Games Like Distant Space

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: Shoot 'Em Up 44.2%, Arcade 20.1%, Retro 11.1%, Space 6.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive classic that inspired the fixed-screen, wave-based combat found in Distant Space.

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 24%, Space 13.2%, Arcade 9.6%, Bullet Hell 9.6%, Difficult 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, retro-styled shooter that focuses on high-score chasing and simple, addictive controls.

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 52.2%, Indie 47.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game refines the classic space-shooter formula with modern visuals while keeping the core arcade mechanics intact.

Galaxy is in danger with hostile ships swarming from the opening vortex. Blast enemies with huge variety of upgradeable ships. Frantic arcade shooter featuring world leaderboards and fun multiplayer mode will keep you playing until all ships are unlocked; galaxies saved. WARNING:VERY_ADDICTIVE

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Space 13.7%, Bullet Hell 11.7%, Arcade 10.7%, Difficult 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a polished, high-speed take on the fixed-screen arcade shooter genre with a similar retro feel.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Arcade 10.9%, Bullet Hell 10.1%, Difficult 9.4%, Space 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: It strips the genre down to its most basic, challenging form where every shot counts, mirroring the arcade difficulty of the 80s.

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 13.1%, Space 11.4%, 1980s 8.1%, Difficult 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist arcade shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and pattern recognition in a 2D space.

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 24.1%, Space 15.1%, 1980s 11.4%, Arcade 9.8%, Bullet Hell 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a retro-arcade experience with a focus on fast, action-packed combat against waves of enemies.

A face-melting, pixel-pumping arcade shoot 'em up featuring awesome power-ups, epic boss battles and spectacular effects at a blistering 60fps. Blast into battle against giant space destroyers in Arcade Mode, tackle endless waves of enemies in Survival Mode and face off against epic level guardians in Boss Run mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Arcade 18.5%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Retro 10.8%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a fast-paced, 80s-inspired arcade experience that perfectly matches the intensity of Distant Space.

A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Space 13.4%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Arcade 11.5%, 1980s 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: An expanded version of the original that adds more depth while maintaining the fast-paced, arcade-style combat.

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 38.2%, Bullet Hell 13%, Arcade 12.6%, Difficult 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines pixel-art aesthetics with intense arcade-style shooting mechanics similar to the seed game.

Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Space 20.8%, Arcade 11.5%, Bullet Hell 9.1%, Difficult 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A simple, space-themed arcade shooter that mirrors the straightforward design and challenge of the seed game.

1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.

Why similar: 1980s 16.4%, Arcade 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Retro 12%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game is a love letter to the 1980s arcade era, featuring the pixel-graphics and simple gameplay loop you enjoyed.

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Space 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, 1980s 8.2%, Shooter 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern homage to classic arcade shooters that features the same pixel-art style and intense enemy patterns.

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 46.6%, Casual 15.2%, Retro 13.8%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Arcade 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title leans heavily into the retro aesthetic and arcade-style combat found in Distant Space.

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 33.6%, Arcade 14.9%, Space 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Shooter 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward arcade shooter that focuses on pure action and high-score survival.

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 30.3%, Arcade 11.4%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, 1980s 10%, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: It blends classic arcade shooting with modern roguelike elements, providing a fresh take on the genre.

Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, 1980s 11.1%, Arcade 10.7%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Difficult 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that focuses on high-intensity combat and simple, effective mechanics.

Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Space 14.7%, 1980s 13.2%, Arcade 10.9%, Bullet Hell 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling arcade shooter that captures the classic feel of 80s space combat.

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 28.8%, Space 17.7%, Arcade 9.6%, Bullet Hell 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A unique arcade shooter where you can take control of your enemies, adding a layer of strategy to the classic formula.

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 27.7%, Space 13.2%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, 1980s 11.2%, Arcade 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a challenging arcade experience with a focus on 2D movement and shooting.

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51%, Bullet Hell 16%, Arcade 8.9%, Difficult 6.1%, Pixel Graphics 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: While more modern, it captures the spirit of classic shoot-em-ups with high-quality pixel art and precise arcade mechanics.

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 38.3%, Space 15.6%, Bullet Hell 9.5%, Retro 8.3%, Arcade 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a retro-inspired side-scrolling experience that emphasizes arcade action and power-up management.

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 30.8%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Arcade 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Difficult 9%

Why You'll Like It: This game features pixel-art visuals and intense arcade shooting mechanics that feel right at home with the seed game.

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 53.2%, Arcade 15.2%, Indie 11.9%, Action 11.2%, 2D 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick arcade shooter that provides a similar level of fast-paced, 2D action.

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 24.5%, Space 13.3%, 1980s 10%, Bullet Hell 9.3%, Difficult 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling arcade shooter that offers a similar level of difficulty and retro charm.

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 32%, Space 16.4%, Action 13.7%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Difficult 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D arcade shooter that focuses on survival against waves of enemies in a retro-inspired environment.

Deep Eclipse: New Space Odyssey is the ultimate space thriller in the best tradition of the genre. You're the pilot of a space fighter, accidentally catapulted into a parallel universe populated by hostile alien creatures; and they're not happy to see you! To get out of this hell, do your best, to destroy hordes of enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.1%, Space 26.8%, Arcade 14%, Shooter 8.1%, Indie 5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a top-down space combat experience that emphasizes arcade-style action and exploration.

Distant Space 2 - is an indirect continuation of the first part, in which you will find more dynamic gameplay. Your task is to destroy enemy ships on each level to go to the next of 26 available. In addition to conventional ships, you will have to wait for the boss ships, the battle with which will not be easy.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 10.9%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Retro 7.1%

Bladestar is a sci-fi cinematic action shooter featuring visually rich worlds with potentially endless enemies on each level. Defend the galaxy flying a Manta Starfighter through asteroid, mine, and debris fields while battling pirates, rebels, and aliens.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Space 19.6%, Arcade 12.4%, Difficult 9.6%, Shooter 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that emphasizes fast-paced space combat and classic 2D mechanics.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Indie 33.9%, Casual 12.8%, Action 10.6%, 2D 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A simple, casual space shooter that mirrors the accessible gameplay loop of Distant Space.

Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Arcade 15.5%, 1980s 10%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 8.4%

If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Space 18.9%, Arcade 11.7%, 1980s 11%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%

The original 8-bit twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love, available to play for free.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Space 15.1%, Arcade 11.9%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

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 34.6%, Space 19.6%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 6.1%

Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Space 20.3%, Difficult 12.7%, Indie 9.4%, Action 8.6%

Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Space 14.2%, Arcade 10.8%, Action 8.1%

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 24.9%, Space 23.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Bullet Hell 9.5%, Shooter 6.6%

SPINGUN is a "manic two-button arcade shooter". Two buttons. One spaceship. Zero chance to survive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Space 13.9%, Arcade 12.3%, Difficult 10.1%, Bullet Hell 8.7%

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Arcade 16.8%, Space 14%, Shooter 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

Hyper Space is a “Dodge ’Em Up” Arcade game. Collect stars while avoiding space hazards to reach the highest score, unlock new skins, compete with your friends and travel through space to the most distant galaxies.

Why similar: Space 24.6%, 1980s 18.7%, Arcade 16.2%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Retro 10.3%

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 16.1%, Difficult 15.6%, Space 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Shooter 8.4%

You are a space trooper. Your crew finished the cleaning mission and left you alone by accident. Now you are surrounded by aliens. Persist them as long as you can.

Why similar: Casual 18.8%, Action 18.5%, Indie 18.1%, Difficult 16.5%, Pixel Graphics 15.7%

Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Space 13.2%, 1980s 9.9%, Bullet Hell 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%

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 37.6%, Space 18%, Indie 12%, Casual 9.2%, Action 8.6%

How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Space 15.1%, Arcade 12.3%, 1980s 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

BroodStar is a classic arcade shmup with roguelike elements. Acquire crazy item combos, encounter strange events and fight challenging bosses on a quest to destroy the living planet, the BroodStar.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Space 15.9%, Bullet Hell 11%, Arcade 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%

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 6 minutes to repair the ship's functions and escape? Also discover a variety of genres, all in one game!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Space 12.9%, 1980s 12%, Arcade 12%, Bullet Hell 8.9%

Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.3%, Space 23.3%, Shooter 7.6%, Indie 7.4%, Action 7%

Galactic Battles is a complex 2D top-down space shooter in which you have to fight with alien invaders.

Why similar: Action 28.2%, Indie 28.2%, Retro 21.8%, Adventure 21.8%

Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Indie 9.1%, Action 8.7%, Bullet Hell 6.8%

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 45.3%, Casual 19.1%, Action 18.1%, Indie 17.4%

Arcade shoot game inspired on 80’s classics with extra features as you progress.

Why similar: Space 36%, Casual 16.5%, Indie 16.4%, Arcade 15.7%, Action 15.5%

"Aeve:Zero Gravity" is an arcade space shooter about battles in open space. In a classic mode "Shoot'em'all"

Why similar: Indie 52.2%, Action 47.8%

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: Space 26.1%, Arcade 17.6%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Retro 12.8%, Minimalist 10.6%

Fast-paced retro shmup where space keeps shrinking. Collect energy orbs, avoid danger, unlock ships, and chase the highest score in this addictive arcade shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Space 15.9%, Arcade 11.2%, Bullet Hell 11%, Difficult 10.7%

Cosmic Dust & Rust is a tower defence game set in space. Upgrade your ship, build turrets and defence systems, undergo side missions and take control of your ship manually and use its cannons and super weapons to destroy your enemies.

Why similar: Casual 38.1%, Pixel Graphics 25.1%, Difficult 18.8%, Indie 9.9%, Action 8.1%

Deep Space Cache is a short & simple semi-idle bullet heaven incremental asteroid miner game.

Why similar: Space 22.2%, Arcade 13.5%, Casual 12.6%, Indie 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%

1-Bit Roguelite Action Shooter.

Why similar: Space 18.9%, 1980s 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 10.7%

Super Space Club is a lo-fi arcade space shooter to chill to. Defend a vibrant galaxy as a club of misfit heroes and battle endless waves of spacecrafts to the tune of atmospheric beats. Outlast your enemies and vibe to the rhythm of the stars.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Space 19.9%, Arcade 13.3%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Difficult 9.8%

Fly for a spaceship and destroy enemy alien ships to return to your homeplanet – Nibiru

Why similar: Casual 34.7%, Indie 34.1%, Action 31.2%