- #1 Graze Counter GM
97% matchVery Positive97% of 191 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 46%, Action 21.6%, Casual 18.3%, Indie 14.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a modern take on the bullet-hell genre with high-energy action and satisfying scoring mechanics.
- #2 RagingBlasters
96% matchVery Positive99% of 124 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 53.4%, Action 20.3%, Casual 14.3%, Indie 12%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, modern arcade shooter that perfectly captures the retro feel of classic space combat.
- #3 Jamestown
96% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.2%, Indie 14.9%, Action 12.9%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the whimsical charm and classic arcade-style progression found in Galagan's Island.
- #4 Danmaku Unlimited 3
95% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Action 26%, Indie 19.1%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes fluid movement and intense patterns.
- #5 Infinos Gaiden
94% matchVery Positive98% of 85 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.1%, Action 29.1%, Indie 20.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pure 2D arcade shooter that pays loving homage to the classic era of the genre.
- #6 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
94% matchVery Positive84% of 605 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.6%, Action 24.7%, Indie 18.6%
Why You'll Like It: This game provides a polished, retro-inspired space shooter experience that feels right at home with arcade fans.
- #7 BLUE REVOLVER
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 870 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 69.7%, Action 16.1%, Indie 14.2%
Why You'll Like It: A high-octane arcade shooter that blends fast-paced action with a vibrant, modern aesthetic.
- #8 Super Bit Blaster XL
91% matchVery Positive94% of 878 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.5%, Action 22.8%, Casual 20.7%
Why You'll Like It: An expanded version of the original that adds more depth and variety to the arcade shooter formula.
- #9 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
93% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.5%, Casual 22.6%, Action 20.9%
Why You'll Like It: A wave-based arcade shooter that focuses on addictive, fast-paced gameplay loops.
- #10 Sky Force Reloaded
91% matchVery Positive93% of 2,688 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 64.4%, Action 20.7%, Indie 14.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern, highly accessible arcade shooter with beautiful graphics and satisfying progression systems.
- #11 Bit Blaster XL
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,145 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.6%, Action 23.1%, Casual 21.4%
Why You'll Like It: A simple, addictive, and fast-paced arcade shooter that is easy to pick up and hard to put down.
- #12 Tiamat X
89% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
Dev: BBQ Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Action 34.2%, Indie 21.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that focuses on tight controls and classic gameplay mechanics.
- #13 AngerForce: Reloaded
88% matchVery Positive91% of 383 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 100%
Why You'll Like It: A high-energy shooter that combines classic arcade mechanics with modern bullet-hell intensity.
- #14 ZeroRanger
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,161 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.3%, Action 20%, Indie 17.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that serves as a love letter to the history of arcade shoot-'em-ups.
- #15 GALAXIUM
89% matchMostly Negative27% of 223 reviews2019
Dev: Tony MuñozPub: Wulum LTD
Windows · Mac
Arcade shoot game inspired on 80’s classics with extra features as you progress.
Why similar: Action 38.6%, Casual 33.1%, Indie 28.3%
Why You'll Like It: A direct and faithful homage to the classic space shooters that inspired the genre.
- #16 BULLET SOUL
86% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.9%, Action 31.5%, Casual 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, accessible bullet-hell shooter that prioritizes fun and high-energy action.
- #17 Doughlings: Invasion
85% matchMixed63% of 60 reviews2019
Dev: Hero Concept
Windows
Another tribute paid to yet another arcade classic from the Hero Concept team! Doughlings: Invasion promises a fun gaming experience to gamers of all ages with the innovations it brings to the shooting genre.
Why similar: Action 28.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Casual 22.1%, Indie 20.5%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that blends classic mechanics with a quirky, modern visual style.
- #18 DoDonPachi Resurrection
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,062 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.5%, Action 29.5%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell title that offers the ultimate test of reflexes for any arcade shooter fan.
- #19 Switch 'N' Shoot
84% matchVery Positive96% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.1%, Casual 20.3%, Indie 10.7%, Action 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, score-attack arcade shooter that relies on a single-button control scheme.
- #20 Super Destronaut
84% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2016
Dev: Petite Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58%, Action 28.1%, Casual 7.8%, Indie 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A colorful, arcade-style space shooter that focuses on high-score chasing and simple, fun mechanics.
- #21 Mushihimesama
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,541 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.9 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 80.7%, Action 19.3%
Why You'll Like It: An essential bullet-hell experience that defines the genre with its intricate patterns and high-stakes action.
- #22 Raiden IV x MIKADO remix
81% matchMixed70% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.3%, Action 36.7%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter experience that brings the intensity of the arcade hall to your home.
- #23 Galacide
82% matchVery Positive86% of 95 reviews2015
Dev: Puny Human
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.4%, Action 30.4%, Indie 22.3%, Casual 4%
Why You'll Like It: A space shooter that incorporates puzzle elements, offering a fresh twist on the traditional arcade format.
- #24 Ikaruga
80% matchVery Positive95% of 2,317 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.1 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 84.8%, Action 11.9%, Indie 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade puzzle-shooter that requires strategic color-switching to survive intense bullet patterns.
- #25 RefRain - prism memories -
81% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: RebRankPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Action 33.7%, Indie 26.3%
Why You'll Like It: A high-energy bullet-hell shooter with a focus on complex patterns and fast-paced combat.
- #26 Sine Mora EX
79% matchMixed64% of 681 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 78.8%, Action 21.2%
Why You'll Like It: A unique arcade shooter where time is your health, adding a strategic layer to the classic formula.
- #27 TeraBlaster
78% matchMixed70% of 1,034 reviews2015
Dev: Black Shell Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
TeraBlaster is a top-down arcade shooter micro-game which draws heavy inspiration from Geometry Wars. Duke it out with hordes of enemies on randomly generated levels, trigger massive explosions, and die a truly glorious death.
Why similar: Action 29.8%, Casual 27.8%, Indie 24.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%
- #28 Duke of Alpha Centauri
78% matchMostly Positive77% of 549 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Duke of Alpha Centuri is a space shooter with amazing graphics. The main goal of our game is to have a lot of fun while blowing up hordes of different types of enemies. Engage in boss fights, upgrade your ship and ship systems until you are able to show off in an endless mode.
Why similar: Action 32%, Casual 27%, Indie 21.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%
- #29 Space Smash
77% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Fast-paced retro shmup where space keeps shrinking. Collect energy orbs, avoid danger, unlock ships, and chase the highest score in this addictive arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.6%, Action 23.6%, Casual 21.8%
- #30 The Bug Butcher
76% matchVery Positive90% of 1,201 reviews2016
Dev: Awfully Nice Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Action 29.5%, Indie 25.1%
- #31 Railgunners
72% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.9%, Action 29.7%, Indie 21.4%
- #32 Void Invaders
75% matchVery Positive84% of 412 reviews2015
Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.9%, Action 27.6%, Indie 21.5%
- #33 Gal-X-E
76% matchVery Positive86% of 91 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Gal-X-E aims to revive the old-school shoot em up genre, and adds modern elements to it! Fight your way through endless waves of randomly generated madness! Collect spaceships and show the enemy who's boss!
Why similar: Action 37.1%, Casual 36%, Indie 26.9%
- #34 Space Survival
77% matchMixed50% of 157 reviews2016
Dev: UltraShock Gaming LLCPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Space Survival is the next great SIMPLE 2D casual space action shooter where you have to defend against wave of enemies, have fast reflexes and strong will to win. It is great way to relax, but also a great challenge. How long can you stay focused?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Action 26.5%, Indie 18.6%, Casual 18.2%
- #35 Cozy Space Survivors
69% matchVery Positive97% of 367 reviews2024
Dev: simonschreibt
Windows · Mac · Linux
A cozy time survival roguelite in space. You steer the shippy while the shooting happens automatically. Meet cute NPCs, solve small quests, and fight quirky enemies with satisfying weapons. A shorter experience for people who don't have much time but love playing (and finishing) games.
Why similar: Action 53.1%, Casual 46.9%
- #36 ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA
73% matchVery Positive91% of 929 reviews2016
Dev: BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 26%
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.1%, Action 31.9%
- #37 Grav Blazer Squared
75% matchMixed41% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.2%, Action 20.2%, Casual 18.3%, Indie 7.3%
- #38 Revolgear Zero
64% matchVery Positive99% of 115 reviews2026
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.9%, Action 25.3%, Casual 8.8%
- #39 Galactic Bulwark Strike
73% matchVery Positive96% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: Josep G. Camarasa
Windows
An addictive physics-based mix of a shoot'em up and arkanoid. Defeat all the enemies while you keep the ball alive in this frantic retro-styled arcade game.
Why similar: Action 36.7%, Casual 34.3%, Indie 29%
- #40 Roche Fusion
73% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2015
Dev: amulware
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Roche Fusion is a retro, over the top space shooter. An all you can shoot buffet; fast paced and procedurally generated; with crazy waves of enemies, awesome upgrades and wicked boss-fights! Also: Explosions. Lots of explosions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.6%, Action 25.5%, Casual 23.8%, Indie 19.2%
- #41 Stellar 2D
74% matchMixed41% of 977 reviews2015
Dev: quad gamesPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Stellar 2D is a retro style space arcade game, it's a 2D game in a 3D world. With an addictive, fast paced, casual game-play style.
Why similar: Indie 43.6%, Action 19.8%, Casual 19.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%
- #42 Star Drifter
74% matchMixed47% of 230 reviews2016
Dev: Nostalgia HoundPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Star Drifter is a super hard and hectic space shooter, inspired by classics such as R Type, Xenon, Galaxian, Moon Cresta and Gradius.
Why similar: Indie 39.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Action 20.1%, Casual 18%
- #43 Phoenix 2
66% matchMixed67% of 218 reviews2025
Dev: Firi Games
Windows
A fast-paced shoot 'em up where skill matters. Master over 100 ships, unleash powerful special abilities, and blast through waves of Invaders. Play a new mission every day and climb the world-wide leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.7%, Action 22.8%, Indie 18.5%
- #44 Shmups Skill Test
72% matchVery Positive91% of 58 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Some say you’re only as old as you feel. Shmups Skill Test says you’re only as old as you shoot! Shmups Skill Test is a clever way to evaluate your shmup skills in the form of a "gamer age". Challenge and unlock shoot-’em-up-based minigames in a gauntlet of shmup nostalgia goodness.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #45 Nova Drift
61% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,456 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.3%, Action 20.2%, Casual 18.2%, Indie 13.2%
- #46 Pewt 'em Up!
67% 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 60.5%, Action 34.7%, Indie 4.7%
- #47 ShipLord
71% matchMixed62% of 844 reviews2015
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.
Why similar: Indie 30.8%, Action 25.1%, Casual 24%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%
- #48 Space Codex
70% matchVery Positive81% of 413 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Casual 51.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 48.7%
- #49 Asteroid Bounty Hunter
70% matchMixed65% of 804 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Action 25.6%, Indie 24.6%, Casual 22.1%
- #50 Bullet Hell Monday
66% matchVery Positive95% of 62 reviews2022
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.8%, Action 20%, Indie 11.1%
- #51 Graze Counter
68% matchVery Positive96% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.7%, Action 22.4%, Casual 18.1%, Indie 11.7%
- #52 Dark Matter
71% matchMixed59% of 155 reviews2015
Pub: Meridian4
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dark Matter is a classic arcade space shooter inspired by Asteroids, featuring fast-paced ship combat, physics-based movement, and score-driven gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.1%, Casual 21.1%, Action 17.7%
- #53 Space War: Infinity
68% matchVery Positive90% of 126 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Vertical semi-procedural shmup with upgrades, real-time enemy waves, and infinite replayability. Level up your ship, unlock 20+ weapons, defeat 5 bosses, and survive endless bullet-hell combat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.1%, Action 22.9%, Casual 21%
- #54 Pixel Star
70% matchVery Positive84% of 117 reviews2015
Dev: Soul Forge
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Action 56%, Indie 44%
- #55 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
64% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65%, Action 22.2%, Indie 12.8%
- #56 Polygoneer
67% matchVery Positive80% of 1,795 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.1 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Action 24.9%, Casual 24.8%, Indie 20.4%
- #57 Zenodyne R
69% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Action 36.6%, Indie 25.4%
- #58 Aces of the Galaxy™
71% matchMixed57% of 53 reviews2009
Dev: Artech StudiosPub: Activision
Windows
3, 2, 1 Blast-Off! Launch yourself into the intense space-shooter Aces of the Galaxy™ A non-stop, old-school arcade thrill-ride for the 21st century and beyond. Utilize an impressive arsenal of upgradeable weapons including high powered missile launchers, devastating torpedoes and the ever-reliant chain gun to annihilate the ships of...
Why similar: Action 52.8%, Casual 47.2%