- #1 Hellfire
97% matchPositive86% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Trigger-happy aliens are closing in! Only you can burn the invaders to a crisp with the ultimate starship: HELLFIRE! Discover Toaplan's first side-scrolling shooter, known for its stunning graphics and strategic gameplay. Now on PC with quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Arcade 14.6%, Action 12.8%, Retro 9.8%, Local Co-Op 9.4%
- #2 Flying Shark
96% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Arcade 19.3%, Action 17%, Retro 12.2%, Score Attack 11.2%
- #3 Batsugun
96% matchVery Positive97% of 105 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Arcade 16.1%, Score Attack 9.8%, Action 8.1%, Local Co-Op 7.4%
- #4 SHOCK TROOPERS
94% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Arcade 24.4%, Action 22.8%, Retro 16.7%, 2D 7.8%
- #5 XIIZEAL
94% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 51.3%, Action 31.2%, Arcade 17.5%
- #6 Super Hydorah
93% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.3%, Arcade 16.9%, Retro 13.8%, Action 12.2%, Co-op 6.2%
- #7 R-Type Dimensions EX
92% 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 52.3%, Arcade 18.9%, Action 16.3%, Retro 8.5%, 2D 4%
- #8 Out Zone
91% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Arcade 12.6%, Local Co-Op 11.9%, Score Attack 10.9%, Retro 9.7%
- #9 RagingBlasters
91% matchVery Positive99% of 123 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Score Attack 14.8%, Local Co-Op 13.2%, Retro 10.8%, Action 8.3%
- #10 Truxton
89% matchVery Positive94% of 108 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 29.2%, Arcade 16%, Retro 11.2%, Co-op 11.2%, Action 9.5%
- #11 WOLFLAME
90% matchVery Positive85% of 116 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Arcade 18.8%, Action 11.8%, Score Attack 9.4%, Retro 9.1%
- #12 JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
89% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 57.5%, Action 42.5%
- #13 Vimana
87% matchPositive94% of 18 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Uncover the magic of Indian mythology, unique power-ups, and an enchanting soundtrack in this electrifying space showdown. Toaplan's vertical co-op shooter Vimana debuts on PC, offering accessible, action-packed gameplay and modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Arcade 15%, Action 12%, Score Attack 9.4%, Retro 8.8%
- #14 Slap Fight
86% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Arcade 19.1%, Action 17.2%, Retro 12%, Score Attack 11.8%
- #15 Raiden Legacy - Steam Edition
88% matchMixed55% of 353 reviews2015
Dev: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Originally created by Seibu Kaihatsu, Raiden series comes back with a four-title compilation of these classic scrolling arcade shooter games we enjoyed being challenged with back in the days.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Arcade 22.1%, Retro 14.7%, Action 14.2%, Score Attack 6%
- #16 EXZEAL
86% matchMostly Positive72% of 25 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
A sequel that isn’t afraid to be different. EXZEAL is the followup to TRIZEAL Remix, but it’s much more than a simple rehash. Choose between multiple ships and specialize in each one’s weapon system. Will you focus on shooting, shot charging, or close-range attacks? In EXZEAL, it’s your choice.
Why similar: Action 43.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Arcade 15.5%
- #17 Zero Wing
84% 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 32.2%, Arcade 16.5%, Score Attack 13.6%, Action 9.2%, Retro 7.9%
- #18 Ginga Force
84% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Action 40.2%, Arcade 17.3%
- #19 Fixeight
82% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Introducing FixEight, Toaplan's thrilling vertical run-and-gun game featuring eight peerless warriors with cutting-edge weapons. Embark on an exhilarating cosmic escapade with up to three players at once. Now on PC with modern extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Arcade 16.3%, Score Attack 10.1%, Action 8.7%, Local Co-Op 7.2%
- #20 Game Tengoku CruisinMix Special
83% matchMostly Positive78% of 100 reviews2017
Dev: CITY CONNECTIONPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Game Tengoku CrusinMix is a vertically scrolling shooting game mixing cute characters, a game world parodying a wide range of gaming tropes and history, tight controls, refined mechanics and eggplants?!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Arcade 16%, Local Co-Op 15%, Retro 12.5%, Action 9.1%
- #21 Infinos Gaiden
82% 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 59.1%, Action 23.4%, Arcade 10.3%, 2D 7.2%
- #22 Super XYX
81% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 40.7%, Action 23.5%, Arcade 18.1%, Retro 17.7%
- #23 Tiger Heli
79% 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 39.3%, Arcade 19.6%, Score Attack 11.7%, Action 10.2%, Retro 8.1%
- #24 TWINKLE STAR SPRITES
80% 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 55.9%, Arcade 20.4%, Action 16.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.6%
- #25 Castle of Shikigami
81% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Action 34.4%, Arcade 15.1%
- #26 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
77% 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 48.2%, Arcade 27.1%, Action 23.2%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #27 GRADIUS ORIGINS
74% matchVery Positive94% of 250 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.
Why similar: Arcade 31.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Action 17.1%, Retro 11.4%, 2D 8.1%
- #28 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
77% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.7%, Arcade 19.7%, Action 8.9%, Local Co-Op 8%, Co-op 2.9%
- #29 DELTAZEAL
78% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 51.8%, Action 48.2%
- #30 Monkey King: Master of the Clouds | 中華大仙
75% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 40.9%, Action 24.8%, Arcade 18.9%, Retro 15.4%
- #31 Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
75% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Action 32.8%, Arcade 20.6%, Retro 9.2%, 2D 3.7%
- #32 Devil Engine
73% 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 53.5%, Action 20.9%, Arcade 20.2%, 2D 5.4%
- #33 Ray’z Arcade Chronology
71% matchVery Positive90% of 100 reviews2023
Dev: M2 Co.,LTDPub: TAITO CORP.
Windows
Lock-on to an exhilarating sci-fi shooting fest with the trilogy which put Taito on the 90s arcade shooting map: The Ray Series, together in one collection for the first time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.2%, Action 15.7%, Local Co-Op 11.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.1%, Arcade 5.4%
- #34 Layer Section™ & Galactic Attack™ S-Tribute
71% matchMostly Positive79% of 48 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Layer Section, the home console port of arcade game RayForce is back with new features and online ranking. Use the new lock-on laser function to defeat multiple enemies at once for a higher score in this gorgeous 2D vertical shooting game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Arcade 19.8%, Action 12.8%, Retro 11.3%, 2D 6.4%
- #35 Crisis Wing
71% matchVery Positive90% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Arcade 13.7%, Score Attack 11.1%, Local Co-Op 10%, Co-op 7.7%
- #36 Deathwish Enforcers Special Edition
69% matchVery Positive89% of 131 reviews2024
Dev: Monster Bath Games Inc.
Windows
A gritty, non-stop blood bath from the creator of Insanity's Blade, Super Battle Princess Madelyn and the recently released GuardGrave. And a parody of beloved 60s and 70s classic action films, heroes and villains. Deathwish Enforcers... There's gonna be hell to pay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 11.5%, Co-op 10.3%, Local Co-Op 10.2%
- #37 Gunvein
68% matchVery Positive97% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Arcade 20.8%, Action 15.9%, 2D 7.4%, Singleplayer 1%
- #38 Natsuki Chronicles
70% 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 53.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Arcade 14.8%
- #39 Tempest 4000
73% matchMixed68% of 191 reviews2018
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Tempest 4000™ is a visually stunning, action-packed tube shooter based on the classic hit arcade game, Tempest™.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48%, Arcade 31.5%, Retro 20.6%
- #40 ESCHATOS
70% 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 62.2%, Action 23.9%, Arcade 14%
- #41 Akai Katana Shin
68% matchVery Positive96% of 106 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Arcade 20.2%, Action 12.9%, Retro 10.3%, 2D 6.2%
- #42 Zenohell
72% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 61.2%, Action 38.8%
- #43 VASARA Collection
70% matchVery Positive82% of 145 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Arcade 14%, Local Co-Op 13.1%, Retro 11.9%, Co-op 10.6%
- #44 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
72% 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 58.6%, Arcade 23.6%, Action 17.8%
- #45 METAL SLUG 2
68% matchVery Positive89% of 1,324 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 47%
“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!
Why similar: Arcade 22.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Action 20.2%, Retro 9.4%, Local Co-Op 8.9%
- #46 TRIZEAL Remix
69% 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 57.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%
- #47 Twin Cobra
66% matchVery Positive86% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast battalions of tanks into smoking craters and conquer air and sea from the sky's fastest attack chopper! Toaplan's coin-op shooter Twin Cobra flies to PC with fresh features and quality-of-life updates!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Arcade 18.9%, Score Attack 18.1%, Retro 11.4%, Action 6%
- #48 Strania - The Stella Machina -
67% 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 61.5%, Action 24.4%, Arcade 14%
- #49 Rangok Skies
67% matchMostly Positive73% of 40 reviews2021
Dev: Samurai Games
Windows · Mac
War has started! Rangok Skies is a vertically scrolling arcade shooter inspired by the genre classics. Highly replayable with 4 different characters, each with their own unique ship, weapons, and bombs. Includes 2-player local co-op.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Arcade 20.2%, Action 17.2%, Score Attack 10.6%, Local Co-Op 6.6%
- #50 Battle Crust
67% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 64.8%, Action 35.2%