- #1 Icarus
97% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Side Scroller 20%, Retro 10.6%, 1980s 9.6%, 1990's 6.5%
- #2 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
96% 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 26.5%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Retro 11.7%, 1980s 11.3%, Shooter 9.2%
- #3 Stellar Raid
96% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Side Scroller 26.4%, Retro 11.6%, Space 6.9%, 1990's 6.4%
- #4 SPACEMAN
95% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2026
Dev: Colton Crawford
Windows · Mac
SPACEMAN is a short, nostalgic, retro Shoot-Em-Up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Side Scroller 13%, Retro 10.9%, 1980s 9.7%, 1990's 9.4%
- #5 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
94% 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 33.4%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Shooter 10.3%, 1990's 9.3%, Retro 8.8%
- #6 Spacewing War
94% 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 33.6%, Side Scroller 25.5%, Shooter 11.3%, 1990's 8.2%, Retro 6.5%
- #7 Thunder Tiger
93% 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 30.2%, Side Scroller 21.4%, 1980s 11.3%, 1990's 8.2%, Shooter 8.2%
- #8 Habroxia 2
92% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Shooter 12.6%, 1990's 9%, Space 7.3%
- #9 Kanamono
91% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Karai
Windows
Destroy your enemies and use the scraps that come out to destroy them even more! Side-scrolling space fantasy shooting game, that is "Kanamono".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Side Scroller 29.6%, Shooter 12.4%, 2D 6.2%, Action 5.6%
- #10 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
91% 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 32.2%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Shooter 12.5%, 1990's 10%, Retro 9%
- #11 Gates of Zendocon
90% 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 31.7%, Side Scroller 22.6%, Retro 15.8%, Shooter 10.7%, Space 6.7%
- #12 Habroxia
89% matchPositive97% of 32 reviews2023
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives, and untold surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Shooter 12.2%, 1990's 8.7%, Retro 7.3%
- #13 Zero Wing
89% 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 29.9%, Side Scroller 20.5%, 1980s 12.4%, Space 8.7%, 1990's 8.2%
- #14 Gray Goo
86% 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 20.8%, Retro 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Space 11.3%, 1980s 10.7%
- #15 Space Warpster
88% 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 33.7%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Retro 11.4%, 1980s 8.4%, Shooter 7.7%
- #16 Cyber Seraph
87% matchPositive93% of 14 reviews2020
Dev: Cosmic Void
Windows
The alien invaders have launched their final offensive on an already crippled Terra. Only one brave pilot can turn the tide of war. Cyber Seraph is a boss focused vertical shoot 'em up with unlockable abilities.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56%, 2D 11.4%, Side Scroller 10%, Action 6.5%, Retro 5.9%
- #17 VARYZNEX
85% matchPositive98% of 48 reviews2025
Dev: zakichi
Windows
classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Destruction 12.8%, Space 10.1%, Retro 9.7%
- #18 Astro Sentai Jarbonder
86% matchMostly Positive79% of 39 reviews2020
Dev: ipei_retland
Windows
It's a bullet-hell spaceship shooter. Can you survive the battlefield? Let's prove your shooting skills!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Side Scroller 20.5%, 1980s 12.1%, Shooter 10.2%, Space 9.1%
- #19 Power-Up
84% 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 37.1%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Retro 12.1%, Shooter 9.5%, Space 8.8%
- #20 Cosmic Destroyer
84% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Side Scroller 23.5%, Shooter 10.8%, 1980s 7.5%, Destruction 6.6%
- #21 INNBC STARFIGHTER
81% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Side Scroller 21.5%, 1980s 11.5%, Shooter 10.5%, 1990's 8.2%
- #22 Terra Bomber
83% match5 user reviews60% of 5 reviews2020
Dev: DM MediaPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Terra Bomber is presented as a two dimensional sideways scroller based upon the classic arcade shooters of the 1980s.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Side Scroller 23.2%, Shooter 13.4%, Space 12.1%, 2D 4.4%
- #23 StanÇact -Sexy Tenacious Girls-
82% 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 30.8%, Side Scroller 19%, 1980s 12%, Shooter 9.3%, 1990's 8.8%
- #24 GRADIUS ORIGINS
79% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, 1980s 15.7%, Shooter 14.1%, 1990's 10.6%, Retro 8.8%
- #25 Thundering Skies
82% 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 29.6%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Retro 10.3%, Shooter 8.3%, Space 7.3%
- #26 UfoPilot : The Phadt Menace - Steam Edition
81% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: nornware AB
Windows
A sci-fi retro side-scrolling shoot-em-up / rescue game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 17.9%, 1980s 12.5%, Shooter 10.5%, 1990's 8.6%
- #27 VERZEUS
79% 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 29.6%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Retro 12.4%, 1980s 11.3%, Shooter 9%
- #28 SATAZIUS
80% 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 30.8%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 8.6%, 1980s 8.2%, Space 6.5%
- #29 Hot Guns: International Missions
78% matchPositive90% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: Quantized BitPub: badd
Windows · Linux
Your conventional methods of operation are "shoot first then shoot again!"
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Side Scroller 16.3%, 1980s 13%, Destruction 9.8%, Shooter 9.7%
- #30 Chromacell
77% 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 31.8%, Side Scroller 22.9%, Shooter 11.5%, 1980s 8.7%, Space 7.6%
- #31 Absolute Blue
78% 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 26.5%, Side Scroller 19.2%, 1980s 13%, 1990's 9.5%, Shooter 9.4%
- #32 The Rush
74% matchPositive90% of 31 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 32.2%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Shooter 11.8%, 1980s 9%, Space 6.8%
- #33 R-Type Dimensions III
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: KRITZELKRATZ 3000Pub: ININ
Windows
Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds, expanded gameplay modes, and a range of new features designed to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Side Scroller 24.8%, Shooter 11.9%, 1990's 6.8%, Space 6.3%
- #34 Cyberpunk 3776
77% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Retro 9.9%, 1980s 9.7%, Shooter 7.7%
- #35 Astro Attack
74% 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 37.6%, Side Scroller 21.3%, 1980s 9.5%, Shooter 8.5%, Space 6.6%
- #36 Telenet Shooting Collection Launcher
73% matchMostly Positive76% of 16 reviews2025
Dev: Edia Co., Ltd.
Windows
Welcome to Shooter Heaven! The classic Telenet Japan & Wolf Team shooters are back! Note: The “Telenet Shooting Collection Launcher” is a free game launcher that lets you play titles from Telenet Japan and Wolf Team. The games themselves are not included with the launcher.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48%, Shooter 16.8%, 1990's 14.3%, 2D 8.3%, Action 6%
- #37 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X
75% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Implicit ConversionsPub: Bliss Brain
Windows
A fully remastered 70s-style super robot anime meets fast-paced arcade-style 2D side-scrolling shooter action. A Japanese cult classic finally available worldwide — now reborn in HD.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.4%, Retro 14.3%, 1990's 10.8%, Shooter 9.9%, Action 7.7%
- #38 Schildmaid MX
73% 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 33.6%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Retro 12.2%, Shooter 9.3%, Space 8.5%
- #39 ZURD HUNT
75% 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 37.5%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Retro 14.9%, 1980s 10.8%, Action 7.1%
- #40 STURMWIND EX
73% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Retro 11.7%, Space 10.2%, Shooter 10%
- #41 DIM-EGION
76% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: aa9bbPub: Akasha Apostles
Windows
Single Player Shooting Game with 2D Collision Detection and 3D Rendering
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.5%, Shooter 18.4%, 1980s 13.3%, Space 9.7%, Action 7.4%
- #42 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
72% 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 26.7%, Side Scroller 16.8%, 1980s 13.5%, Retro 11%, 1990's 9.7%
- #43 R-Type Final 2
71% 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 44.7%, Side Scroller 26.7%, Shooter 13.7%, Space 8.7%, Action 5.5%
- #44 Warhawk
71% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, 1980s 22.9%, Retro 19.7%, Shooter 11.9%, Action 7.3%
- #45 I.F.O
72% matchPositive100% of 36 reviews2017
Dev: Total BatteryPub: Turtle Cream
Windows · Mac
I.F.O is an old school LCD-style shoot'em up game. You have to shoot UFOs using a classic aircraft and save the animals which kidnapped by the aliens. Let's save the Earth from the aliens! You are the last hero of the world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.2%, 1980s 17.4%, Shooter 13.3%, Retro 10.9%, 2D 6.1%
- #46 Offendron Warrior
71% 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 27.7%, Side Scroller 19.7%, 1980s 11.9%, Shooter 9.8%, Retro 8.9%
- #47 Cosmic Wartoad
70% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Ocean SoftwarePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
The Queen of the Cosmic Wartoads has been abducted by the Rigellian Slime Beasts, their deadliest foe, and turned into the most hideous thing imaginable: a human being! Traverse the Rygellian Time-Void, reach the Slime King's lair and dismantle their deathly machine with your Cosmic Tool Kit.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.6%, Retro 16.3%, Shooter 13.2%, 1980s 12.3%, 2D 5.8%
- #48 Asteroid Blasters
70% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Asteroid Blasters is a non-stop action space shooter. Inspired by Asteroids, this game will see you choose between 6 different ships each with their own characteristics and utilize a variety of weapon powerups to eradicate your enemies. Play 2 players to increase your chance of survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, 1980s 17.2%, 1990's 12.2%, Shooter 11.8%, Retro 10.2%
- #49 Suicide Runners
69% 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 37.3%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Retro 13.8%, Shooter 9%, 1990's 8.9%
- #50 Caterpilla (Spectrum/VIC-20)
70% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Ocean SoftwarePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this simple riff on an arcade classic, released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum by famed game developer/publisher Ocean Software, shoot the deadly Caterpilla as it weaves its way down the screen, while also contending with mushrooms that block the way, and a fearsome spider!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Retro 18.9%, Shooter 13.7%, 1980s 12.5%, 2D 6%
- #51 Blurple Food Wars
69% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Patrick Milholland
Windows
Return to classic 80s shooters while fighting off the fast food horde in this retro space shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, 1980s 19.7%, Shooter 15%, Retro 10.7%, Space 8.8%
- #52 Distant Space
67% 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 41.4%, Space 13.4%, 1980s 13.4%, Retro 8.6%, Shooter 7.2%
- #53 ImageStriker
68% matchVery Positive93% of 91 reviews2019
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Image Striker is a 2D vertical scroll shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.3%, Shooter 14.2%, Retro 12.6%, 1980s 9.8%, 1990's 6.9%
- #54 Contra: Operation Galuga
65% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Side Scroller 17.9%, 1980s 15.3%, 1990's 11%, Shooter 10.8%
- #55 Black Paradox Reloaded
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Fantastico Studio
Windows · Mac
Experience chaos in this remastered, hyper-stylized roguelite. As bounty hunter Black Paradox, travel through space to defeat the Hellraisers – now with enhanced pixel art, rebalanced gameplay, and an intense endless mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Side Scroller 16.7%, 1980s 13.9%, Shooter 11.2%, Retro 9.3%
- #56 RedRaptor
67% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2023
Dev: Novax GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro arcade experience in RedRaptor, a vertical shoot’em up inspired by genre classics of the ’90s!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.6%, 1990's 12.1%, Shooter 11%, Retro 10.3%, 2D 6.7%
- #57 DRAINUS
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.7%, Shooter 15.8%, Action 7.6%, Side Scroller 7.2%, 2D 5.8%
- #58 Terra Flame
66% matchPositive96% of 28 reviews2022
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Terra Flame is a horizontal shmup inspired by the 90's. The feature is that you can switch between three types of weapons in real time.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Shooter 13.4%, Retro 11.7%, 1980s 9%, 1990's 6.3%
- #59 Space Mash
68% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Paul Thomas
Windows · Linux
Space Mash is a bullet-hell shooter in the retro style of the earliest arcade games. To help beginners, older players and those with a motor impairment, there are five levels of slow-down that can be activated at any time during game play.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Side Scroller 25.1%, Shooter 10.9%, Retro 8.8%, 1980s 6.5%
- #60 Shadow and darkness
68% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Soomka Games
Windows
You are a explorer of new planets. As it turned out, other planets are inhabited by shadows that are very hostile. Your task is to survive several waves to win.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Side Scroller 24%, Shooter 15.5%, Space 8.8%, Action 8.2%