- #1 Absolute Blue
97% 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 18.2%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, 1980s 9.1%, Space 7.3%
- #2 Z-Exemplar
96% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 39%, Retro 17.5%, Action 15.3%, Indie 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%
- #3 Cyberhunt
96% matchVery Positive85% of 2,639 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, 1980s 10.8%, Space 10.5%, Retro 9.7%
- #4 Syder Arcade
95% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 35.8%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Space 7.4%, Shooter 7.3%
- #5 Vektor Wars
94% matchMixed68% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Integer Overflow
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Certified 100% pure arcade action, rendered in eye-melting neon vectors, Vektor Wars is classic first-person blasting for the shooter connoisseur.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 30.3%, 1980s 15.9%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Retro 14%, Shooter 11.6%
- #6 Offendron Warrior
94% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, 1980s 8.5%, Space 8.2%
- #7 1982
92% 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 18%, 1980s 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Shooter 10.1%
- #8 C-RUSH
93% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 17%
C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.7%, Side Scroller 14%, Shooter 10.5%, Action 9.8%, Indie 8.9%
- #9 Cybarian: The Time Travelling Warrior
91% matchMixed60% of 443 reviews2018
Dev: Ritual GamesPub: GrabTheGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Cybarian The Time Travelling Warrior is a classically inspired arcade action game, with a mixture of modern and retro gaming tropes.
Why similar: Side Scroller 17.3%, Retro 15.4%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Post-apocalyptic 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%
- #10 LUNARK
89% matchVery Positive88% of 330 reviews2023
Dev: Canari GamesPub: WayForward
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
A pixel-art sci-fi adventure set in the midst of a rebellion against a totalitarian regime, LUNARK is a modern take on the 2D cinematic platformer genre of the '90s. Run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot your way through gorgeous and mysterious locations!
Why similar: Cyberpunk 27.1%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Retro 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, Sci-fi 9.9%
- #11 Power-Up
91% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 28%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, Retro 10.5%, Space 9%
- #12 Distant Space
89% 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 29.9%, Space 13.1%, 1980s 9.8%, Bullet Hell 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%
- #13 Cyber Utopia
90% matchMixed45% of 128 reviews2017
Dev: Coconut Tree StudioPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 22.2 hrs≥1hr: 37%
Cyber Utopia is a first-person shooter, made in a pastiche, old-school style in the setting of cyber punk. Actions unfold in the distant future, when the technology developed to such an extent that people began to turn into cyborgs.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 34%, Retro 13.3%, Shooter 12.4%, 1990's 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #14 Space Pressure 3D: Prelude
87% matchVery Positive85% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Maze TeamPub: Tinaynox
Windows
Immerse yourself in the story of two brave space amazons who dare to challenge the irresponsible aristocratic system. Overcome all the obstacles that appear on your way - hordes of space scavengers, armies of General Admiral and get to the main villain - Evil Moneybag!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Cyberpunk 14.7%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Retro 7.3%
- #15 MiniLAW: Ministry of Law
88% matchVery Positive83% of 197 reviews2020
Dev: Lasso Games
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Roam the dystopian future city of New Babel, Mankind's Last Hope, in search of crimes in progress. Use lethal weapons, non-lethal force, and diplomacy to take down bad guys.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 37.8%, Post-apocalyptic 14.1%, Action 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Side Scroller 9.6%
- #16 Arcade Mayhem Juanito
86% matchVery Positive94% of 362 reviews2017
Dev: Game Ever Studio
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Arcade Mayhem Juanito is a retro experience about arcade-hopping. Teleport into different video games, play with unique mechanics inspired by well-known arcade games, face stunningly animated bosses and join the fight against the clonocell invasion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Retro 12.5%, Aliens 11.7%, Action 10.1%
- #17 Blazing Chrome
86% matchVery Positive87% of 1,924 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 25.2%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Retro 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Post-apocalyptic 9.1%
- #18 SPRAWL
84% matchVery Positive87% of 2,394 reviews2023
Dev: MAETHPub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 50%
SPRAWL is a hardcore retro FPS set in an endless cyberpunk megalopolis. Escape the walled city and take on the militarized government of the sprawl. Fueled by the blood of your enemies and a mysterious voice in your head, make your way towards the spire to topple whatever lays within.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 37.8%, Sci-fi 19.1%, Old School 13.9%, Shooter 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%
- #19 THE LAST HUMAN IS A BIKER
85% matchVery Positive88% of 57 reviews2023
Dev: FLOWERFIELD Games
Windows · Mac
THE LAST HUMAN IS A BIKER (TLH) is a few hours of pure entertainment. In this 2D shooter you play as John, the last human, and unleash his fury in his quest of vengeance! With unlimited item synergies, make the choices that will allow you to survive against countless swarms of aliens!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Post-apocalyptic 10.4%, Cyberpunk 10.1%
- #20 Glitchpunk
83% matchMixed49% of 245 reviews2024
Dev: Dark LordPub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Inspired by classic top-down action games, Glitchpunk lets you brawl, shoot and drive your way through a dystopian future. As an android bounty hunter in a brutal world of gangs, cults and corporations there’s plenty of work for you. Lock and load, let her rip!
Why similar: Cyberpunk 61.5%, Shooter 16%, Old School 12.9%, Action 9.6%
- #21 Flashback 2
84% matchMixed43% of 152 reviews2023
Dev: Microids Studio ParisPub: Microids
Windows
Immerse yourself in an action-packed cyberpunk universe where the fate of humanity itself hangs in the balance. The Morphs are preparing their final attack, determined to enslave every civilization in the Solar System — and it's your mission to fight back!
Why similar: Retro 21.7%, Aliens 16.9%, 1990's 16.5%, Action 15.5%, Sci-fi 13.2%
- #22 Gunlocked
82% matchVery Positive87% of 502 reviews2022
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Aliens 8.8%, 1980s 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
- #23 Habroxia 2
82% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Side Scroller 20%, Shooter 11.7%, Action 9.5%, Space 8.5%
- #24 Shell Runner
81% matchMixed54% of 94 reviews2025
Dev: Reija
Windows
2045. Life's never been cheaper. Shells mean you can come back if you have money. You used to. Now you're on the bottom in a cyberpunk sprawl. Claw your way back up through wet work as a Shell Runner, in a PvE extraction looter shooter, where a gig can make you rich - or broke.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 62.4%, Shooter 25.1%, Action 12.5%
- #25 Pewt 'em Up!
81% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Aliens 13%, Shooter 12%, Retro 9.4%, Space 8.9%
- #26 BULLETHELL
80% matchVery Positive89% of 88 reviews2024
Dev: Walter Machado
Windows
BULLETHELL is an experimental, retro-hardcore, barely playable, ultra-fast-paced arena top-down shooter.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 41%, Post-apocalyptic 30.2%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Action 5.2%, 2D 5.2%
- #27 CYBERHUNK
79% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2022
Dev: Birch Tree Games
Windows
Collect crazy power-ups, upgrade your weapons into tools of destruction, and escape from the robotic zombie horde - alone, or with friends.
Why similar: Cyberpunk 34.9%, Retro 21%, Old School 17.1%, Shooter 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%
- #28 Schildmaid MX
79% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 25.6%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Retro 10.6%, Space 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%
- #29 Gundroid
77% matchVery Positive96% of 57 reviews2025
Dev: Kitogoru Games
Windows
Protect the Earth from an alien invasion in this Run N’ Gun action spectacle. Take control of G.U.N.N.R. and battle your way through a blast from the pixelated past.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Retro 11.9%, Old School 7.6%, 1980s 7.5%
- #30 Galaxy Highways
77% matchVery Positive98% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.9%, Shooter 13%, Retro 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Sci-fi 11.3%
- #31 Bit Blaster XL
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Space 9.1%, Aliens 9%, Shooter 8.3%
- #32 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
74% matchVery Positive100% of 67 reviews2025
Dev: Dot bloodPub: Targem Games
Windows
Kickback is a top-down shooter with roguelike elements, where shooting is the only way to move. Repel waves of mutants, create combinations of weapons and upgrades to survive at all costs on your own or with a friend in a local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, 1980s 10%, Retro 9.1%, Shooter 8.8%
- #33 Cube Gothic
78% matchMixed61% of 51 reviews2020
Dev: Arkhouse TelegraphPub: Arkhouse Telegnosis
Windows
Cube Gothic is a Story-driven Shoot 'em up Adventure. Shooting enemies and dodging projectiles while solving simple puzzles and trying to comprehend the surreal plot - these are the challenges you'll be facing in Cube Gothic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Action 6.8%
- #34 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
76% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59%, Action 22.3%, Indie 18.6%
- #35 Grav Blazer Squared
78% 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 22.6%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, 1980s 9.9%, Shooter 9%, Space 8.5%
- #36 Enemy Mind
76% 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 22.6%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Space 10.9%, Shooter 8.7%
- #37 AngerForce: Reloaded
74% 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 47.3%, Bullet Hell 32.3%, Shooter 20.4%
- #38 Extraneum
72% matchVery Positive97% of 103 reviews2024
Dev: David JalbertPub: Hellforge Studios
Windows · Linux
Extraneum is an old-school, sci-fi single-player first person shooter with an emphasis on exploration and secret hunting. Fight your way through biohacked monstrosities and stop their progress before they take control of the entire world.
Why similar: Retro 22.7%, 1990's 20.1%, Shooter 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 15.3%, Sci-fi 14.6%
- #39 HUNTDOWN
71% matchVery Positive95% of 4,182 reviews2021
Dev: Easy Trigger GamesPub: Coffee Stain Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Cyberpunk 19.3%, Side Scroller 17.1%, 1980s 8.5%, Shooter 8.2%
- #40 Dark Old Sun
75% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Action 19.2%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Space 11%, Shooter 9.7%
- #41 MULLET MADJACK
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,893 reviews2024
Dev: HAMMER95Pub: Epopeia Games
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
MULLET MADJACK is a HIGH-OCTANE-ACTION SHOOTER that put you directly inside a CLASSIC ANIME. Pick your favorite weapon and reach the last floor; Beat your best time or try again. Haste makes waste… OF YOUR ENEMIES!
Why similar: Cyberpunk 39.7%, Shooter 13.7%, 1980s 13.2%, Retro 11.6%, 1990's 10%
- #42 CometStriker DX
73% matchVery Positive98% of 63 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Side Scroller 19.9%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Shooter 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%
- #43 Switch 'N' Shoot
73% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Retro 10.2%, Shooter 8.9%, Old School 7%
- #44 Black Paradox
73% matchMixed68% of 132 reviews2019
Dev: Highwalls
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 9.9%, 1980s 8.2%, Sci-fi 7.5%
- #45 Sine Mora
72% 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 49.6%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Shooter 5.6%, Action 5.3%
- #46 One Way Road: Firehunt
70% matchMostly Positive73% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Shabunov LeonidPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Firehunt is a prologue for the main story One Way Road. Take part in space battles as you travel across the galaxy and fight to save humanity. This cinematic narrative driven action-focused space shooter, will take you on a journey into the near future, and put the destiny of mankind in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Space 11%, Sci-fi 8.4%
- #47 Beyond Sunset
68% matchVery Positive80% of 331 reviews2025
Dev: Metacorp / VaporwarePub: Movie Games S.A.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Cyberpunk first-person shooter with a rich story and RPG elements. You are Lucy, an enhanced street samurai searching for lost memories. Fight in large, open, interactive levels overtaken by yakuza, zombies, robots and bosses!
Why similar: Cyberpunk 24.9%, 1980s 15.2%, Old School 15%, Shooter 13.4%, 1990's 12.1%
- #48 Railgunners
70% matchVery Positive92% of 60 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Retro 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Sci-fi 7.6%
- #49 Earthion
67% matchVery Positive96% of 471 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10.8%, Space 10.7%, Retro 10.4%
- #50 Neckbreak
69% matchVery Positive80% of 456 reviews2022
Dev: MGP Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 76%
An overdose of reality can have dire consequences... Tumble down the rabbit hole and embrace your downfall with 12 endings, non linear day by day progression, sanity system and more...
Why similar: Cyberpunk 30.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Shooter 12.2%, 1980s 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%
- #51 I, AI
71% matchMostly Positive72% of 69 reviews2020
Dev: Satur EntertainmentPub: Satur Entertainment
Windows
Classic scrolling shooter with modern graphics. You are self-aware AI. You were created on space military station developing weapons. Now your goal is to break out of the lab and win your freedom.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Space 11.2%, Shooter 9.4%, Sci-fi 8.6%
- #52 Jetboard Joust
71% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Retro 12.1%, Sci-fi 6.7%
- #53 Terminator 2D: NO FATE
65% matchVery Positive84% of 1,337 reviews2025
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Reef Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Experience the thrill of Terminator 2: Judgment Day with arcade action & pixel-perfect graphics! In this unique story blending iconic scenes from the movie with original scenarios and multiple endings, humanity’s fate is yours to decide.
Why similar: Side Scroller 32.9%, 1990's 15.8%, Shooter 14.3%, Retro 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%
- #54 Gun Crazy
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 150 reviews2019
Dev: Ritual GamesPub: GrabTheGames
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Gun Crazy is a fast paced and hectic arcade style action shoot em’ up sporting old school pixel art and a retro sound track.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Retro 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 10%, Shooter 9.4%
- #55 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
69% 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 35.8%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Shooter 8.4%, Sci-fi 6.5%
- #56 Esse Proxy
68% matchMostly Positive74% of 140 reviews2022
Dev: FromSouthGames
Windows
Slick, stylish and brutal, 3D Cyberpunk Shooter. Located in a dystopian future, you'll experience the intertwined stories of three different characters, each with their own abilities, playstyles, strengths and weaknesses. Kill or die, learn and repeat before you unveil the secrets of Esse Proxy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Cyberpunk 30.6%, Bullet Hell 23.5%, Sci-fi 8.8%, Action 4.1%
- #57 Super Destronaut DX
69% matchVery Positive88% of 92 reviews2018
Dev: Petite GamesPub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
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 59.5%, Indie 40.5%
- #58 BloodDome99
65% matchVery Positive96% of 96 reviews2024
Dev: Halftone Gaming
Windows · Mac
BloodDome99 is a game about nostalgia, capitalism, violence, and over-the-top absurdist fun. 80s arcade meets modern horde-survival roguelike. Create unique builds, master more than 40 weapons, and kill ever-growing hordes of contestants in the retro-futuristic gladiator gameshow BLOODDOME99
Why similar: Cyberpunk 21.9%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, 1980s 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%
- #59 Sophstar
66% 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 23.5%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Retro 9.2%, Space 8.6%, Aliens 8.1%
- #60 Rogue Invader
67% matchVery Positive92% of 64 reviews2021
Dev: Squishy Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
1-Bit Roguelite Action Shooter.
Why similar: Side Scroller 20.1%, Aliens 14.4%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Shooter 11%, Retro 9.6%