- #1 TRIZEAL Remix
97% matchPositive81% of 37 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Transform or die. TRIZEAL Remix has classic shoot-’em-up style with a refined depth just below the surface. Strategically transform your ship to switch between and upgrade three distinct weapons: a wide shot, a narrow laser, and guided missiles. Shoot with intelligence!
Why similar: Action 74%, Shoot 'Em Up 26%
- #2 JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
96% matchVery Positive96% of 93 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Two classic Wonderswan games, now on PC! Battle the mysterious Judges in Judgement Silversword. Cardinal Sins is a score trial marathon, based on the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Will you face Judgement?
Why similar: Action 60.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%
- #3 Psyvariar Delta
96% matchVery Positive89% of 57 reviews2019
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Thrive on Danger: Master the 'Buzz' to transform peril into pure power. Graze the edge of destruction to fuel your evolution. Harness the fleeting invincibility of each level-up to dive even deeper into the barrage.
Why similar: Action 73.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%
- #4 Battle Crust
93% matchPositive89% of 36 reviews2016
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
"Battle Crust" is a 80's-90's arcade-style shooter. You make full use of "Charge shot" that is available by obtaining the item, And let's Complete all of the 6 stage!
Why similar: Action 53.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 46.9%
- #5 Shmups Skill Test
92% matchVery Positive91% of 57 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Some say you’re only as old as you feel. Shmups Skill Test says you’re only as old as you shoot! Shmups Skill Test is a clever way to evaluate your shmup skills in the form of a "gamer age". Challenge and unlock shoot-’em-up-based minigames in a gauntlet of shmup nostalgia goodness.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #6 Infinos Gaiden
91% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.6%, Action 42.4%, Arcade 6%
- #7 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
91% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Action 55.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 44.2%
- #8 Natsuki Chronicles
88% matchVery Positive84% of 221 reviews2021
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 48%
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: Action 72.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Arcade 6.5%
- #9 XIIZEAL
89% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Action 50.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Arcade 9.2%
- #10 DELTAZEAL
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 78 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal!
Why similar: Action 65.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%
- #11 Ginga Force
86% matchVery Positive80% of 222 reviews2020
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 47%
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: Action 60.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Arcade 8.4%
- #12 Strania - The Stella Machina -
87% matchVery Positive90% of 58 reviews2015
Dev: G.rev Ltd.
Windows
Japanese boutique game studio G.rev makes its long-awaited debut on Steam with Strania!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.6%, Action 41.7%, Arcade 7.7%
- #13 Super XYX
84% matchVery Positive89% of 120 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Super XYX is a new shmup from the creator of Fire Arrow X, Megatank, ZPF and a couple of others. Co-developed and published by Team Grybanser Fox.
Why similar: Action 48%, Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Arcade 11.9%
- #14 Hangeki
85% matchPositive88% of 40 reviews2014
Dev: Pentavera
Windows
Hangeki is an arcade style shooter that emphasizes the use of over 50 spectacular weapons. Formulate new strategies and take on the alien invasion in this reimagining of the classic shoot em up.
Why similar: Action 55.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 44.9%
- #15 Castle of Shikigami
84% matchMixed60% of 120 reviews2017
Dev: Cosmo MachiaPub: Cosmo Machia inc.
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Castle of Shikigami is a dark, supernatural vertically-scrolling shoot-’em-up classic. Summer, 2005: Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Force is investigating an occult serial killer. Specialists have been called in to investigate. The case is called “The Castle of Shikigami Incident”.
Why similar: Action 54.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Arcade 7.7%
- #16 Devil Engine
82% matchVery Positive89% of 142 reviews2019
Dev: Protoculture GamesPub: Poppy Works
Windows
A last ditch effort to destroy what was once to be our savior. A final mission to eliminate a disastrous future. A single ship against Earth’s entire military. The Andraste is the only hope to defeat...the Devil Engine.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.5%, Action 39.3%, Arcade 12.2%
- #17 Fire Arrow Plus
81% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Fire Arrow and Fire Arrow X are time attack style shooters with a heavy emphasis on scoring. Otherwisely, you can call them coffee break shmups.
Why similar: Action 56.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%
- #18 Redux: Dark Matters
82% matchMixed55% of 38 reviews2014
Dev: KTX SoftwarePub: Signo & Arte
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Redux: Dark Matters is a fast-paced space shooting game with fresh scoring elements - a bastard-hard shooter and definitely a must have for every shmup fan!
Why similar: Action 53%, Shoot 'Em Up 47%
- #19 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
75% matchVery Positive89% of 92 reviews2023
Dev: Studio SaizensenPub: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
The original beautiful girl side-scrolling shooter is back! This work commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Cotton series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.1%, Action 42.1%, Arcade 15.8%
- #20 Monkey King: Master of the Clouds | 中華大仙
80% matchMostly Positive73% of 22 reviews2018
Dev: Starfish-SD Inc.Pub: Retroism
Windows
Join Micheal Chang, the Monkey King, on his journey through famous landmarks of ancient China and fight off mythical creatures and legends in this classic arcade shooter.
Why similar: Action 49.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Arcade 12%
- #21 ESCHATOS
79% matchVery Positive97% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.4%, Action 40.9%, Arcade 7.7%
- #22 Zenohell
81% matchMostly Positive71% of 85 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.
Why similar: Action 56.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 43.2%
- #23 Flying Shark
72% matchPositive88% of 41 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience Toaplan's arcade shooter Flying Shark (AKA Sky Shark) on PC with the latest quality-of-life features. Ride through the skies as they burn in a rain of armor-piercing bullets! You have been chosen for the mission. Because you are the best pilot there is!
Why similar: Action 43.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.9%, Arcade 15.8%
- #24 SHOCK TROOPERS
78% matchVery Positive84% of 265 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 41%
“SHOCK TROOPERS ”, the fan favorite 2D top-down view action shooting game released exclusively on NEOGEO MVS in 1997, returns to the battlefield on Steam!Progress through the battlefield, choosing the best routes and strategy!
Why similar: Action 51.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Arcade 17.7%
- #25 R-Type Dimensions EX
76% matchVery Positive87% of 323 reviews2018
Dev: Tozai Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 38%
R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53%, Action 34.2%, Arcade 12.8%
- #26 MINUS ZERO
78% matchMixed44% of 16 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Triangle Service’s MINUS ZERO is a shooter that focuses on a tried-and-true shoot-’em-up weapon: the lock-on laser. It’s shoot-’em-up purity: just you, your lock-on laser, and a whole bunch of enemies. As long as you continue to blast away at the waves of enemies, you’ll maintain invincibility, but if you lose track of your position...
Why similar: Action 100%
- #27 cloudphobia
77% matchMostly Positive78% of 27 reviews2016
Dev: MarsboundPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
In this pulse-pounding arcade style shoot 'em up, players control giant armored robots, loaded with hi-tech weaponry. Chose from two types of mechs: the PLG-90, armed with a high-tech laser rifle or the NúllPunktur with the Vibroblade!
Why similar: Action 61.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.8%
- #28 Crush
76% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: VIS-GamesPub: SilentFuture
Windows
Crush is an old-school-styled shoot´em up. The game leads you through 7 challenging levels filled with action and great soundtracks. A must for all old-school shoot´em up fans!
Why similar: Action 59.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.8%
- #29 Nandeyanen!? - The 1st Sûtra
77% matchMostly Positive71% of 31 reviews2015
Dev: Tchagata Games
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Nandeyanen!? – The 1st Sûtra is a horizontal 2D shoot’em up that introduces gameplay mechanics such as bullet counter and blast pods. The player takes the role of Tenguman, a long-nosed goblin who wakes up after a thousand year sleep to see the world overrun by an army of mythical pranksters.
Why similar: Action 48.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Arcade 11.1%
- #30 Xenoslaive Overdrive
75% matchMixed55% of 11 reviews2017
Dev: EVXIO
Windows
Xenoslaive Overdrive is a fractal bullet shoot-em-up. Specially made for players to feel the thrill from various challenging aspects. Shoot! Survive all enemy bullets! Defeat their bosses, and save the world!
Why similar: Action 59.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.9%
- #31 Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
73% matchMixed64% of 393 reviews2019
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 34%
8 KONAMI arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public.
Why similar: Action 58.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Arcade 11.9%
- #32 Zenodyne R
74% matchVery Positive83% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Action 56.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 43.2%
- #33 Fire Shark
67% matchPositive90% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Get ready for classic shoot-'em-up action in Toaplan's Fire Shark, now on PC with modern updates. An evil and overwhelmingly powerful military force is about to take over not only a small country, but the whole world... Defeat the enemy and accept your place of honor!
Why similar: Action 43.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Arcade 15.5%
- #34 SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad
74% matchMixed53% of 149 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 40%
“SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad”, the sequel to the NEOGEO fan favorite 2D top-down view action shooting game, returns to the missions on the Steam battlefield!
Why similar: Action 80.8%, Arcade 19.2%
- #35 Trouble Witches Origin - Episode1 Daughters of Amalgam -
71% matchVery Positive94% of 217 reviews2016
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
That witches come back undergone a power-up further! New character is entered! All 6stages Arcade version of all re-adjust the resolution of the base in 1280x720! "Magic Circle system" is easy-to-use adjustment! Full voice all by the story undergoes new writing.
Why similar: Action 54.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.3%, Arcade 5.4%
- #36 Slap Fight
65% matchPositive81% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Artificial intelligence threatens the galaxy. Buckle up and fight computing power with the only power that counts: FIREPOWER! Experience Toaplan's brain-melting Slap Fight (AKA Alcon) with its gauge-based power-ups and strategic gameplay. Now on PC with the latest features!
Why similar: Action 43.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Arcade 15.6%
- #37 VRITRA COMPLETE EDITION
70% matchPositive88% of 41 reviews2018
Dev: Neotro Inc.
Windows
A challenge from ancient times delivered to gamers. That excitement from the past has returned. The complete version of VRITRA, the 2D fantasy shooting game, is out now!
Why similar: Action 46%, Shoot 'Em Up 42.8%, Arcade 11.2%
- #38 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
71% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.6%, Action 33.2%, Arcade 14.2%
- #39 Humans Must Answer
73% matchMixed62% of 63 reviews2014
Dev: Sumom Games
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dodge, shoot and explode across the Solar System as a crew of intelligent and dangerous chickens. As the pilot of The Golden Eagle, it's your duty to keep Colonel Ram and Professor Bez safe as they squabble about ethics and who last used the toilet. Wage war against humanity as you battle your way towards the Sun to complete your mission.
Why similar: Action 53.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 46.6%
- #40 Ninja Shodown
71% matchMixed65% of 31 reviews2017
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Rising Star Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
It’s every ninja for themselves in the ultimate battle for the Jade Katana! Fight alone, team up or take on friends in brutal arena-based combat where the mighty prevail and the weak pay the ultimate price: death and dishonour!
Why similar: Action 100%
- #41 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
61% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Action 51.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Arcade 12.4%
- #42 CODE SHIFTER
69% matchMixed41% of 63 reviews2020
Dev: LAND HO! Co., Ltd.Pub: Arc System Works
Windows
Characters from all the iconic Arc System Works franchises, including Guilty Gear, BlazBlue, and the River City series, all meet in a 2D pixel art side-scrolling action game!
Why similar: Action 100%
- #43 Ghost Blade HD
70% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Action 46.8%
- #44 Gamma Blast
69% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Ilias GiouroukisPub:
Windows · Linux
Blast your way through enemy waves. Strike at enemy formations prioritizing targets depending on the situation. Rip them to pieces using an arsenal of powerful and versatile weapons. Put your reflexes to the test dodging a fire storm of enemy projectiles. Destroy challenging Bosses to achieve victory.
Why similar: Action 53.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Arcade 11.4%
- #45 Zeit²
72% matchPositive83% of 42 reviews2011
Dev: Brightside GamesPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zeit² brings a new twist to the traditional side-scrolling, 2D, shoot-’em-up game sporting a unique time travel feature never seen before in this genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.1%, Action 43.9%
- #46 The Adventures of Ten and Till
66% matchPositive95% of 42 reviews2020
Dev: Toro NishinoPub: LionWing Publishing
Windows
The Adventures of Ten and Till is a bullet hell shoot-em-up developed by Japanese doujin designer Toro Nishino that features gorgeous lo-fi pixel art, challenging gameplay, on-the-fly character swapping, a unique shield mechanic, a risk-reward scoring system, and a moving soundtrack.
Why similar: Action 77.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Arcade 4.5%
- #47 Minotaur Arcade Volume 1
67% matchVery Positive100% of 56 reviews2018
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.
Windows
Minotaur Arcade brings you arcade-style games with a modern twist, playable in 2D or in VR for that 80s Tron "inside an arcade game" feeling. Vol. 1 consists of two Llamasoft classics - "Gridrunner" as the arcade game that might have been, and "GoatUp" as a light-hearted platformer that will have you baaing...
Why similar: Action 100%
- #48 The Zero Dome
59% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Pillow Head Games
Windows
Float, build and shoot in VR in the zero gravity arena known as "The Zero Dome" . Mixing elements of arcade and survival games, The Zero Dome is a sandbox arcade game like no other, built from the ground up for VR.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #49 Q-YO Blaster
67% matchVery Positive91% of 195 reviews2018
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.9%, Action 47.1%
- #50 Starfighter X
58% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Kingdom Games
Windows
Anarchy throughout the galaxy has forced all pilots to kill or be killed. The stars are a savage battlefield where only the best will survive. Claim your rightful place as the top captain in free-for-all combat. Compete for position on the galactic leaderboards to become Starfighter X.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #51 Dungeon Rustlers
68% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2018
Dev: Zimventures, LLC
Windows
Collect loot. Kill Monsters. Do it Quickly. Oh...and DON'T DIE! Quickly navigate your character through a series of levels filled with monsters trying to take you down. Unlock class-specific power-ups, minions, and other bonuses to help you on your quest.
Why similar: Action 54.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%
- #52 TWINKLE STAR SPRITES
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 268 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 35%
“TWINKLE STAR SPRITES ”, a competitive 2D top-down view scrolling shooter released on NEOGEO MVS in 1996, departs for new adventures on the Steam gaming platform!Master your shots, and aim for the magical Twinkle Star”!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.4%, Action 32.4%, Arcade 13.2%