Games Like Ex-Zodiac

Take flight with Air Twister - the new all-out rail shooter by legendary arcade developer Yu Suzuki! Similar to Suzuki’s massively successful Space Harrier series, you will encounter a large array of diverse and creatively designed enemies and challenging bosses.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 43.8% ★, Flight 20.1%, Shooter 9.1%, Female Protagonist 8.4%, Arcade 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the legendary Yu Suzuki, this game captures the surreal, high-speed, on-rails arcade action that defines the spirit of Ex-Zodiac.

A new, remade version of the Panzer Dragoon game – true to the original, with improved graphics and controls, that suit modern gaming standards!

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 90.6% ★, Action 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 0.9%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive 3D rail shooter experience on Steam, mirroring the classic on-rails movement and boss-heavy structure of the genre's best.

The legendary action-shooter finally comes to PC, and in style! Blast your way through mind-melting visuals and amazing beats, all in your quest through cyberspace to save a world on the verge of collapse. Playable on your desktop or in fully immersive VR.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 50.4% ★, Flight 23.5%, Shooter 9.5%, Arcade 8%, 3D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a unique, synesthetic take on the rail-shooter genre, focusing on rhythm and fluid 3D movement through abstract environments.

A breathtaking arcade space combat game inspired by prestige anime.

Why similar: Flight 37.6%, On-Rails Shooter 28.2% ★, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This modern arcade flight shooter captures the fast-paced, high-stakes dogfighting feel of 90s classics with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

A high-speed 3D rail shooter inspired by legendary arcade classics. Control the humanoid combat weapon ASURA and battle overwhelming waves of invaders using Energy Shot, Shining Knuckle, and the time-bending Lightning Over Drive.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 47.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Shooter 9.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Arcade 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced on-rails shooter that emphasizes arcade-style boss battles and intense projectile dodging.

「Maybe one day, I won't have to fight when I fly.」

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 42.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 15.2%, Shooter 8.5%, Female Protagonist 7.9%, Flight 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful and fast-paced on-rails shooter that leans heavily into the arcade aesthetic and bullet-hell intensity.

An unrelenting onslaught of eye-popping visuals, ear bursting soundscapes and mind-melting action makes CYGNI the vanguard for the next generation of shoot-em ups. Outgunned, outmanned and out on your own, plunge into a sky full of hell in a last-ditch battle for survival.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 40.6% ★, Flight 17.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Shooter 7.9%, Female Protagonist 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This cinematic shooter blends intense on-rails sequences with high-fidelity visuals, making it a modern spectacle for fans of the genre.

Experience fast action, thrilling levels, spectacular explosions and lots of pew-pew-pew. Star Horizon is a reboot for the on-rails space shooter genre.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 39.3% ★, Space 38.5%, Action 10.7%, Indie 7.1%, Singleplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated 3D rail shooter that focuses on cinematic space combat and arcade-style progression through diverse planetary systems.

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: On-Rails Shooter 32.4% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Shooter 8.1%, Arcade 8%

Why You'll Like It: An action-packed shooter that captures the pixel-art aesthetic and bullet-hell intensity found in many classic arcade games.

Older Neptune and friends shoot and slash through enemies of Gamindustri in this rail shooter!

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 51.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Arcade 10.3%, Female Protagonist 6.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A high-energy on-rails shooter that features classic arcade mechanics and vibrant, anime-inspired visuals.

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.6%, Shooter 19.7%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Action 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: While a side-scroller, its high-octane action and emphasis on absorbing and reflecting projectiles make it a must-play for any shooter fan.

Sky Rogue is a fwooshy rogue-lite action flight simulator! Blow things up over land, sea, and air, on an infinite number of procedurally-generated islands. Go toe-to-toe with enemy aces or assault giant flying aircraft carriers, but watch out for volleys of missiles; when you die, you're dead.

Why similar: Flight 57.1%, Arcade 12%, Retro 9.2%, 3D 6.8%, Colorful 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: While more open in movement, its arcade flight mechanics and low-poly aesthetic provide a similar sense of freedom and intensity to Ex-Zodiac.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.1%, Arcade 10.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Retro 8.7%, Shooter 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in shmup design, this game offers a deep, evolving experience that appeals to the same skill-based sensibilities as Ex-Zodiac.

Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Space 15.3%, Shooter 12.5%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Retro 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired shooter that captures the 1990s aesthetic and fast-paced gameplay loop of classic arcade titles.

Take flight as you explore exotic alien worlds and seek to avenge your fallen race

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 87.2% ★, Action 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: This reimagining of the classic arcade title features on-rails shooting mechanics and a focus on fast-paced, reflex-based combat.

Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 46.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 10.5%, Retro 5%

Why You'll Like It: This arcade shooter features fixed-perspective combat that requires the same twitch reflexes and pattern recognition as rail shooters.

Destroy aliens, dash between planets, and buy powerful upgrades. Exodemic is a compact roguelike that combines frenetic shoot 'em up gameplay with a procedurally generated overworld filled with vendors, trading hubs, and combat encounters. Race against the clock to save the human race.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 54.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Arcade 8.6%, Space 5.8%, Pixel Graphics 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines on-rails shooting with roguelite elements, offering a challenging experience for fans of arcade-style progression.

Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.

Why similar: Flight 26.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Shooter 9.4%, Arcade 9.2%, Female Protagonist 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A high-speed flight combat game that emphasizes maneuverability and intense dogfighting against overwhelming odds.

Banzai Universe Prologue. Starring Rokiahi as P.A.S.K.A.L special agent.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 58.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, Female Protagonist 11.6%, Shooter 9.6%, Action 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A third-person shooter that incorporates on-rails segments and intense arcade action reminiscent of classic 90s titles.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Shooter 15.4%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Retro 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, high-speed arcade shooter that focuses on classic mechanics and a retro pixel-art style.

Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.9%, Arcade 12.9%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: An indie bullet-hell shooter that provides a polished and highly satisfying combat experience for those who enjoy arcade intensity.

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Retro 15.9%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 12.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-action game that captures the spirit of 90s arcade shooters through its challenging gameplay and pixel-art presentation.

Supplice is a stylish throwback shooter inspired by the mid-90s FPS glory days and the legendary Doom modding community. Mixing the retro stylings of 90s era shooters with colorful graphics and frantic gameplay, it creates an experience that's ever so familiar but also exciting and fresh.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 23.2%, Shooter 19.7%, Retro 18.9%, Space 12.6%, 3D 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A boomer-shooter that captures the retro aesthetic and fast-paced movement of 90s action games.

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 30.3%, Shooter 17.2%, Arcade 15.4%, Space 10.9%, Retro 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, arcade-focused shooter that provides quick, satisfying bursts of action.

【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 36.8%, Female Protagonist 12%, Space 9.8%, Arcade 9.4%, Shooter 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a frantic, anime-styled shooting experience that rewards precision and pattern mastery.

Selaco is a brand new original shooter inspired by classics, featuring thrilling action set pieces, destructibility, smart enemies and a fleshed out story taking place within an immersive game world.

Why similar: Shooter 28%, Female Protagonist 26.8%, Retro 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Action 7.2%

A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, Arcade 15.2%, Shooter 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game rewards risky playstyles, making it a perfect match for players who enjoy the high-intensity combat of Ex-Zodiac.

A smooth roguelite shooter from the creators of RACE THE SUN, featuring a voiced cast of feline pilots in a dramatic showdown against corporate-powered robots called The Swarm. Features a 3-act campaign with branching paths, epic bosses, and a wide arsenal of pilots, ships, and weapons.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 37% ★, Flight 17.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Shooter 7.6%, Space 7.3%

New dramatic horizontal shoot ’em up that takes place in the same setting as Ginga Force. An immersive story that follows protagonist Natsuki. Discover the story of her past as a rookie pilot up to present day with events that are parallel to those in Ginga Force.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.7%, Action 36.7%, Arcade 18%, Great Soundtrack 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A polished arcade shooter that features a compelling story and fast-paced gameplay mechanics.

Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Arcade 15.4%, Shooter 14%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Space 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A unique arcade shooter with a color-coded mechanic that adds a layer of strategy to the classic shooting formula.

Beyond Citadel is an anime style retro throwback shooter inspired by the classics of the 90's, with realistic gunplay mechanics, anime violence and fast paced combat. Fight your way through the heavily armed mechanical fortress and discover the secret that lies beneath.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 39.9%, Shooter 35.7%, Pixel Graphics 15%, Action 7.7%, Sci-fi 1.7%

A shortform heart-pounding 3D shmuplike. Level up your mouse dexterity and see what lies beyond the grid...

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 49.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Shooter 9.1%, Arcade 7.7%, Retro 4.9%

Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.9%, Space 17.2%, Arcade 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Action 6.2%

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 42.1%, Retro 13.7%, Arcade 12.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.1%, Space 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled shooter that focuses on accessible but challenging gameplay, perfect for fans of the genre.

Help Aru save Christmas in this humoristic, action-packed shooter set in the universe of QP Shooting - Dangerous!!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Flight 19.8%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Shooter 12.9%, Arcade 10.1%

Lock-on to an exhilarating sci-fi shooting fest with the trilogy which put Taito on the 90s arcade shooting map: The Ray Series, together in one collection for the first time!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.7%, Shooter 20%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Action 7%, Arcade 4.3%

Possessed by an alien entity, slash and tear countless enemies with your monstrous claws, you must find a way to escape the planet before you lose what's left of your humanity! Exodemon is a game inspired by the 90s FPS golden age.

Why similar: Retro 23%, Shooter 21%, Female Protagonist 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, Action 11.6%

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 30%, Flight 13.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Shooter 9.9%, Space 9.3%

Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Female Protagonist 16.2%, Arcade 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Shooter 9.9%

An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Shooter 20.2%, Retro 13.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%, Arcade 6.6%

Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.6%, Action 25.4%, Arcade 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 3.7%

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 32.7%, Space 13.7%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 13.2%, Retro 11.4%

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 31%, Shooter 12.3%, Space 12%, Retro 11.3%, Arcade 11.3%

Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.8%, Arcade 17.9%, Retro 15.2%, Action 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%

Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.8%, Retro 18.3%, Action 15%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%, Indie 8%

Classic arcade nostalgia and modern-indie design collide in this shooting-gallery boss battler! Play as a one-man army in offline solo OR bring a friend in online co-op/versus mode! Supports Mouse AND Lightgun play!

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 62.2% ★, Shooter 11.6%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Arcade 9.3%, Action 3.5%

This high-speed 3D shooting game allows players to experience exhilarating battles in the sky, as well as a series of cutscenes depicting the growth of the main characters throughout the story.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.5%, Action 31.4%, Indie 25.1%

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 33.2%, Shooter 16.8%, Arcade 13.9%, Space 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%

Viscerafest is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Singleplayer Arena FPS with minor Collectathon elements. Fight through hordes of aliens and eldritch monstrosities wielding a slew of powerful weapons, juggling your resources, and exploring over 23 intricately designed hand-crafted levels.

Why similar: Shooter 23.8%, Female Protagonist 23%, Arcade 16.2%, Retro 15.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%

The FUR Squadron faces a mysterious threat during what appears at first to be routine virtual reality training.

Why similar: On-Rails Shooter 38.1% ★, Flight 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Shooter 8%, Arcade 6.7%

Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Female Protagonist 12.4%, Retro 11.7%, Action 7.2%

Join the enigmatic Starfarers as they traverse the cosmos in this unique dual-character action roguelite, unraveling the mysteries of their galaxy and beyond in pursuit of the Voyager.

Why similar: Space 33.5%, Pixel Graphics 27.8%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Action 9.9%, Indie 8.5%

Aster is a classic arcade style shooter, with fast action, aliens, (and sex). Earth is fighting a losing battle against aliens from another galaxy, and things are looking bleak. In a desperate gambit, Earth's military calls upon a hired gun to turn the tide.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Female Protagonist 24.1%, Action 21.4%, Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Indie 5.8%

NYC 2055: a city beyond salvation. Blast your way through this dense cyberpunk jungle in NEON INFERNO, an explosive fusion of 2D run-and-gun and gallery-shooter, and help the Family dominate its streets!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 14%, Retro 9.9%

Gun Crazy is a fast paced and hectic arcade style action shoot em’ up sporting old school pixel art and a retro sound track.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Shooter 15.1%, Arcade 13.3%, Retro 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%

Swing, climb, grab, and throw in this action platformer where you can grapple anywhere! Using Rena's magic bracelets, hook onto any surface to swing wherever you like, or grab your foes to send them hurtling into each other!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 37.4%, Action 30%, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Indie 16.2%

Immerse yourself in the story of two brave space amazons who dare to challenge the irresponsible aristocratic system. Overcome all the obstacles that appear on your way - hordes of space scavengers, armies of General Admiral and get to the main villain - Evil Moneybag!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Arcade 13.4%, Space 13.2%, Shooter 12.6%, Retro 10.7%

The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Flight 24.8%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 11%, Space 10.9%