- #1 AstroRage2049
97% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2026
Dev: CJPub: Outofthematrix
Windows
A short space shooter game that you can finish in your break time with beginner-friendly gameplay and some special features.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Psychedelic 13.6%, 1980s 11.5%, Arcade 10.2%
- #2 Absolute Blue
96% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Side Scroller 14.6%, 1980s 13.2%, Bullet Hell 13%, Psychedelic 10.9%
- #3 INNBC STARFIGHTER
96% match8 user reviews63% of 8 reviews2026
Dev: Jonathan Fior Pub: Innovative Bioresearch
Windows
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Cyberpunk 14.3%, 1980s 12.3%, 1990's 9.6%
- #4 Cyberpunk 3776
95% matchMixed51% of 66 reviews2015
Dev: Peter Hann
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Cyberpunk 16.3%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, 1980s 10.1%
- #5 Nebular Crush
94% matchNo user reviews2022
Dev: Sunamico
Windows
Nebular Crush is 2D retro shooter that delivers non-stop arcade action. Armed with a magical surfboard and guitar, you must shred your way to victory through over 50 action-packed levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Psychedelic 14.7%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, 1980s 10.7%
- #6 VectaGuard: Zero
94% matchNo user reviews
Dev: RetroNinja
Windows · Linux
Arcade-inspired shmup action where neon vector caverns explode with modern visuals, dynamic music, weapon upgrades and intense score chasing.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, 2.5D 16.4%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Abstract 12.4%
- #7 Return Home
93% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: Verran
Windows
Return Home is an abstract horizontal shooter with dynamic levels and metaphorical explosions. The game is randomised and altered according to how well you play.
Why similar: Psychedelic 19.8%, Abstract 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Arcade 9.4%
- #8 DeResolution
92% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: Scott H.F. Dunbar
Windows
BANG...You awake to find yourself in a foreign place called the BIT-GRID. Explore, fight, and throw your vorpal frisbee to escape this digital landscape.
Why similar: 1980s 20.6%, Psychedelic 18.3%, Cinematic 16.8%, Cyberpunk 14.5%, Abstract 9.4%
- #9 Shmandala
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: mjoldhamPub: Pinfall Games
Windows
Shmandala is a delirious arcade-style shoot'em up choreographed to a banging soundtrack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Old School 14.1%, Psychedelic 13.1%, 2.5D 11.6%, Arcade 10.8%
- #10 Space Moth: Lunar Edition
91% matchPositive89% of 37 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
1CC Games’ first shoot ’em up returns with totally overhauled visuals, all-new enemies and attacks, a deeper scoring system, remixed soundtrack and fresh player powers. Space Moth: Lunar Edition is the ultimate version of the beloved cult classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Psychedelic 20.3%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Arcade 9.9%, 1990's 9.5%
- #11 MINUS ZERO
90% matchMixed47% of 17 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: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Abstract 14%, 1990's 12.3%, Arcade 10.1%
- #12 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
89% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: Pixel Bones Studio
Windows
Pig Ship and the Giant Wolf is a classic Shoot'em Up with a 8btis monochrome aesthetic. Cross the 6 worlds full of enemies and defeat the Giant Wolf to save your brothers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, 1980s 14.7%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Side Scroller 13.7%, 1990's 11.5%
- #13 Touch Force
89% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: www.superstargames.co.ukPub: Golocobiz Limited
Windows · Mac
Most unique top down shooter. Bring hell to insectoid robot invasion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.3%, 2.5D 15.5%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Side Scroller 13.9%, 1990's 11%
- #14 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
88% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: SNOWBALL EFFECT GAMES
Windows
A classic style SHMUP in the tradition of 80's and 90's vertical scrolling shooters. Maximize your run and get to the top of the High-score Leaderboard. Can you achieve the rank of Fleet Admiral? It's a challenge. Visit our website for a free playable browser demo of the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Bullet Hell 16%, 1980s 15%, 1990's 11.4%, Arcade 11.3%
- #15 Astrokicker
87% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: Quadrivo Software, LLC
Windows
Mixing old and new, Astrokicker is inspired by classic shootemups going back to the 80s, with a few twists. The player gets to fly in any direction, and using a combination of skill and strategy, takes out the starbases controlling warpfields.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, 2.5D 20.9%, 1980s 16.4%, Arcade 12.6%, 1990's 12.4%
- #16 Neon Souls
86% matchPositive96% of 28 reviews2021
Dev: Pickles EntertainmentPub: Gorestation
Windows
Neon Souls is a Fast-paced Splatformer where you Paint Invisible Platforms with Neon Ink. Everything you do(Walk, Jump, Double Jump, Slide by the Walls) Spray Neon Ink in the Platforms, the game have a lot of Levels and Bosses to be beaten for you Soft and Small Hands.
Why similar: Psychedelic 21.9%, Abstract 17%, 1980s 12.7%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Old School 11.9%
- #17 Cosmic Destroyer
86% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Turn the incoming swarm of deadly bullets into your own weapon of chaos in this precision STG bullet hell. Grab and toss enemies, dodge and deflect torrents of bullets, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Arcade 9.2%, 1980s 8.8%
- #18 Dyflexion
84% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Pisces Studios
Windows · Linux
A vertical scroll shooter where deflecting enemy projectiles is key to success.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, 2.5D 17.3%, Old School 15.5%, 1990's 13.6%
- #19 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
85% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Side Scroller 15.3%, 1980s 15.2%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, 1990's 12.2%
- #20 Vektor Z
84% match5 user reviews60% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: ZaxtorGameS
Windows
Vektor Z brings fast and furious retro space blasting action to Steam! Blast your way through endless waves of asteroids and enemies to write your name among the stars! Vektor Z offers a rogue-like arcade action game where you'll improve your progress every time you play!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 21%, Arcade 13.6%, 1990's 13.1%, Old School 11.6%
- #21 Basilisk looks into the Mirror
83% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Projector Studios
Windows
Shmup. Unlock. Customise. Experiment. Upgrade. Basilisk. Petrify. Easy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Abstract 16.5%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, 1980s 13.8%, 1990's 10.7%
- #22 AWA 2024
82% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2023
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
AWA 2024 is a fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the ten fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own special end-level boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, 1980s 14.1%, Arcade 11.6%, 1990's 10.2%
- #23 Blitloop
82% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Bitbebop
Windows · Mac
A fast-paced, side-scrolling retro shooter where you play as “Blit" on a mission to rescue orb pods. Blast enemy swarms and face off against bosses in this bullet-hell shoot 'em up. Earn power-ups and get ready for fluid arcade action in a stylish world with an 80s synthwave soundtrack.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, 1980s 19.4%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Side Scroller 17%, Old School 11.4%
- #24 tranceWave NEO
81% match8 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: foxel_
Windows · Mac · Linux
tranceWave NEO is a classic arcade twin-stick shmup, inspired by others in the "trance shooter" genre. Move, shoot, survive, and aim for a high score!
Why similar: Psychedelic 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Abstract 15%, 1980s 13.4%, Old School 11.9%
- #25 Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders
78% matchVery Positive96% of 136 reviews2026
Dev: Combo Game StudioPub: Nuntius Games
Windows
Slide, jump and shoot in 8 directions in this explosive Run 'n Gun for up to 3 players! Swap weapons in real time, activate insane specials and take on alien bosses in an action-packed invasion of retro mayhem!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Cyberpunk 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.7%, 1980s 12.4%, Old School 11.3%
- #26 N-GON
81% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2022
Dev: quadape
Windows
An acid trip back to classic vector arcade action games with the unique bullet magnet mechanic. Dodge ruthless attacks, bend your projectile trajectory, destroy waves of enemies with the massive explosion chains. Die a lot! Then try again and get yourself to top of the leaderboards
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Psychedelic 15.8%, Abstract 15.6%, Bullet Hell 14%, 1980s 12.3%
- #27 Zero Wing
79% matchVery Positive88% of 80 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 23.1%, Side Scroller 19%, 1980s 15.2%, 1990's 11%, Arcade 10.8%
- #28 Offendron Warrior
80% matchVery Positive86% 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 20.5%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, 1980s 14.1%, Old School 12%
- #29 Hey ma i'm a Dragon Now
79% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2020
Dev: NON EXISTENT STUDIOS 2
Windows
a Single Player 2D Side-Scrolling pixel art Skill-Based Bullet-Hell Game where you kill various enemies and bosses to get coins to upgrade your character so you can beat more enemies and progressed further in the
Why similar: Experimental 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.2%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Psychedelic 12.7%
- #30 Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story
77% matchVery Positive89% of 84 reviews2024
Dev: Digital Eclipse
Windows
42 of the weirdest, trippiest, sheepiest games ever created. Enter the mind of Jeff Minter, the legendary creator of Attack of the Mutant Camels, Gridrunner, and Tempest 2000, in this interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse.
Why similar: Psychedelic 21.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Abstract 14%, 1980s 11.5%, Arcade 10.5%
- #31 Spacewing War
77% matchPositive92% of 12 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 27.9%, Side Scroller 25.3%, 1990's 11.9%, Arcade 11.3%, Old School 9.5%
- #32 Space Saviour Special
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lizard Game Dev
Windows
Space Savior Special. Shmup genre game. Help Earth in her last awakened attempt to save humanity from the Naggal Biomechanical Virus. Use everything you have to get through enemy forces! Your ship, your pods, your bombs, your faith and your reflexes to destroy your terrible enemy!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Cyberpunk 17.6%, 1980s 10%, Arcade 10%
- #33 Totally Shmup
75% matchPositive97% of 32 reviews2024
Dev: EldTheZombie
Windows
Beginner friendly 2D vertical and horizontal retro-style little shoot 'em up. Colourful stages with sound and vision inspired by the golden age of video gaming. Totally free introduction to the world of Shmups and Bullet Hell Games!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, 1980s 18.5%, 1990's 15.9%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Old School 11.6%
- #34 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
76% 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 26.2%, Side Scroller 20.3%, 1990's 14.3%, Arcade 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%
- #35 EGGCONSOLE ZANAC EX MSX2
74% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2026
Dev: D4Enterprise Co.,Ltd.
Windows
The Zanac battle, which was supposed to have ended, was not over. To suppress the reactivated organic intelligence, Zanac takes flight once again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, 1980s 17%, Arcade 13.3%, Old School 11.8%
- #36 THE LAST HUMAN IS A BIKER
74% matchVery Positive88% of 57 reviews2023
Dev: FLOWERFIELD Games
Windows · Mac
THE LAST HUMAN IS A BIKER (TLH) is a few hours of pure entertainment. In this 2D shooter you play as John, the last human, and unleash his fury in his quest of vengeance! With unlimited item synergies, make the choices that will allow you to survive against countless swarms of aliens!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Old School 8.8%, Cyberpunk 8.5%
- #37 Destruction of Heavenly Bliss
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: AISA
Windows · Linux
A roguelite shoot 'em up with an oldschool aesthetic and an intense gameplay loop. Fight through 9 levels of a grueling training simulation, growing stronger with every loop, and realize ignorance truly is bliss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, 2.5D 15.6%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Arcade 9.8%
- #38 Truxton
73% matchVery Positive94% of 109 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, 1980s 16.6%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Old School 13.5%, 1990's 12.8%
- #39 Cavatus
75% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: Malzbie Games
Windows
The war against Professor Zor was won, but the price was high. Technologies were destroyed. Only a few ancient flying machines remain. Professor Zor might still be alive and start another war. You must prevent that!
Why similar: 2.5D 21.8%, Side Scroller 20.4%, 1980s 17.3%, 1990's 13.1%, Arcade 12.5%
- #40 Red Titans
73% match8 user reviews50% of 8 reviews2023
Dev: TEAM Black Hat RobotPub: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
RED TITANS is a single player vertical shoot em up, use the resources available to stop the threat, you will have to be very skillful since there are no continues.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, 1980s 17.1%, 1990's 13.9%, Arcade 13.3%
- #41 Feeble Light
72% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Arcade 11.5%, 1990's 10.3%, Old School 9.9%
- #42 Helix Slider
72% matchVery Positive91% of 102 reviews2020
Dev: Kyle Rodgers
Windows · Mac · Linux
A fast paced action avoidance game that will hopefully not make you barf. Spin around an endless twisting tube and slide your way past all the obstacles for as long as you can!
Why similar: Experimental 35.8%, Abstract 17.9%, Psychedelic 17.3%, Arcade 12.9%, Action 9.1%
- #43 Tiger Striker
73% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2018
Dev: TigerQiuQiu
Windows
This is a shoot em up game , In this game the player combats a large number of enemies by shooting at them in the space . player will destroy the core of the battleship of enemy to win the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, 1980s 18.9%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Old School 14.1%
- #44 StanÇact -Sexy Tenacious Girls-
71% match5 user reviews40% of 5 reviews2023
Dev: marumellon
Windows
『StanÇact』is a cute and sexy girl-on-girl SHOOT'EM UP. Mai, a military officer, is on her way to quell a riot, but the rioters and the military have teamed up and are on the rampage and the head of the military was the ringleader.Witness one woman's struggle to complete her mission amidst the chaos!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Side Scroller 17.7%, 1980s 14.9%, 1990's 12%, Old School 8.7%
- #45 Radon Break
71% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2022
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Radon Blast is a classic Brick Breaker style game. Break bricks by using the ball. Get items like speed, ball splitter and paddle resize to make the game more challenging. Some specials like gun, power ball or block wall helps you while playing your game.
Why similar: 2.5D 21.9%, Abstract 19.7%, 1980s 17.7%, 1990's 13.3%, Arcade 11.5%
- #46 The Power Latch Kid
70% match3 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Lazy Brain Games
Windows
Play as the Power Latch Kid in this classic arcade style twin-stick shump! Enjoy the complex gameplay experience of physics melding with shooting anarchy! How long can you stand to dwell within the crushing madness of the Amalgotron?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Abstract 22.5%, Psychedelic 17.2%, Bullet Hell 7.3%, Atmospheric 6.5%
- #47 Neon Snake
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 32 reviews2021
Dev: Sirius Games
Windows
Neon Snake is a well-known classic game in a new unusual style.
Why similar: 1980s 20.8%, Cyberpunk 20.2%, 1990's 16.6%, Old School 14.8%, Abstract 12%
- #48 Breakout Epilepsia
67% matchVery Positive87% of 200 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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Abstract 15.2%, Psychedelic 11.7%, Arcade 10.2%
- #49 VERZEUS
69% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, 1980s 13.9%, Arcade 9.6%
- #50 Sorcery of Ruin, Sword, and Red Hood
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: AOMI Design Studio
Windows
Side-scrolling bullet hell shooter: ‘The Adventure of the Little Girl in the Red Hood and Little Bird Companion in a World of Swords and Magic!’ If you can read the enemy attacks and dodge the ones you should avoid, it might be surprisingly straightforward (All dodging them is perfectly fine too).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Side Scroller 29.6%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Action 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #51 Shmup Boss
67% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: Ebal Studios
Windows · Linux
Minimalist colorful shoot 'em up with a story! Play as the yellow hero trying to get back the essential item taken away from him in a world divided by forms and colors. Will our hero get it back?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, 2.5D 20.4%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Abstract 16.9%, Arcade 9.7%
- #52 SATAZIUS
70% matchVery Positive85% of 324 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Side Scroller 17.8%, 1980s 10.1%, Arcade 9.3%
- #53 Spark
69% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2017
Dev: Knightmare Games, Limited
Windows · Mac
Spark is a creative, combo-centric, Shoot 'em up game. It's a 3-in-1 old-school arcade game fueled by the competitive urge to climb the leaderboards. The unique shooting system hooks the player as they discover more and more ways to create beautiful and effective combos.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Arcade 14.3%, Action 9.4%
- #54 One Way Road: Firehunt
67% matchMostly Positive73% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Shabunov LeonidPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 32%
Firehunt is a prologue for the main story One Way Road. Take part in space battles as you travel across the galaxy and fight to save humanity. This cinematic narrative driven action-focused space shooter, will take you on a journey into the near future, and put the destiny of mankind in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Side Scroller 18.6%, 2.5D 17.7%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Arcade 11.7%
- #55 Moose Life
68% matchVery Positive98% of 101 reviews2020
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.
Windows
Moose Life is a trippy, psychedelic trance shooter. Created in the style of a 1980s arcade game, Moose Life offers you an exhilarating ride into the trance zone. Spectacular shooty action and a top techno soundtrack will raise your mood. If you have VR, immerse yourself for greater satisfaction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Psychedelic 29.6%, Abstract 16.9%, Arcade 13.7%, Action 5.9%
- #56 Return Ace
69% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: NEROTA
Windows
Be shot and shoot back! Rule reversal type Shmup "Return Ace"What you have been given is the power to take advantage of the oncoming malice and return it.Please enjoy the unique sense of incompatibility, tension, and striking that the experience of bullet energy weaves.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, 1980s 17.6%, Old School 11.8%, Arcade 10.9%
- #57 ZPF
66% matchMostly Positive76% of 21 reviews2026
Dev: ZPF TeamPub: Mega Cat Studios
Windows
ZPF is a retro-inspired horizontal shooter originally designed for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Blast your way through a cosmic gauntlet of epic boss battles, addictive scoring, and hidden secrets in a thrilling arcade-style adventure through fantasy, sci-fi, and alien-themed worlds.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Cyberpunk 17.3%, 1990's 9.2%
- #58 Thunder Tiger
68% matchNo user reviews2026
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 25.7%, Side Scroller 21.7%, 1980s 15.3%, 1990's 12.4%, Arcade 12%
- #59 QUACK ATTACK 1985: TURBO DX EDITION
68% matchMostly Positive74% of 34 reviews2016
Dev: ATTACK MOUNTAIN
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Duckster doesn't give a crap about any one or any thing.
Why similar: 1980s 22.4%, Psychedelic 20.2%, Abstract 14.4%, Old School 14.2%, Arcade 11.7%
- #60 The Rush
65% matchPositive91% of 32 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 21.6%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Arcade 11.2%, 1980s 11.1%