Nodal

Games Like Exile Squadron

60+ similar titles based on shared tags and player behavior. Themes include Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade, 2D, Action.

Exile Squadron header art

In this sidescrolling shoot ‘em up, you are the top pilot of the Exile Squadron, who has to stop the invading colonial forces. Unlock and upgrade an array of tactically diverse weapons, complete bonus objectives and compete with other players on the online leaderboards.

Reviews: Positive — 86% — of 22 reviews
Released: 2019-11-11
Developer: One Bit Studio
Genres: Action
Platforms: Windows, Linux

Similar Games

View all 60 recommendations
  1. #1 Switch 'N' Shoot
    97% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
    Dev: Matt Glanville
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%

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

    Why similar: Perma Death 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Score Attack 11.3%, Difficult 11%, Arcade 7.2%

  2. #2 Zero Wing
    96% matchVery Positive88% of 75 reviews2023
    Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
    Windows · Mac · Linux

    Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Score Attack 10%, Space 9.8%, Arcade 9.3%

  3. #3 Syder Reloaded
    95% 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 20.9%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Difficult 11.7%, Space 11.2%, Arcade 9.1%

  4. #4 Oddinary Highway
    96% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: dash & dot game studio
    Windows · Mac

    Oddinary Highway is a retrofuturistic shoot’em up with roguelite elements and ever-changing game mechanics. Set out on a dangerous journey through the hyperspace known as the “Oddinary Highway” to face Boss and his robo-mafia.

    Why similar: Perma Death 20.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Score Attack 8.7%, Arcade 7.5%

  5. #5 Star Aegis
    94% 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 17.1%, Score Attack 11.1%, Space 10.6%, Arcade 9.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.4%

  6. #6 Gates of Zendocon
    94% 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 23.7%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Arcade 9%, Retro 8.4%, Space 8.1%

  7. #7 Schildmaid MX
    93% 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 23.1%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Space 9.5%, Arcade 8.2%, Score Attack 7.9%

  8. #8 Thundering Skies
    92% matchMostly Positive71% of 21 reviews2017
    Dev: Flat Voxel
    Windows

    A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Old School 10.5%, Arcade 10.4%, Space 8.6%

  9. #9 Tri-Star
    91% matchPositive100% of 14 reviews2021
    Dev: Stardust Smithy
    Windows

    Tri-Star is an endless horizontal-scrolling space shooter featuring Roguelike and Roguelite elements. Blast through waves of enemies and battle against arduous bosses. Form a squadron of three unique ships from an expanding roster and equip them with upgrades as you engage in a battle for survival.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Perma Death 11.8%, Difficult 11.8%, Space 10.9%

  10. #10 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
    90% 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 27.1%, Side Scroller 21.7%, Arcade 9.1%, Space 8.3%, Score Attack 7.9%

  11. #11 Dangerous Galaxy
    89% matchPositive100% of 24 reviews2025
    Dev: Rogue Plankton
    Windows

    Dangerous Galaxy is a rogue-lite adventure focused on the freedom to create your ultimate spaceship while exploring procedurally generated star systems, and fighting various enemies and bosses to save the galaxy from evil.

    Why similar: Perma Death 20.2%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Space 12.5%, Difficult 10.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.3%

  12. #12 Dextram
    89% matchPositive100% of 14 reviews2021
    Dev: Lingon Studios
    Windows

    This arcade shoot 'em up has no shooting and you can only turn right. Avoid waves of enemies and get points as they crash into each other. Pick up power-ups, such as a large laser or a force field to destroy the enemies. Die, get a score and repeat to get a higher score the next run.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Score Attack 13.9%, Perma Death 13.4%, Difficult 13%, Space 8.3%

  13. #13 Breakout Epilepsia
    88% matchVery Positive88% of 190 reviews2025
    Dev: CataxisPub: Skull Queens Games
    Windows · Linux

    A fast-paced Breakout-style arcade with a bold black-and-white aesthetic. Engage in space battles against stunning yet deadly alien foes who are determined to destroy you. Intense visuals, thrilling gameplay, and a challenge that will test your reflexes.

    Why similar: Perma Death 25.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Arcade 9.2%, Minimalist 7.8%

  14. #14 Thunder Tiger
    91% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: Incredibly Moot Studio
    Windows

    Thunder Tiger is a fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up, blending 1980s arcade style with futuristic flair. Blast enemies, grab power-ups, and chase high scores in intense 2D stages. Classic retro vibe meets modern gameplay!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Side Scroller 22.3%, Score Attack 11%, Arcade 10.8%, Sci-fi 7.6%

  15. #15 Star Hunter DX
    87% 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 28.7%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Score Attack 10.8%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Arcade 7.9%

  16. #16 Astro Attack
    86% 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 27.5%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Score Attack 16.9%, Arcade 9%, Space 7.9%

  17. #17 Offendron Warrior
    85% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2018
    Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
    Windows

    Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Difficult 14.9%, Space 10.3%, Old School 8.3%

  18. #18 Bit Blaster XL
    83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
    Dev: Adamvision Studios
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%

    Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Difficult 14.3%, Score Attack 10.2%, Minimalist 9.9%, Space 9.7%

  19. #19 Space Invaders Extreme
    84% 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 19.9%, Difficult 13.9%, Score Attack 9.9%, Space 9.7%, Arcade 8.8%

  20. #20 Rick Henderson
    84% matchPositive97% of 30 reviews2021
    Dev: Fat Pug Studio
    Windows · Linux

    Rick Henderson is an endless horizontal-scrolling shoot 'em up with infinite replayability, a true homage to 16-bit shooters wrapped in graphics we all loved. Twitch your fingers through five enemy factions and their bosses, upgrade your ship and try to survive through unpredictable space events.

    Why similar: Perma Death 21.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Space 9.8%, Arcade 8.1%

  21. #21 VARYZNEX
    82% matchPositive98% of 48 reviews2025
    Dev: zakichi
    Windows

    classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Space 12.9%, Score Attack 11.2%, Old School 6.6%

  22. #22 ZURD HUNT
    86% matchNo user reviews2025
    Dev: DVPub: David Vecchione
    Windows

    In the year 2,000,000,009, a team of bounty hunters infiltrates a massive facility swarming with hostile AI. Can they find Zurd?

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Side Scroller 19.9%, Arcade 11%, Retro 7.7%, Action 6.7%

  23. #23 Polyfury
    81% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2023
    Dev: Wayfarer Games
    Windows · Mac · Linux

    You thought geometry was difficult? Now it's got a gun! Face the fury of the Seven Deadly Shapes and blast your way through a barrage of bullets and lasers in this highly accessible bullet hell.

    Why similar: Perma Death 21.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Difficult 13.3%, Score Attack 12.8%, Minimalist 7.7%

  24. #24 Gray Goo
    80% match6 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2025
    Dev: Glitch Nomads
    Windows

    Gray goo is a short retro arcade shooter with lots of upgrades. This game is about destroying goo in space and saving the universe.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Space 14.6%, Side Scroller 14%, Minimalist 11.9%, Arcade 8.5%

  25. #25 Cosmic Cleaner
    81% match4 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2023
    Dev: CRUSTSLICE
    Windows

    A stylish sci-fi arcade shooter about cleansing the galaxy of pesky demons! Cosmic Cleaner is a fast-paced, high score chasing action game that progressively gets more challenging. Designed for quick and easy fun.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Score Attack 15.4%, Arcade 12.8%, Space 12%, Retro 7.8%

  26. #26 Suicide Runners
    79% 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 27.6%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Score Attack 8.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%

  27. #27 Space Warpster
    82% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: AMAMiZU games
    Windows · Linux

    A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Side Scroller 20%, Arcade 10.9%, Space 9.1%, Old School 7%

  28. #28 Distant Space
    78% matchVery Positive86% of 2,983 reviews2016
    Dev: PixelMouse
    Windows
    Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%

    Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Space 16%, Arcade 12%, Difficult 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%

  29. #29 Enemy Mind
    79% 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 24.7%, Side Scroller 17%, Space 14.3%, Arcade 9%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%

  30. #30 Princess Maira: Initiation
    78% matchMostly Positive71% of 14 reviews2021
    Dev: Termeno, s.r.o.
    Windows

    First instalment in the series of 2D action side-scrollers, taking place in very distant galaxy and not so distant future. Gameplay main hallmarks are fast-paced laser guns shootouts, punch 'n' kick combats, managing obby-like obstacles, using wits in overcoming deadly traps and witty dialogues.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Side Scroller 19%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 7.7%, Sci-fi 7.6%

  31. #31 Ghost Grab 3000
    77% matchVery Positive98% of 50 reviews2019
    Dev: Matt Glanville
    Windows · Mac · Linux

    Introducing the Grapple Beam! Chain ghosts together then pop them all at once for points in an endless 'bullet hell' arcade apocalypse.

    Why similar: Perma Death 22.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Score Attack 14.6%, Difficult 13.1%, Arcade 10.1%

  32. #32 Stellar Raid
    76% match8 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2021
    Dev: Berry Patch Games
    Windows

    Stellar Raid is a side-scrolling run and gun game inspired by the greatest classic games of the genre! With a variety of weapon upgrades at your disposal (including a support drone) you’ll charge through hordes of enemy mercenaries to take down one of the Universe’s most notorious space terrorists!

    Why similar: Side Scroller 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Arcade 12.8%, Space 10.1%, Retro 7.4%

  33. #33 1993 Space Machine
    77% matchMostly Positive70% of 377 reviews2016
    Dev: ExceedPub: Aurora Punks
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%

    Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Difficult 10.6%, Score Attack 10.3%, Space 8.5%

  34. #34 Cosmic Survivor
    74% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2023
    Dev: Kit Sumo
    Windows

    A Brutal, Roguelite Arcade Blaster. Similar in style and gameplay to arcade classics like Asteroids and Defender.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Arcade 13.3%, Minimalist 11.7%, Space 9.9%, Score Attack 8.9%

  35. #35 Full Moon Rush
    73% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
    Dev: Silkworm
    Windows

    Take on a howling challenge in Full Moon Rush! This classic shoot 'em up is a bullet hell masterpiece with a boss rush twist. With 15 epic battles and old-school graphics, you'll need expert shooting skills to survive. Customizable health and Assist Mode make it accessible to all.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Difficult 17.1%, Arcade 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

  36. #36 Chromacell
    72% 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 25%, Side Scroller 23.7%, Arcade 10.7%, Space 9.7%, Score Attack 9%

  37. #37 Space Mages: Dimension 33
    74% matchMostly Positive75% of 20 reviews2021
    Dev: Euclides Lopes
    Windows

    Space Mages: D33 is a Space Shooter/Bullet Hell about shoot in aliens with magics and combine elements to make powerfull new elemental magics

    Why similar: Perma Death 18.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Difficult 13.8%, Space 11.7%

  38. #38 Tiger Heli
    73% matchMixed64% of 22 reviews2024
    Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
    Windows · Mac · Linux

    Take off on a classic arcade journey with Tiger-Heli, Toaplan's pioneering vertical shooter that set the stage for an entire genre. Now available on PC with a host of modern upgrades!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Arcade 15.9%, Score Attack 12.3%, Old School 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%

  39. #39 Retaliate
    71% matchPositive100% of 17 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 30.5%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Space 15.3%, Arcade 11.4%, Score Attack 8.2%

  40. #40 Numina: Construct
    76% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: ScoutSpark
    Windows

    Dodge, defend, and destroy! Engage in a frenetic shoot 'em up, facing relentless bullet streams that test your reflexes. Experience dynamic shifts between vertical and horizontal views as you fend off endless enemy waves. Use polarity shields for defense and strike back fiercely. Conquer the chaos!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Difficult 17.1%, Space 14.8%, Perma Death 13.4%, Arcade 9.5%

  41. #41 Syder Arcade
    72% 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 39.3%, Side Scroller 11.9%, Arcade 11.4%, Space 9.7%, Sci-fi 7%

  42. #42 Escape 2 Space
    75% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: ShidyGames
    Windows

    Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Space 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%

  43. #43 Power-Up
    75% 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 29.8%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Space 11.5%, Arcade 7%, Retro 6.9%

  44. #44 Heli-Cats
    71% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2023
    Dev: DrearyWeary
    Windows · Mac

    Dual elevation horizontal 2D arcade shoot 'em up co-op helicopter action!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Side Scroller 17%, Difficult 15.5%, Score Attack 10%, Arcade 8.4%

  45. #45 Spacewing War
    70% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2022
    Dev: Pneuma GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
    Windows

    Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Side Scroller 29.9%, Arcade 11.7%, Old School 7.2%, Pixel Graphics 7%

  46. #46 Steel Assault
    70% matchMostly Positive77% of 435 reviews2021
    Dev: Zenovia InteractivePub: Tribute Games Inc.
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 42 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 44%

    Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.

    Why similar: Perma Death 18%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Difficult 12.3%, Arcade 8.8%, Fast-Paced 8.1%

  47. #47 Starxia
    73% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: Black Mastiff Studio
    Windows

    Starxia is an old-fashioned side-scrolling space shooter. Step into the role of a Pilot and use your ship to eliminate hordes of fierce enemies. A compelling story and many interesting characters await you in this adventure. Take over the controls and fly into the vacuum of space. Let the hunt begin

    Why similar: Side Scroller 28.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Arcade 12.1%, Space 8.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%

  48. #48 Speyarranoth
    70% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2020
    Dev: Eivind Magnus Noersterud Hvidevold
    Windows

    Speyarranoth is a classic sci-fi space asteroid shooter in 3D. You control the game using WASD and shoot with the space key. It's wonderful to just blast full speed through the asteroid fields lasers ablaze and enjoy the explosive light show.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Side Scroller 24.8%, Space 14.2%, Arcade 11.8%, Sci-fi 9.8%

  49. #49 Revolgear Zero
    64% matchVery Positive99% of 105 reviews2026
    Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
    Windows

    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 28.1%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Space 11%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%

  50. #50 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
    69% 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 28.5%, Side Scroller 24.2%, Arcade 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Score Attack 6.4%

  51. #51 Jetboard Joust
    68% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
    Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%

    Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!

    Why similar: Perma Death 22.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Difficult 10.9%, Arcade 6%

  52. #52 R-Type Final 2
    67% 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 35.3%, Side Scroller 27.8%, Arcade 13.4%, Space 11.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%

  53. #53 ION STORMFIRE
    71% matchNo user reviews
    Dev: Attempt Studios
    Windows

    Fast paced shoot em up played across 12 levels. Point your ship in any direction, deciding constantly between extra firepower (firing in any 2 directions) and movement. Or deploy the directional shield to block bullets from a single direction, point your ship and dodge simultaneously.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Side Scroller 15%, Difficult 14.9%, Space 9.9%, Fast-Paced 7.8%

  54. #54 Promethium
    69% matchMixed67% of 24 reviews2017
    Dev: Xiotex Studios LtdPub: Thalamus Digital
    Windows · Mac
    Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%

    Inspired by classic Commodore 64 and arcade games, Promethium is a hard-as-nails retro inspired side-scrolling shoot-em-up that takes place over numerous levels that get harder and harder. If you’re after a nice calm casual game this isn’t it!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Difficult 15%, Arcade 11.3%, Sci-fi 8.7%

  55. #55 Kalzor: 2000
    69% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2017
    Dev: Roley Games
    Windows

    Shoot different types of spaceships while avoiding getting shot yourself. Kill 10 minutes at a time with this affordable colourful timewaster.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Difficult 14%, Space 13.9%, Arcade 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%

  56. #56 Rutabaga Desert Storm
    66% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2024
    Dev: Indomitable Interactive
    Windows

    Lead the vegetable revolution alone or with a friend in the side-scrolling shoot ‘em up Rutabaga Desert Storm! Take down wave after wave of enemies, dodge their projectiles, and grab power-ups to boost your destruction! Can you defeat the oppressive humans and free the proletariat vegetable masses?

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Side Scroller 22.7%, Score Attack 13.9%, Arcade 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%

  57. #57 Spacebar
    65% matchPositive93% of 15 reviews2025
    Dev: NEETNectar
    Windows

    All you'll need is the spacebar for Spacebar! In this minimalist arcade side-scroller you will jump, flip, and fly your way through the endless levels.

    Why similar: Side Scroller 30.7%, Difficult 24.4%, Arcade 13.2%, Score Attack 8.8%, Minimalist 8.3%

  58. #58 Asteroids: Recharged
    67% matchMostly Positive76% of 104 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 24.4%, Space 11.2%, Score Attack 11.2%, Arcade 10.7%, Old School 7.8%

  59. #59 Zaxterion: Space Frenzy!
    66% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2022
    Dev: ZaxtorGameS
    Windows

    You play as a young boy who dreams of being a famous astronaut who discovers alien worlds and life. One hot summer day, you fall asleep and into a terrifying dream made up of your worst childhood fears. Can you survive this nightmare of asteroids, space spiders, deadly skulls & more?

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Arcade 14.2%, Old School 13.1%, Space 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%

  60. #60 Space FURY - The Phantom Menace
    65% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2022
    Dev: stre1itzia
    Windows

    Tear up your enemies using various power-ups and weapons in this old-school space shooter!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Score Attack 16.1%, Difficult 15.1%, Space 11.8%, Old School 11.5%

Exile Squadron cover art

Games Like Exile Squadron

Based on tag similarity + player behavior
Loading graph...