Games Like C-RUSH

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.5%, Shooter 12%, Action 12%, Indie 8.4%, Side Scroller 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: This modern side-scrolling shooter offers high-octane action and a deep absorption mechanic that feels like a natural evolution of the C-RUSH gameplay loop.

Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.2%, Side Scroller 14%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 9.8%, Action 8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic side-scrolling arcade feel with modern HD graphics and a focus on power-ups and score-attack challenges.

Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.6%, Action 15.3%, Indie 13.3%, Arcade 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished indie bullet-hell shooter that mirrors the arcade intensity and retro-inspired aesthetic found in C-RUSH.

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.6%, Action 14.2%, Shooter 12.3%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Arcade 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that emphasizes side-scrolling action and addictive, score-focused gameplay.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 71.8%, Indie 8.6%, Action 8.4%, Arcade 6.6%, Shooter 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: An exceptional retro-style shooter that hides deep, evolving mechanics beneath a classic arcade exterior.

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 57.7%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 9%, Action 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a sophisticated side-scrolling experience with unique time-based mechanics and high production values that appeal to fans of classic shooters.

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 77.5%, Arcade 6.8%, Indie 6.6%, Action 6.6%, Shooter 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style bullet-hell shooter that rewards precision and aggressive play, much like C-RUSH.

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 54.8%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Shooter 13.1%, Arcade 9%, Action 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A space-themed side-scrolling shooter that combines chaotic action with a variety of ship options and upgrade paths.

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 70.6%, Action 9%, Arcade 8.1%, Shooter 6.4%, Indie 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a highly accessible yet challenging arcade shooter experience with a strong focus on mission-based progression and score-chasing.

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 60%, Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 10.8%, Action 10.3%, Indie 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: The risk-reward 'grazing' mechanic creates a compelling score-attack loop that will feel familiar to fans of C-RUSH.

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 58.3%, Action 13.6%, Shooter 10.9%, Indie 10.4%, Arcade 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This arcade-style shooter features similar space-themed combat and a focus on destroying waves of enemies for high scores.

Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.6%, Shooter 8%, Action 7.9%, Arcade 7.7%, Indie 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling arcade shooter that emphasizes retro-inspired visuals and straightforward, addictive gameplay.

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 69.1%, Action 11.9%, Indie 10.1%, Arcade 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at delivering a polished, high-energy bullet-hell experience with a strong arcade aesthetic.

An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 77.3%, Action 16.3%, Arcade 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced shooter that uses dynamic camera angles and arcade-style scoring to keep the action feeling fresh and intense.

The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.7%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Shooter 10.1%, Arcade 8.5%, Action 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shooter that leans heavily into the retro aesthetic and weapon-customization tropes of the genre.

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 58.5%, Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 13%, Action 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive arcade shooter experience that provides the classic, challenging gameplay loop expected of the genre.

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 80.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 7%, Shooter 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: An iconic bullet-hell title that sets the standard for high-score-focused arcade shooters.

Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.8%, Action 21.5%, Indie 18.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that focuses on quick reflexes and clearing waves of enemies.

Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69.5%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Action 6.6%, Indie 5.4%, Arcade 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane, side-scrolling shooter with a distinct retro-punk aesthetic and heavy focus on weapon upgrades.

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 80.6%, Arcade 9.6%, Shooter 4.5%, Action 4.1%, Indie 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary arcade shooter that introduces a unique polarity mechanic, challenging players to master complex patterns.

Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61%, Action 21.2%, Indie 17.8%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter with a distinct 8-bit aesthetic that pays homage to the roots of the genre.

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 78.4%, Arcade 9.5%, Action 6.9%, Shooter 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This is a masterclass in bullet-hell design, offering the intense, pattern-heavy gameplay that fans of C-RUSH will appreciate.

Inspired by an arcade classic, Super Destronaut DX is retro space shooter that pits you against an enemy more dreaded than a UFO, a scoreboard.

Why similar: Action 57.7%, Indie 42.3%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, retro-inspired arcade shooter that is perfect for players who enjoy simple, high-score-focused gameplay.

RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.1%, Action 19.4%, Indie 17.5%

Why You'll Like It: An intense bullet-hell shooter that features deep scoring systems and challenging boss encounters.

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 68.6%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 10.8%, Action 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: These retro-style arcade shooters offer intense action and a unique aesthetic that fits perfectly alongside C-RUSH.

Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.8%, Action 31.2%, Arcade 9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes equipment customization and long-term score progression.

Contract Rush DX is a hand-animated 2D Shoot 'Em Up, with multiple playable characters. Explore the world, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 71%, Shooter 11.1%, Action 9.7%, Arcade 8.2%

Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.1%, Action 16.3%, Indie 13.6%

Why You'll Like It: A bullet-hell shooter that focuses on ship maneuvers and intense combat encounters in a space setting.

Side-scrolling mech-shooting bad-assery is BACK!GIGANTIC ARMY is a heartfelt homage to 16-bit era mech shooters such as Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Metal Warriors, and Front Mission: Gun Hazard, developed by the studio behind the acclaimed shooter SATAZIUS.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.4%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 10.1%, Shooter 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game with a heavy, retro feel that captures the mechanical satisfaction of classic shooters.

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.1%, Action 6.6%, Side Scroller 6.4%, Indie 6.2%, Arcade 5.8%

Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 74.2%, Action 7.9%, Indie 7.2%, Arcade 5.4%, Shooter 5.3%

Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.4%, Action 21.4%, Indie 17.2%

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 64.3%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 7.9%, Indie 3.3%

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 54%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Action 10.1%, Indie 9.9%, Shooter 9.3%

The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.4%, Action 14.9%, Indie 12.3%, Arcade 4.4%

Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70%, Shooter 13.7%, Action 10.3%, Indie 6%

A classic style vertical scrolling-shooter. Includes 10 levels and 10 boss enemies. You will have several power-ups for weapon modification. Within each level, you will face different enemies, among which will vary from low to extreme levels of threat!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.6%, Indie 27.3%, Action 14.1%

Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.5%, Action 22.9%, Indie 17.4%, Arcade 10.1%

Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.1%, Shooter 14.8%, Action 10.2%

Hyper Bounce Blast is a stomach-churning retro shooter blended with classic platforming action. Bounce, shoot and dodge to survive the ever-increasing enemy attack. Bring it on!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.1%, Action 19.8%, Indie 16.3%, Arcade 9.8%

Bad Caterpillars and their swarms of insect hordes are invading. Get to your ship, man the lasers, and save the galaxy from caterpillars, scorpions, spiders, and a slew of other ill-tempered giant killer insects.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.4%, Action 24.6%, Indie 22.1%

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 65.3%, Shooter 12.6%, Action 11.6%, Arcade 10.4%

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 60.7%, Action 21%, Indie 18.3%

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 67.9%, Action 11.4%, Arcade 10.5%, Indie 10.2%

The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.7%, Action 11.2%, Arcade 10.6%, Indie 9.8%, Shooter 6.7%

Razor2: Hidden Skies Razor2: Hidden Skies is a top view shooter. The game has the style of successful classic arcade games, while using the latest technology to create great visuals and effects. An old-school game with all new technology.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.9%, Action 16.3%, Indie 13.3%, Arcade 6.5%

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 56.3%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 8.4%, Action 7.8%

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 53.6%, Shooter 12.7%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Action 9.3%, Arcade 8.2%

A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Shooter 26.4%, Action 18.6%, Indie 10.5%, Arcade 9.4%

"Run and Gun" oldschool single-player platformer with NES aesthetics, including an authentic 8-bit chiptune.

Why similar: Shooter 26.1%, Side Scroller 24.3%, Action 24%, Arcade 22.5%, Indie 3.2%

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 68.8%, Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 10%, Action 7.9%

Lt Blitz has the city sieged, and it's your job to destroy his troops. Shoot, dodge and upgrade your jet and and try to take on this challenge! Burning Skies is a free, endless retro shmup, that will take you right back to the era of arcade machines, with modernized graphics and gameplay!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.2%, Shooter 18.2%, Action 13.6%

As Sam McRae, last surviving member of the “Titan Hauler” crew, you must hack and blast your way through an onslaught of truly bad 'bots to find a way to prevent a potential planet-destroying catastrophe.

Why similar: Action 51.6%, Indie 48.4%

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 48%, Action 11.8%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 8.8%

Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.8%, Action 24.6%, Indie 18.7%

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 66%, Shooter 13.1%, Arcade 11.8%, Indie 5%, Action 4%

Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.7%, Action 18.6%, Indie 13.9%, Arcade 7.9%