- #1 Probo Rush
97% matchPositive97% of 31 reviews2023
Dev: Silkworm
Windows
Probo Rush is a classic shoot 'em up bullet hell game with a boss rush twist. Fight against machines, aliens, and nature as you take on 15 challenging boss battles. With adjustable health and an Assist Mode, Probo Rush offers a challenging but accessible gaming experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Boss Rush 9.8% ★, Difficult 9%
- #2 Andro Dunos II
96% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Difficult 15.4%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 8.5%
- #3 Clash Force
96% matchMostly Positive78% of 155 reviews2017
Dev: Spicy Gyro GamesPub: Shiny Dolphin Games LLC
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 35%
A bite-sized, 8-bit style run-and-gun inspired by Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Difficult 16.4%, Platformer 11.2%, Shooter 10.1%
- #4 Steel Assault
95% matchMostly Positive77% of 435 reviews2021
Dev: Zenovia InteractivePub: Tribute Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.
Why similar: Side Scroller 16.5%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Difficult 12.1%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 7.4%
- #5 Hell is Other Demons
94% matchVery Positive93% of 337 reviews2019
Dev: Cuddle Monster Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.8%, Difficult 13.3%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.7%, Platformer 7.5%
- #6 Super Catboy
94% matchMostly Positive77% of 354 reviews2023
Dev: PixelpogoPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Super Catboy is an action-packed platformer created in a high-bit pixel art style, combining the best elements of the golden 16-bit platformer era of the 90s with some ‘pawsome’ new mechanics! And let’s not forget; there’s plenty of CAT CONTENT!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Side Scroller 16.5%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%, Shooter 9.5%
- #7 Contract Rush DX
92% matchVery Positive100% of 219 reviews2025
Dev: FigburnPub: Team Ficus
Windows
Contract Rush DX is a hand-animated 2D Shoot 'Em Up, with multiple playable characters. Explore the world, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Difficult 18.5%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Platformer 10.8%, Shooter 7.9%
- #8 Spectacular Sparky
93% matchVery Positive87% of 168 reviews2021
Dev: FreakZone GamesPub: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows
A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!
Why similar: Side Scroller 18.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Platformer 10.4%, 2D Platformer 9.5%, Shooter 9.3%
- #9 Lilac 0
91% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Arcade 10.2%, Shooter 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%
- #10 Fallen Leaf
91% matchVery Positive91% of 274 reviews2024
Dev: Delta Shore Games
Windows
Fallen Leaf is a retro side-scrolling adventure focused on tight, action-packed level design set in a whimsical world where almost anything goes!
Why similar: Side Scroller 25.5%, Platformer 20.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Old School 9.3%
- #11 Guns of Fury
90% matchVery Positive88% of 848 reviews2025
Dev: Gelato Games Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Platformer 11.9%, Shooter 10.1%, 2D Platformer 10.1%
- #12 Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit
89% matchVery Positive83% of 117 reviews2025
Dev: Retroware
Windows
The Angry Video Game Nerd is back in 8-bits! Battle through frantic platforming levels, defeat classic AVGN bosses, and save all of gaming, or test your skills in Endless Challenge mode!
Why similar: Side Scroller 31.5%, 2D Platformer 17.8%, Platformer 15.3%, Arcade 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #13 UDONGEIN X
89% matchVery Positive92% of 441 reviews2021
Dev: Bar Holographic Otaku
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Help Reisen Udongein Inaba navigate through 14 action packed stages in this exhilarating 2D Bullet Hell Platformer based on Touhou Project!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Bullet Hell 15%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Platformer 11.7%
- #14 pixelBOT EXTREME!
88% matchPositive97% of 29 reviews2018
Dev: PlayHeart Games
Windows · Mac
EXTREME! retro side-scrolling shoot 'em up with a colorful twist! Become one with your controller, learn all rocket colors by heart and master a unique color-based destruction! SHOOT DIE RESPAWN! And most importantly... NEVER GIVE UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Difficult 12.4%, Platformer 8.9%
- #15 Animal Kostume
87% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2023
Dev: LGV
Windows · Mac · Linux
No talk, compadre. It's Animal Kostume time! Follow kroc-boy in his path to overcome a series of difficult levels in this hardcore 2D platformer with a lot of enemies, bullets and surprises.
Why similar: Side Scroller 19%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Difficult 14.7%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Platformer 9.3%
- #16 Golden Hornet
86% matchVery Positive93% of 178 reviews2017
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Golden Hornet is a retro style twin-stick shooter. Become a pilot of the multipurpose helicopter 'Golden Hornet' — rescue hostages and destroy enemy outposts.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Side Scroller 17%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Difficult 13.1%, Shooter 7.5%
- #17 Syder Reloaded
85% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Bullet Hell 17%, Side Scroller 14.1%, Difficult 11%, Shooter 8.1%
- #18 Halloween Forever
84% matchVery Positive91% of 181 reviews2016
Dev: Imaginary MonstersPub: Poppy Works
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Something mysterious is happening in the pumpkin patch this Halloween! You control Pumpkin Man, a humanoid pumpkin thing animated by occult forces on a quest to discover why things are so creepy. And you vomit candy corn.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Side Scroller 20.7%, 2D Platformer 12.6%, Platformer 10.6%, Shooter 9.2%
- #19 FAR FROM DEAD
86% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Brian O'Keefe
Windows · Mac
A twitchy shoot 'em up boss rush game inspired by run 'n gun classics. Fight your way through seven challenging bosses and hitch a ride off this awful planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Boss Rush 13.1% ★, Difficult 12.8%, Side Scroller 11.8%
- #20 Offendron Warrior
84% 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 18.1%, Side Scroller 17%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Difficult 13.3%, Shooter 7.8%
- #21 Is It Wrong to Try to Shoot 'em Up Girls in a Dungeon?
82% matchVery Positive92% of 246 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: PQube
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Enjoy a free shoot'em up side-scrolling mini-game with the characters from the anime and JRPG DanMachi, and fight through stages of bullet hell and bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, 2D Platformer 11%, Platformer 8.7%
- #22 DRAINUS
81% 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 45.7%, Shooter 15.5%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Side Scroller 7.6%, Action 6.7%
- #23 The 7th Sign Project
81% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Try-Estate
Windows
The 7th Sign Project is a classic 2D-platformer action game inspired by Doom, Quake, Abuse, and Painkiller games. Our goal is to entertain the player with massive enemy fights, boss fights, and stirring music.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 18.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Platformer 12.6%, 2D Platformer 12.5%
- #24 Starry Moon Island
82% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: TigerQiuQiu
Windows
About:It is an old school game collection with ten different types of mini-games.The story tells of a series of wars that took place on the island
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Platformer 12.8%, 2D Platformer 12.5%
- #25 The X-Type
83% 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 20.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Shooter 8.2%
- #26 Contra: Operation Galuga
78% 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 21.6%, Side Scroller 18.9%, 2D Platformer 12.7%, Platformer 11.3%, Shooter 10.5%
- #27 ZeroRanger
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Arcade 6.6%, Difficult 4.8%
- #28 Vulture Strike
80% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Vulture Strike
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vulture Strike is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you have the ability to travel between 2 parallel timelines whenever you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Difficult 16.3%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Arcade 8.5%
- #29 Operation Hardcore
79% matchPositive87% of 30 reviews2016
Dev: Cosmocat
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Operation Hardcore is an action-packed 2D side-scrolling shooter inspired by classic twitchy action games of yesteryear, but with modern touches and conveniences.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Difficult 12.6%, 2D Platformer 9.9%
- #30 BULLETnico
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Difficult 15%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Shooter 7%
- #31 The Rush
75% 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 22.4%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 8%
- #32 Syder Arcade
76% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Arcade 8.3%, Shooter 7.9%
- #33 Jet Gunner: Refueled
73% matchPositive87% of 15 reviews2025
Dev: Sinclair StrangePub: Clickteam
Windows
Jet Gunner is reloaded, remade and refueled for a new explosive 8-bit adventure. Relive the past glory days where VHS was king, phones didn't have screens and you'd have to blow into a cartridge to get your gaming fix.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Side Scroller 16.3%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Platformer 11.4%, Shooter 9.7%
- #34 Beekyr Reloaded
76% matchVery Positive87% of 97 reviews2017
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The giant hornets have destroyed your hive and taken the pollen. Fight the swarms alone or with a friend and destroy the dangerous hornet queen! The insect world is very dangerous but... what are you waiting for to get your revenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Difficult 13.6%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Platformer 8.7%
- #35 Particle Storm
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Kevin Lopez
Windows
Particle Storm is challenging 2D run n gun blending bullet hell and shmup mechanics with striking pixel art, nonstop action, and an energetic soundtrack.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.7%, Side Scroller 20%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.3%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Arcade 10.2%
- #36 Chester’s Revenge
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Wojo Studios LLCPub: RedDeer.Games
Windows
Run-and-gun action game with multi-stage boss battles. Play as Chester, world's most badass guinea pig, who is hell-bent on a quest for revenge.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 14.7%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.6%, Difficult 13.4%, 2D Platformer 9.7%
- #37 RYZY NYIL
73% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: SB_Games_Public
Windows
Vertical-scrolling 2D shooting game with three types of weapons
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Shooter 12.2%, Arcade 10.9%
- #38 Enemy Mind
74% matchVery Positive85% of 797 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Shooter 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #39 tz mini stg collection
72% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Bullet Hell 20%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 10.9%
- #40 Crome: Before Purgatory
74% matchPositive88% of 49 reviews2019
Dev: Stumphead Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Inspired by the heyday of 8-bit arcade gaming, Crome: Before Purgatory is an intense space shoot em' up experience. Play as the Galactic Consul's best star pilot, Crome, and fend off endless the hoards of invaders while competing for the top score on the global leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Difficult 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Shooter 8.1%
- #41 Feeble Light
73% match9 user reviews78% of 9 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 29.5%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%
- #42 Cataclyzm
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dogroach
Windows
A 2D arcade shoot 'em up forged in the age of fire, feedback and METAL! It's a fast, loud and unforgiving ride on an atomic warhead through a hellish concert of beer, bullets and riffs. Crank it up to eleven, and strap in for the ride!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Difficult 17.1%, Shooter 9.5%, Arcade 7.4%
- #43 Coal Road
71% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: BUstation
Windows
This is a horizontal shooter game. The story takes place in a city infected by "coal", where most people have become coal zombies. When the government learned of the great changes in the city, it sent two elite soldiers to investigate the situation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Platformer 12.6%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Shooter 11.9%
- #44 Suicide Runners
72% 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 25.5%, Bullet Hell 19%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Arcade 9.2%, Shooter 7.5%
- #45 Akai Katana Shin
69% 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 25.4%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10%
- #46 CometStriker DX
70% matchVery Positive98% of 63 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Difficult 13%, Shooter 7.6%
- #47 STURMWIND EX
70% 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 24.1%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Shooter 8.5%, Arcade 7.9%
- #48 Destructivator 2
69% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2020
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!
Why similar: Difficult 19.4%, 2D Platformer 15.7%, Shooter 11.2%, Old School 9.5%, Platformer 9.2%
- #49 Blazing Chrome
68% matchVery Positive87% of 1,924 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Difficult 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Platformer 7.7%
- #50 Nowhere Patrol
68% matchVery Positive98% of 222 reviews2018
Dev: Slugsoft
Windows
Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Difficult 18.4%, Boss Rush 16.9% ★, Platformer 10.2%
- #51 Escape 2 Space
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 9%
- #52 Best Buds vs Bad Guys
71% matchMixed53% of 32 reviews2016
Dev: Reset Games Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Best Buds vs Bad Guys is a 2D run ’n’ gun from a game developer Dad and his 11 year old son, with a special message behind it. Travel to 11 different worlds, all presented in classic 16-bit style, with a catchy chip-tune soundtrack and lots of over-the-top weapons!
Why similar: Side Scroller 18.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 13%, Platformer 12.5%, Shooter 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #53 VERZEUS
67% 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 21.5%, Side Scroller 20%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Shooter 7.9%, Arcade 7.3%
- #54 Super Mega Zero
66% matchPositive98% of 47 reviews2022
Dev: SilkwormPub: Rogue Games, Inc.
Windows
Super Mega Zero is a fast-paced precision platformer and shoot 'em up hybrid.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Difficult 14.5%, 2D Platformer 11.5%, Platformer 9.4%
- #55 Yui Tui
67% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Anamik Majumdar
Windows · Linux
Yui Tui is a 2D Platform Action game where Yako, the protector of the island, has been assigned to eliminate the enemies who infiltrated the island with an intention of ruling over it.
Why similar: Difficult 18.2%, Side Scroller 15.9%, 2D Platformer 14.6%, Platformer 9.2%, Arcade 7.1%
- #56 Final Formation
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Happymeal Inc.Pub: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Equipped with the Fusion × Transformation “PELL” System! Free Map Side-Scrolling Shooter
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Side Scroller 15.3%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Shooter 11.2%
- #57 Astro Attack
65% 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 27.3%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Shooter 7.5%, Arcade 7.4%
- #58 Celestia
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Devon Meyer
Windows
Celestia is a solo-developed indie game. An angelic bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you defeat enemies throughout the skies, and relax on a floating island with your companions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Bullet Hell 23.8%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 7.8%
- #59 Cosmic Destroyer
69% 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 23.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 7.5%
- #60 Rise of the Penguins 2: Penguin's Dark Ascent
63% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2025
Dev: Bill WooPub: Pwoo
Windows · Mac · Linux
Throw snowballs and navigate seven challenging levels as Kaito, a young penguin. Master platforming challenges, collect items, and face epic bosses in this 2D adventure.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Side Scroller 20.7%, 2D Platformer 14.3%, Platformer 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%