- #1 Spaceman Defender
97% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend the Little Spaceman Dudes from aliens! Blast waves of Alien Abductors and UFOs across 50 challenging levels in this fast-paced ’80s-style arcade space shooter.
Why similar: 1980s 21.8%, Aliens 19.9%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Old School 9.6%
- #2 VERZEUS
96% 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: Side Scroller 20.7%, 1980s 19.4%, Aliens 18%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Old School 9.9%
- #3 Blitloop
96% 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: 1980s 29.5%, Side Scroller 20%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Old School 13.6%, Aliens 7.5%
- #4 INNBC STARFIGHTER
95% match5 user reviews80% of 5 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: Side Scroller 22.6%, 1980s 20.7%, Aliens 17.8%, Old School 10.6%, Arcade 7.9%
- #5 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
94% 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: 1980s 23.7%, Aliens 20%, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Old School 11.5%, Action 11%
- #6 Dominus Solaris
94% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: Danubium
Windows
In the year 2073, the Skolovan Empire attacked and subdued planet Earth. The rebels gathered technology from whatever they could to build a prototype ship, the Dominus Solaris. Now it's up to you, the ship's sole pilot, to fight and liberate the Earth from the usurpers.
Why similar: Aliens 21.5%, 1980s 19.5%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Old School 12.9%, Bullet Hell 10.2%
- #7 B..:EvaSive
93% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: ZaxtorGameS
Windows
Welcome to a world of dangerous rectangles where quick reflexes and maneuvering will help you keep breathing... Well, for at least a few more seconds! Two buttons. Life or death. How long can you survive? Okay, so you died. Try Again. Die. One more time. Die. Just one more. Die. One more!
Why similar: 1980s 40%, Old School 18.6%, Action 15.9%, Arcade 13.6%, 2D 5%
- #8 BeatBox Runner
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lumogy, LLC
Windows
BeatBox Runner is a retro platformer with a twist: switch states to survive its unique series of traps and challenges.
Why similar: 1980s 33.2%, Old School 18.5%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Arcade 7.3%
- #9 Double D. F.
91% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: RielFactor
Windows
To bring you the old school 2D space arcade feeling in a modern look and feel. Whether you like the hard core style of the old days, or you have become the more lay back type, shoot your way home at the fun rate for you. Upgrade your ship on the way home, to get ready for the final battle. Have fun!
Why similar: 1980s 30.2%, Aliens 20.5%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Old School 11.5%, Arcade 8.3%
- #10 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
91% 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: 1980s 24.5%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Aliens 13.9%, Bullet Hell 13%, Old School 11.6%
- #11 Icarus
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Denis EvansPub: Japster's Cavern
Windows
Icarus, a classic side-scrolling space shoot-em-up tribute! - Thumping soundtrack, Bosses, Multiples, Power-ups, Secrets, BIG levels... ...Give the (free) work in progress / teaser demo a try!
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.4%, Aliens 23.8%, 1980s 21.7%, Old School 10.6%, Action 8.1%
- #12 B.I.O.T.A.
89% matchVery Positive88% of 253 reviews2022
Dev: small brosPub: Retrovibe
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Intense 2D action-platformer set in a mining colony infected by an alien plague. In B.I.O.T.A. you can choose your hero, fight gruesome monsters, and customize your 8-bit retro experience with swappable 4-color palettes.
Why similar: 1980s 23.7%, Aliens 23.7%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Old School 13.3%, Arcade 6.3%
- #13 Percy the Potty Pigeon (C64/Spectrum)
89% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Gremlin GraphicsPub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this side-scrolling egg-em-up, released in 1984, take on the role of Percy as he struggles to build a nest and feed his needy offspring. Contains both the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum versions of the game.
Why similar: Side Scroller 30.8%, 1980s 26%, Old School 13.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Action 9.8%
- #14 2nd Shot
88% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: Chad BarrettPub: Chaotic Entertainment, LLC
Windows · Mac
In the vast depths of space, lies a man with a dark past. Setting himself apart from that old life, and seeking justice against wrongdoing instead of being the cause of it, Captain Righteous uses the Freedom Fighter, his trusty space fighter to search for and combat the evil Captain Buster!
Why similar: 1980s 31.6%, Old School 17.1%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Aliens 13.3%, Arcade 9%
- #15 The Maze Contract
87% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2023
Dev: Synthetic Forms
Windows
The Maze Contract is a single player retro action game with vector-style graphics. It takes a lot of inspiration from the 1980's shoot-em-up arcade games, but with added tactical elements and lots of upgrades for your ship and weapons.
Why similar: 1980s 42.3%, Old School 22%, Aliens 15%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 8.3%
- #16 Starshot Genesis
86% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Starshot GenesisPub: Happy Robot Shop
Windows · Mac · Linux
Starshot Genesis is a space combat arcade shooter built with Three.js, featuring neon visuals, responsive controls, adaptive combat scaling, and atmospheric audio. Use the controls mapped in the hud to move and engage in combat.
Why similar: 1980s 34.9%, Aliens 30.5%, Old School 15.2%, Action 10.9%, Sci-fi 5.1%
- #17 Infestation on Epsilon 13
86% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Xayba
Windows
Collect the data disks, avoid enemies, and go for the high score.
Why similar: Aliens 27.2%, 1980s 22.3%, Arcade 17.8%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Action 10.8%
- #18 Vector Seven
85% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Electric Shed
Windows
Retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 80's games Fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up with looping battlefields, relentless enemy waves, tactical shields, power-ups and hyperspace jumps
Why similar: 1980s 35.5%, Side Scroller 25.7%, Action 11.3%, Arcade 11.2%, Bullet Hell 8.3%
- #19 Space Runaway
84% matchPositive84% of 44 reviews2022
Dev: Soleil Ltd.Pub: 110 Industries SA
Windows
Space Runaway, a compelling intergalactic journey soaked in bullet hell. Enemy vessels, lasers and larger than life bosses coming at you full speed in a 16-bit authentic arcade experience like no other.
Why similar: 1980s 36.1%, Side Scroller 28%, Action 13.1%, Arcade 12%, Sci-fi 5.7%
- #20 Into The Void
83% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: tateorrtot
Windows
A wormhole has opened up letting aliens terrorize your city. Pilot your spacecraft and destroy the aliens using flamethrowers, missiles, gatling guns, shockwaves, and more!
Why similar: Aliens 28%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 9%
- #21 Keep Those Bugs Away From the Bomb
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: small brosPub: Retrovibe
Windows
Survive the swarm and clear the arena of alien infestation in this fast-paced bullet hell roguelite shooter. Unlock new heroes, guns, and skills in a never ending quest with one thing in mind. Keep Those Bugs Away From The Bomb!
Why similar: Aliens 28.5%, 1980s 25.2%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Old School 14.7%, Sci-fi 5.1%
- #22 Astroblaster
84% matchNo user reviews2022
Dev: David ArmstrongPub: Pizza Parlor Games
Windows
An arcade-style 2D top-down space shooter. Blow up space rocks and space pirates for as long as you can. You'll also need to maximize a delicately-balanced economy of resources. Keep trying to out-do yourself! Five boss ships will break in at various points to make life difficult.
Why similar: 1980s 45.2%, Aliens 15.5%, Old School 14.7%, Arcade 9.7%, Action 9.3%
- #23 Cash Cow DX
81% matchVery Positive96% of 84 reviews2024
Dev: pixel games SARL-S
Windows · Linux
Holy cow, it’s all about the moooney! Run, jump and slide in this udderly moo-velous adventure to reclaim your fortunes from those sneaky Pig Pockets. Tough as nails and no continues! Are you up for the challenge?
Why similar: 1980s 33.5%, Side Scroller 22.9%, Old School 16.5%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 7.3%
- #24 Anivenge
82% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Fiery Aspen Studios, LLC
Windows
An arcade style game where you play as an animal hopping around a road trying to crash cars. Work your way through different levels or play in survival mode - how many can you crash before you're run over?
Why similar: 1980s 43.8%, Old School 23.1%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 9.4%, 2D 4.8%
- #25 Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders
81% matchNo user reviews
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: Aliens 33.4%, Side Scroller 20%, 1980s 17.8%, Old School 9.1%, Bullet Hell 6.8%
- #26 Blitzr Ball
80% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: NateBit Studios
Windows
An arcade style game where you control a bumper to bounce the blitzr ball! Destroy all blocks to beat levels. Discover power ups and unlock perks to help you along the way!
Why similar: 1980s 36.9%, Old School 19.8%, Action 17.9%, Arcade 14.4%, 2D 5.2%
- #27 Stardash
79% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: OrangepixelPub: HandyGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
A "punishing" 90's inspired platformer with retro looks, retro gameplay, and VERY challenging run and jump action. Can you manage to survive the normal levels, and unlock the 10 secret temple levels ?
Why similar: 1980s 39.9%, Old School 28.2%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Action 10%, Colorful 3%
- #28 Stellar Nemesis
79% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Perun Games Studio
Windows
A high-definition arcade shooter blending old-school action with modern polish. Battle across the Solar System, upgrade your weapons, and unlock tougher challenges in Nemesis Mode - all set to a hypnotic, retro-electro soundtrack.
Why similar: Old School 29.1%, Aliens 18.4%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Action 10.9%
- #29 Warhawk
78% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: Rusty PixelsPub: Ogre Games Ltd
Windows
Blast away in this pure retro-styled shooter and battle through tons of dangerous levels and manic boss fights.
Why similar: 1980s 44.1%, Aliens 24.7%, Old School 13.9%, Action 13%, Pixel Graphics 3%
- #30 OUMUAMUA
78% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Use quick reflexes and sharp aim to simultaneously blow up enemies and block alike in this satisfying retro style action brick breaker! The third installment in the Game Buddy series that faithfully recreates the look, sounds, and feel of classic late 80's handheld games!
Why similar: 1980s 38.5%, Old School 27.2%, Action 14.2%, Arcade 13%, Pixel Graphics 3.4%
- #31 The X-Type
77% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.2%, 1980s 17.1%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Aliens 15%, Arcade 7.7%
- #32 Brave Soldier - Invasion of Cyborgs
76% matchVery Positive97% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: JM Neto Game Dev
Windows
Brave Soldier: Invasion Of Cyborgs is a pixel art platform game with a lot of action. Help the soldier save the world from the Cyborg Invasion! Good Luck!
Why similar: 1980s 24.7%, Aliens 23.8%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 8.1%
- #33 Neon Invaders
76% matchPositive93% of 15 reviews2022
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Neon Invaders will take you back to your gaming roots with its constant action and relentlessly brutal enemies. Absorb enemy shots of the same colour to trigger a flurry of fire to decimate the alien invaders. Dodge and Match your way to victory through 40 levels and 5 difficulty settings.
Why similar: 1980s 24.7%, Aliens 21.2%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Old School 11.9%, Arcade 9.4%
- #34 Destructive Behavior
77% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Mark Green
Windows
Brick breaker arcade action with unique features
Why similar: 1980s 54.9%, Arcade 19.2%, Action 17.2%, 2D 5.3%, Indie 1.9%
- #35 Contra: Operation Galuga
71% matchVery Positive88% of 909 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
Why similar: 1980s 29.8%, Aliens 24.9%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Arcade 9.3%, Action 6.9%
- #36 Bad Chicken
74% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Coquibyte Games
Windows
Bad Chicken is a retro styled sideway scrolling shoot-em-up inspired by the retro classics. It takes place in 8 locations in the Ferus system, each one with different challenges, and dangers.
Why similar: Side Scroller 24%, Aliens 23.8%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Old School 12.9%, Sci-fi 6%
- #37 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
75% 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: 1980s 26.7%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Aliens 9.7%, Arcade 8.9%
- #38 misaligned
73% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Michal Kelisek
Windows
Classic 80s inspired shooter
Why similar: 1980s 22%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Aliens 19%, Arcade 9.8%, Old School 9.6%
- #39 Tiger Striker
74% 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: 1980s 31.6%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Old School 18.5%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Action 11.3%
- #40 Electrodash
75% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: EODE studio
Windows
Electrodash is a die & retry where you play as a cube that must reach the finish line by bouncing off walls strewn with obstacles.
Why similar: Side Scroller 38.4%, 1980s 24.5%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 12%, Colorful 5.1%
- #41 Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Cat Hui Trading LLCPub: AMATA Games
Windows
A spectacular, satisfying, and super-watchable defense battle! The ultimate 8-bit shoot 'em ups born in the 21st century, ""Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE"", is now on Steam!
Why similar: Aliens 30.4%, Side Scroller 30.4%, Action 14.4%, Sci-fi 7.2%, Arcade 6.4%
- #42 Absolute Blue
73% 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: 1980s 26.4%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Old School 15.9%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Arcade 8%
- #43 Space Warpster
71% 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: Side Scroller 24.5%, 1980s 18.1%, Aliens 15.6%, Old School 13.4%, Arcade 10.6%
- #44 UFO No!
73% matchNo user reviews2022
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
Spacejack a UFO and turn alien tech against its owners across 49 action-packed stages. Use black holes, nukes, slow-mo, and more to survive escalating waves and save the planet.
Why similar: Aliens 28.6%, 1980s 21.1%, Old School 11.1%, Bullet Hell 9.8%, Arcade 9.6%
- #45 BOOM42
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Tomás Franco
Windows
Experience the nostalgia of the past, reimagined for the present, BOOM42 is a party game for up to 8 players. Join the Crew-42 on a unique adventure, testing friendship and discovering new exciting planets!
Why similar: 1980s 26.5%, Aliens 16.9%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Old School 11%
- #46 Micro Games: Volume 1
71% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: 64tacos LLC
Windows
Retro 2D collection of 4 micro games
Why similar: 1980s 28.6%, Aliens 24.2%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 6.7%
- #47 Cyberpunk 3776
72% matchMixed52% 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: Side Scroller 21.3%, 1980s 19.8%, Aliens 16%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Old School 10.7%
- #48 Cranky Chibi Cthulhu
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Little Tlaloc Interactive LLC
Windows
An 8-bit style vertical SHMUP (very loosely) based on the writings of H.P. Lovecraft.
Why similar: Old School 30.1%, 1980s 27.7%, Arcade 17.5%, Action 15.4%, 2D 4.1%
- #49 Gravitaws
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Coleowing
Windows
Gravitaws is a retro-style stage shooter inspired by Jaws (NES). Explore a dynamic overworld map. Collect research materials and upgrades, while evading an Alien invader. The story is delivered in classic style cutscenes. Fight bosses, survive, collect, fish, and bomb your way to victory.
Why similar: 1980s 26%, Aliens 19.7%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Old School 11.8%, Action 6.3%
- #50 The Voices Games 2d Collection
70% match4 user reviews50% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: The Voices Games
Windows
A collection of 4 small games by The Voices Games Ascendshaft: A vertical scrolling shootemup Violetti Goottii: A 2d Platformer Dragons in Space: A sidescrolling Shootemup Endless Shaft: A score attack survival game
Why similar: Aliens 29.4%, Side Scroller 24.1%, Old School 14.7%, Arcade 10.7%, Action 8.3%
- #51 Zenvader
67% matchPositive97% of 29 reviews2025
Dev: RyiSnow
Windows
Zenvader is a super retro shooter mixed with roguelite elements. Dodge the barrage of bullets, improve your unit, and try to defeat the Alien King!
Why similar: 1980s 30.4%, Aliens 26.4%, Old School 19.7%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Action 4.4%
- #52 Zero Wing
68% 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: 1980s 27.1%, Side Scroller 26.2%, Old School 14.2%, Arcade 10.4%, Action 6.9%
- #53 Battle for Asciion
66% matchPositive83% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Relevo
Windows
Battle for Asciion is a classic horizontal shoot ’em up built entirely from real text characters. No sprites. No pixels. No images. Just pure ASCII action, massive bosses, weapon upgrades and retro arcade challenge.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.8%, 1980s 22.5%, Aliens 16.5%, Action 11.5%, Arcade 10.6%
- #54 Offendron Warrior
69% 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: 1980s 24.2%, Side Scroller 23.3%, Old School 16.1%, Bullet Hell 15%, Arcade 8.2%
- #55 ZPF
67% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: ZPF TeamPub: Mega Cat Studios
Windows
ZPF is a retro-inspired horizontal shooter 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: Aliens 27.3%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Old School 14.2%, Action 8.1%
- #56 Blaster Alert
68% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Big Blaze Games
Windows
A classic old-school shooter with the possibility of upgrading your own spaceship.
Why similar: Aliens 30.9%, 1980s 30.3%, Old School 17.2%, Arcade 6.6%, Action 6.6%
- #57 ARMED SEVEN
69% matchVery Positive91% of 78 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.4%, 1980s 21.6%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Aliens 13.8%, Arcade 6.1%
- #58 Cosmic Destroyer
67% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Facing annihilation, a plucky crew of space salvagers fight dirty using the best tool in their belt - the salvage claw. Grab and toss enemies, deflect attacks, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 29.6%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, 1980s 16.3%, Arcade 9.3%, Old School 7.7%
- #59 Red Galaxy
67% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2021
Dev: CSZgames
Windows
This is a retro space shooting game, where you only fight against the strongest enemy. There are 15 unique bosses in the game, and players need to use different weapons and strategies to defeat them. Dedicated to you who are both challengers and retro game lovers.
Why similar: Aliens 27.5%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Old School 12.4%, Arcade 11.7%, 1980s 10.8%
- #60 Quaxum
66% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Alympyan Arts
Windows
Quaxum is a new age retro arcade shooter where you defend the planetary defense shield from the onslaught of aliens. Balance your energy between charging your shield and buying power ups to clear the screen of enemies! 50 levels of color mayhem! Recharge, shoot, win!
Why similar: 1980s 33.2%, Aliens 23.6%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Arcade 8.4%, Sci-fi 5.4%