- #1 Art Strikers
97% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Friendly Fire Software
Windows
Draw your path to victory in Art Strikers! A unique art themed bullet hell shoot-em-up that looks and plays like a beautiful work of art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Cartoon 13.1%, Shooter 9.9%
- #2 1993 Space Machine
96% matchMostly Positive70% of 377 reviews2016
Dev: ExceedPub: Aurora Punks
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
Why similar: Gun Customization 22.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Co-op 9.2%, 1990's 9%
- #3 Bouncy Bob: Episode 2
96% matchMixed50% of 14 reviews2019
Dev: MadGamesmithPub: WIG Publishing
Windows
Bouncy Bob 2 is a crazy couch co-op game for up to 4 players. Choose one of 12 different characters. Customize your color, choose one of 14 arenas and get ready for the ultimate bouncy bobbing.
Why similar: Cartoon 15.3%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, Platformer 10.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.7%, Bullet Hell 10.7%
- #4 The 7th Sign Project
95% 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 16.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Platformer 14.1%, Side Scroller 12.6%, 1990's 12.3%
- #5 Suicide Runners
94% 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 22.8%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Side Scroller 11.7%, 1990's 11.3%, Retro 10.8%
- #6 Adventures of DaKoo the Dragon
94% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Domino Studios
Windows · Linux
Adventures of DaKoo the Dragon has over 150 levels, every run of the game is unique. Animations, enemy spawning, and attacks are all randomized to enhance the immersion. With multiple ways to attack you will take on 5 Bosses among multiple obstacles.
Why similar: Cartoon 19.6%, Hand-drawn 16.7%, Platformer 14.1%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Retro 10.2%
- #7 Escape Space
92% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Gun Customization 18.4% ★, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Side Scroller 11%, Shooter 10.2%
- #8 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
93% 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 20.3%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, 1990's 13%, Retro 11.5%
- #9 ZPF
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: ZPF TeamPub: Mega Cat Studios
Windows
ZPF is a retro-inspired horizontal shooter for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Blast your way through a cosmic gauntlet of epic boss battles, addictive scoring, and hidden secrets in a thrilling arcade-style adventure through fantasy, sci-fi, and alien-themed worlds.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Side Scroller 15.1%, 1990's 14.8%, Shooter 11.1%
- #10 Chromacell
91% 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 20.7%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Shooter 11.3%, 1990's 7%
- #11 AlphaBlue
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dream Stories
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cross the universe, shoot aliens, upgrade your weapons and face powerful bosses with AB in this retro inspired lateral shoot 'em up to save the world. Adventure into Campaign Mode or face the never-ending waves of Endless Mode with suitable challenges for all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Gun Customization 15.9% ★, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Retro 9.4%
- #12 STURMWIND EX
89% 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 22.6%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 9.9%, Retro 9.8%
- #13 Soda Crisis
88% matchVery Positive93% of 3,188 reviews2022
Dev: Team SodaPub: bilibili
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Soda Crisis is a fast-paced side-scrolling shooter game. You play a mysterious character of unknown origin, equipped with advanced high-tech gears and fierce combating skills - definitely the chosen one for this rescue mission!
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.9%, Gun Customization 20% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Shooter 10%, Platformer 8.9%
- #14 Ballpoint Universe - Infinite
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 726 reviews2013
Dev: Arachnid Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a shoot-em-up adventure game featuring artwork entirely drawn in ballpoint pen. Explore immaculate worlds, discover the secrets of the doodles, and customize your Ink-Ship for battle! Press"Ballpoint Universe Infinite is too exuberant to ignore.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Hand-drawn 18.2%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Platformer 13.3%, Shooter 7.3%
- #15 Feeble Light
87% 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 28.2%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Shooter 13.2%, 1990's 10.9%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #16 Antibody
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: PunchButton Studios
Windows
Blast your way through waves of viroid enemies in Antibody, a Defender-style shoot ‘em up set on a living planet. Move through Sanguon’s insides as you fight to contain a viral outbreak. You are the cure.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Gun Customization 20% ★, Side Scroller 15.9%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Retro 9.3%
- #17 Chester’s Revenge
86% 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 13.9%, Cartoon 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Platformer 10.2%
- #18 Toyland Tussle
84% matchVery Positive88% of 107 reviews2025
Dev: RBW Games
Windows · Mac
A single classic cartoon inspired boss fight platformer, with shoot em' up game mechanics. Run, jump, and shoot with four unique bullet types and two difficulty modes. Try to get a gold rank in this hand-drawn, traditionally animated boss fight.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 19.5%, Cartoon 19.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Platformer 8%
- #19 Shoot Star
84% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: natamigame
Windows
Enjoy boss battles in a cartoon world! "ShootStar" is a 2D shooting action boss battle game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Cartoon 17.4%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Side Scroller 10.9%, Shooter 8.7%
- #20 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
85% 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 24.1%, Side Scroller 19.6%, 1990's 15.5%, Shooter 14.2%, Retro 8.6%
- #21 Power-Up
83% 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 26.2%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Retro 11%, Shooter 10.2%
- #22 Kaiju Kite Attack
82% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2019
Dev: PWCA
Windows
OH MY KAIJU!!! IT'S...KAIJU!!! KAIJU KITE ATTACK!!! The FIRST EVER SHMUP-platformer! Get your kite in the sky now! The Kaiju are coming to town to burn it down. Save your Meemaw! Save the universe! FLY OR DIE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Side Scroller 14%, Cartoon 12.6%, Shooter 10.2%
- #23 Armored Lab Force VULVEHICLES
81% matchPositive100% of 40 reviews2022
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Raze the road less traveled with your Vulvehicle, the ultimate all-purpose armored combat machine! Whether flying through the sky, or burrowing deep underground, these gals stop at nothing to blast through terrain and enemies alike in this comical action STG!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Cartoon 12.3%, 1990's 12.2%
- #24 Creepy Road
82% matchMixed69% of 139 reviews2018
Dev: Groovy Milk
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 45%
The world has gone mad and Flint Trucker must go down a long, creepy road to get back home and save his beloved Angelina. Blast your guns across different scenarios to fight hordes of ravenous beasts and bloodthirsty enemies.Will you survive?
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Cartoon 10.3%, Platformer 8.8%
- #25 Apocalypse Cow
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Monsters
Windows
Apocalypse Cow is a cinematic metroidvania in a rich digital universe with a thousand years of lore. In that world a little girl with the power to rupture time will fight against all odds to reunite with her father. But can she weather the coming darkness?
Why similar: Bullet Hell 14.8%, Cartoon 13.2%, Platformer 11.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.2%, Co-op 11.1%
- #26 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
79% 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 26.1%, Side Scroller 20%, 1990's 15.1%, Shooter 12.2%, Retro 8.8%
- #27 Dragon Attack Mythologies: A Night Wolf Revenge
79% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Mate Frio Studios
Windows
Jump, dodge, and fight against anyone who crosses your path in search of revenge. Explore 8 challenging worlds filled with danger and classic arcade action.
Why similar: Gun Customization 24.5% ★, Side Scroller 23.6%, Platformer 14%, 1990's 10%, Retro 5.1%
- #28 Stellar Raid
80% 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 26.6%, Side Scroller 26.5%, Retro 11.9%, 1990's 10.5%, Shooter 7.2%
- #29 Touhou Meijinka ~ Song of Divine Tempest
78% matchMixed62% of 34 reviews2023
Dev: Drillimation Systems
Windows · Mac
A thunderous concert appears...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, 1990's 14%, Hand-drawn 12.6%, Shooter 11.1%
- #30 The Battle of Aurinoxia
76% matchPositive75% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Shooter 13.2%, 1990's 10.1%, Sci-fi 6.6%
- #31 Shadows of Steel Moons
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Shiv
Windows
Shadows of steel moons is an action-platformer with dark techno-fantasy style. The story of a valiant knight who defeats mechanical gods and monsters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Hand-drawn 14.4%, Platformer 13.2%, Sci-fi 10.4%
- #32 Little Samson
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mighty Rabbit StudiosPub: Limited Run Games
Windows
Leaping, smashing, scorching, and exploding its way into your collection! Little Samson—the rarest and most coveted game of the 8-bit era—arrives on modern systems for everyone to enjoy!
Why similar: 1990's 21%, Platformer 17%, Cartoon 16.6%, Retro 12.7%, Side Scroller 12.3%
- #33 Cosmic Destroyer
77% 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 22.2%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Shooter 11.7%, 1990's 8.3%
- #34 Ren & Stimpy Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, Collection
74% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Mighty Rabbit StudiosPub: Limited Run Games
Windows
Hey, man! Ren & Stimpy are back in a collection of games that will satisfy even the sickest little monkeys. Don't be an eediot - add this to your game library today, you filthy swine!
Why similar: 1990's 22.9%, Cartoon 13.3%, Platformer 12.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.9%, Retro 10%
- #35 Syder Reloaded
74% 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 21.2%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Shooter 10.9%, Retro 9.8%
- #36 Lazy Galaxy: Rebel Story
76% matchPositive88% of 43 reviews2018
Dev: Coldwild Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Start a Rebellion! Lead your ships to take down the evil O'Xelg base in this squad-based shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Co-op 9.6%, Action 7.6%
- #37 Black Otaku - SOS HD
75% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: Def Sauce
Windows
Big guns have begun an attack on YOUR communities, and trust, bredren, YOU DI ONLY BLACK MAN DAT CYAN STOP DEM ...and di only way to stop dem, is to run-right and shoot everything that moves!!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Shooter 13.4%, Cartoon 12.1%, Platformer 10%
- #38 SATAZIUS
75% 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 21.9%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Shooter 9.3%, 1990's 8.3%
- #39 Contra: Operation Galuga
71% matchVery Positive88% of 909 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, 1990's 15.3%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Platformer 11.5%, Shooter 11%
- #40 Bombardiro Crocodilo MISSION
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
In this fun and frenetic shooter, you'll play as Bombardiro Crocodilo, who's trying to save Ballerina Capuchina from Tralalero Tralala's shoed fins. Embark on an action-packed journey with tons of shooting, different weapons, and skins from the Brainrot universe!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Shooter 10.8%, Hand-drawn 9%
- #41 Disaster Arms - Impact Project B.A.H.N.
70% matchVery Positive100% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: PD_CGT
Windows · Linux
- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Hand-drawn 10.8%, Cartoon 10.6%
- #42 Icarus
73% 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 27.9%, Side Scroller 21.6%, 1990's 11.6%, Retro 11.6%, Shooter 8.1%
- #43 Escape 2 Space
72% 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 19.7%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Shooter 13.1%, Retro 7.6%
- #44 CRISIS Command
70% matchPositive88% of 25 reviews2024
Dev: Saint Pixels Entertainment
Windows
The peaceful island of Yukrea has been invaded by the evil Dread Corps! It's time to blast your way through over 6 stages of mayhem to rescue civilians and push those robots out. Use their own powers against them and help reclaim peace to the island.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Platformer 12.7%, Shooter 11.7%, Sci-fi 9.5%
- #45 Z-Warp
71% matchPositive100% of 25 reviews2022
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Z-Warp is an intense vertical shoot’em up presented in retro pixel art style, featuring frenetic arcade-inspired action where blasters, bombs and KILLER specials are your only allies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Shooter 13.9%, Retro 10.9%, Sci-fi 7.2%
- #46 Weapon of Choice DX
72% 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 20.8%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Hand-drawn 13.7%, Platformer 11.9%, Retro 10.9%
- #47 Nebular Crush
73% matchNo user reviews2022
Dev: Sunamico
Windows
Nebular Crush is 2D retro shooter that delivers non-stop arcade action. Armed with a magical surfboard and guitar, you must shred your way to victory through over 50 action-packed levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, 1990's 10.9%, Platformer 10.1%
- #48 Automatic Eltron
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Elysion CD
Windows
A side-scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by 8-bit games and 80s Sci-Fi movies. Play as Automatic Eltron, a cybernetic law enforcer, and save the city from the machine domination.
Why similar: Gun Customization 24.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Shooter 9.8%, Bullet Hell 9.2%
- #49 Hazelnut Hex
68% matchVery Positive98% of 121 reviews2023
Dev: Chunderfins
Windows
Rescue breakfast in this arcade-style bullet hell shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Cartoon 14.1%, Hand-drawn 11.6%, Shooter 10.8%
- #50 TENGAI
67% matchPositive100% of 17 reviews2026
Dev: ZerodivPub: KMBOX
Windows
Three years after Sengoku Ace. The long-awaited sequel arrives!! Saikyo's side-scrolling shooter. The first installment!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Side Scroller 14.8%, 1990's 14%, Shooter 12.6%
- #51 Lil Baby Poop's NIGHTMARES
69% matchMixed67% of 18 reviews2023
Dev: Soju and Ink
Windows
A cute, family-friendly, fast-paced and challenging action platform game in a vintage rubberhose cartoon style, accompanied by old-school jazz music. Find your way through every level, avoid traps and fight off creatures to eventually wake up from each of 13 nightmares.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Cartoon 19.1%, Hand-drawn 18.9%, Platformer 11.4%, Shooter 8.7%
- #52 Celtreos
73% matchNo user reviews2019
Dev: Kevin M. Grant
Mac
1-2 players, game controller support. NO in-app purchases. Over 45 minutes of music! 13 detailed stages, partly-random, with bosses. Tons of weapons, guards and special moves. Play in a window or in Full Screen.
Why similar: Gun Customization 25.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Shooter 7.3%
- #53 Killon
68% matchPositive90% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Luois Games
Windows
Killon is a retro shooter that features exhilarating combat, manic enemies and a charged cannon waiting to be unleashed. Fly a starship across the universe and restore the future today.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Hand-drawn 12.2%, 1990's 11.5%, Retro 10.5%
- #54 Bad Chicken
69% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Coquibyte Games
Windows
Bad Chicken is a retro styled sideway scrolling shoot-em-up inspired by the retro classics. It takes place in 8 locations in the Ferus system, each one with different challenges, and dangers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Shooter 11.2%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #55 Origami Flight
69% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2019
Dev: Whalesoft Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Origami Flight is a sidescrolling 2D shoot' em up where you control a paper airplane with a simple but challenging mission: to save the Origami World. Now you must beat 6 different stages with tons of enemies in order to save the Tsuru from the evil Origami Fox.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Shooter 8.9%, Retro 7.4%
- #56 Spacewing War
67% 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 27.1%, Side Scroller 25.8%, Shooter 13.8%, 1990's 13.7%, Retro 6.7%
- #57 Project X: Light Years
64% matchVery Positive96% of 153 reviews2025
Dev: MK_Games
Windows · Linux
The official Project X sequel ✨ Back after 30 years!🎮 A demanding, skill-based experience that rewards patience and mastery. Not every game is for everyone — this one is for players who love a real, fair challenge. Try the demo and see if you’re up for it. Failure teaches. Mastery rewards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Hand-drawn 11.5%, Shooter 10%
- #58 Black Paradox Reloaded
68% 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 18.2%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Shooter 11.6%, Co-op 9.2%
- #59 Full Moon Rush
66% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: Silkworm
Windows
Take on a howling challenge in Full Moon Rush! This classic shoot 'em up is a bullet hell masterpiece with a boss rush twist. With 15 epic battles and old-school graphics, you'll need expert shooting skills to survive. Customizable health and Assist Mode make it accessible to all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Platformer 11.3%, Shooter 10.1%
- #60 Rodent and Plank: Secret Origin
67% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: Lodder Digital Media
Windows · Linux
A cosmic plank turns a rat into a gun-blasting 90s mascot in a world packed with fairy tale monsters and reality-shifting mayhem. Fuse weapons, wreck everything, and try to figure out what on earth is going on. It’s weird, it’s loud, and it does not slow down.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Side Scroller 14.3%, Cartoon 11.8%, Hand-drawn 11.1%