- #1 Asteroids
97% matchPositive96% of 26 reviews2022
Dev: Play Asteroids
Windows
Another version of the classic Asteroids game
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Top-Down Shooter 19%, Old School 10.8%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 9%
- #2 Rysen
96% match8 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2018
Dev: nkmr appworks
Windows
An old arcade style 2d shmup.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Top-Down Shooter 20.6%, Old School 10.9%, Shooter 9.8%, Top-Down 8.6%
- #3 Cosmonator
96% matchVery Positive87% of 101 reviews2019
Dev: Bourbontank
Windows
Cosmonator is an 'RPG-em-up': a hybrid of classic fast-paced top-down shoot-em-up action infused with deep character building elements. Build up your own unique alien-killing machine to avenge the destruction of planet Earth!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Top-Down Shooter 19.8%, RPG 9.5%, Old School 7.1%, Bullet Hell 6.8%
- #4 .Decluster & .Decluster Zero
94% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
The vertical scrolling shooter game '.Decluster' and its sequel '.Decluster Zero' are now available in one package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Top-Down Shooter 19.7%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Shooter 9.1%, Old School 8.5%
- #5 Hyperbolic Ignition
95% match7 user reviews57% of 7 reviews2018
Dev: Kevin Nguyen
Windows
Hyperbolic Ignition is a 2D multidirectional bullet hell-like shooter about a wandering pilot trying to return home. By utilizing wormholes, enter and evade combat against hostile spaceships, machinery, sentient crystals, and remnants of warfare.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 14.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Fast-Paced 11.5%, Space 8%, Top-Down 6.6%
- #6 Gamma Zero
93% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Sinclair Gurny
Windows · Mac · Linux
The earth is being attacked by creatures from deep space! Time to bring the fight back to them! Battle through multiple stages of heart pounding bullet hell action. Evade the onslaught of bullets, rack up massive multipliers, and get revenge for your planet!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Top-Down Shooter 19%, Old School 14.2%, Bullet Hell 10.4%, Top-Down 8%
- #7 Exorush
94% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Thrashmodule
Windows
A 2D vertical shoot 'em up that lets you upgrade your ship with an insane amount of options. From missiles and pods to specials and shields, you can upgrade every bit of your ship from guns to thrusters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Shooter 9.5%, Arcade 8.7%
- #8 HyperShot
92% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Pirate Dog Games
Windows
In this Bullet Hell shooter, the more enemies you shoot, the more enemies spawn! Keep moving so you don't get surrounded, and shoot enough enemies to clear each level.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 17.6%, Top-Down Shooter 15.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, Old School 10.2%, Bullet Hell 10%
- #9 Space Waves
91% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Survive endless waves of escalating enemies in this fast-paced arcade shooter. Dodge overwhelming attacks, master precision movement, and fight to stay alive inside hypnotic neon chaos.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Old School 11.3%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Shooter 9.2%
- #10 Nephenthesys
91% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: Let's Dev StudiosPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off on a treacherous mission to recover an unidentified energy source amidst an alien onslaught! Nephenthesys is a vertical scrolling shoot’em up presented in widescreen top-down 3D style.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Top-Down Shooter 22.8%, Shooter 9.3%, Old School 8.9%, Top-Down 7.5%
- #11 Astro Fighters
90% matchPositive94% of 31 reviews2025
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
A score-driven vertical STG built around aggressive grazing, medal chaining, and risk-reward survival mechanics. Dodge impossible bullet patterns, manipulate time itself, and push for the ultimate 1CC.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Old School 10.8%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Shooter 8.7%
- #12 RedRaptor
89% matchPositive82% of 17 reviews2023
Dev: Novax GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro arcade experience in RedRaptor, a vertical shoot’em up inspired by genre classics of the ’90s!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Top-Down Shooter 23.7%, Shooter 8.3%, Top-Down 6.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%
- #13 Meteor Storm
89% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2021
Dev: Z Sculpt Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Welcome back to 1996! This shared screen space shooter is the perfect 4-player competitive game for some casual fun!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Top-Down Shooter 19.4%, Old School 12.1%, Shooter 9%, Top-Down 8.3%
- #14 STARR RINGER
88% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Sterling McKay
Windows
Grab the fate of all life in your hands. Blast your way through the cosmos, destroying monstrous cosmic beasts and the space cultists summoning them, on your path to stopping your mother from unleashing the chaos realm upon the universe, in this sci-fi cosmic horror bullet-hell, STARR RINGER.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Top-Down Shooter 16.4%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Shooter 8.9%, Sci-fi 8.6%
- #15 Sophstar
86% matchVery Positive100% of 107 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 18.5%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Bullet Hell 9.4%, Old School 8.6%, Top-Down 7%
- #16 REVO
87% matchPositive93% of 15 reviews2021
Dev: Cosmic Misfit Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Dodge and shoot your way through waves of enemies. REVO is a high speed, neon drenched space shoot ‘em up inspired by arcade classics of the 1980’s. Collect pickups, unlock powerful, ammo hungry weapons, and defeat giant bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Fast-Paced 13.8%, Top-Down Shooter 13.6%, Old School 11.3%, Space 8.1%
- #17 Insectipede
86% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
Time to bug out and blast back in this arcade shooter packed with waves of insects and UFOs. Fight through 50 challenging stages, grab power-ups, and chase the high score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 18%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Shooter 8.9%, Old School 8.1%
- #18 Exo-Calibre
82% matchPositive86% of 22 reviews2025
Dev: Vampixel GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Take to the skies as a team of cute pilots and fight for peace in vertical scrolling bullet hell style!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Top-Down Shooter 22%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Shooter 9%, Top-Down 7.3%
- #19 Nova Strike
84% matchMixed63% of 24 reviews2023
Dev: Sanuk GamesPub: Nacon
Windows
Fire up your blaster cannons and take on waves of enemies in this retro shoot'em up with procedural levels. Come back stronger with each attempt and beat the high score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Top-Down Shooter 15.9%, Bullet Hell 11%, Top-Down 8.6%, Space 8%
- #20 Starfighter Neon
84% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: MadeOfDinosaurs
Windows · Mac
You've been dropped into enemy space. Weave your Starfighter between alien spaceships, lasers, asteroids and bombs destroying as many as you can and collecting valuable coins and powerups as you go.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Top-Down Shooter 16.9%, Bullet Hell 9.2%, Shooter 6.8%, Top-Down 6.7%
- #21 Project AionIX
85% matchNo user reviews
Dev: AionBlaze Studio
Windows
A fast-paced roguelike space shooter where every credit counts. Fight through dangerous sectors, upgrade your ship mid-battle, and convert your earnings into permanent power. Because when you die, you keep what matters.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 20%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.7%, Old School 10.3%, Space 10.1%, Shooter 7.9%
- #22 Defender's Squad: The Last Ride
81% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: JMC
Windows · Linux
Defender's Squad is a sci-fi vertical scrolling shooter 2D that combines 7 different levels. Play Solo and pick one of the 3 ships to kill enemies and save the earth from aliens.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Top-Down 10.6%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 9.9%, Top-Down Shooter 9.5%
- #23 SOLSTORM
83% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Jerry Zhu
Windows · Linux
SOLSTORM is a classic hand-crafted arcade bullet hell, skillfully weave, and dodge through 9 stages with waves of projectiles as you persevere and see a space odyssey to the end!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Top-Down Shooter 18.9%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Old School 9.4%, Top-Down 7.8%
- #24 Red Blaster
80% match8 user reviews63% of 8 reviews2025
Dev: Red Blaster Games
Windows
Blast your way through increasing waves of enemies in this fast-paced top-down action-arcade shoot 'em-up while unlocking new levels, weapon upgrades and harder enemy types as you make progress in RED BLASTER!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Top-Down Shooter 24.3%, Old School 9.5%, Shooter 9.2%, Top-Down 7.4%
- #25 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
81% matchMostly Positive75% of 214 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Top-Down Shooter 8.7%, Fast-Paced 8.1%, Space 6%
- #26 Voidronaut
82% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Aztyrael Studios
Windows
Voidronaut is a fast-paced 2D arcade shooter set in the endless darkness of deep space. As the last surviving pilot, you must outmaneuver relentless enemy waves, collect new weapons, and sharpen your aim, speed, and reflexes to survive.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 24.1%, Old School 13%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.5%, Top-Down 8.5%
- #27 Laser Droplets
79% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Kikashi Online
Windows · Mac
Laser Droplets is a mixture of shoot ‘em up, bullet-hell, arcade styled, 2D game. It consists of 16 mini stages, each with a unique stage boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Top-Down Shooter 16.6%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Top-Down 7.4%
- #28 Red Galaxy
79% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2021
Dev: CSZgames
Windows
This is a retro space shooting game, where you only fight against the strongest enemy. There are 15 unique bosses in the game, and players need to use different weapons and strategies to defeat them. Dedicated to you who are both challengers and retro game lovers.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Shooter 10.3%, Old School 9.2%, Arcade 9%
- #29 1x! Space Adventure
78% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2020
Dev: Lunar Madcap
Windows
1x! Space Adventure is an arcade top-down shump with gradually increasing difficulty.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Shooter 11.3%, Arcade 10.8%
- #30 Orbital Siege
75% match1 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: Orbitforge Interactive
Windows
Reclaim the arcade. This is a high-octane space shooter where vibrant pixel art meets relentless alien armadas. Master your orbital defenses and survive the ultimate galactic onslaught.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Old School 15.9%, Bullet Hell 9.2%, Arcade 8.9%, Retro 8.7%
- #31 Ayako's Mission
76% matchMixed60% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Anamik Majumdar
Windows · Linux
Ayako's Mission is a 2D Top-Down Shoot'em Up game based on the story of the war breaking out between the two territories called, AY Corp and ATO Corp. where you must defend your territory against the invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17.5%, Old School 12.8%, Bullet Hell 10.1%, Shooter 7.8%
- #32 XIIZEAL
77% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Top-Down Shooter 18.8%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Old School 9.3%, Shooter 7.8%
- #33 Psyvariar 3
73% matchPositive81% of 27 reviews2026
Dev: Banana BytesPub: Red Art Games
Windows
Play as one of 7 pilots in this thrilling sequel to a SHMUP classic. The time has come for a new generation of Psyvariars to rise… and save humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Top-Down Shooter 20.9%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Shooter 8.7%, Top-Down 7.4%
- #34 Heliocide
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: HorrorScope
Windows
Heliocide is a relentless top-down scrolling action! Arm your shields, lasers, guns, bombs and missiles to defend the solar system from a massive invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Top-Down Shooter 19.4%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Old School 8.3%, Shooter 8.3%
- #35 Touhou Renkyouto ~ Subterranean Festival of Love and Jealousy
74% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2024
Dev: ArzvetPub: Team Minty Cabbages
Windows
Touhou Renkyouto is a top-down bullet hell title starring the green-eyed Parsee Mizuhashi. Adventure from the Underworld to the surface and back again to solve an incident involving stray spirits causing chaos, and maybe help Parsee realize her love along the way.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Old School 11.4%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Shooter 8.8%
- #36 Orchid Glitter
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
Orchid Glitter is late 2000s style 2d shmups. This isn't just a bullet-hell shooter where you dodge bullets. The game design also includes features like eliminating bullets with charge attacks, and earning points and resources by taking dangerous actions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Top-Down Shooter 22.2%, Bullet Hell 12%, Top-Down 5.8%, Arcade 5.6%
- #37 Parsec
72% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2025
Dev: Speedbird
Windows
In Parsec you pilot a spaceship through a field of asteroids trying to destroy as many as possible before they destroy you. You have three different weapons that can be picked up around the world. Health can also be picked up from random spawns and sometimes dropped by asteroids.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.9%, Old School 15.6%, Shooter 10.5%, Top-Down 9.9%, Arcade 9.5%
- #38 4D:XD
73% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2023
Dev: Ryan Brammen
Windows
4D:XD is a top-down 2D bullet hell space shooter. Conquer the game with as few deaths as possible!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Top-Down Shooter 22.6%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Shooter 9.2%, Top-Down 7.5%
- #39 Lobstar: Arcade Version
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Team Lobstar
Windows · Mac · Linux
Punch through the cosmos! An arcade-inspired shoot-em-up where you play as an immortal lobster speeding through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Top-Down 8.2%
- #40 Crazy Appliances 疯狂电器
73% matchPositive100% of 15 reviews2018
Dev: PopTea Games
Windows
CRAZY APPLIANCES is a fast paced top-down shooter game! The elect robots are insane, heroes! Fight your way by using various weapons and powerful items to defeat them in different dangerous situation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Top-Down Shooter 21.2%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Top-Down 10.6%, Shooter 8.5%
- #41 Royal Odyssey
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lion Crest Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Royal Odyssey is a retro-style arcade space shooter where you pilot Prince Zayven’s ship through a deadly asteroid storm, blasting your way to survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 18.7%, Bullet Hell 9.2%, Top-Down 9%, Old School 8.5%
- #42 Stop the Saturnians!
72% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Jeff Sinasac
Windows
Stop the Saturnians is a shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Dodge enemy fire, destroy procedurally generated alien waves and fight massive bosses. Collect resources in the midst of combat to upgrade your ship or improve Earth's defenses. Protect yourself and the planet both!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Top-Down Shooter 18.5%, Old School 13.4%, Space 10.3%, Shooter 8.7%
- #43 THUNDER STRIKER
71% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast your way through enemy territory and level up your versatile arsenal of high-tech weapons in this handheld game style retro shmup!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Retro 8.1%
- #44 Shin Sophstar
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
Shin Sophstar is a high-voltage remix built for speed and scoring. With 25+ ship variants, mid-run ship switching, and an aggressive, deeply layered scoring system, it delivers a faster, sharper arcade experience for all skill levels.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 26.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Arcade 8.8%, Space 8.4%
- #45 Arcade Forever
70% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: KOD7
Windows
Arcade Forever is a 3D vertical space shooter. This is an action game in which many enemies, obstacles and different weapons guarantee great fun. If you like fast space action, this is the game for you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Top-Down Shooter 21.4%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Shooter 10.5%, Top-Down 9.3%
- #46 Space Maxwell: Arcade
71% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Dreamland Games
Windows
Shoot your enemies and try not to let them multiply themselves and turn the game into a chaotic space battle! Space Maxwell is an arcade shooter where your spaceship has the ability to destroy or to multiply your enemies. Climb the leaderboard and try to survive as long as you can!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Top-Down Shooter 21.2%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Shooter 9%, Top-Down 8.8%
- #47 Starlight: Eye of the Storm
70% matchPositive93% of 27 reviews2021
Dev: Strides Interactive Game Studio
Windows
SHOOT 'EM UP!Starlight: Eye of The Storm is a 2D Vertical SHMUP set in a 3D background. Unleash your special powers, upgrade your weapons! Take on 10 Arcade stages or 15 Campaign missions! Drift (auto-pivot mode) behind your enemies and take them on with style!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 19.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Bullet Hell 10.1%, Space 9.1%, Top-Down 9%
- #48 Warcat Parade
70% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: Hefka Games
Windows · Linux
Catboy in a bullet hell! Nyan, nyan, pew pew pew!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Top-Down Shooter 14.7%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Old School 8.6%, Arcade 7.5%
- #49 Retaliate
68% matchPositive100% of 19 reviews2024
Dev: Romans I XVI Gaming
Windows · Mac · Linux
You are valiant space hero who is not as fortunate as those in the golden age of scrolling shooters who had infinite ammo. Instead you must absorb your enemies' weapons and retaliate!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Top-Down Shooter 25%, Space 11.3%, Arcade 8.5%, Old School 8%
- #50 Space God
69% matchPositive89% of 18 reviews2018
Dev: Jellypig Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Space God is a 'hyper retro neon' style top-down shooting game. Play in single player, online co-op mode, or online multiplayer. Don't stop, keep moving! and you might survive... maybe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.3%, Fast-Paced 14.3%, Bullet Hell 8.6%, Space 8.3%
- #51 Eden's Eclipse
65% matchPositive97% of 33 reviews2026
Dev: xxGameRoom
Windows
The third installment in the Eden series A 2D bullet-hell vertical-scrolling shump with a feel reminiscent of arcade games from the 1990s to the 2000s.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 10.1%
- #52 Senshi Tank 2: Space Bots
69% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2020
Dev: Raven About Games
Windows
An exciting, fast-paced, top down shooter -- play til you die in a bullet-hell arena OR choose to race against time in a randomized search and destroy mode set in SPACE! Either way, you'll have fun with this challenging arcade shooter.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Fast-Paced 14.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Space 8.2%
- #53 Star Jet Alpha
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Valles Games
Windows · Mac
Star Jet Alpha is a top-down space shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Progress through each stage by blowing up enemy space stations while avoiding or destroying enemy missiles, space mines and asteroids. Unlock Star Jet capabilities by completing stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Space 11.7%, Bullet Hell 10.4%, Shooter 9.4%
- #54 I, AI
69% matchMostly Positive72% of 69 reviews2020
Dev: Satur EntertainmentPub: Satur Entertainment
Windows
Classic scrolling shooter with modern graphics. You are self-aware AI. You were created on space military station developing weapons. Now your goal is to break out of the lab and win your freedom.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Top-Down Shooter 17%, Old School 10.5%, Bullet Hell 8.8%, Space 8.1%
- #55 Asteroids: Recharged
67% matchMostly Positive77% of 111 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 21.6%, Top-Down Shooter 21.3%, Old School 10.8%, Shooter 9.2%, Space 8.1%
- #56 Defendor
67% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: almostApixel
Windows
Defendor is a throwback to the fast paced arcade games of the 80s.A retro style, arcade shooter where you upgrade your base to increase the capabilities of your ship, unlock new weapons, ships and cause more mayhem.Defend your base until everyone makes it into the escape ship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Top-Down Shooter 21.4%, Old School 11.4%, Shooter 10.9%, Top-Down 8.4%
- #57 Layer Section™ & Galactic Attack™ S-Tribute
66% matchVery Positive80% of 50 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Layer Section, the home console port of arcade game RayForce is back with new features and online ranking. Use the new lock-on laser function to defeat multiple enemies at once for a higher score in this gorgeous 2D vertical shooting game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Top-Down Shooter 21.4%, Shooter 10%, Top-Down 9.3%, Arcade 9%
- #58 Chicken Invaders 1
64% matchVery Positive90% of 69 reviews2025
Dev: InterAction studios
Windows
Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Top-Down Shooter 18.5%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 10%, Old School 10%
- #59 2nd Shot
66% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: Chad BarrettPub: Chaotic Entertainment, LLC
Windows · Mac
In the vast depths of space, lies a man with a dark past. Setting himself apart from that old life, and seeking justice against wrongdoing instead of being the cause of it, Captain Righteous uses the Freedom Fighter, his trusty space fighter to search for and combat the evil Captain Buster!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Old School 14.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Shooter 9.1%
- #60 Syder Arcade
66% matchVery Positive84% of 694 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 35.7%, Bullet Hell 9.8%, Arcade 8.5%, Shooter 7.9%, Space 7.3%