- #1 Distant Space
97% 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 25.8%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 10.8%, Bullet Hell 9.8%, Retro 7%
Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it offers the exact same arcade-style gameplay and retro aesthetic.
- #2 Space Moth DX
96% 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 30%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 9.1%, Retro 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This title perfectly captures the intense bullet-hell action and arcade feel found in the seed game.
- #3 Danmaku Unlimited 2
96% matchVery Positive93% of 481 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Arcade 7.3%, Shooter 5.7%, Action 5%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential bullet-hell experience that matches the high-speed, pattern-heavy combat of the seed game.
- #4 Sophstar
95% 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 20.9%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Aliens 10.2%, Retro 9.5%, Arcade 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern top-down shooter that emphasizes fast-paced movement and complex boss battles.
- #5 Habroxia 2
94% 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 31.8%, Arcade 17.4%, Shooter 16.6%, Action 11.4%, Space 9%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that mirrors the level-based progression and arcade intensity of the seed game.
- #6 Bit Blaster XL
94% 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 17.1%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Aliens 10.4%, Shooter 8.7%, Minimalist 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A simple yet highly addictive arcade shooter that focuses on pure, fast-paced survival.
- #7 BLUE REVOLVER
93% 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 43.6%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%, Action 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a highly polished, fast-paced arcade shooter experience with a similar retro-modern aesthetic.
- #8 Jets'n'Guns 2
92% 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 57.5%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Action 12.8%, Indie 8.5%, 2D 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: Provides high-octane, side-scrolling action with a similar focus on destructive power and boss fights.
- #9 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 25.3%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on high-risk, high-reward mechanics that will appeal to fans of the seed game's intense combat.
- #10 Switch 'N' Shoot
91% 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 22.3%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Arcade 10.5%, Retro 9.5%, Shooter 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-focused score-chaser that shares the minimalist, high-difficulty appeal of the seed game.
- #11 ZeroRanger
89% 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 34.6%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Arcade 8.4%, Retro 8.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in indie shoot-'em-up design that captures the same retro charm and progression feel.
- #12 Space Elite Force II
88% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Arcade 11.1%, Space 8.8%, Shooter 8%
Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shooter features similar pixel-art aesthetics and arcade-style boss encounters.
- #13 Grav Blazer Squared
89% 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 20.2%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Aliens 10.5%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the 2D bullet-hell arcade style and space-themed combat found in the seed game.
- #14 Mushihimesama
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 40%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Action 4.1%, Shooter 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: Considered a gold standard in the bullet-hell genre, it offers the ultimate challenge for fans of the seed game.
- #15 Pewt 'em Up!
86% 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 23.3%, Aliens 15%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 12.6%, Retro 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: Combines arcade shooter mechanics with roguelite elements for a fresh, replayable experience.
- #16 Enemy Mind
86% 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 23.1%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 10.7%, Retro 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features unique possession mechanics that add a strategic layer to the standard space shooter formula.
- #17 Polygoneer
85% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,730 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Arcade 16%, Retro 11.8%, Action 9.7%, Casual 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and precision.
- #18 1982
84% 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 19.3%, Arcade 15.4%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Shooter 12%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-focused arcade game that captures the pixel-art aesthetic and simple, fun gameplay loop.
- #19 Raiden IV x MIKADO remix
83% matchMixed70% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Arcade 12.3%, Shooter 12%, Aliens 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter experience that delivers the same satisfying, pattern-based combat.
- #20 Sweezy Gunner
84% matchVery Positive83% of 243 reviews2014
Dev: Windybeard
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Action 14.3%, Space 14%, Shooter 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: An indie bullet-hell shooter that provides a similar level of challenge and arcade-style progression.
- #21 Galaxy Highways
79% 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 24.8%, Shooter 12.1%, Retro 9.9%, Minimalist 9.5%, Space 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging twin-stick shooter that offers intense, high-difficulty combat scenarios.
- #22 Arcade Mayhem Juanito
82% 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 17.2%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Aliens 12.1%, Arcade 11%, Retro 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on pure arcade-style action and level-based progression similar to the seed game.
- #23 DoDonPachi Resurrection
81% 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 38.9%, Bullet Hell 37.9%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 5.4%, Action 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic bullet-hell title that provides the intense, screen-filling action fans of the genre crave.
- #24 Galactic Battles
82% matchMostly Negative37% of 125 reviews2018
Dev: IndieLipPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Galactic Battles is a complex 2D top-down space shooter in which you have to fight with alien invaders.
Why similar: Action 29.4%, Adventure 25.5%, Retro 25.3%, Indie 19.7%
Why You'll Like It: An indie adventure that incorporates classic retro shooter mechanics into its gameplay.
- #25 Sky Force Anniversary
79% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Bullet Hell 25%, Arcade 11.4%, Retro 9.8%, Shooter 7%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, accessible modern shooter that captures the same satisfying progression and arcade feel.
- #26 Sine Mora EX
80% matchMixed65% of 678 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 13.3%, Sci-fi 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features unique time-based mechanics and high-quality visuals that elevate the standard shooter experience.
- #27 Ikaruga
78% 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 40.4%, Bullet Hell 34.5%, Arcade 12.6%, Shooter 4.7%, Action 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary shooter that offers tactical depth and intense, pattern-based gameplay similar to the seed game.
- #28 Stellar 2D
81% matchMixed41% of 975 reviews2015
Dev: quad gamesPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Stellar 2D is a retro style space arcade game, it's a 2D game in a 3D world. With an addictive, fast paced, casual game-play style.
Why similar: Indie 33.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Action 15.4%, Casual 14.7%, 2D 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A casual, space-themed 2D shooter that is easy to pick up and play for short sessions.
- #29 Rocky Mayhem
76% matchVery Positive88% of 52 reviews2024
Dev: SepSlitherPub: Frederik Holst
Windows
Systems are down and require time to repair, leaving you with a basic gunship with no hopes of escaping an aggressive asteroid event. Will you be able to survive the increasingly difficult 8 minutes to repair the ship's functions and escape? Also discover a variety of genres, all in one game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Beat 'em up 15.3%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 9.7%
- #30 Rocket delivery: Space Wok
73% matchVery Positive98% of 210 reviews2025
Dev: KALA GAMES
Windows
A backpack building run-and-gun game! Fill your backpack with guns, blast away space bugs, and deliver noodles to hungry customers!
Why similar: Beat 'em up 22.6%, Aliens 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Space 7.6%
- #31 Neon Space 2
78% matchMixed70% of 436 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Neon Space 2 is a highly anticipated sequel to Neon Space. The game kept all the elements from his predecessor, but at the same time the visuals received a major improvement.
Why similar: Action 30.8%, Adventure 24.2%, Casual 24.1%, Indie 20.9%
Why You'll Like It: A casual, visually striking space-themed action game with a focus on arcade-style survival.
- #32 Cozy Space Survivors
72% matchVery Positive97% of 364 reviews2024
Dev: simonschreibt
Windows · Mac · Linux
A cozy time survival roguelite in space. You steer the shippy while the shooting happens automatically. Meet cute NPCs, solve small quests, and fight quirky enemies with satisfying weapons. A shorter experience for people who don't have much time but love playing (and finishing) games.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.8%, Arcade 15.8%, Exploration 10.9%, Space 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #33 Grav Blazer
77% matchMixed48% of 157 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 12%
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 19.4%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Aliens 10.9%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 10.5%
- #34 ShipLord
76% matchMixed62% of 844 reviews2015
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Indie 13.3%, Space 12.2%, Action 11.1%
- #35 Space Codex
75% matchVery Positive81% of 412 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Retro 19.8%, Casual 15.5%, Arcade 10.3%
- #36 Destructivator 2
74% 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: Shooter 20.8%, Retro 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Arcade 9.4%
- #37 Space Survival
77% matchMixed50% of 150 reviews2016
Dev: UltraShock Gaming LLCPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Space Survival is the next great SIMPLE 2D casual space action shooter where you have to defend against wave of enemies, have fast reflexes and strong will to win. It is great way to relax, but also a great challenge. How long can you stay focused?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Space 12.2%, Aliens 11.4%, Arcade 9.7%
- #38 Deep Space Exploitation
70% matchVery Positive96% of 108 reviews2025
Dev: JuhrJuhr
Windows
Deep Space Exploitation is a space mining game featuring 2D physics, fully destructible asteroids, and a story of survival under an exploitative corporation. Use your equipment wisely, upgrade your ship, and make difficult decisions to secure your future!
Why similar: Retro 19.3%, Minimalist 16.8%, Arcade 16.2%, Space 14.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%
- #39 SpaceShot
75% matchVery Positive81% of 289 reviews2017
Dev: Shevchenko Technology
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 64%
SpaceShot - a complex arcade game in which you must destroy the alien invaders and collect bonuses. Three game modes, fast gameplay and a lot of achievements are waiting for you.
Why similar: Action 39.8%, Casual 33.5%, Indie 26.7%
- #40 Space Killer
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 55 reviews2023
Dev: Two friends
Windows
Take on the role of a spaceship pilot and protect the universe from an alien invasion. Destroy hordes of infected ships and defeat powerful bosses. Unlock new ships, create your own builds in this Roguelite, Survivors, RPG game🚀
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.1%, Space 19.3%, Arcade 15.4%, 2D 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #41 Polygon Attack
73% matchVery Positive88% of 268 reviews2016
Dev: Magnolia Art
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Space 13%, Arcade 11.7%, Shooter 10.8%
- #42 Survive in Space
74% matchMixed68% of 361 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
The game is spread over 50 different levels, and Sasaki must fight through them all to redeem his people. The game features five powerful bosses that you will encounter at the end of each sector – every nine levels. Each boss is a skill puzzle of his own, with shifting mechanics and environments that will keep you on your toes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Space 16.4%, Action 12.8%, Casual 8.1%
- #43 Gunlocked 2
68% matchVery Positive88% of 64 reviews2025
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Movement is your weapon. A sci-fi action roguelike and shmup combined, in Gunlocked 2 you'll pilot and upgrade a state-of-the-art warship against endless waves of deadly aliens. Deep customization, branching paths, and tons of unlockables offer endless replayability!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Aliens 13.8%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 11.3%
- #44 Echoes+
71% 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 28.9%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Action 11.1%, Arcade 10%, Space 8.1%
- #45 CPU Invaders - 3i Atlas
66% matchVery Positive99% of 81 reviews2025
Dev: Microblast Games
Windows
The sequel to the Steam Awards finalist, invaders are living inside your computer again — but now their source is the mysterious interstellar object 3i Atlas. Interact with your desktop while playing, watch Youtube videos, chat with your friends and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Minimalist 19.6%, Arcade 10.5%, Bullet Hell 9.5%, Funny 9.1%
- #46 Dark Old Sun
71% 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 25.7%, Bullet Hell 20%, Action 19.8%, Shooter 11.8%, Space 9.9%
- #47 Andro Dunos II
68% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Arcade 12.7%, Shooter 12%, Action 5.2%
- #48 Asteroid Bounty Hunter
71% matchMixed65% of 803 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Action 12.3%, Indie 11.5%, Space 10.8%
- #49 GUNFIELD
65% matchVery Positive96% of 250 reviews2024
Dev: Shiv
Windows
GUNFIELD – A game that combines the genres: shoot 'em up, roguelite. Choose the perfect weapon combinations and upgrade your ship to destroy hordes of enemies and giant bosses, using strategy and a powerful arsenal.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Retro 12%, Space 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #50 Pixel Space Battles
72% matchMostly Negative37% of 78 reviews2017
Dev: Nikita "Ghost_RUS"Pub: Ghost_RUS Games
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 12%
Fly for a spaceship and destroy enemy alien ships to return to your homeplanet – Nibiru
Why similar: Action 38.3%, Casual 33.6%, Indie 28.1%
- #51 Inferno 2
70% matchVery Positive86% of 58 reviews2015
Dev: Radiangames
Windows
Inferno 2 is an intense, atmospheric twin-stick adventure-shooter. Blast through 80+ levels full of enemies and secrets while upgrading your ship the way you want.
Why similar: Retro 32.8%, Action 25.2%, Adventure 23.5%, Indie 18.5%
- #52 Duke of Alpha Centauri
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 546 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Duke of Alpha Centuri is a space shooter with amazing graphics. The main goal of our game is to have a lot of fun while blowing up hordes of different types of enemies. Engage in boss fights, upgrade your ship and ship systems until you are able to show off in an endless mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Action 25.8%, Casual 21.5%, Indie 16.7%
- #53 Minishoot' Adventures
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,362 reviews2024
Dev: SoulGame Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, Minimalist 10.6%, Exploration 10%, Shooter 9.9%
- #54 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Space 14.8%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 11%, Indie 8.1%
- #55 Incandescent
70% matchMixed68% of 172 reviews2015
Dev: Stephen Crabb
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Action 16.9%, Arcade 15.6%, Indie 12.1%, 2D 5.8%
- #56 in Space
69% matchVery Positive81% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: Ed Curtis-SivessPub: Ysty Games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 59%
in Space is a procedural sidescrolling shooter that values precision and strategy over reflex or memorization. Fight through tons of enemies in three different modes, unlock new ships and new weapons. Become the best at shooting two dimensional shapes!
Why similar: Action 58.7%, Indie 41.3%
- #57 Space War: Infinity
67% matchVery Positive90% of 124 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
A semi-procedural shoot-'em-up that will test your skills. Level up your ship, unlock amazing weapons, and defeat 5 formidable bosses. Challenge the infinite by facing real-time waves of enemies after completing all missions. Become the intergalactic hero now!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Arcade 11.6%, Retro 10.1%, Space 10.1%
- #58 REMOTE LIFE
66% matchVery Positive90% of 221 reviews2019
Dev: Next Game Level
Windows
Remote Life is a 2D Side scrolling space shooter (shmup) for PC. Experience a fast paced action game with insane scary graphics, and hyper jump into a brutal-frenetic-techno-alien world. Free the world from this dreadful nightmare before its nauseating breath of horror destroys mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Aliens 12%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 8.7%
- #59 Gal-X-E
68% matchVery Positive86% of 91 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Gal-X-E aims to revive the old-school shoot em up genre, and adds modern elements to it! Fight your way through endless waves of randomly generated madness! Collect spaceships and show the enemy who's boss!
Why similar: Action 28.7%, Casual 27.3%, Adventure 23.7%, Indie 20.2%