- #1 Wish Project
97% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2016
Dev: Andrew Willman
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Action 18.7%, Indie 14.6%, Arcade 8.6%
- #2 1943 Megami Strike
96% matchMixed40% of 82 reviews2016
Dev: GameUS Inc
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fight Shooting Game with Pretty Girls
Why similar: Casual 27%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Action 25.2%, Indie 22.1%
- #3 Roche Fusion
96% matchVery Positive94% of 96 reviews2015
Dev: amulware
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Roche Fusion is a retro, over the top space shooter. An all you can shoot buffet; fast paced and procedurally generated; with crazy waves of enemies, awesome upgrades and wicked boss-fights! Also: Explosions. Lots of explosions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.8%, Action 21.2%, Casual 20.9%, Indie 17.1%
- #4 Xenovaders
94% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2020
Dev: TimetravellersPub: Whiteroom
Windows
Arcade classic games are back! Test your skills shooting away the xenovader hordes and clean all the stages, wave after wave, in this frantic shoot'em up from alternative 80's.
Why similar: Classic 35.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Action 18.5%, Indie 14.4%, Arcade 10.3%
- #5 A Shooty Bit
93% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: FROGPub: Gameland Studios
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Postsoviet shoot 'em up borne from and reflective of the listlessness that modern, hyperconnected society injects into our selves
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Action 31.1%, Indie 25.1%
- #6 Razor2: Hidden Skies
94% matchMostly Negative26% of 237 reviews2010
Dev: Invent4 EntertainmentPub: Strategy First
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 24%
Razor2: Hidden Skies Razor2: Hidden Skies is a top view shooter. The game has the style of successful classic arcade games, while using the latest technology to create great visuals and effects. An old-school game with all new technology.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Action 16.9%, Casual 13%, Indie 12.8%, Bullet Hell 12.4%
- #7 Tankorama
91% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: GO Dizajn
Windows
TANKORAMA is an old school top-down shoot ‘em up game with modern graphics and addictive gameplay. Control HOVERING TANKS, destroy enemies, collect power ups and challenge wicked bosses in single player. Show who is THE BOSS on Earth!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Action 17.6%, Casual 17.4%, Indie 14.2%
- #8 Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
90% matchMixed64% of 393 reviews2019
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 34%
8 KONAMI arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public.
Why similar: Classic 27.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Action 21.2%, Casual 19.4%, Arcade 9.8%
- #9 VRITRA COMPLETE EDITION
89% matchPositive88% of 41 reviews2018
Dev: Neotro Inc.
Windows
A challenge from ancient times delivered to gamers. That excitement from the past has returned. The complete version of VRITRA, the 2D fantasy shooting game, is out now!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Action 15.5%, Casual 14%, Indie 11.8%
- #10 Text Wormhole
88% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Elknight
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Text Wormhole is a dodge game of bullet hell generated by the roguelike way dynamically based on the theme of letters, which adopts the minimalist design style. The unprecedented visual spectacle will give you an extraordinary game experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Action 22.2%, Bullet Hell 18%, Indie 17.4%, Casual 14.4%
- #11 PsycoCat
87% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: YukiOstudio
Windows
You are the PsycoCat, an ultimate cat hooked to a balloon with an alien weapon After an apprenticeship against floating rocks you will be ready to fight the most terrible creatures of the world. Bull, rabbit, flying chicken and more await you for a terrible confrontation in the heavens. Good luck
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Indie 15.2%, Action 14.7%, Casual 9.5%
- #12 Ruzh Delta Z
89% matchMixed62% of 506 reviews2015
Dev: Pribuni
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Action 21.4%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Casual 17.7%, Indie 15.1%
- #13 Spark
86% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2017
Dev: Knightmare Games, Limited
Windows · Mac
Spark is a creative, combo-centric, Shoot 'em up game. It's a 3-in-1 old-school arcade game fueled by the competitive urge to climb the leaderboards. The unique shooting system hooks the player as they discover more and more ways to create beautiful and effective combos.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Action 14.3%, Casual 13.5%, Arcade 11.8%
- #14 Ikaruga
85% 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 38.9%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Classic 21.3% ★, Arcade 9%, Action 3.5%
- #15 Steel Vampire
84% 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 34.5%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Action 13.2%, Casual 11.6%, Indie 10.3%
- #16 Shikhondo(食魂徒) - Soul Eater
83% matchVery Positive83% of 216 reviews2017
Dev: DeerFarm
Windows
Select one of the Grim Reaper or girl. Find escaped yokai from limbo, extricate soul that they absorbed. You must reseal them after
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Action 11.5%, Casual 10.2%, Indie 9.5%
- #17 Gamma Blast
82% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Ilias GiouroukisPub:
Windows · Linux
Blast your way through enemy waves. Strike at enemy formations prioritizing targets depending on the situation. Rip them to pieces using an arsenal of powerful and versatile weapons. Put your reflexes to the test dodging a fire storm of enemy projectiles. Destroy challenging Bosses to achieve victory.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Action 21%, Indie 16.9%, Arcade 10.3%
- #18 Don'Yoku
82% matchMixed53% of 36 reviews2015
Dev: Dark-Spot Studio
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
If you love shoot ‘em up and you love ‘em hard, with glorious music, with screen filling bullet patterns and huge token cancels, then Don’yoku is just for you!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.9%, Bullet Hell 22%, Action 20.6%, Indie 16.6%
- #19 Vector Strain
81% matchMostly Positive76% of 70 reviews2015
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Bullet Hell 24%, Action 14.7%, Arcade 10.8%, Indie 10.5%
- #20 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Action 23.9%, Indie 19%, Arcade 13.3%, Bullet Hell 7.5%
- #21 Hangeki
80% matchPositive88% of 40 reviews2014
Dev: Pentavera
Windows
Hangeki is an arcade style shooter that emphasizes the use of over 50 spectacular weapons. Formulate new strategies and take on the alien invasion in this reimagining of the classic shoot em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Action 22.2%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Indie 18.4%
- #22 Outskirts
79% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Rezo Zero
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outskirts is a colorful 360° bullet-hell with beautiful vector based art, interactive music and a deep combo system. Drive your ship through your foes and make your path to the leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Action 19.3%, Indie 15.6%
- #23 Ghost Blade HD
78% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Action 17.3%, Indie 14.4%
- #24 Ellipsis
77% matchVery Positive94% of 246 reviews2017
Dev: Salmi Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Ellipsis is an action-packed Avoid ’Em Up with minimalistic, yet powerful neon styled visuals. Guide your ship through a mysterious universe while deftly avoiding hordes of roaming enemies, spikes, lasers and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Action 21.1%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Indie 16.3%, Arcade 7.1%
- #25 Raptor: Call of the Shadows (1994 Classic Edition)
78% matchVery Positive89% of 231 reviews2014
Dev: Cygnus StudiosPub: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 12 minMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Become a mercenary of the future and pilot the super-tech Raptor. Embark on interplanetary missions to knock off top competitors of MegaCorp, battle against hordes of relentless enemies and spend the bounty to expand your devastating arsenal, which can be upgraded with 14 hardcore weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.1%, Classic 29.9% ★, Action 19%
- #26 Close Order
79% 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 36.7%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Action 20.8%, Indie 16.8%
- #27 Super XYX
73% matchVery Positive89% of 120 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Super XYX is a new shmup from the creator of Fire Arrow X, Megatank, ZPF and a couple of others. Co-developed and published by Team Grybanser Fox.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Action 19.5%, Indie 14.5%, Arcade 11.1%
- #28 The War Enders Evolution
75% matchPositive84% of 19 reviews2020
Dev: Crystal Heart's Studio
Windows
The War Enders Evolution is an arcade style single-stage bullet hell game. Beat the game with the choice from three different fighters and two different styles.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.6%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Casual 23.5%, Indie 19.3%
- #29 Echoes+
76% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Bullet Hell 25%, Action 19%, Indie 13%, Arcade 8.8%
- #30 SpaceMerc
76% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2017
Dev: Colin EUMP
Windows · Linux
SpaceMerc is a casual narrative bullet hell shooter about one pilot's quest to get paid by blowing stuff up. There's also an intergalactic war or something going on too.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Action 18.1%, Indie 14.6%, Casual 8.5%
- #31 Zero Strain
74% matchPositive83% of 24 reviews2019
Dev: Kaio Meris
Windows
Move, shoot, and dodge in this hyper-fast top-down shooter. Descend into the depths of uncharted dimensions and destroy everything in your path!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Action 24.2%, Indie 19.5%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Arcade 9.3%
- #32 AstroGenesis
74% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: GraphprojectPub: StavroGames
Windows
Dynamic game in the genre of Bullet hell. Destroy your enemies dodging the hail of bullets!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Action 24.9%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Indie 20.1%
- #33 Diadra Empty
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 90 reviews2015
Dev: Frozen OrbPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Diadra Empty is a free-roaming shoot-'em-up on a grand scale. Take the role of Nyalra and her faithful dragon Minimi in a fantastical quest to save her missing sister, and battle legions of monsters and menacing bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Action 24.4%, Bullet Hell 23%, Indie 19.7%
- #34 Lucid Aether
64% matchNo user reviews
Dev: FAL Works
Windows · Mac
Lucid Aether is a new kind of bullet hell shoot 'em up game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Action 26.1%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Indie 21%
- #35 Radar Warfare
73% matchMixed67% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: DreamRoad Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
Radar Warfare is a bullet hell/fast paced arcade shoot 'em up with radar theme and retro style. 27 stages will challenge you with different waves and enemies. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Action 20.6%, Casual 19%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Indie 15.6%
- #36 Chicken Invaders 4
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 589 reviews2014
Dev: InterAction studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
They came without warning, squawking menacingly, their ruffled feathers darkening the sun. Invading intergalactic chickens, out to punish humanity for our oppression of their earthly brethren. Now they're back, and they're having Earth for dinner!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Action 24.3%, Casual 23.9%, Indie 19.6%
- #37 Zenodeath
68% matchPositive92% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Zenodeath is the final entry in the Zeno series, the final evolution, featuring a modern OST by HeavyViper and two gameplay types.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Action 28.3%, Indie 22.8%, Bullet Hell 18%
- #38 Galagan's Island: Reprymian Rising
72% matchVery Positive80% of 123 reviews2015
Dev: Skinny Jean Death StudiosPub: Volens Nolens Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Galagan's Island is an Arcade style Space Shooter paying loving homage to classic arcade style & difficulty. This Bullet Hell is sure to satisfy your Shmup Shortage! Featuring 25 LEVELS of handcrafted whimsical charm. Formations so pretty you almost don't want to destroy them.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Action 24.4%, Casual 23.1%, Indie 19.7%
- #39 GROOD
70% matchPositive87% of 46 reviews2018
Dev: CC ARTS
Windows · Mac
GROOD is an indie 2.5D Shoot 'em up made with spare robot parts and Heavy Metal🤘🏻. The gameplay blends classic Shoot 'em up mechanics with modern low poly graphics, particles, shaders, and a hardcore soundtrack. Annihilate an army of machines, and afterward, annihilate their bosses—go all the way to confirm that your battle paid off.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Action 21.7%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Indie 16.4%, Arcade 8.6%
- #40 Flatshot
71% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2017
Dev: TurupawnPub: Rosalila
Windows · Linux
Flatshot is a free as in freedom shooting game with flat and minimalist aesthetics. Shoot, dodge, parry and charge to defeat +50 enemy bosses. Sharpen your skills in this easy to learn hard to master Bullet Hell.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Indie 24.5%, Action 23%, Bullet Hell 22.6%
- #41 Ad SHOOt(アドシュー)
60% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: BOCSTE, Ltd.
Windows
A 2D vertical scrolling bullet-hell shooter game where you shoot down fictional advertisements. Features 7 stages and full Japanese voice acting.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Casual 10.4%, Indie 10.3%, Action 8.8%
- #42 Project Root
73% 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 43.5%, Action 18%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Indie 12.7%, Arcade 10%
- #43 Who's That Flying?!
72% matchMostly Positive70% of 170 reviews2011
Dev: MediatonicPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 34%
As the mysterious and powerful "Guardian of Earth" your steely eye and HYPER-POWERED LASER ARM have kept the citizens of Earth safe for generations.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Action 25.2%, Casual 21.4%, Indie 18.2%
- #44 Vulture Strike
69% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Vulture Strike
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vulture Strike is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you have the ability to travel between 2 parallel timelines whenever you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Action 17.2%, Arcade 11.7%, Indie 10.3%
- #45 Happy STG
68% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Tomoyuki Mizuma
Windows
Vertical scroll shooting game. Please avoid the bullets and defeat the enemies and clear the stage. You can set different types of bullets for "Main" and "Sub". You can also use skills. Skills include skills that make powerful attacks and skills that can eliminate bullets fired by enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Action 24.2%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Indie 19.5%
- #46 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
69% 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 37.3%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Action 10.5%, Classic 9.7% ★, Arcade 8.7%
- #47 Fatal Wings
67% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Brain Lab Studio
Windows
Fatal wings is a classic top down space shoot ‘em. Playing as the last resistance fighters from the similian colony in planet Lithios against a brutal attack led by vernor’s forces
Why similar: Action 30.4%, Indie 24.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Arcade 8.1%
- #48 The Tawashi
66% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2020
Dev: MUTOYS
Windows
A vertical scrolling shooter with a nostalgic twist! Evade and shoot on end!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Action 21.6%, Indie 18%
- #49 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 36%, Bullet Hell 25.2%, Action 14.5%, Arcade 12.2%, Indie 12.1%
- #50 ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA
67% matchVery Positive91% of 912 reviews2016
Dev: BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
Why similar: Classic 40.6% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Arcade 14.2%, Action 10.6%
- #51 XIIZEAL
69% 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 45.3%, Action 27%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Arcade 11.2%
- #52 Bad Caterpillar
66% matchVery Positive95% of 150 reviews2016
Dev: Fun Infused Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Bad Caterpillars and their swarms of insect hordes are invading. Get to your ship, man the lasers, and save the galaxy from caterpillars, scorpions, spiders, and a slew of other ill-tempered giant killer insects.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Casual 27.1%, Action 23.9%, Indie 19.8%