- #1 Distant Space
97% matchVery Positive86% of 2,983 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 21.3%, Space 15.8%, Arcade 10.7%, 1980s 9.8%, Bullet Hell 8.6%
- #2 AstroRage2049
96% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: CJPub: Outofthematrix
Windows
A short space shooter game that you can finish in your break time with beginner-friendly gameplay and some special features.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Psychedelic 13.1%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.9%
- #3 Space Moth: Lunar Edition
96% matchPositive89% of 36 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
1CC Games’ first shoot ’em up returns with totally overhauled visuals, all-new enemies and attacks, a deeper scoring system, remixed soundtrack and fresh player powers. Space Moth: Lunar Edition is the ultimate version of the beloved cult classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Psychedelic 18%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Arcade 9.7%, Retro 8%
- #4 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
95% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Retro 12.2%, 1980s 10.8%, Shooter 10.6%
- #5 Z-Warp
94% matchPositive100% of 25 reviews2022
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Z-Warp is an intense vertical shoot’em up presented in retro pixel art style, featuring frenetic arcade-inspired action where blasters, bombs and KILLER specials are your only allies.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Shooter 12.7%, Retro 10.5%, Space 9.6%
- #6 GutBuster
94% matchPositive100% of 36 reviews2025
Dev: RoyalJellySoftware
Windows · Linux
Digest the ravenous Rebbecca's meals in this arcade style run and gun erotic comedy game. Dodge and blast the chewed food, collect powerups, and spend lipids at the upgrade shop to survive the challenge and prevent indigestion! For mature players.
Why similar: Dark Comedy 16.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.9%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Dark Humor 11.3%, Memes 10.6%
- #7 Spermicide
93% matchPositive96% of 24 reviews2021
Dev: Frank Bondietti III
Windows
Play as a microscopic spermicide craft with only one goal. Don't let the sperm reach the egg by any means necessary! Don't like preventing pregnancy? Cause it! With Be The Sperm!
Why similar: Dark Comedy 17.9%, Memes 13.5%, Dark Humor 12.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.5%, Bullet Hell 11%
- #8 Nevultra
91% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Zoblin Multimedia
Windows
Nevultra is an exciting shoot'em up that will take you back to the 8bit/16bit era. The protagonist, Nina, needs your help to reach her destination in deep space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Bullet Hell 16%, Arcade 11.8%, Shooter 10.6%, Space 8.6%
- #9 Viral Reload EX
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Retrocade Media
Windows · Linux
Viral Reload EX is a sci-fi shoot-em-up with a unique dash mechanic where you shrink down to fight infections at a microscopic scale! Can you defeat the evil Kyle Kaboom before he destroys the moon?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, 1980s 10.6%, Retro 9.7%, Arcade 9.1%
- #10 Minarchy: Active Shooter
91% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: Andrew Ayala
Windows
Minarchy: Active Shooter is a 2D Top-Down Shooter blended with Bullet Hell and just a splash of Tower Defense - all based on the Minarchy Tabletop Role-Playing Game. This is the first video game project created by Andrew Ayala.
Why similar: Dark Comedy 21.1%, Dark Humor 15.9%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.4%, Psychedelic 9.1%
- #11 My Nuclear Octopus
90% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2020
Dev: Tea Monster Games
Windows
My Nuclear Octopus is a psychedelic retro arcade game for fans of pure out-and-out arcade blasters that takes two minutes to learn and hours to master! It's an overload of sight and sound for you to lose yourself in. Can you make it to the top of the leaderboard?
Why similar: Psychedelic 29.8%, Retro 14.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.5%, 1980s 8.5%, Arcade 8.5%
- #12 Cosmic Cruiser
89% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: ImaginePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this unique shooter from 1984. take on the role of a pilot of an out-dated Cosmic Cruiser, fighting to rescue the crew of a distant space station that had been captured by a raiding party from the sinister Rallom Empire.
Why similar: Shooter 16.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.7%, Retro 13.5%, Arcade 11.1%, Space 10.8%
- #13 1982
89% matchVery Positive93% of 801 reviews2017
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 36%
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
Why similar: Retro 17.6%, 1980s 15.6%, Arcade 13.8%, Shooter 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%
- #14 EGGCONSOLE ZANAC EX MSX2
86% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2026
Dev: D4Enterprise Co.,Ltd.
Windows
The Zanac battle, which was supposed to have ended, was not over. To suppress the reactivated organic intelligence, Zanac takes flight once again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 13.2%, 1980s 11.8%
- #15 Neckbeards: Silly Squadron
88% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: Soiree Games
Windows
Silly Squadron is a retro-futuristic take on Space Invaders, the arcade classic from 1978. It has all the Soiree ingredients you're craving for: fast action, addictive gameplay, strange boss fights (including a mighty middle-aged man) and a seriously sumptuous soundtrack.
Why similar: Memes 19.5%, Psychedelic 19.2%, Bullet Hell 11.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.4%, Retro 10.8%
- #16 Return Ace
87% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: NEROTA
Windows
Be shot and shoot back! Rule reversal type Shmup "Return Ace"What you have been given is the power to take advantage of the oncoming malice and return it.Please enjoy the unique sense of incompatibility, tension, and striking that the experience of bullet energy weaves.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Shooter 12.4%, 1980s 12.2%, Arcade 10.3%
- #17 Orbital Siege
85% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Orbitforge Interactive
Windows
Reclaim the arcade. This is a high-octane space shooter where vibrant pixel art meets relentless alien armadas. Master your orbital defenses and survive the ultimate galactic onslaught.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Retro 13.9%, Arcade 11.6%, Space 10.7%
- #18 The Battle of Aurinoxia
84% matchPositive75% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 10.9%, Space 8.9%
- #19 PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Chain Damage Games
Windows
PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift is a sci-fi shoot 'em up game in the style of arcade classics. Dodge barrages of attacks, survive bullet hell bosses, and save Prismidia!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.9%, Space 9.2%
- #20 Birth Patrol
83% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: Christopher Rodgers
Windows
2D shoot 'em up in which you play as Jill the birth control pill and go back in time and abort Hitler.
Why similar: Dark Humor 21%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Arcade 10.6%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Shooter 8.8%
- #21 THUNDER STRIKER
82% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast your way through enemy territory and level up your versatile arsenal of high-tech weapons in this handheld game style retro shmup!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, 1980s 13.5%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Retro 13%, Pixel Graphics 8%
- #22 Polybius Invaders
82% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2021
Dev: Jonni the DodgerPub: Jonni The Dodger
Windows
Take on the Evil General Goo as he sends waves of Retro Space Invaders your way in this Action-Packed Retro Styled Arcade Shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Psychedelic 21%, Space 15.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Retro 13.2%, Arcade 10.9%
- #23 Blaster Panic
84% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: Pirate Dog Games
Windows
Blaster Panic is a 2D space shooter where you defend your home base against an onslaught of enemies. Fight through ongoing boss battles. Last as long as you can to dominate the leaderboard.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 16.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Space 12.3%, Psychedelic 10.7%, Shooter 10%
- #24 GALXAGAR
81% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: MoonMuse Entertainment
Windows
"Don't go to GALXAGAR"; a phrase uttered by many who have traversed its rim. Untold treasures, and terrors, await within its blackened depths. Ready your craft, spacefarer, because you're about to enter the most dangerous sector in all the stars. Get ready.. for GALXAGAR!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 9.3%
- #25 Kalzor: 2000
81% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2017
Dev: Roley Games
Windows
Shoot different types of spaceships while avoiding getting shot yourself. Kill 10 minutes at a time with this affordable colourful timewaster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Space 14.7%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Retro 11%, Arcade 10%
- #26 Among Dots
79% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Octane
Windows
Maze 2D Pixel Game. To survive, Sora Amber must go through the mazes, running around the labyrinths and gathering energy dots to repair the important rooms of the abandon spaceship. Find super items that boost her strength, make her invisible and help her beat the enemies. Let's go! Sora chan !!
Why similar: Memes 25.3%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Retro 11.3%, Comedy 11.1%, Arcade 10.4%
- #27 Escape 2 Space
80% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Shooter 12.8%, Space 12.2%, Arcade 11.7%
- #28 GRADIUS ORIGINS
74% matchVery Positive94% of 250 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.
Why similar: Arcade 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%, Shooter 15%, 1980s 13.8%, Space 10.3%
- #29 Star Jet Alpha
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Valles Games
Windows · Mac
Star Jet Alpha is a top-down space shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Progress through each stage by blowing up enemy space stations while avoiding or destroying enemy missiles, space mines and asteroids. Unlock Star Jet capabilities by completing stages.
Why similar: Space 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 11.3%
- #30 misaligned
77% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Michal Kelisek
Windows
Classic 80s inspired shooter
Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10.5%, 1980s 9.4%
- #31 The Rush
75% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 9.3%
- #32 STURMWIND EX
76% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Space 14%, Retro 10.9%, Shooter 10.4%
- #33 Quiver Dick's Epic Book of Fairy Fails
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Crankage Games
Windows
Embark on a hilarious quest as Richard Longshlong, (Young Quiverdick), and his derpditty-derp-pants partner, Deputy Stoney, as they take down fairy-fail creatures that you most certainly do not recognize from your childhood due to copyright reasons! *Winky-Face*
Why similar: Dark Comedy 32.1%, Memes 25.3%, Dark Humor 23.2%, Comedy 11.2%, Funny 8.2%
- #34 Dave-Man
76% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2020
Dev: Lou Bagel
Windows · Mac
Get your coffee while avoiding co-workers. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat...Retire.
Why similar: Dark Comedy 20.8%, Dark Humor 13.5%, 1980s 11.5%, Retro 10%, Arcade 8.2%
- #35 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
74% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: SNOWBALL EFFECT GAMES
Windows
A classic style SHMUP in the tradition of 80's and 90's vertical scrolling shooters. Maximize your run and get to the top of the High-score Leaderboard. Can you achieve the rank of Fleet Admiral? It's a challenge. Visit our website for a free playable browser demo of the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 11.9%, 1980s 11.6%
- #36 Utopia Must Fall
71% matchVery Positive95% of 1,042 reviews2024
Dev: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Defend humanity's last surviving metropolis from mysterious alien machinations in this challenging base-defense arcade shooter. Featuring rapid upgrade progression, procedurally generated attack waves, dark humor and laser-sharp aesthetics.
Why similar: Dark Comedy 21.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Dark Humor 14.4%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Arcade 9%
- #37 Space Maxwell: Arcade
75% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Dreamland Games
Windows
Shoot your enemies and try not to let them multiply themselves and turn the game into a chaotic space battle! Space Maxwell is an arcade shooter where your spaceship has the ability to destroy or to multiply your enemies. Climb the leaderboard and try to survive as long as you can!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Bullet Hell 18%, Psychedelic 13.4%, Shooter 11.6%, Space 10.2%
- #38 Grav Blazer Squared
77% 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 18.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shooter 11.5%, Space 11.5%, 1980s 11.1%
- #39 Yavi
73% matchPositive86% of 29 reviews2021
Dev: E.144
Windows
A retro styled 2D Sci-Fi RPG including robot fighting, hilarious dialogues and a great story that will make you laugh and cry - if you're a sensitive person (which is nothing to be ashamed of!).
Why similar: Dark Comedy 26.1%, Dark Humor 18%, Memes 15.1%, Space 11.6%, Comedy 8.3%
- #40 The Core Message
78% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: Freedom Software
Windows
Combining retro puzzles and a arcade space shooter. You and your crew found strange materials in the galaxy core to upgrade your ship to the most powerful. While collecting core materials you came across something unbelievable ... The Core Message. The Core Message changes everything.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Space 17.3%, Retro 14%, Arcade 12.2%
- #41 Feeble Light
73% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Bullet Hell 21%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #42 Galactic Plague 2000
71% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2025
Dev: Yacoobs C.MPub: Y3TuuStudio
Windows
A classic shoot 'em up with a modern edge. Galactic Plague throws you into a cosmic nightmare where survival means upgrading your ship, mastering legendary weapons, and battling the relentless Martian invasion. Are you ready to face the chaos?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 12%, Space 10.9%, Retro 7.2%
- #43 Gray Goo
69% match6 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Glitch Nomads
Windows
Gray goo is a short retro arcade shooter with lots of upgrades. This game is about destroying goo in space and saving the universe.
Why similar: Space 16.6%, Retro 13.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.4%, 1980s 9.9%, Minimalist 9.3%
- #44 Doot-Type
70% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: SolidFrogLLC
Windows
2D Side Scrolling Shoot Em Up action. Cinematic cut-scenes carry the story on a quest to locate Mother Gator's secret weapon. Unlockable cheats will mix-up the gameplay or enjoy a randomizer mode. Game includes commentary by the developer and musical composer on the process of making the game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Dark Humor 14.3%, Memes 13.4%, Shooter 12.2%
- #45 Atomic Guardians
71% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: Mosh Jason Games
Windows
ATOMIC GUARDIANS is a fully CO-OP arcade retro shoot 'em up, where one player flies the ship, and the other player mans the shields. Fight your way through a never ending horde of Brutal Bosses, Alien Monsters and Gigantic Asteroids as you rack up a new world-wide high score. Play with up to three friends, and see how long you can last!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 11%
- #46 Absolute Blue
72% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 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 16.3%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Psychedelic 11.6%, 1980s 11.4%, Space 11.1%
- #47 Gold Rush In The Oort Cloud
73% matchMostly Negative30% of 20 reviews2017
Dev: WTFOMGames
Windows
Welcome to the SSGMC - Solar System Gold Mining Corp. You're going to mine a gold! Gold from asteroids.
Why similar: Dark Humor 15.8%, Dark Comedy 15.3%, Space 13.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Bullet Hell 11.1%
- #48 Deep Space Shooter
72% matchMixed68% of 31 reviews2018
Dev: Altair GamePub: ValkyrieInitiative
Windows
Again you are alone against the hordes of hostile spacecrafts where you can only rely on yourself. It is the victory or the death!
Why similar: Space 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.7%, Retro 10.1%, Shooter 9.5%
- #49 Escape Space
69% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Space 16.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 10.2%
- #50 Space Invaders Extreme
70% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Psychedelic 13.5%, Space 11.3%, Shooter 10.1%
- #51 ITZO
68% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: GRRRVERSE
Windows · Mac
ITZO is a retro style scrolling shooter and bullet hell game where you play as the best (and most ruthless) agent in space: ITZO! You have the mission to prevent an incoming interplanetary conflict… How are you going to do it? Easy. With bullets, destruction, chaos and no diplomacy!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23.9%, Space 19%, Shooter 14.7%, Retro 11.8%, Arcade 11.3%
- #52 Enemy Mind
70% 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 19.9%, Space 16.2%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Shooter 12.2%, Retro 9.8%
- #53 Distant Space 2
69% matchMostly Positive80% of 1,501 reviews2017
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Distant Space 2 - is an indirect continuation of the first part, in which you will find more dynamic gameplay. Your task is to destroy enemy ships on each level to go to the next of 26 available. In addition to conventional ships, you will have to wait for the boss ships, the battle with which will not be easy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Retro 10.4%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 9.9%
- #54 Syder Reloaded
66% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Space 14.3%, Shooter 11.1%, Retro 10.6%
- #55 Apolune 2
68% matchPositive100% of 15 reviews2021
Dev: Lost Astronaut Studios
Windows
Apolune 2 is a hilarious and shocking resource management game where one player (or more) experience life on an asteroid mining team in deep space. Tethered to a heavy space station, the game evolves as you mine ore for money, trade and upgrade your station, alone or with your friends.
Why similar: Dark Comedy 22.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Shooter 10.1%, Arcade 9.1%
- #56 Unrelaxing Quacks
67% matchMostly Positive76% of 17 reviews2024
Dev: LogLog Games
Windows · Linux
Survivors but fast. Ditch the waiting simulators. Embrace the speedrun. Power up quickly, but expect the challenge to match with dynamically raising difficulty. There is no meta progression to save you, only option is to learn the map and get good at the game.
Why similar: Dark Comedy 22.4%, Dark Humor 15.4%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.9%, Retro 8.1%
- #57 Invaders from the Lost Sectors
66% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: The Lost Sectors
Windows
Invaders from the Lost Sectors is classic arcade action. Aliens descend with increasing speed towards your base. Shoot them all before they land. Player controlled settings like guided missiles, rate of fire, enemy speed and more help you customize exactly the game experience that you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 12.9%, Space 12.8%, 1980s 9.3%
- #58 Defender's Squad: The Last Ride
66% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: JMC
Windows · Linux
Defender's Squad is a sci-fi vertical scrolling shooter 2D that combines 7 different levels. Play Solo and pick one of the 3 ships to kill enemies and save the earth from aliens.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Space 15.5%, Shooter 13.3%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Arcade 10.2%
- #59 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
67% matchVery Positive84% of 602 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Retro 13.1%, Arcade 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%
- #60 Space Fuel
67% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: MXT Games
Windows
Bite-sized arcade shmup. Slam enemies, beat Bosses, get power-ups and repeat! Pilot your ship through deep space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Space 16.1%, Retro 11.3%, Shooter 9.7%