- #1 The Rush
97% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 9.5%
- #2 STURMWIND EX
96% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Arcade 9.4%, Space 9.3%
- #3 Escape Space
96% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Space 11.2%, Shooter 10%, Side Scroller 9.7%
- #4 The X-Type
95% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8%
- #5 Enemy Mind
94% 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 20%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Shooter 11.2%, Space 11.1%
- #6 Cosmic Destroyer
94% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Facing annihilation, a plucky crew of space salvagers fight dirty using the best tool in their belt - the salvage claw. Grab and toss enemies, deflect attacks, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 9.1%
- #7 Gates of Zendocon
93% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Epyx, Inc.Pub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Side Scroller 18%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 9.6%, Retro 9.4%
- #8 Atomic Guardians
92% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: Mosh Jason Games
Windows
ATOMIC GUARDIANS is a fully CO-OP arcade retro shoot 'em up, where one player flies the ship, and the other player mans the shields. Fight your way through a never ending horde of Brutal Bosses, Alien Monsters and Gigantic Asteroids as you rack up a new world-wide high score. Play with up to three friends, and see how long you can last!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Shooter 11.5%, Arcade 10.6%, Futuristic 8.7%
- #9 Star Hunter DX
91% matchPositive81% of 31 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Betrayed by her cut-throat crew, Luna Starr - former Space Pirate Captain turned bounty hunter - has a score to settle. As Luna, travel to 5 exotic planets to track down your mutinous mates, and face them in Bullet Hell dogfights to the death!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Arcade 8%, Action 6.8%
- #10 Herodes
91% 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 18.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 12.4%, Side Scroller 12.3%
- #11 Syder Reloaded
90% 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 19.3%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 9.9%
- #12 Chromacell
89% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: 171Dev
Windows
In this sideways scrolling shmup, take control of your spaceship and navigate through vibrant pixelated environments filled with hordes of enemy spacecraft. Upgrade your ship and weapons, dodge enemy fire while blasting through each stage. Emerge victorious as the ultimate space pilot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 10.2%
- #13 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
89% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 9.4%
- #14 Suicide Runners
88% 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 23.2%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Arcade 11.7%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Shooter 8.8%
- #15 Syder Arcade
87% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Shooter 9.6%, Side Scroller 8.8%
- #16 The Battle of Aurinoxia
85% 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 24.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 11%, Space 6.6%
- #17 R-Type Final 2
86% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 12.6%, Space 8.6%
- #18 Power-Up
86% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 24.8%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Shooter 10%, Space 9.1%
- #19 Lilac 0
84% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 11.1%, Futuristic 8.7%
- #20 Z-Warp
84% matchPositive100% of 25 reviews2022
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Z-Warp is an intense vertical shoot’em up presented in retro pixel art style, featuring frenetic arcade-inspired action where blasters, bombs and KILLER specials are your only allies.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Shooter 13.3%, Space 7.5%, Pixel Graphics 7%
- #21 tz mini stg collection
82% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 14.2%, Side Scroller 13.2%
- #22 AlphaBlue
83% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dream Stories
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cross the universe, shoot aliens, upgrade your weapons and face powerful bosses with AB in this retro inspired lateral shoot 'em up to save the world. Adventure into Campaign Mode or face the never-ending waves of Endless Mode with suitable challenges for all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Arcade 8.8%, Shooter 8.1%
- #23 Feeble Light
81% 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 28%, Bullet Hell 23%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 11.4%, Action 6.4%
- #24 SATAZIUS
82% matchVery Positive85% of 324 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Shooter 9.2%, Arcade 9.1%
- #25 Orbital Siege
80% match1 user reviews100% of 1 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%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 9.4%, Retro 9%
- #26 Nevultra
81% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Zoblin Multimedia
Windows
Nevultra is an exciting shoot'em up that will take you back to the 8bit/16bit era. The protagonist, Nina, needs your help to reach her destination in deep space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Arcade 12.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Action 7.5%
- #27 Space Ship Infinity
79% matchPositive85% of 20 reviews2021
Dev: Lucas LimaPub: Made In House
Windows
Returning to the classic style of spaceship games in pixel art. Survive in space as many enemy ships and anything else that can destroy your ship, get all the advantages and improvements available to get your best score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Shooter 15.8%, Arcade 11.5%, Action 9.7%
- #28 Starr Mazer: DSP
79% matchMostly Positive71% of 271 reviews2016
Dev: Imagos SoftworksPub: Digital Tribe
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 58%
The UNFP's been kicked in the teeth by a G'ell invasion force and their last and only hope is a planetary outpost and its fleet of experimental DSP MkI Forward Assault Fighters and anyone marshal enough to strap into one and forcefully accept some apologies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Arcade 8.5%, Shooter 8%
- #29 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
77% matchPositive88% of 26 reviews2025
Dev: Limited Run GamesPub: Ziggurat
Windows
You are the Rendering Ranger, a special forces soldier defending Earth from a devastating alien invasion through nine levels of action platforming as well as blisteringly fast horizontal shooter stages. Originally developed for Super Famicom by Manfred Trenz, creator of the Turrican series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10%, Space 7.5%
- #30 PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Chain Damage Games
Windows
PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift is a sci-fi shoot 'em up game in the style of arcade classics. Dodge barrages of attacks, survive bullet hell bosses, and save Prismidia!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 22%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 10.4%, Space 7.2%
- #31 Habroxia 2
78% 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 25.1%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 14.5%, Action 10.2%
- #32 Space Dragons
76% matchPositive87% of 39 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Choose your spaceship and defeat the alien threat that comes from the Moon. Blast your way crushing, ripping apart and exploding hostile aliens that are taking control of powerful weapons and military technology from Earth. Find the entity that controls the threat and make it explode into blood.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Shooter 9.4%, Arcade 8.7%
- #33 Schildmaid MX
76% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 9.4%, Space 8.9%
- #34 Star Aegis
77% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Felipe Silva
Windows · Linux
A shmup without shooting. Reflect the bullets with one of your two shields. Bite-sized arcade action. Cover humankind's retreat and make it count.
Why similar: Side Scroller 15.1%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Arcade 10.9%, Space 9.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.2%
- #35 Astro Attack
74% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Blocky Pixel
Windows
A single-stick arcade shoot 'em up inspired by the golden years of retro gaming. Blast to the synthwave beat to combine powerups and destroy waves of invaders. Complete missions, compete on leaderboards, discover secrets, and unlock over 80 unique ships from every era of gaming.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Side Scroller 17%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 9%
- #36 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
75% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: leimonyaPub: leimonya
Windows
Super simple 2D shooter game! Use the two types of shots to push forward.Kick out the swarming zakos and take on the powerful bosses.7 crazy worlds are waiting for your cat!?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 13.9%, Action 6.4%
- #37 VERZEUS
73% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Side Scroller 17%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 9.7%
- #38 Karous
72% 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 32.1%, Bullet Hell 27%, Shooter 16.4%, Arcade 14.4%, Action 5.1%
- #39 Celestia
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Devon Meyer
Windows
Celestia is a solo-developed indie game. An angelic bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you defeat enemies throughout the skies, and relax on a floating island with your companions.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Side Scroller 22.7%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 10.5%
- #40 ZPF
73% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: ZPF TeamPub: Mega Cat Studios
Windows
ZPF is a retro-inspired horizontal shooter for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Blast your way through a cosmic gauntlet of epic boss battles, addictive scoring, and hidden secrets in a thrilling arcade-style adventure through fantasy, sci-fi, and alien-themed worlds.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Shooter 12.2%, Futuristic 7.2%
- #41 Golgalian
71% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: Atael
Windows
Pilot the tank Golgalian in an endless micro shoot 'em up inspired by arcades old and new. Blast mechs, dodge bullets, and compete on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 12.9%, Action 6.7%
- #42 WOLFLAME
73% matchVery Positive85% of 116 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 6.2%
- #43 ALPHA CENTAURI SPACE FORCE
72% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: ocasocreations
Windows
Execute intense space battle operations from side, and top view. Face tough enemies along your way, destroy guardians and generators. Dodge traps. Keep focus on targets. Think fast. Overcome the chaos. Join now and become an alpha centauri pilot. Bonus: retro like endless space shooter mini game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 11.2%
- #44 Gunvein
70% 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 34.6%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Arcade 13.4%, Shooter 9.5%, Action 7.7%
- #45 Final Formation
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Happymeal Inc.Pub: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Equipped with the Fusion × Transformation “PELL” System! Free Map Side-Scrolling Shooter
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Shooter 14.1%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Action 8.5%
- #46 Space way: Echo of the Galaxy
69% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2025
Dev: My general
Windows
In this retro space shooter you will have the opportunity to take control of a space fighter and crush waves of enemies. Show all your agility and reaction!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 9.9%, Space 7.6%
- #47 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
70% matchVery Positive84% of 602 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, Arcade 9.9%, Retro 8.4%, Action 6.6%
- #48 Exorush
70% 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: Bullet Hell 20.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 8.7%
- #49 SomethingWithSpace
69% match9 user reviews80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Andres GonzalezPub: Amino Acid Studios
Windows
A desolate and derelict station has been uncovered. You've been tasked with investigating, only to find the station's automated defenses are still active! How is it still... "alive"? Pilot your ship and find out! Can you make it out... "alive"? This helps me get through school! Hope you enjoy!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.6%, Space 18.2%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Arcade 13.7%, Shooter 6.5%
- #50 RYZY NYIL
67% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: SB_Games_Public
Windows
Vertical-scrolling 2D shooting game with three types of weapons
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Shooter 15.9%, Arcade 15.4%, Action 10.5%
- #51 Royal Odyssey
69% 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 19.2%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Space 9.7%, Futuristic 9.5%
- #52 Space Blade
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mountain Of Games
Windows
Single player, top down, retro space-shooter, destroy enemies and fight bullet-hell bosses, upgrade during runs and after them to progress further and faster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Shooter 12.9%, Arcade 10.7%, Space 9.1%
- #53 The Core Message
71% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: Freedom Software
Windows
Combining retro puzzles and a arcade space shooter. You and your crew found strange materials in the galaxy core to upgrade your ship to the most powerful. While collecting core materials you came across something unbelievable ... The Core Message. The Core Message changes everything.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Space 13.6%, Arcade 13%, Retro 9.2%
- #54 Lazy Galaxy: Rebel Story
68% matchPositive88% of 43 reviews2018
Dev: Coldwild Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Start a Rebellion! Lead your ships to take down the evil O'Xelg base in this squad-based shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Action 9.2%, Space 8.7%
- #55 Astar Solis
67% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Rooklift Labs
Windows
A minimalistic 2D shoot-em-up, based on dodging bullets.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Shooter 13.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Space 7.4%
- #56 GALXAGAR
67% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: MoonMuse Entertainment
Windows
"Don't go to GALXAGAR"; a phrase uttered by many who have traversed its rim. Untold treasures, and terrors, await within its blackened depths. Ready your craft, spacefarer, because you're about to enter the most dangerous sector in all the stars. Get ready.. for GALXAGAR!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Shooter 13.1%, Arcade 11.4%, Space 7.4%
- #57 One Way Road: Firehunt
65% matchMostly Positive73% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Shabunov LeonidPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Firehunt is a prologue for the main story One Way Road. Take part in space battles as you travel across the galaxy and fight to save humanity. This cinematic narrative driven action-focused space shooter, will take you on a journey into the near future, and put the destiny of mankind in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Arcade 12.1%, Space 9.2%
- #58 Atomanta
64% matchPositive100% of 25 reviews2025
Dev: Remorasoft
Windows
Atomanta is a sci-fi retro-styled vertical shoot 'em-up inspired by various Mega Drive and arcade titles from the '90s, by combining the old-school visuals of pixel art with a more modern approach of a faster bullet hell experience, smaller hitbox, and a bunch of weapons to fight off enemy forces.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Shooter 14.5%, Futuristic 7.2%, Action 6.6%
- #59 Space Defense Special Force - The Origin of the Union
68% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Ninetales Studios
Windows
Frenetic 2D action in the style of Space Invaders! Customize your spaceship, face hordes of enemies, and challenge yourself in multiple modes, including Campaign, Arcade, Invasion, and Survival. Upgrade your ship, collect power-ups, and face unique challenges in every battle.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Arcade 13.3%, Space 12.1%, Retro 9%