- #1 Mushihimesama
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 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: Bullet Hell 41.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Arcade 12.7%, Action 4.6%, Shooter 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell experience from Cave that matches the intense screen-filling patterns and high-stakes gameplay of the seed.
- #2 DoDonPachi Resurrection
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 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 39.9%, Bullet Hell 39.2%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 4.7%, Shooter 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the genre, offering the same level of frantic action and complex scoring mechanics.
- #3 BLUE REVOLVER
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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 48.6%, Bullet Hell 31.4%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 5.5%, Shooter 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A modern indie masterpiece that captures the same fast-paced, high-energy feel as the best arcade shooters.
- #4 Danmaku Unlimited 3
94% matchVery Positive87% of 240 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 37%, Bullet Hell 36.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Action 8.5%, Sci-fi 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: Delivers a polished, modern bullet-hell experience with a focus on high-speed action and visual clarity.
- #5 Ikaruga
94% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 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 42.5%, Bullet Hell 36.6%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 3.8%, Action 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic that introduces a polarity-switching mechanic, demanding the same level of precision and pattern recognition.
- #6 Deathsmiles
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 609 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.6%, Bullet Hell 37.3%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 5.8%, Shooter 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed side-scrolling bullet hell that shares the same high-intensity DNA and arcade pedigree.
- #7 Radiant Silvergun
92% matchVery Positive93% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Top-Down Shooter 15.5%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Features a complex weapon system that rewards players for mastering the game's intricate mechanics.
- #8 ZeroRanger
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Bullet Hell 30.7%, Arcade 9.9%, Action 6.8%, Shooter 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant modern shmup that focuses on pacing and escalating difficulty, much like the progression in Crimzon Clover.
- #9 Akai Katana Shin
91% matchVery Positive96% of 106 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.6%, Bullet Hell 28%, Arcade 15.9%, Shooter 13.1%, Action 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep, rewarding scoring systems and aggressive bullet patterns that will appeal to fans of high-level play.
- #10 Gunvein
90% matchVery Positive97% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 8.3%, Shooter 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A modern, aggressive shooter that encourages players to get close to enemies to maximize their score.
- #11 Sophstar
89% matchVery Positive100% of 102 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 26.6%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a fast-paced arcade experience with a focus on teleportation mechanics and intense boss encounters.
- #12 XIIZEAL
89% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Bullet Hell 21%, Action 20.1%, Arcade 13.9%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the pure, unadulterated arcade feel of classic shooters with modern polish.
- #13 Rolling Gunner
87% matchVery Positive91% of 65 reviews2022
Dev: Project Rolling GunnerPub: mebius.
Windows
March 18th, 2061 - "Operation Downfall" Commences With its reliance on BAC, humanity had forgotten how to operate even basic transportation, let alone weapons. After the attacks from BAC and the subsequent social chaos, the human population was reduced by half.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.4%, Shooter 21.1%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Sci-fi 8%, Action 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A precision-focused bullet hell that emphasizes tactical movement and careful positioning amidst heavy fire.
- #14 Sky Force Reloaded
86% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Top-Down Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 11.8%, Flight 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: While more accessible, it offers a high-quality, polished shooter experience with satisfying progression.
- #15 RefRain - prism memories -
86% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: RebRankPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 45%, Bullet Hell 32.2%, Action 18.5%, Indie 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A visual spectacle that combines high-speed gameplay with a deep, customizable weapon system.
- #16 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
85% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Bullet Hell 26.7%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 8.4%, Shooter 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet deep bullet-hell game that is perfect for players looking to hone their dodging skills.
- #17 ESCHATOS
84% matchVery Positive97% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 50.6%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Action 14.3%, Arcade 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced shooter with a unique perspective and a focus on constant, relentless action.
- #18 Crisis Wing
83% matchVery Positive90% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled shooter that captures the difficulty and charm of 90s arcade classics.
- #19 Steel Vampire
81% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Bullet Hell 32.1%, Arcade 13%, Action 11.6%, Indie 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on intense, overwhelming bullet patterns that require quick reflexes and precise movement.
- #20 Kromaia
82% matchMostly Positive75% of 118 reviews2014
Dev: Kraken Empire
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 38.9%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Arcade 16.4%, Action 9.4%, Shooter 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A unique 3D bullet-hell experience that challenges players to navigate complex environments while under fire.
- #21 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Shooter 14.2%, Action 7.4%, Arcade 5.9%
- #22 Sisters Royale: Five Sisters Under Fire
81% matchVery Positive90% of 58 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: Bullet Hell 38.7%, Top-Down Shooter 22.4%, Arcade 15%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Action 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to classic shooters that emphasizes high-speed movement and character-specific abilities.
- #23 Hyper Echelon
79% matchVery Positive89% of 65 reviews2021
Dev: GangoGames LLC
Windows · Mac
The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Top-Down Shooter 13.4%, Flight 10.7%, Arcade 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that blends classic mechanics with contemporary visual flair.
- #24 Revolution Ace
80% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,880 reviews2014
Dev: Laser Guided Games, LLC
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Arcade 8.9%, Shooter 8.2%, Action 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy shooter that emphasizes destruction and high-speed combat sequences.
- #25 Danmaku Unlimited 2
78% matchVery Positive93% of 481 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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: Bullet Hell 41.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Arcade 7.1%, Action 5.7%, Shooter 4.7%
- #26 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
78% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.6%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Arcade 16.6%, Action 6.1%, Shooter 3.9%
- #27 Space Invaders Extreme
77% 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 29.8%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 13.6%, Shooter 11.4%, Top-Down 6.6%
- #28 Sky Force Anniversary
75% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Arcade 11%, Top-Down Shooter 10.6%, Action 6.6%
- #29 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
76% matchVery Positive90% of 398 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 9.3%, Action 6.8%
- #30 Project Root
79% 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 41.1%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Action 12.8%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: An open-field shooter that allows for more freedom of movement than traditional vertical scrollers.
- #31 DRAINUS
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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 52.4%, Shooter 15.9%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Action 13%, Indie 2.3%
- #32 DELTAZEAL
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 78 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.4%, Action 40.6%
- #33 BULLET SOUL
75% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.8%, Bullet Hell 35%, Action 12.6%, Sci-fi 4.6%
- #34 Graze Counter
73% matchVery Positive96% of 313 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.2%, Bullet Hell 29.7%, Arcade 13.3%, Action 8%, Shooter 6.9%
- #35 Angel at Dusk
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,638 reviews2024
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.7%, Shooter 21%, Action 12.4%, Top-Down 10.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 8.9%
- #36 Bullet Hell Monday
71% matchVery Positive95% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 9.9%
- #37 ETHER VAPOR Remaster
74% matchMostly Positive77% of 316 reviews2012
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.6%, Bullet Hell 15%, Shooter 8.9%, Action 7.5%, Arcade 6.4%
- #38 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
71% matchVery Positive88% of 1,617 reviews2014
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.6%, Bullet Hell 28.3%, Arcade 14.4%, Shooter 12.5%, Action 5.9%
- #39 Psyvariar Delta
72% matchVery Positive89% of 57 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 36.7%, Action 36.2%, Bullet Hell 27.1%
- #40 Outnumbered
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 241 reviews2022
Dev: Amped Horizon
Windows
Outnumbered is a mass-enemy top-down shooter with rogue-lite elements. You may be greatly outnumbered, but not outpowered. Evolve into the ultimate weapon of destruction!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Top-Down Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 9%
- #41 LUFTRAUSERS
70% matchVery Positive91% of 4,487 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.3 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: Bullet Hell 31.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Arcade 16.6%, Action 7.3%, Shooter 6.8%
- #42 Close Order
74% matchMixed50% of 76 reviews2016
Dev: Raconteur Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Close Order is an arcade shooter with one simple goal: become a badass armada! In this mashup of genres, defeat enemies for parts to build up an armada of ships around you. Fight from a distance, charge headfirst into battle, or create a mix of anything and everything. You decide how to play!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Bullet Hell 37%, Action 17.7%, Indie 4%
- #43 Truxton
69% matchVery Positive94% of 108 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Top-Down Shooter 20.8%, Arcade 19.2%, Action 9.3%, Top-Down 7%
- #44 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
73% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Arcade 14.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Action 9%
- #45 Lilac 0
67% matchVery Positive95% of 73 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 33.6%, Bullet Hell 27.7%, Arcade 15.2%, Shooter 10.8%, Action 7.7%
- #46 Sine Mora
71% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
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 50.1%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 10.3%, Action 6.3%, Shooter 5.7%
- #47 CYGNI: All Guns Blazing
69% matchMixed64% of 488 reviews2024
Dev: KeelWorksPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 46%
An unrelenting onslaught of eye-popping visuals, ear bursting soundscapes and mind-melting action makes CYGNI the vanguard for the next generation of shoot-em ups. Outgunned, outmanned and out on your own, plunge into a sky full of hell in a last-ditch battle for survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Top-Down Shooter 13.9%, Flight 12.5%, Arcade 10.2%
- #48 Assault Android Cactus+
67% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 27.8%, Arcade 12.7%, Shooter 11.1%, Top-Down 7%
- #49 Cloud Cutter
68% matchVery Positive87% of 127 reviews2021
Dev: Just Two ltd.
Windows
Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17%, Arcade 16.5%, Shooter 13.8%, Action 8.8%
- #50 Shoot 1UP DX
69% matchVery Positive80% of 152 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Bullet Hell 28.3%, Arcade 14.1%, Shooter 12.7%, Action 5.2%
- #51 Sky Mercenaries
70% matchMixed69% of 125 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.1%, Bullet Hell 33.2%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 11.2%, Indie 2.6%
- #52 AngerForce: Reloaded
67% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Bullet Hell 37.1%, Shooter 19%
- #53 Cosmic Carnage: Prologue
65% matchVery Positive93% of 69 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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Top-Down Shooter 15.1%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 9.8%
- #54 Sweezy Gunner
68% matchVery Positive83% of 243 reviews2014
Dev: Windybeard
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Action 20.1%, Shooter 12.3%, Indie 4.5%
- #55 Raiden NOVA | 雷電NOVA | 雷電新星
65% matchMostly Positive75% of 61 reviews2024
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
"Raiden" unites! Get ready to blast into a thrilling new dimension like never before!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Top-Down Shooter 16.6%, Shooter 15.6%, Action 10.5%, Flight 7.3%