- #1 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
96% 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 44.4%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Action 9.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A direct spiritual cousin that emphasizes high-speed, score-attack gameplay with a similar retro aesthetic.
- #2 ZeroRanger
97% 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 38.7%, Great Soundtrack 22.4%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Arcade 6.5%, Action 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the same deep appreciation for 90s arcade design while evolving the genre with modern, innovative 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 46.1%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Arcade 7.4%, Action 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a fast-paced, stylish bullet-hell experience that demands the same level of precision and pattern recognition.
- #4 Super Hydorah
94% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 45.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Arcade 12.8%, Action 10.7%, Bullet Hell 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the 16-bit arcade aesthetic and challenging, side-scrolling gameplay of the era.
- #5 DoDonPachi Resurrection
94% 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 43.4%, Bullet Hell 29.8%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: This classic title is essential for anyone who enjoys the high-stakes, aggressive scoring systems of the genre.
- #6 Mushihimesama
93% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Bullet Hell 29.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Arcade 9.7%, Action 5%
Why You'll Like It: As a gold standard of the bullet-hell genre, it provides the intense, screen-filling action that Devil Engine fans love.
- #7 ESCHATOS
92% 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 43.1%, Great Soundtrack 22.8%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Action 12.8%, Arcade 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Its unique movement and pacing create an exhilarating, high-speed experience that feels very similar to Devil Engine.
- #8 Graze Counter GM
91% matchVery Positive97% of 183 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 39.6%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Arcade 13%, Action 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: This title rewards risky, close-proximity play, mirroring the high-intensity scoring mechanics of Devil Engine.
- #9 KAMUI
91% matchVery Positive90% of 215 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
Centuries have passed since the events of RefleX and mankind has once again attained civilization. Now, ancient technology born of a twisted mind sets in motion a chain of events designed to bring divine retribution down upon mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.4%, Great Soundtrack 22.4%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Action 13.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game features fast-paced, aggressive gameplay that feels like a direct ancestor to the intensity of Devil Engine.
- #10 Rolling Gunner
89% 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 73%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Action 8.6%, 2D 7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece of side-scrolling action that balances deep scoring systems with intense, manageable bullet patterns.
- #11 Danmaku Unlimited 3
90% 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 39.1%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 15%, Action 9.5%, Arcade 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A highly polished bullet-hell experience that focuses on high-speed action and accessible yet deep mechanics.
- #12 Radiant Silvergun
87% 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 49.1%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Arcade 14.7%, Action 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary shooter that shares the complex, puzzle-like scoring and high-stakes gameplay depth.
- #13 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
89% 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 67.9%, Action 32.1%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-styled shmup that emphasizes unique scoring and aggressive enemy encounters.
- #14 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
88% 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 51.3%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Arcade 11.6%, Action 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: It provides an epic scale and high-quality production value that matches the intensity of the best side-scrolling shooters.
- #15 Deathsmiles
86% 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 45.6%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling bullet-hell with a distinct, dark aesthetic that complements the tone of Devil Engine.
- #16 Jets'n'Guns 2
84% matchVery Positive90% of 1,284 reviews2020
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.6%, Action 13.9%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, 2D 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: A high-octane, chaotic side-scrolling shooter with a heavy focus on weapon customization and intense action.
- #17 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 42.3%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Great Soundtrack 18.3%, Action 18.3%
Why You'll Like It: It matches the high-speed bullet patterns and dark, atmospheric aesthetic found in Devil Engine.
- #18 Space Moth DX
85% matchVery Positive81% of 133 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Action 12.1%, Arcade 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: It provides tight, arcade-focused action with a fantastic soundtrack and challenging gameplay.
- #19 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
83% 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 42.6%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Arcade 13.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Action 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A cinematic, high-intensity action game that blends 2D and 3D perspectives with intense bullet-hell sequences.
- #20 Hellsinker.
82% matchVery Positive90% of 267 reviews2019
Dev: Ruminant’s WhimperPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
A legendary SHMUP influential to the best makers in the genre, Hellsinker is now available on steam in its most advanced form! Gameplay, story, graphics, and even music all united into one cohesive and highly dimensional Shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.6%, Bullet Hell 24%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 7%
Why You'll Like It: A deep, complex shooter for players who enjoy mastering intricate systems and high-difficulty challenges.
- #21 Steel Vampire
82% 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 38.4%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Action 11.7%, Arcade 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action title that leans heavily into the retro-inspired design and bullet-hell mechanics.
- #22 Ginga Force
81% matchVery Positive80% of 222 reviews2020
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Action 26%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Bullet Hell 9.8%, Arcade 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers solid arcade mechanics with a strong focus on progression and high-quality presentation.
- #23 Ikaruga
81% 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 47.5%, Bullet Hell 28.6%, Arcade 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Action 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for mechanical depth, requiring players to master polarity-switching in a high-intensity environment.
- #24 Caladrius Blaze
80% matchVery Positive85% of 418 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: H2 Interactive Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
An epic tale that begins from shooting missiles! The newest work of the Caladrius series with lots of new features that exceeds the original story!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Bullet Hell 28.6%, Action 15.9%, Arcade 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers high-intensity bullet-hell action paired with a dark, gothic aesthetic.
- #25 Infinos Gaiden
79% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.6%, Action 18.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Arcade 7.1%, 2D 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the 16-bit era aesthetic and gameplay feel of classic side-scrolling shooters.
- #26 DRAINUS
74% 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 63.4%, Action 16.6%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, 2D 3.7%, Pixel Graphics 3.5%
- #27 Ghost Blade HD
79% 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 52.7%, Bullet Hell 30%, Action 17.3%
Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the classic arcade shmup that provides a polished and satisfying experience.
- #28 Syder Arcade
78% 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 51.9%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Arcade 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Action 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers classic side-scrolling action with a modern polish and high-intensity combat.
- #29 Zenohell
78% matchMostly Positive71% of 85 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67%, Action 33%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-styled bullet-hell that focuses on pure, unadulterated arcade difficulty.
- #30 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 44.7%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Arcade 8.8%, Action 8.1%
- #31 Starr Mazer: DSP
77% matchMostly Positive71% of 271 reviews2016
Dev: Imagos SoftworksPub: Digital Tribe
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 58%
The UNFP's been kicked in the teeth by a G'ell invasion force and their last and only hope is a planetary outpost and its fleet of experimental DSP MkI Forward Assault Fighters and anyone marshal enough to strap into one and forcefully accept some apologies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Action 12.2%, Arcade 8.9%
- #32 Jet Lancer
73% matchVery Positive93% of 1,187 reviews2020
Dev: Code WakersPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Great Soundtrack 22.3%, Bullet Hell 18%, Action 9.7%, Arcade 9.7%
- #33 ALLTYNEX Second
77% matchVery Positive85% of 160 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 28%
The year is 2192AD. 40 years ago, the Stellar-class All-purpose Administrative Computer ALLTYNEX suddenly attempted to enact genocide upon mankind. Commandeering armies of unmanned weapons, ALLTYNEX enacted a massacre so terrible that within only 72 hours of the start of the incident, approximately 85% of the world's population had...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.3%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Action 16.4%, Bullet Hell 13.6%
- #34 Sine Mora
76% 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 60.8%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Arcade 9.2%, Action 8%
- #35 Steel Empire
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 107 reviews2018
Dev: mebius.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52%, Great Soundtrack 21.7%, Action 21.2%, 2D 5%
- #36 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 46.6%, Action 18.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, 2D 7.8%
- #37 Procyon
75% matchVery Positive91% of 131 reviews2014
Dev: Deadly Red Cube
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
It's the future! And humanity is, predictably, under attack by extraterrestrial forces. Lucky for us we have an experimental ship that's never before been flown that will surely...uh, possibly...well, implausibly be able to win the war! All we need now is a pilot or two.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 71.5%, Action 14.5%, Bullet Hell 14%
- #38 Danmaku Unlimited 2
74% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 32%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Action 6.6%, Arcade 5.8%
- #39 Steredenn: Binary Stars
73% matchVery Positive88% of 958 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 67.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Arcade 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Action 7.6%
- #40 LUFTRAUSERS
72% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.1%, Arcade 12.1%, Action 7.6%
- #41 Savant - Ascent
71% matchVery Positive92% of 2,796 reviews2013
Dev: D-Pad Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Great Soundtrack 31.4%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Action 11.1%, Arcade 6.8%
- #42 Hyper Echelon
70% 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 42.7%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Arcade 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Action 7.4%
- #43 BULLET SOUL
71% 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 45.3%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.9%, Action 12.6%
- #44 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
70% 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 41.2%, Bullet Hell 25%, Action 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Arcade 9%
- #45 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
66% matchVery Positive97% of 357 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.6%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 15.2%, Action 12.8%
- #46 1917 - The Alien Invasion DX
71% matchMostly Positive76% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Andrade GamesPub: OtakuMaker.com
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
1917 - The Alien Invasions is a bullet hell memorization shooter. Dr. Brunhild Stahlmüller upgrades an WW1 Triplane with superior alien technology to attack the invaders. She will avenge mankind and take the battle into the darkness of space until she reach an ancient alien world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Action 13.3%, Arcade 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%
- #47 Bad Bots
73% matchMixed55% of 260 reviews2013
Dev: Point Five ProjectsPub: Digital Tribe
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 45%
As Sam McRae, last surviving member of the “Titan Hauler” crew, you must hack and blast your way through an onslaught of truly bad 'bots to find a way to prevent a potential planet-destroying catastrophe.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #48 Nova Drift
61% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Action 8.2%
- #49 ASTRONAUTILUS
67% matchVery Positive95% of 61 reviews2022
Dev: neozoid.games
Windows
Your ship has crash-landed on a stray rogue planet, and you're out of fuel... It's up to you to delve beneath the frozen surface and find a way to get your ship back into space while fighting strange sea creatures and uncovering the mysteries of the world beneath the ice!
Why similar: Action 47.2%, Pixel Graphics 39.8%, 2D 13.1%
- #50 DEFECTIVE
72% matchMostly Negative38% of 53 reviews2017
Dev: Evil Games
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 28%
You must save the world, whatever the cost...
Why similar: Action 100%
- #51 Super Cyborg
69% matchVery Positive86% of 831 reviews2015
Dev: Artur Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.4%, Action 37%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, 2D 9.8%
- #52 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
70% matchVery Positive81% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Action 11.9%, Arcade 9.1%
- #53 SOL CRESTA
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 114 reviews2022
Dev: PlatinumGames Inc.
Windows
SOL CRESTA, rise like the phoenix and take back the sun! Neo-Classic shooting strikes back! Dock, split, and form up! Pilot 3 fighters and take back the sun from the clutches of evil in this free-form shooting game with the spirit of 80s shooting classics Moon Cresta and Terra Cresta.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.2%, Action 25.6%, Pixel Graphics 13%, 2D 7.2%
- #54 Railgunners
64% 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 40.2%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Action 12.5%, Arcade 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #55 Schildmaid MX
65% 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 52.5%, Arcade 14.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.5%, Action 10.2%, Bullet Hell 8%
- #56 DELTAZEAL
69% 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 58.1%, Action 41.9%
- #57 Gunlocked
64% 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 41.2%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%
- #58 Destructivator 2
67% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2020
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Action 24.1%, Pixel Graphics 19.2%, Arcade 15.8%, 2D 8.8%