- #1 The Power Latch Kid
97% match3 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Lazy Brain Games
Windows
Play as the Power Latch Kid in this classic arcade style twin-stick shump! Enjoy the complex gameplay experience of physics melding with shooting anarchy! How long can you stand to dwell within the crushing madness of the Amalgotron?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Surreal 18.2%, Abstract 13.6%, Psychedelic 12%, Difficult 8.4%
- #2 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
96% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Bullet Hell 25%, Difficult 13.2%, Shooter 8.4%, Psychedelic 8.3%
- #3 Hypnorain
96% matchMixed65% of 20 reviews2016
Dev: Keyreal
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Hypnorain is a vertical bullet hell shooter. The player guides a character through handcrafted levels, shooting and dodging their way through an army of enemies and their mesmerizing bullet patterns.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Difficult 12.5%, Psychedelic 12.3%, Surreal 10.3%
- #4 Andro Dunos II
94% 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 35.5%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Difficult 14.6%, Shooter 11.5%, Arcade 7.5%
- #5 Cataclyzm
95% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dogroach
Windows
A 2D arcade shoot 'em up forged in the age of fire, feedback and METAL! It's a fast, loud and unforgiving ride on an atomic warhead through a hellish concert of beer, bullets and riffs. Crank it up to eleven, and strap in for the ride!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Difficult 16.4%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 6.6%
- #6 Karous
92% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Slash, shoot, guard, grow! Karous, a Dreamcast shoot 'em up originally released back in 2007, is now soaring onto PC. Play as Karous, a girl who lost her parents in a great war with humans. Driven by her father's dying words, she descends to Earth in search of the Sanguis Dei.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Bullet Hell 30.8%, Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 9.4%, 2D 4.2%
- #7 Shmandala
94% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: mjoldhamPub: Pinfall Games
Windows
Shmandala is a delirious arcade-style shoot'em up choreographed to a banging soundtrack!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Surreal 13.4%, Psychedelic 12.4%, Difficult 11.7%
- #8 Kaiju Kite Attack
93% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2019
Dev: PWCA
Windows
OH MY KAIJU!!! IT'S...KAIJU!!! KAIJU KITE ATTACK!!! The FIRST EVER SHMUP-platformer! Get your kite in the sky now! The Kaiju are coming to town to burn it down. Save your Meemaw! Save the universe! FLY OR DIE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Psychedelic 12.8%, Cartoon 11.1%, Shooter 10.6%
- #9 Space Moth: Lunar Edition
91% matchPositive89% of 36 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
1CC Games’ first shoot ’em up returns with totally overhauled visuals, all-new enemies and attacks, a deeper scoring system, remixed soundtrack and fresh player powers. Space Moth: Lunar Edition is the ultimate version of the beloved cult classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Bullet Hell 24%, Psychedelic 18.7%, Shooter 8.2%, Arcade 7.4%
- #10 Gunvein
89% matchVery Positive97% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Bullet Hell 30%, Shooter 9.5%, Arcade 9%, Action 5.6%
- #11 Story in the Dream World 1 -Volcano And Possession- Remake
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: NuriversePub: 붙박이별(Polaris)
Windows
hello! I'm South Korean, One Man Game Creator Nuriverse! This game series is made up of many traditional stories from East Asia.(Mainly the Korean Peninsula.) Thank you for stopping by!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Bullet Hell 28%, Surreal 16.2%, Shooter 14.2%, Action 4.5%
- #12 Bullet Hell Monday: Black
89% matchPositive94% of 33 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
This is a high-difficulty bullet hell shooting game and a sequel to "Bullet Hell Monday." It offers an exciting experience for players who demand advanced skills and precise strategies. As a common system, six types of special weapons are equipped, expanding the player's tactical range.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, Shooter 11.5%, Abstract 9.7%, Psychedelic 9.1%
- #13 東方瞬殺弾幕劇場 ~ 初見殺しに命をかけて
90% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: 夢幻泡影リョウショウカカン
Windows
初見クリアは許さない 狂気のギミック弾幕
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Surreal 16.1%, Shooter 15.5%, Action 4.1%
- #14 Bullet Hell Monday
88% matchVery Positive95% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Psychedelic 13.2%, Shooter 11.9%, Abstract 10.9%
- #15 Radirgy Swag
86% matchPositive94% of 33 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Dodge, slash, and shoot your way through waves of enemies while collecting items. Blast off on a quick trip toward the Moon in Radio-allergic Shoot ’Em Up!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Shooter 14.4%, Action 6%, 2D 4.4%
- #16 AstroRage2049
86% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: CJPub: Outofthematrix
Windows
A short space shooter game that you can finish in your break time with beginner-friendly gameplay and some special features.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Psychedelic 14.4%, Shooter 13.6%, Arcade 8.7%
- #17 Touhou Kouzougi ~ Flickerframe Shutter Festival
84% matchPositive91% of 43 reviews2025
Dev: Ryann Thierry
Windows
A fan-made celebration of Touhou's creative spirit! When a suspicious festival erupts, Aya must photograph spellcards, unlock skills, and uncover hidden truths. Packed with loving references to fanworks both old and new, from all around the world!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Difficult 16.8%, Shooter 12.1%, Arcade 7%
- #18 DoDonPachi Resurrection
85% 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: Bullet Hell 39%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Difficult 8.3%, Arcade 7.4%, Shooter 5.1%
- #19 I, Robot
83% matchPositive91% of 35 reviews2025
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Jeff Minter is back with another unique take on a 1980s Atari arcade game: I, Robot. Reimagined in Minter’s signature assault of colors, shapes and sounds, this new take on the eclectic arcade title is built from the ground up with new challenges, new twists, and a whole lot of llamas.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25%, Surreal 20.3%, Abstract 13.9%, Shooter 13.2%, Psychedelic 13%
- #20 Normal SHMUP
82% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2022
Dev: HyperBitGore
Windows
Normal SHMUP is a strange shoot em' up game based around classic gameplay. Fight the enemies and regain control of the world again.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Surreal 17.3%, Psychedelic 17.1%, Abstract 12%
- #21 Feeble Light
82% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Bullet Hell 28.6%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 8.2%, 1990's 5.9%
- #22 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
84% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.9%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Shooter 15.1%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 6.2%
- #23 Contract Rush DX
79% matchVery Positive100% of 219 reviews2025
Dev: FigburnPub: Team Ficus
Windows
Contract Rush DX is a hand-animated 2D Shoot 'Em Up, with multiple playable characters. Explore the world, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Difficult 17.7%, Shooter 9.8%, Cartoony 6.4%
- #24 Abstract Code
81% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: RUOKPub: MBC Entertainment
Windows
Embark on a unique gaming experience that delves into thought-provoking themes... this SHMUP/Visual Novel hybrid offers a compelling narrative interspersed with addictive arcade gameplay.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Surreal 14.3%, Arcade 9.5%, 1990's 7.4%
- #25 BULLETnico
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Difficult 15.9%, Shooter 9.5%, Arcade 6.7%
- #26 WITCH-BOT MEGLILO
79% matchVery Positive93% of 121 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Stop time and project yourself through space with “Time-stop warp” magic, pass through physical obstacles, dodge incoming bullets and shoot down your enemies! A satisfying shooter, filled with dark humor!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Difficult 13.8%, Shooter 10.3%, Cartoon 7.6%
- #27 Vulture Strike
80% 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 33.1%, Bullet Hell 25.6%, Difficult 17.5%, Arcade 8.5%, Shooter 7.9%
- #28 Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story
76% matchVery Positive89% of 82 reviews2024
Dev: Digital Eclipse
Windows
42 of the weirdest, trippiest, sheepiest games ever created. Enter the mind of Jeff Minter, the legendary creator of Attack of the Mutant Camels, Gridrunner, and Tempest 2000, in this interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Psychedelic 19.4%, Surreal 15%, Shooter 11.6%, Abstract 11.1%
- #29 Zombie Apocalypse 2021
78% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: CoolCraftGamesPub: CoolCraftGames
Windows
Zombie Apocalypse 2021 is a fast old-school shooting game in platformer style. Kill all zombies and protect your city in this super fast game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Shooter 13.3%, Cartoon 11.4%, Arcade 7.2%
- #30 Wish Project
77% 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 28.9%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Difficult 13.4%, Shooter 11.2%, Action 8.1%
- #31 Warding Witches
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SonorodePub: Headup
Windows · Linux
Warding Witches offers a classic, unapologetic bullet hell shoot ‘em up challenge while also putting defense into players’ hands. Experience an adrenaline-filled flow alternating between attacking, defending and dodging, amplified by an intuitive scoring system that weaves into gameplay seamlessly.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 34.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Difficult 9.2%, Shooter 6.6%
- #32 AngerForce: Reloaded
75% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Bullet Hell 37.1%, Shooter 22.7%
- #33 Shmup Boss
73% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2026
Dev: Ebal Studios
Windows · Linux
Minimalist colorful shoot 'em up with a story! Play as the yellow hero trying to get back the essential item taken away from him in a world divided by forms and colors. Will our hero get it back?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Abstract 12.7%, Shooter 11.6%, Cartoony 7.1%
- #34 Mushihimesama
74% 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 41.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Difficult 7.9%, Arcade 7.9%, Action 2.9%
- #35 Herodes
74% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: TecnoloGilsPub: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Herodes is an exhilarating shoot 'em up game set in a future where cutting-edge technology meets the depths of the human body. Step into the role of a courageous agent tasked with the ultimate mission: saving humanity from a mysterious and deadly virus that defies all known cures.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Shooter 14.5%, Psychedelic 13.7%, Arcade 9.6%
- #36 Chester’s Revenge
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Wojo Studios LLCPub: RedDeer.Games
Windows
Run-and-gun action game with multi-stage boss battles. Play as Chester, world's most badass guinea pig, who is hell-bent on a quest for revenge.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 18.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Difficult 14.2%, Cartoon 13.2%, Shooter 8.3%
- #37 Crome: Before Purgatory
75% matchPositive88% of 49 reviews2019
Dev: Stumphead Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Inspired by the heyday of 8-bit arcade gaming, Crome: Before Purgatory is an intense space shoot em' up experience. Play as the Galactic Consul's best star pilot, Crome, and fend off endless the hoards of invaders while competing for the top score on the global leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Difficult 15.6%, Shooter 11%, Action 9.2%
- #38 The Battle of Aurinoxia
72% matchPositive75% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 8.5%, 1990's 5.5%
- #39 Astar Solis
76% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Rooklift Labs
Windows
A minimalistic 2D shoot-em-up, based on dodging bullets.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Shooter 14.5%, Arcade 8%, Action 5%
- #40 東方眠世界 ~ Wonderful Waking World
71% matchVery Positive98% of 291 reviews2022
Dev: Oligarchomp
Windows
A simplistic, dynamic Touhou fangame bullet hell shmup with a pixel art esthetic. Shoot down your enemies and dodge your way through an incessant barrage of projectiles!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 5.1%
- #41 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
73% 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 35.4%, Bullet Hell 33.6%, Difficult 9.4%, Arcade 7.1%, Action 5.1%
- #42 Return Home
73% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: Verran
Windows
Return Home is an abstract horizontal shooter with dynamic levels and metaphorical explosions. The game is randomised and altered according to how well you play.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Psychedelic 20%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Abstract 15%, Shooter 10%
- #43 Cybxus Heart
72% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2020
Dev: TheDreikPub: Phoenix Reborn Games
Windows
Cybxus Hearts inspired by classic Japanese shooting games. This is a game where you control three different characters at the same time.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 9.4%, Action 6.2%
- #44 Akka Arrh
70% matchVery Positive84% of 64 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Akka Arrh is a modern take on a scrapped project from the 1980s, providing players with a fast-paced, addictive, arcade shooter experience and psychedelic visuals. Protect your life rings as you chain together combos and go for a high score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Abstract 12.6%, Shooter 12.2%, Psychedelic 9.8%
- #45 NANOFORCE tactical surgeon fighter
70% matchPositive86% of 22 reviews2023
Dev: Alec's factory
Windows
Climb into the cockpit of an overpowered micro unit and fight against an invisible enemy that threatens the Human race. Progress through numerous enemy waves and bosses across more than 7 levels filled with action, secrets, and more !
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Bullet Hell 31.4%, Shooter 16.3%, 1990's 6.6%, Arcade 5.7%
- #46 Space Invaders Extreme
70% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Difficult 14.1%, Psychedelic 13.8%, Shooter 11.2%
- #47 Danmaku Unlimited 2
69% 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 45.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.8%, Shooter 6.1%, Arcade 4.8%, Action 3.9%
- #48 #Snake2 DX: Reawakening
69% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Ultimate Walrus
Windows
Explosive, balls-to-the-wall bullet hell shooter with novel shooting mechanics (and surreal comedy)
Why similar: Bullet Hell 31.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Surreal 12.5%, Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 9.3%
- #49 Magic Fairy Fun Blast
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Wow Cool Games
Windows
Magic Fairy Fun Blast is a challenging and fast paced arcade style bullet hell arena wave based shooter. You are a fairy that just wants to have fun but your version of fun is different than the rest of the world.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Surreal 14.8%, Shooter 11.3%, Psychedelic 9.8%
- #50 Popcorn Rocket
67% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Battle Geek Plus, L.L.C.
Windows
Popcorn Rocket is a silly food based old-school arcade space shooter. Pilot the Popcorn Rocket as you blast through hordes of food spaceships in order to save the galaxy from the evil Nebula Empire! With a wacky cast of heroes and villains, Popcorn Rocket will leave your stomach wanting more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Cartoon 13.3%, Shooter 12.6%, Cartoony 8%
- #51 Super Glitter Rush
67% matchVery Positive96% of 113 reviews2021
Dev: tiny cactus studio
Windows
Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Bullet Hell 29.4%, Shooter 15.1%, Cartoony 7%, Action 4.9%
- #52 Ikaruga
67% 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 41.3%, Bullet Hell 38.8%, Arcade 8.2%, Shooter 4.9%, Difficult 4.4%
- #53 GunBird - 2
65% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: ZerodivPub: KMBOX
Windows
Four years after their previous work “GUNBIRD,” a new, even more powerful five-member group has arrived.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Shooter 15.2%, Arcade 9.9%, 1990's 8%
- #54 Magnus
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Katuunu XVIPub: Cicada Studios
Windows · Linux
A challenging 2D boss rush shooter. Use your reflexes and mobilities to face off against a legion of foes.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Shooter 13.9%, Cartoon 11.1%, Arcade 9%
- #55 Syder Reloaded
65% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Difficult 13.1%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 8%
- #56 Beekyr Reloaded
67% matchVery Positive87% of 97 reviews2017
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The giant hornets have destroyed your hive and taken the pollen. Fight the swarms alone or with a friend and destroy the dangerous hornet queen! The insect world is very dangerous but... what are you waiting for to get your revenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Difficult 15%, Psychedelic 14.2%, Shooter 11%
- #57 Evade
71% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: Argos Games
Windows
Evade is a fast paced bullet hell shooter focused on dodging attack patterns made of hundreds, even thousands of bullets. Shoot your way through over 30 different bosses, and recruit defeated enemies as powerful assists.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 32.3%, Difficult 20.7%, Action 6.7%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #58 Art Strikers
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Friendly Fire Software
Windows
Draw your path to victory in Art Strikers! A unique art themed bullet hell shoot-em-up that looks and plays like a beautiful work of art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Cartoon 15.2%, Shooter 13.6%, Action 3.8%
- #59 Suicide Runners
66% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 9.3%, Difficult 7.3%