- #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 18.9%, Bullet Hell 16%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Cartoon 13.1%, Shooter 10%
- #2 1993 Space Machine
96% matchMostly Positive70% of 380 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 13.3%, Side Scroller 11%, Co-op 9.1%, 1990's 9%
- #3 The 7th Sign Project
96% match8 user reviews63% of 8 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 16.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%, Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 12.7%, 1990's 12.2%
- #4 Bouncy Bob: Episode 2
95% 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 15.4%, Hand-drawn 11.7%, Platformer 10.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.8%, Bullet Hell 10.6%
- #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 23%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Side Scroller 11.8%, 1990's 11.2%, 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 16.6%, Platformer 14.3%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Retro 10.1%
- #7 Metal Crisis
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mad Rabbit Digital
Windows
METAL CRISIS is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by 3D space shooters of the 90s. Pilot the most advanced ship Earth has created capable of acquiring enemy weapons as you battle through hordes of fighters and hulking bosses in it's war against the space colonies rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Bullet Hell 19%, 1990's 18.4%, Shooter 11.9%, Sci-fi 9.2%
- #8 Escape Space
91% 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 20.9%, Gun Customization 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Side Scroller 11.1%, Shooter 10.3%
- #9 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
92% 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 20.4%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, 1990's 12.9%, Retro 11.4%
- #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 20.8%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Shooter 11.4%, 1990's 6.9%
- #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 19%, Gun Customization 15.8%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Side Scroller 11.5%, Retro 9.3%
- #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 22.7%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Shooter 10%, Retro 9.8%
- #13 Ballpoint Universe - Infinite
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 727 reviews2013
Dev: Arachnid Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 8.5 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 33.3%, Hand-drawn 17.9%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Platformer 13.4%, Shooter 7.4%
- #14 Karma Cannon
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Video Galaxy
Windows
Clear hordes of cosmic critters in this simple 2D shooter but be carefully, bullets that exit the arena will warp behind you and become dangerous to you ship. Whatever goes around comes around.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Shooter 11.8%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Retro 9.4%
- #15 Frutz
87% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Broken Walls Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through five worlds, claim the Cosmic Gems, defeat Lord Zorkannan, and master every run in this fast arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Shooter 9.9%, 1990's 8.8%
- #16 Soda Crisis
86% matchVery Positive93% of 3,217 reviews2022
Dev: Team SodaPub: bilibili
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 6.3 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 22%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Gun Customization 19.8%, Shooter 10.1%, Platformer 8.9%
- #17 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 24.1%, Gun Customization 19.9%, Side Scroller 16%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Retro 9.3%
- #18 Feeble Light
85% matchPositive80% of 10 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 28.5%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Shooter 13.3%, 1990's 10.8%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #19 Chester’s Revenge
84% 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: Cartoon 13.7%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.3%, Platformer 10.4%
- #20 Glorkian Warrior: The Trials Of Glork
84% matchVery Positive90% of 371 reviews2015
Dev: PixeljamPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
A retro mashup of a Galaga-style shoot-em-up and simple platforming action. Made in collaboration with Eisner-award-winning James Kochalka, based on his graphic novel series for kids.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Side Scroller 15%, Platformer 10.2%, Shooter 9.2%
- #21 Shoot Star
82% 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 20.1%, Cartoon 17.4%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Side Scroller 11%, Shooter 8.8%
- #22 Toyland Tussle
81% matchVery Positive88% of 132 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 19.4%, Cartoon 19.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Platformer 8.1%
- #23 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
83% 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 24.2%, Side Scroller 19.7%, 1990's 15.3%, Shooter 14.3%, Retro 8.5%
- #24 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 18.9%, Bullet Hell 16%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Cartoon 12.6%, Shooter 10.3%
- #25 Tiebreakers
80% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Tiecorp StudioPub: Noodlecake
Windows
A SHONEN RUN N' GUN! Discover a heated run n' gun gameplay and challenging boss-fight tiebreaks. Shoot, Parry, and blast your way through intense encounters mastering a combat system about precision and movement. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn: push your limits, and come back stronger.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 15.5%, Shooter 12.3%, Cartoon 12.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.9%, Co-op 10.7%
- #26 Power-Up
81% matchMixed58% of 266 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 26.4%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Retro 10.9%, Shooter 10.3%
- #27 RePulse-X
79% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Stefan Amelung
Windows · Linux
Defend Earth against alien asteroid attacks in this arcade roguelite retro shooter and experience the evolution of the genre in a gripping visual and auditory adventure.
Why similar: Gun Customization 23.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Side Scroller 15.8%, 1990's 10.7%, Hand-drawn 10.3%
- #28 Creepy Road
79% matchMixed69% of 140 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 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Cartoon 10.2%, Platformer 8.9%
- #29 Armored Lab Force VULVEHICLES
78% matchPositive100% of 41 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 18.9%, Bullet Hell 16%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Cartoon 12.3%, 1990's 12.1%
- #30 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
77% matchPositive83% of 29 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 26.2%, Side Scroller 20.1%, 1990's 14.9%, Shooter 12.2%, Retro 8.7%
- #31 Apocalypse Cow
77% 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 14.6%, Cartoon 13.2%, Platformer 11.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.3%, Co-op 11%
- #32 Stellar Raid
78% 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 26.7%, Side Scroller 26.7%, Retro 11.7%, 1990's 10.4%, Shooter 7.3%
- #33 Dragon Attack Mythologies: A Night Wolf Revenge
75% 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 24.4%, Side Scroller 23.8%, Platformer 14.1%, 1990's 9.9%, Retro 5%
- #34 Shadows of Steel Moons
76% 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 22.1%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Hand-drawn 14.2%, Platformer 13.3%, Sci-fi 10.4%
- #35 Touhou Meijinka ~ Song of Divine Tempest
75% matchMixed60% of 34 reviews2023
Dev: Drillimation Systems
Windows · Mac
A thunderous concert appears...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 17%, 1990's 13.9%, Hand-drawn 12.5%, Shooter 11.2%
- #36 Herodes
74% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: TecnoloGilsPub: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Pilot a miniaturized ship and save humanity from the inside out! Herodes is a fast-paced action SHMUP where you enter the human body to hunt a deadly virus. Destroy organic defenses and survive visceral bosses in this tribute to genre classics.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Bullet Hell 18%, Shooter 12.9%, Sci-fi 6.4%
- #37 Little Samson
74% 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 20.8%, Platformer 17.2%, Cartoon 16.6%, Retro 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.5%
- #38 Celtreos
76% 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 25.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Shooter 7.4%
- #39 Folclore Xamin
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: StudioFDS
Windows
Folclore Xamin is an intense 2D action platformer and run-and-gun game. Featuring beautiful hand-drawn animations, you control the Xamin twins who wield the power of nature. Master shooting, jumping, and dashing to defeat forest spirits and conquer the Amazon!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.6%, Hand-drawn 12.5%, Cartoon 9.7%
- #40 The Battle of Aurinoxia
71% matchPositive73% of 15 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 25.5%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Shooter 13.3%, 1990's 10.1%, Sci-fi 6.6%
- #41 Cosmic Destroyer
73% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Turn the incoming swarm of deadly bullets into your own weapon of chaos in this precision STG bullet hell. Grab and toss enemies, dodge and deflect torrents of bullets, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Shooter 11.8%, 1990's 8.2%
- #42 Hellfish
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows · Linux
Hellfish is a classic side-scrolling shoot 'em up set deep in a corrupted ocean. Battle demonic sea creatures as The Pope using his holy submarine, and customize your righteous weapons in unique ways every time you play.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Gun Customization 15%, Shooter 8.3%
- #43 Ren & Stimpy Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, Collection
71% match6 user reviews67% of 6 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 22.7%, Cartoon 13.2%, Platformer 13.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 11%, Retro 10%
- #44 Black Otaku - SOS HD
73% 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 24.3%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 13.4%, Cartoon 12%, Platformer 10.1%
- #45 Syder Reloaded
70% 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 21.4%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Shooter 11%, Retro 9.8%
- #46 Lazy Galaxy: Rebel Story
72% matchPositive88% of 43 reviews2018
Dev: Coldwild Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 21%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Co-op 9.5%, Action 7.7%
- #47 Bombardiro Crocodilo MISSION
69% match3 user reviews100% of 3 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 16%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Shooter 10.8%, Hand-drawn 8.8%
- #48 Disaster Arms - Impact Project B.A.H.N.
68% matchVery Positive100% of 64 reviews2025
Dev: PD_CGT
Windows · Linux
- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Hand-drawn 10.6%, Cartoon 10.6%
- #49 Contra: Operation Galuga
68% matchVery Positive87% of 948 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 18.2%, Side Scroller 15.3%, 1990's 15.1%, Platformer 11.7%, Shooter 11.1%
- #50 Icarus
70% 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 28.1%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Retro 11.5%, 1990's 11.5%, Shooter 8.2%
- #51 SATAZIUS
71% 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 22.1%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Shooter 9.4%, 1990's 8.2%
- #52 Escape 2 Space
69% 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 21.6%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Shooter 13.2%, Retro 7.5%
- #53 CRISIS Command
68% 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 18.8%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Platformer 12.8%, Shooter 11.7%, Sci-fi 9.4%
- #54 Nebular Crush
70% 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 18.4%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, 1990's 10.7%, Platformer 10.2%
- #55 Weapon of Choice DX
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 501 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.9 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 20.9%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Hand-drawn 13.6%, Platformer 11.9%, Retro 10.8%
- #56 Marianara Deep
66% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Jelly Rave
Windows
Dive into the exciting aquatic-themed space world of Marianara Deep! A vigorous shoot 'em up bullet hell, filled with area-denying bullet patterns to challenge players! Join one of our crew members to shoot 'em all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Shooter 18.2%, Action 10.6%, Sci-fi 9.8%
- #57 Automatic Eltron
66% match1 user reviews100% of 1 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 24.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Shooter 9.9%, Bullet Hell 9.1%
- #58 Z-Warp
67% matchPositive100% of 27 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 28.4%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, Shooter 14.1%, Retro 10.8%, Sci-fi 7.2%
- #59 Lil Baby Poop's NIGHTMARES
66% matchMixed65% of 20 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 22.3%, Cartoon 19%, Hand-drawn 18.7%, Platformer 11.5%, Shooter 8.7%
- #60 Origami Flight
67% 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 28.6%, Side Scroller 22%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Shooter 8.9%, Retro 7.3%