side Scroller 25.4%, Shooter 12.5%, Linear 7.5%, Anime 7.4%
- #48 Blast Off Far Away
71% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2022
Dev: C405Pub: DigiPen Institute of Technology
Windows
Shoot to move, move to live, live to shoot! Blast Off Far Away (B.O.F.A.) is a space-themed, top-down arena shooter, with a focus on fast-paced arcade-esque gameplay, with the unique twist where movement is limited through the use of the player's gun.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Shooter 18.4%, Arcade 14.4%, Linear 13.3%, Space 6.5%
- #49 ReSpaced
69% matchVery Positive87% of 86 reviews2025
Dev: Elevated Ants Studio
Windows
A fast-paced first-person shooter where you master gun recoil to leap across platforms, battle various enemies, and upgrade your weapon to escape an overrun space station.
Why similar: Shooter 48.1%, Action 21.2%, Space 18.9%, Linear 11.5%, Singleplayer 0.4%
- #50 Super Destronaut
73% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2016
Dev: Petite Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.8%, Arcade 14.9%, Space 14.5%, Shooter 14%, 1980s 9.6%
- #51 Bladestar
73% matchMostly Positive71% of 110 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: Shoot 'Em Up 37%, Shooter 17.7%, Arcade 15.5%, Space 14.8%, Action 9.1%
- #52 VOID/BREAKER
64% matchVery Positive92% of 2,726 reviews2025
Dev: Stubby GamesPub: Playstack
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Fast paced Bullet hell Roguelite FPS 🔴 Fight relentless machines driven by a hostile AI. Escape an endless cycle. Craft infinite weapon variants with deep gun modding. Forge deadly synergies. Carve your way out through enviro destruction /BREAK THE SYSTEM /BREAK FREE
Why similar: Shooter 78.4%, Action 19.8%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #53 Void Scrappers
67% matchVery Positive89% of 623 reviews2022
Dev: 8BitSkull
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.5%, Shooter 19.6%, Space 14.8%, Arcade 7.4%, Action 6.8%
- #54 Pixel Star
70% matchVery Positive84% of 117 reviews2015
Dev: Soul Forge
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Space 42.2%, Arcade 37.5%, Action 20.3%
- #55 Enemy Mind
68% matchVery Positive85% of 799 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 30.3%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Shooter 15.3%, Space 12.2%, Arcade 10.8%
- #56 Sophstar
66% matchVery Positive100% of 107 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 38.3%, Shooter 15.7%, Arcade 14.5%, Space 11.7%, 2D 6.8%
- #57 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
68% matchVery Positive81% of 404 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.8%, Shooter 18.2%, Arcade 17.1%, Action 11.2%, 2D 5.7%
- #58 Grand Brix Shooter
67% 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 29.6%, Side Scroller 24.5%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 12.6%, Space 12%
- #59 Captain Starshot
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 277 reviews2019
Dev: Double Door Games
Windows
Fight fierce hostile alien space ships to neutralize their defenses before you board their ships and battle intense on-foot encounters. Eliminate their forces and steal their technology to upgrade your squad with different abilities and save the galaxy!
Why similar: Perma Death 34.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Space 15.8%, Funny 11.8%, Action 7.3%
- #60 Sektori
61% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 915 reviews2025
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. A game where the high-adrenaline gameplay, visuals, and music come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Arcade 23.2%, Shooter 18.9%, Action 4.6%, Singleplayer 0.2%