- #1 DoDonPachi Resurrection
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,062 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 14%, Top-Down Shooter 13.8%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Shooter 7%, Local Co-Op 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the genre, offering the same level of frantic action and complex scoring mechanics.
- #2 Mushihimesama
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,541 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: Bullet Hell 35.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.8%, Arcade 10.9%, Difficult 6.2%, Anime 5.1%
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.
- #3 BLUE REVOLVER
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 870 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 41.5%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Arcade 8.9%, Anime 5.8%, Difficult 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A modern indie masterpiece that captures the same fast-paced, high-energy feel as the best arcade shooters.
- #4 Deathsmiles
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 617 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 39.3%, Bullet Hell 34.4%, Arcade 10.5%, Anime 7.1%, Action 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed side-scrolling bullet hell that shares the same high-intensity DNA and arcade pedigree.
- #5 Ikaruga
94% matchVery Positive95% of 2,317 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 38.6%, Bullet Hell 32.7%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 4.4%, Difficult 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic that introduces a polarity-switching mechanic, demanding the same level of precision and pattern recognition.
- #6 Akai Katana Shin
93% matchVery Positive96% of 107 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 26.1%, Bullet Hell 22%, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 12.5%, Action 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep, rewarding scoring systems and aggressive bullet patterns that will appeal to fans of high-level play.
- #7 Radiant Silvergun
92% matchVery Positive93% of 214 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 17.1%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Difficult 9.8%, Shooter 8.8%
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 2,161 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 7.8%, Retro 5.1%, Action 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant modern shmup that focuses on pacing and escalating difficulty, much like the progression in Crimzon Clover.
- #9 Gunvein
89% matchVery Positive97% of 215 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 35.8%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 8.6%, Sci-fi 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A modern, aggressive shooter that encourages players to get close to enemies to maximize their score.
- #10 XIIZEAL
91% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 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 15.6%, Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Difficult 8.4%, Shooter 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the pure, unadulterated arcade feel of classic shooters with modern polish.
- #11 Danmaku Unlimited 3
90% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 36.7%, Bullet Hell 35.7%, Arcade 11.4%, Sci-fi 9%, Action 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: Delivers a polished, modern bullet-hell experience with a focus on high-speed action and visual clarity.
- #12 Sophstar
89% matchVery Positive100% of 103 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 18.3%, Top-Down Shooter 16.4%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Shooter 7.3%, Arcade 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a fast-paced arcade experience with a focus on teleportation mechanics and intense boss encounters.
- #13 ESCHATOS
88% matchVery Positive97% of 301 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 16.1%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Shooter 8%, Arcade 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced shooter with a unique perspective and a focus on constant, relentless action.
- #14 Crisis Wing
87% 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 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.2%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Difficult 8.2%, Shooter 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled shooter that captures the difficulty and charm of 90s arcade classics.
- #15 Rolling Gunner
86% matchVery Positive91% of 67 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 35.7%, Shooter 18.6%, Score Attack 15.1%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Bullet Hell 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A precision-focused bullet hell that emphasizes tactical movement and careful positioning amidst heavy fire.
- #16 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 44.9%, Bullet Hell 31.5%, Action 15.8%, Anime 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A visual spectacle that combines high-speed gameplay with a deep, customizable weapon system.
- #17 Sky Force Reloaded
84% matchVery Positive93% of 2,688 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 19.6%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.7%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, Arcade 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: While more accessible, it offers a high-quality, polished shooter experience with satisfying progression.
- #18 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
83% 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 23.6%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Difficult 9.3%, Shooter 7%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet deep bullet-hell game that is perfect for players looking to hone their dodging skills.
- #19 Sisters Royale: Five Sisters Under Fire
82% matchVery Positive90% of 59 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 32.4%, Top-Down Shooter 31.6%, Arcade 12.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.7%, Action 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to classic shooters that emphasizes high-speed movement and character-specific abilities.
- #20 Revolution Ace
81% 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 36.3%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Local Co-Op 10.2%, Shooter 8.2%, Arcade 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy shooter that emphasizes destruction and high-speed combat sequences.
- #21 Hyper Echelon
79% matchVery Positive89% of 66 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 20.1%, Top-Down Shooter 17.9%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that blends classic mechanics with contemporary visual flair.
- #22 Steel Vampire
80% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Arcade 11.5%, Action 9%, Anime 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on intense, overwhelming bullet patterns that require quick reflexes and precise movement.
- #23 Kromaia
81% 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 39.5%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Arcade 16.3%, Shooter 8.8%, Action 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A unique 3D bullet-hell experience that challenges players to navigate complex environments while under fire.
- #24 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 813 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 24.4%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Score Attack 13.1%, Shooter 11.9%, Sci-fi 8.2%
- #25 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
78% matchVery Positive82% of 816 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 47.7%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Arcade 14%, Local Co-Op 7.5%, Action 4.5%
- #26 Space Invaders Extreme
77% matchVery Positive87% of 265 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 18.9%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Difficult 9.7%, Shooter 9.2%, Arcade 8.4%
- #27 Assault Android Cactus+
76% matchVery Positive94% of 2,002 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 17.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Difficult 9.9%, Shooter 8.7%, Local Co-Op 8.1%
- #28 DELTAZEAL
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 80 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.4 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: Top-Down Shooter 20%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Local Co-Op 8.3%, Arcade 6.1%
- #29 Danmaku Unlimited 2
77% matchVery Positive93% of 482 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 40.5%, Arcade 7.1%, Shooter 6%, Action 5%
- #30 Sky Force Anniversary
76% matchVery Positive92% of 2,149 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 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 28.9%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 12.9%, Local Co-Op 8.9%, Arcade 7.9%
- #31 Batsugun
74% matchVery Positive97% of 113 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Arcade 10.8%, Score Attack 7.5%, Local Co-Op 6.6%
- #32 Truxton
74% matchVery Positive94% of 109 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 20.9%, Top-Down Shooter 18.5%, Arcade 10.1%, Co-op 6.8%, Top-Down 6.8%
- #33 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 41.8%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: An open-field shooter that allows for more freedom of movement than traditional vertical scrollers.
- #34 Eigengrau
72% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Bullet Hell 15%, Score Attack 9.1%, Top-Down Shooter 8.3%, Difficult 8%
- #35 Graze Counter
73% matchVery Positive96% of 316 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 25.1%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Arcade 9.3%, Difficult 8.4%, Anime 8.3%
- #36 Super Hydorah
73% matchVery Positive87% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 34.2%, Arcade 12.7%, Difficult 9.8%, Retro 8.7%, Bullet Hell 7.5%
- #37 RagingBlasters
71% 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 25.4%, Shooter 11.9%, Local Co-Op 11.9%, Score Attack 11.4%, Bullet Hell 6.9%
- #38 VASARA Collection
73% 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 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 15.5%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Local Co-Op 8.2%, Arcade 6.6%
- #39 Out Zone
71% matchVery Positive90% of 72 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15.6%, Local Co-Op 9.8%, Arcade 7.9%, Score Attack 7.7%
- #40 Jamestown+
71% matchVery Positive88% of 248 reviews2019
Dev: Final Form GamesPub: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Local Co-Op 14.9%, Top-Down Shooter 11.9%, Retro 7.7%
- #41 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
70% matchVery Positive90% of 1,582 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Arcade 16.8%, Action 7.6%, Local Co-Op 7.4%
- #42 Undercroft Warriors
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 502 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 16.3%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Difficult 9.2%, Shooter 7.8%
- #43 BIRDCAGE
65% matchVery Positive97% of 208 reviews2025
Dev: POLYGON BIRD
Windows
Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Top-Down Shooter 15.8%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Difficult 9.4%, Shooter 8.5%
- #44 Chippy
68% matchVery Positive91% of 1,174 reviews2019
Dev: Facepunch Studios
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Chip destructible bosses apart pixel-by-pixel in this twin-stick bullet-hell shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Top-Down Shooter 14.3%, Difficult 8.5%, Score Attack 8%
- #45 Shoot 1UP DX
70% matchVery Positive80% of 153 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 20.4%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Score Attack 10.9%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 8.5%
- #46 Angel at Dusk
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,666 reviews2024
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.3%, Shooter 20.6%, Top-Down 15.3%, Action 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #47 Blazing Chrome
67% matchVery Positive88% of 1,938 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Local Co-Op 13.8%, Retro 10.8%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 10.3%
- #48 Dimension Drive
69% matchVery Positive80% of 106 reviews2017
Dev: 2Awesome Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 95%
This intense space shoot ’em up challenges you to fight across two battlefields on one splitscreen. Instantly switch between them to dodge waves of bullets, reach secret areas, or surprise your enemies. Play solo or turn it up to 11 with a local co-op partner.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Local Co-Op 13.4%, Top-Down Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 7.5%, Shooter 7.3%
- #49 Graze Counter GM
66% matchVery Positive97% of 191 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 22.2%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Arcade 9.7%, Difficult 9.5%, Shooter 8.5%
- #50 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
70% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 22%, Top-Down Shooter 8.1%, Arcade 6.5%, Anime 6.1%
- #51 Bullet Hell Monday
66% matchVery Positive95% of 62 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 22.3%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Top-Down Shooter 19%, Shooter 9.8%, Top-Down 8.1%
- #52 BULLET SOUL
69% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 41.2%, Bullet Hell 29.6%, Anime 11.1%, Action 9.4%, Sci-fi 8.7%
- #53 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
67% matchVery Positive91% of 402 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 31.2%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Shooter 9.4%, Difficult 8.4%, Arcade 8.1%
- #54 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
69% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Difficult 9.8%, Shooter 8.6%, Score Attack 8.1%