- #1 Crisis Wing
97% matchVery Positive90% of 90 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 46%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 14.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Action 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a pure, retro-styled vertical shoot-em-up experience with a focus on tight controls and arcade difficulty.
- #2 Super Hydorah
96% matchVery Positive87% of 318 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 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 50%, Arcade 16.6%, Action 10.2%, Retro 7.5%, Indie 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in modern indie vertical and horizontal shooters that captures the same retro arcade spirit as Brother Wings.
- #3 Wings Of Bluestar
96% matchVery Positive84% of 64 reviews2020
Dev: Shinu Real Arts
Windows · Linux
This is an arcade horizontal shoot'em up, that combines solid arcade controls with modern elements like bullet hell phases, tiny hitboxes, different types of gameplay and scoring, collectibles, trophies and many other features, which makes Wings Of Bluestar a fun shmup for both casuals and regulars.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Shooter 15.5%, Arcade 14.9%, Choices Matter 8%, Action 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: This title blends traditional vertical shooter mechanics with a compelling story and modern visual flair.
- #4 Sky Force Anniversary
95% matchVery Positive92% of 2,153 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 57.8%, Arcade 14.1%, Shooter 9%, Action 8.9%, Retro 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a highly accessible and polished vertical-scrolling experience that mirrors the casual-friendly nature of the seed game.
- #5 Grand Brix Shooter
94% 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 39.5%, Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 15.4%, Action 11.8%, Casual 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: It offers fast-paced, arcade-style action with a unique ship-switching mechanic that keeps gameplay fresh.
- #6 ZeroRanger
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,179 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Action 7.7%, Indie 6.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A highly acclaimed indie vertical shooter that features innovative mechanics while staying true to the genre's roots.
- #7 Raiden IV x MIKADO remix
93% matchMixed69% of 26 reviews2023
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%, Shooter 20.2%, Arcade 20%, Action 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: As a definitive vertical-scrolling shooter, it provides the classic arcade intensity that fans of the genre crave.
- #8 LUFTRAUSERS
92% matchVery Positive91% of 4,510 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Arcade 18.5%, Shooter 9.3%, Action 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: While multi-directional, its arcade-style aerial combat and focus on high-score survival align perfectly with the feel of Brother Wings.
- #9 BLUE REVOLVER
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 879 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.5%, Arcade 12.5%, Action 6.5%, Indie 5.5%, Pixel Graphics 5%
Why You'll Like It: A high-octane indie vertical shooter known for its incredible soundtrack and precise, satisfying combat.
- #10 Project Root
91% matchMixed50% of 115 reviews2014
Dev: OPQAMPub: Reverb Triple XP
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Shooter 16%, Action 13.9%, Arcade 12.4%, Indie 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This vertical-scrolling shooter emphasizes constant action and destruction, much like the core loop of the seed game.
- #11 Switch 'N' Shoot
90% 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 40.7%, Arcade 15.6%, Shooter 14.1%, Casual 6.9%, Retro 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: It distills the vertical shooter experience down to its most addictive, score-attack-focused elements.
- #12 Graze Counter GM
86% matchVery Positive97% of 197 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.6%, Arcade 15%, Shooter 12.4%, Action 8%, Casual 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A modern vertical shooter that rewards aggressive playstyles, making it a great step up for fans of arcade action.
- #13 ImageStriker
88% matchVery Positive93% of 95 reviews2019
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Image Striker is a 2D vertical scroll shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Shooter 16.6%, Arcade 8%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Action 6%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, score-focused vertical shooter that captures the essence of classic arcade gaming.
- #14 AWA
89% matchVery Positive81% of 118 reviews2016
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69%, Arcade 14.3%, Action 9.8%, Indie 7%
Why You'll Like It: A simple, indie-developed arcade shooter that focuses on pure, unadulterated vertical action.
- #15 Fire Arrow Plus
87% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Fire Arrow and Fire Arrow X are time attack style shooters with a heavy emphasis on scoring. Otherwisely, you can call them coffee break shmups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.1%, Action 25%, Indie 15.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled vertical shooter that provides a nostalgic and accessible experience for fans of the genre.
- #16 Gamma Bros
86% matchVery Positive92% of 166 reviews2018
Dev: PixeljamPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.5 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 35.8%, Shooter 16.2%, Arcade 15.5%, Action 8%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: This indie title captures the charm of 80s arcade shooters with its pixel-art style and simple, addictive gameplay.
- #17 Danmaku Unlimited 3
85% matchVery Positive87% of 243 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 61.3%, Arcade 16.9%, Action 12.8%, Indie 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a polished, high-energy vertical shooting experience that is both challenging and visually stunning.
- #18 VASARA Collection
84% matchVery Positive82% of 146 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 72%
For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Arcade 15.1%, Shooter 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Action 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: This collection brings classic vertical arcade shooters to modern systems with a distinct historical-fantasy aesthetic.
- #19 Ikaruga
83% matchVery Positive95% of 2,332 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.3%, Arcade 17.5%, Shooter 6.6%, Action 4.2%, Indie 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic vertical shooter that introduces a unique polarity mechanic, perfect for players looking for a deeper challenge.
- #20 Air Attack
82% matchVery Positive90% of 104 reviews2020
Dev: Four Pixels Games
Windows · Mac
Take a 5 minute break to de-stress with this high-intensity, ultra simple, retro arcade shooter! Take down airplanes. Dig tunnels. Hide and seek shelter. Try and beat the highscore. That's all. Afterwards, you will go back to your life with renewed energy of body and mind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Survival 15.8%, Arcade 15.1%, Shooter 14%, Action 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This casual arcade shooter provides a fun, low-pressure experience that mirrors the approachable nature of Brother Wings.
- #21 Revolgear Zero
73% matchVery Positive99% of 125 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 57%, Arcade 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Action 9.6%, 2D 4.3%
- #22 DoDonPachi Resurrection
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,065 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Shooter 16.3%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 7.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential vertical shooter that offers the high-stakes, arcade-style gameplay that defines the genre.
- #23 Revolution Ace
82% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,886 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 57%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 8.2%, Indie 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a modern take on the vertical shooter genre with 3D graphics and classic arcade-style mission structures.
- #24 Space Elite Force II
81% 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 40.2%, Arcade 16.1%, Shooter 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Retro 7%
Why You'll Like It: This indie shooter offers a great mix of vertical and side-scrolling action with a focus on single-player progression.
- #25 Psyvariar Delta
80% matchVery Positive90% of 62 reviews2019
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Thrive on Danger: Master the 'Buzz' to transform peril into pure power. Graze the edge of destruction to fuel your evolution. Harness the fleeting invincibility of each level-up to dive even deeper into the barrage.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.7%, Action 47.3%
Why You'll Like It: It features a unique 'buzz' mechanic that encourages players to fly dangerously close to enemies, adding depth to the vertical shooter formula.
- #26 Sisters Royale: Five Sisters Under Fire
78% matchVery Positive90% of 63 reviews2020
Dev: AlfaSystem Co.,Ltd.Pub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Sparks flare around the man all five sisters wish to claim. Introducing the new vertical scrolling shooter game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Arcade 30.1%, Action 16.3%, 2D 8.3%, Indie 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: This vertical shooter features distinct characters and fast-paced combat that echoes the character-selection aspect of Brother Wings.
- #27 Mushihimesama
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,547 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68%, Arcade 18.9%, Action 7.2%, Shooter 3.2%, 2D 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful and challenging vertical shooter that is widely considered a masterpiece of the arcade era.
- #28 Red Wings: American Aces
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 52 reviews2022
Dev: All in! GamesPub: Untold Tales
Windows
Red Wings: American Aces is a thrilling warplane arcade shooter with online and local multiplayer modes. Whiz and swish through vibrant comic book-style skies solo or with friends and win the day!
Why similar: Shooter 33.4%, Arcade 32%, Action 18.1%, Retro 11.4%, Multiplayer 3.1%
- #29 SAMOLIOTIK
77% matchVery Positive85% of 2,932 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 95%
SAMOLIOTIK is a stylish shoot-em-up with different enemies, bosses, colour palettes, power-ups, set in different eras. In this game you will fight Adolf Gutler,The Illuminati, and other creatures.
Why similar: Casual 70.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Action 5.3%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%, Indie 4.5%
- #30 A Clumsy Flight
74% matchMostly Positive70% of 67 reviews2022
Dev: Rdev group
Windows
Shoot down swarms of planes to survive your adventure through the clouds. Make smart upgrade decisions along the way to not get submerged by the hundreds of enemies coming your way.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.6%, Shooter 13%, Action 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Casual 9.2%
- #31 Distant Space
76% matchVery Positive82% of 3,338 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 43.2%, Arcade 15.4%, Shooter 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Casual 6.8%
- #32 Rocket Wars
77% matchVery Positive90% of 101 reviews2017
Dev: Rooftop Panda
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 23.2 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 45.8%, Arcade 16.7%, Shooter 16.3%, Action 7.9%, 2D 6.5%
- #33 Incandescent
78% matchMixed69% of 175 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: Shoot 'Em Up 46.8%, Action 17.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Indie 12.2%, Casual 5.7%
- #34 C-RUSH
79% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 17%
C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.9%, Shooter 11.8%, Action 10.9%, Arcade 9.6%, Indie 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, indie vertical shooter that prioritizes arcade-style score chasing and reflex-based combat.
- #35 Chicken Invaders 1
66% matchVery Positive89% of 66 reviews2025
Dev: InterAction studios
Windows
Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Arcade 16%, Shooter 15.6%, Action 12.7%, Casual 12.1%
- #36 Super Retro Fighter
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 87 reviews2021
Dev: Syndrome interactivePub: Cat God Studio
Windows
Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 21.8%, Arcade 6.2%, Retro 5.8%, Action 5.5%
- #37 Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons
65% matchVery Positive86% of 1,625 reviews2023
Dev: Secret BasePub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 67%
The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 20 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op.
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 23.2%, Retro 22.4%, Action 21.6%, 2D 15.7%, Multiplayer 9.4%
- #38 Zero Wing
68% matchVery Positive88% of 83 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 49.3%, Arcade 19.9%, Action 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, 2D 6.2%
- #39 Iron Wings
75% matchMostly Negative39% of 92 reviews2017
Dev: Naps Team
Windows
ARCADE-ACTION WWII air combat -Player takes on the role of the two pilots, Jack and Amelia, as they attempt to take down Nazi aerial menace across a rich campaign of missions, each with numerous objectives and enemies as well as side objectives.
Why similar: Shooter 28.6%, Arcade 28.3%, Action 16.7%, Casual 12.3%, Indie 10.5%
- #40 Space War: Infinity
71% matchVery Positive90% of 127 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 40.5%, Arcade 16.2%, Shooter 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Casual 7.4%
- #41 Dark Gravity: Prologue
66% 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: Shooter 32.5%, Arcade 30.1%, Action 16.5%, Retro 10.3%, Multiplayer 5%
- #42 Air Combat Arena
74% matchMixed54% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: Sky Coder
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Air Combat Arena is an arcade-style flight combat game. In the game you can pilot various planes play against other players on various maps.
Why similar: Casual 37.3%, Action 37.1%, Indie 25.7%
- #43 POBEDA
73% matchMixed54% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: RCGPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Representative of the genre Shoot 'em up, performed in the style of retro games. In the game you have to take control of the crew of the KV-2. On the battlefield you will fight with tanks E-100, Tiger II, PzKpfw IV.
Why similar: Indie 46%, Casual 28.8%, Action 25.2%
- #44 EON Fighter
65% matchVery Positive90% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Square Wheel
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Embark on an action-packed adventure with "EON Fighter," a thrilling spaceship shooter game with roguelite elements. Pilot your fighter through space, collect resources, and battle your way to victory. Strive to become the last survivor in the universe!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Point & Click 17.5%, Shooter 14%, Arcade 12.6%, Choices Matter 6.5%
- #45 Pang Adventures
71% matchVery Positive81% of 448 reviews2016
Dev: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The Pang series is a beloved collection of arcade video games from the early 90s. Guide two brothers on a quest around the world to save humankind from a massive alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Arcade 19%, Shooter 12.4%, Action 10.8%, Casual 7%
- #46 Air Brawl
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,727 reviews2015
Dev: Landfall
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 37%
A fast paced multiplayer dogfighting game that focuses on creative weapons and game mechanics that reward skillful flying.
Why similar: Action 48.3%, Multiplayer 26.3%, Indie 25.4%
- #47 RagingBlasters
67% 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 42.2%, Shooter 16.7%, Arcade 8.2%, Action 7.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%
- #48 Crome: Before Purgatory
70% 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 38.7%, Action 15.3%, Arcade 12.5%, Shooter 11.4%, Retro 6.9%
- #49 Jett Rider
62% matchVery Positive93% of 69 reviews2024
Dev: Last Chicken GamesPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Jett Rider is an arcade shooter packed with action, exploration, RPG elements, tons of humor and awesome bosses. Explore, fight, gain experience, purchase weapons in this exciting adventure.
Why similar: Shooter 29.4%, Arcade 19.7%, Action 12.1%, Retro 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%
- #50 Minishoot' Adventures
57% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,805 reviews2024
Dev: SoulGame Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.3%, Shooter 21.7%, Casual 12.5%, Action 9.2%, Retro 8.2%
- #51 Planes, Bullets and Vodka
68% matchVery Positive85% of 3,018 reviews2016
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.0 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 36.4%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 14.1%, Casual 7.9%, Action 7.4%
- #52 Galaxy Highways
59% matchVery Positive97% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.
Why similar: Shooter 32.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.4%, Action 14.7%, Casual 14.4%, Retro 11.3%
- #53 Phoenix 2
55% matchMixed66% of 232 reviews2026
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 45.2%, Arcade 19.5%, Shooter 9.5%, Retro 6.9%, Action 6.4%
- #54 Jetman Go
69% matchVery Positive80% of 175 reviews2017
Dev: Linkflag Studio
Windows
Engage in multiplayer gunfights that you are free to fly in the sky play like no FPS you've played before. you can choose 4 guns with a totally level playing field and 18 beautiful maps with different strategies. Equip your jetpack and Fight in the sky!
Why similar: Survival 36.4%, Casual 17.8%, Action 17.2%, Multiplayer 16.5%, Indie 12.2%
- #55 Crazy Steam Bros 2
72% matchMixed46% of 54 reviews2015
Dev: Ars Creativa
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Crazy Steam Bros is a classical horizontal shoot'em up inspired by the gameplay of old arcades. Anton and Dupont are brothers, inventors, and a little mad also! With the help of their landlady, Miss Lily, they must defeat the evil Baron and their hordes of moustached soldiers.
Why similar: Action 37.4%, Casual 37.1%, Indie 25.5%
- #56 Hyperspace Dogfights
68% matchVery Positive90% of 139 reviews2018
Dev: Sleeper Games
Windows · Linux
Hyperspace Dogfights is a juicy jet-combat roguelite in which you blast, dodge and slice your way through masses of technologically inferior baddies. Your jet evolves differently on each run and becomes stronger and weirder by gathering some of the 300+ available items.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Shooter 16.3%, Arcade 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Action 5.2%