- #1 Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade
97% matchVery Positive95% of 150 reviews2021
Dev: TAITO CORP.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Darius is one of the pioneers of the side-scrolling shoot 'em genre, and the Steam version replicates the multi-screen arcade experience with 4 different titles and 7 versions filled with aquatic-lifeform-themed bosses and epic, Zuntata-composed soundscapes!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Underwater 17.1% ★, Score Attack 10.3%, Multiple Endings 8.1%, Shooter 7.8%
- #2 DRAINUS
96% 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 50.3%, Shooter 19.9%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Side Scroller 8.1%, Action 7.9%
- #3 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
96% 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 50.9%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Arcade 15%, Shooter 4.8%, Local Co-Op 4.7%
- #4 Ray’z Arcade Chronology
95% 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 32.9%, 2.5D 16.1%, Shooter 13.7%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Sci-fi 8.6%
- #5 Contra: Operation Galuga
94% 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 21.5%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Shooter 12.2%, Aliens 11%, Arcade 10.8%
- #6 PAWARUMI
94% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!
Why similar: 2.5D 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Score Attack 11.1%, Arcade 10.9%, Shooter 10%
- #7 R-Type Final 2
93% 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 33.7%, Side Scroller 25.6%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 12.8%, Sci-fi 5.2%
- #8 Rigid Force Alpha
92% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 16.9%, 2.5D 16.4%, Score Attack 11.5%, Shooter 10.1%
- #9 Sine Mora EX
91% matchMixed65% of 678 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Side Scroller 20.5%, 2.5D 14.2%, Shooter 9.8%, Female Protagonist 8.4%
- #10 Ikaruga
90% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.3%, Arcade 18.2%, Shooter 7.6%, Sci-fi 3.6%, Action 2.8%
- #11 Game Tengoku CruisinMix Special
91% 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 30.8%, Shooter 14.9%, 1990's 13.6%, Arcade 13.4%, Female Protagonist 10.2%
- #12 RagingBlasters
89% 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 29.8%, Shooter 14.4%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Score Attack 13.3%, Local Co-Op 8%
- #13 Mushihimesama
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.1%, Arcade 19.4%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Action 4.6%, Shooter 3.6%
- #14 Zero Wing
88% 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 26.4%, Side Scroller 23.1%, Arcade 11.9%, Score Attack 11.1%, 1990's 8.8%
- #15 Super Hydorah
87% 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 55.5%, Arcade 20.5%, Action 7.8%, Co-op 5.9%, Local Multiplayer 5.2%
- #16 Shoot 1UP DX
86% matchVery Positive80% of 152 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Score Attack 11.8%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 9.2%
- #17 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
86% matchVery Positive90% of 398 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Side Scroller 14.5%, 2.5D 14.5%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 8.2%
- #18 Deathsmiles
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 609 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.5%, Arcade 14.2%, Female Protagonist 10.4%, Side Scroller 10.3%, Shooter 5.7%
- #19 Akai Katana Shin
84% 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 29.4%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Shooter 15.5%, Arcade 14%, Female Protagonist 9.2%
- #20 R-Type Dimensions EX
84% 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 46.9%, Side Scroller 25.3%, Arcade 14.9%, Action 6.8%, Shooter 6.1%
- #21 GRADIUS ORIGINS
81% 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 29.1%, Arcade 25.7%, Shooter 22.7%, 1990's 14.7%, Action 7.4%
- #22 BLUE REVOLVER
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68%, Arcade 14.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Action 4.9%, Shooter 4.6%
- #23 Wild Guns Reloaded
83% matchVery Positive87% of 477 reviews2017
Dev: NatsumeAtariPub: Natsume Inc.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Arcade 21.1%, Shooter 20.8%, Local Multiplayer 9.3%, Action 8.8%
- #24 Radiant Silvergun
80% matchVery Positive93% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, 2.5D 20.8%, Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 11.4%, Score Attack 8.5%
- #25 Pocky & Rocky Reshrined
79% matchVery Positive89% of 245 reviews2023
Dev: Winning Entertainment Group Inc.
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 75%
The original cute and hardcore shrine maiden shooter is now available on Steam! Completely new game, a sequel to the home original "Pocky&Rocky" (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)! The adventures of Pocky&Rocky begin once again.
Why similar: Shooter 43.4%, Local Co-Op 21.9%, Action 20.3%, Local Multiplayer 13.2%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #26 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Score Attack 15.4%, 2.5D 14.6%, Shooter 14.4%, 1990's 11.2%
- #27 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
82% 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 53.5%, Shooter 19.9%, Arcade 19%, Action 7.6%
- #28 Truxton
77% 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 27.5%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Arcade 13.2%, 1990's 11.7%, Score Attack 7.7%
- #29 AQUA KITTY UDX
78% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2023
Dev: TIKIPOD
Windows
AQUA KITTY UDX blasts onto PC in this enhanced Ultra Deluxe Edition including the epic Dreadnought game mode!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Side Scroller 17%, Arcade 13.5%, Local Co-Op 9.1%, 1990's 8%
- #30 Space Invaders Extreme
79% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 13%, Score Attack 12.8%, Aliens 10.1%
- #31 Earthion
72% matchVery Positive96% of 471 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Side Scroller 14.9%, 1990's 14.3%, Shooter 11.9%, Female Protagonist 11.4%
- #32 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.7%, Female Protagonist 14%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 9.8%, Score Attack 9.6%
- #33 Sky Force Reloaded
75% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, 2.5D 13.9%, Arcade 13.2%, Score Attack 11.8%, Local Co-Op 9.9%
- #34 Batsugun
74% 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 40.7%, Arcade 17.6%, Score Attack 12.2%, 1990's 9.9%, Local Co-Op 6.2%
- #35 Assault Android Cactus+
74% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Shooter 13.7%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Arcade 11.7%, Sci-fi 7.9%
- #36 Alien Hominid HD
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 582 reviews2023
Dev: The Behemoth
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 49%
The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Side Scroller 23.6%, Arcade 13.5%, Aliens 12.6%, Local Co-Op 9.3%
- #37 METAL SLUG 2
75% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Arcade 22.5%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Action 10.6%, Shooter 8.1%
- #38 閃攻機人アスラ - ASURA THE STRIKER -
71% matchVery Positive93% of 130 reviews2025
Dev: LeftOver
Windows
A high-speed 3D rail shooter inspired by legendary arcade classics. Control the humanoid combat weapon ASURA and battle overwhelming waves of invaders using Energy Shot, Shining Knuckle, and the time-bending Lightning Over Drive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Shooter 12.7%, Female Protagonist 11.5%, Arcade 10.6%, Multiple Endings 8.3%
- #39 TWINKLE STAR SPRITES
76% 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 48%, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Arcade 15.4%, 1990's 9.9%, Action 6.4%
- #40 Ginga Force
73% 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 55.6%, Action 24.4%, Arcade 20%
- #41 Caladrius Blaze
73% matchVery Positive85% of 418 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: H2 Interactive Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
An epic tale that begins from shooting missiles! The newest work of the Caladrius series with lots of new features that exceeds the original story!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.4%, Arcade 13.6%, Action 11.6%, Shooter 8.7%, Female Protagonist 8.6%
- #42 Weapon of Choice DX
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 481 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Weapon of Choice is a high-energy, side-scroller in which each playable character is unique with their own special weapon and abilities! Blast insane aliens, find new player characters, and choose between branching paths!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Aliens 12.8%, Multiple Endings 9.5%, Arcade 8.8%
- #43 ZeroRanger
70% 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 58.7%, Arcade 12.9%, Shooter 8.1%, Female Protagonist 6.5%, Action 5.8%
- #44 Sky Force Anniversary
71% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.7%, Arcade 12%, 2.5D 11.6%, Score Attack 8.9%, Shooter 8.4%
- #45 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
71% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Arcade 25.8%, Action 8.6%, Local Co-Op 6.5%, Shooter 6.4%
- #46 Eigengrau
69% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, 2.5D 17.3%, Score Attack 12.6%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 10.7%
- #47 Pewt 'em Up!
70% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Shooter 16.7%, Aliens 15.3%, Arcade 14.8%, Futuristic 9%
- #48 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: Shoot 'Em Up 46%, Action 35.3%, Arcade 18.7%
- #49 Sophstar
69% matchVery Positive100% of 102 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Shooter 11.7%, Aliens 10.9%, Arcade 10.9%, Score Attack 10.6%
- #50 Ex-Zodiac
66% matchVery Positive94% of 999 reviews2022
Dev: MNKYPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 1.0 hrs≥1hr: 34%
A fast-paced low-poly 3D rail shooter heavily inspired by classics of the early 90's. Join protagonist Kyuu as she fights to free the worlds of the Sanzaru Star System, overrun by the intergalactic terrorist organization known as Zodiac.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Shooter 18.8%, Female Protagonist 17%, Arcade 16.1%, 3D 6.9%
- #51 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 30.1%, Side Scroller 26.9%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 11.2%, Local Co-Op 8.7%
- #52 Schildmaid MX
67% 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 31.1%, Side Scroller 24.8%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 11.1%, Score Attack 9.3%
- #53 Graze Counter GM
66% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Arcade 13.6%, 1990's 13.2%, Shooter 12.4%
- #54 Hellsinker.
68% matchVery Positive90% of 267 reviews2019
Dev: Ruminant’s WhimperPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
A legendary SHMUP influential to the best makers in the genre, Hellsinker is now available on steam in its most advanced form! Gameplay, story, graphics, and even music all united into one cohesive and highly dimensional Shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.5%, Arcade 15.7%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Shooter 11.4%, Score Attack 11.4%
- #55 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
67% 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 36.8%, Shooter 19.3%, Arcade 18.2%, Female Protagonist 16.9%, Action 8.2%
- #56 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
65% matchVery Positive97% of 357 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.3%, Arcade 20.7%, Shooter 18.3%, Action 7.9%, Sci-fi 6.5%
- #57 GanaBlade
65% matchVery Positive96% of 160 reviews2023
Dev: Liao Kai
Windows
This is a hot barrage shooting game. Destroy enemy planes with powerful firepower, shuttle and evade in the barrage. Various scenes with rich colors Planets, Fire Stars, Jupiter Stars, Water Stars, and huge battleships. It's time to drive a space fighter and show your strength! !
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Shooter 22.7%, Local Co-Op 12.6%, Co-op 10.1%, Female Protagonist 9.3%
- #58 Flying Tank
64% matchVery Positive86% of 101 reviews2024
Dev: Hexage
Windows
Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!
Why similar: Side Scroller 34.6%, Local Co-Op 15.5%, Aliens 12.8%, Shooter 12.1%, Co-op 11.6%