- #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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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%