- #1 Galactic Vanguard
97% matchPositive88% of 26 reviews2025
Dev: TopGame
Windows
Galactic Vanguard is a fast-paced, retro-style action shooter. Grab your weapons and eliminate relentless enemy forces and powerful alien creatures. Engage in intense battles across space bases, desert wastelands, lava valleys, and abandoned alien ruins!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 34.6% ★, 1990's 17.1%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Arcade 9.6%, Retro 9.5%
- #2 Impact Trial: Hyperchaos
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Manuel Bacallado
Windows
Survive endless waves and let yourself be swept away by the chaos. Impact Trial: Hyperchaos is a fast-paced arcade bullet hell game with adaptive difficulty, where every second counts and only your reflexes decide how long you last. The longer you hold out, the harder it gets.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 30.2% ★, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Arcade 9.4%, 1980s 9.1%, Shooter 5.8%
- #3 Battle for Asciion
95% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2026
Dev: Relevo
Windows
Battle for Asciion is a classic horizontal shoot ’em up built entirely from real text characters. No sprites. No pixels. No images. Just pure ASCII action, massive bosses, weapon upgrades and retro arcade challenge.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 30.4% ★, Side Scroller 11.1%, Arcade 10.8%, 1980s 10.4%, 1990's 9%
- #4 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
96% 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: Bullet Hell 16.7%, 1980s 12.8%, 1990's 11.7%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Retro 9.5%
- #5 Bombardiro Crocodilo MISSION
94% 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: Boomer Shooter 32.9% ★, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Arcade 10%, 1980s 7.8%
- #6 VALE
94% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: F-GamesPub: JTS Development
Windows
Fight your way to dominion over the universe in this Shoot Em Up game based on the book! On the planet Vale, known for its extreme cold and endless snowfields, the story follows young Talen Esko and his sister Salla, whose family, the Esko clan, is transferred to govern this icy world.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 25.7% ★, Bullet Hell 15.3%, 1980s 10.1%, Arcade 8.7%, 1990's 8.7%
- #7 Throst
93% match4 user reviews50% of 4 reviews2026
Dev: ZiG GAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Throst is a 2D-retro-arcade-action adventure about precision flying under constant gravity. Dive through tight tunnels, outmaneuver and destroy defenses. Grab the enemy’s energy orbs, and blast your way back to orbit before you’re crushed or shot down.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 37.8% ★, Side Scroller 10.5%, 1980s 10.3%, 1990's 9.3%, Arcade 7.7%
- #8 The X-Type
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.4%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Arcade 9.1%, 1980s 9.1%, Shooter 6.6%
- #9 Spaceman Defender
92% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend the Little Spaceman Dudes from aliens! Blast waves of Alien Abductors and UFOs across 50 challenging levels in this fast-paced ’80s-style arcade space shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.1%, 1980s 14.3%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Arcade 10.1%, Retro 8.9%
- #10 DAVE a nice guy
91% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: noisy kazoo
Windows
fast paced action game
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 40.9% ★, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Arcade 14%, Shooter 8.6%, Action 5.9%
- #11 Last Chance
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: kavun4ekz dev©Pub: TXC
Windows · Mac
Last Chance - is an atmospheric retro shooter with pixel graphics, where you are Alexei who has a disease in his head and must do everything to survive. The atmosphere of the dark winter adds to the epic and enhances the gameplay experience.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 42.8% ★, Bullet Hell 21.4%, 1990's 13.3%, Shooter 8.4%, Retro 6.4%
- #12 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
89% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: SNOWBALL EFFECT GAMES
Windows
A classic style SHMUP in the tradition of 80's and 90's vertical scrolling shooters. Maximize your run and get to the top of the High-score Leaderboard. Can you achieve the rank of Fleet Admiral? It's a challenge. Visit our website for a free playable browser demo of the game.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.9%, 1980s 14.1%, Arcade 12.9%, 1990's 12.3%, Shooter 9.1%
- #13 Alpha Galaxy Shooting Championship
89% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: .
Windows
This is a portal disguised as a game, where we will teleport your soul to a combat mech in the Alpha galaxy, where you will personally participate in the greatest shooting tournament in the entire Alpha galaxy and experience the purest combat fun in the arena filled with skilled players!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 52.1% ★, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Shooter 6.9%, Aliens 5.9%, Space 5%
- #14 Scorpion Hero Arcade Edition
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Iron Hopes
Windows
Scorpion Hero is a frenetic side-scrolling shooter with pixel-glow graphics, full of action and explosions in the style of the first games released in the arcades.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 54.9% ★, 1980s 14%, Arcade 12.9%, Retro 5.2%, Action 4.6%
- #15 SomethingWithSpace
87% match9 user reviews80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Andres GonzalezPub: Amino Acid Studios
Windows
A desolate and derelict station has been uncovered. You've been tasked with investigating, only to find the station's automated defenses are still active! How is it still... "alive"? Pilot your ship and find out! Can you make it out... "alive"? This helps me get through school! Hope you enjoy!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.3%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Arcade 14.1%, Space 13.3%, 1990's 8.8%
- #16 Survivors in Blood
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: UWE GamesPub: Bonjour E. P. T. A.
Windows
A warrior can't find peace even after death if he's offered a reward for bringing back a demon determined to take over the Earth. Welcome back to the land of the living, take up arms, forget fear and go hunting!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 35.6% ★, Bullet Hell 18.3%, 1980s 12.1%, 1990's 10.8%, Retro 7.8%
- #17 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
86% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: Pixel Bones Studio
Windows
Pig Ship and the Giant Wolf is a classic Shoot'em Up with a 8btis monochrome aesthetic. Cross the 6 worlds full of enemies and defeat the Giant Wolf to save your brothers.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.7%, 1980s 14.3%, 1990's 12.8%, Side Scroller 11%, Arcade 10.4%
- #18 One More Day
85% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2024
Dev: NekkoNikko
Windows
¡Welcome to One More Day! Embark on an exciting and challenging experience where fashion and survival intertwine in this pixel art 2D game. Confront the dark threat of endless hordes of zombies as you embody a brave hero, equipped only with trusty underwear! Survive One More Day.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 33.1% ★, 1990's 16.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Retro 10.2%, Side Scroller 10.1%
- #19 Galactic Outlaws
84% matchPositive97% of 36 reviews2025
Dev: Square Wheel
Windows
"Galactic Outlaws" is a side-scrolling space shooter where you lead an elite squad on high-risk missions. Customize and upgrade unique ships, master devastating weapons, and battle waves of enemies in a galaxy plunged into chaos. Victory depends on your strategy and skill!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 30.4% ★, Bullet Hell 15.6%, 1990's 11.1%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Arcade 9.9%
- #20 Frog Legs
82% matchVery Positive91% of 214 reviews2025
Dev: Elliott Dahle
Windows
A short, single-player horror action game starring Carl, the suburban house frog. Will you be able to conquer arcade challenges, solve puzzles, and Ribbit and Tear your way back to the life you once knew?
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 43.6% ★, Retro 12.2%, Arcade 11.6%, 1980s 7.7%, Shooter 6.7%
- #21 ITZO
82% matchPositive93% of 14 reviews2026
Dev: GRRRVERSE
Windows · Mac
You’re a mediator trying to prevent an interplanetary conflict. How will you do it? By destroying infrastructure, overthrowing a monarchy, wiping out a hive, and eradicating half of a nebula… All this and more in ITZO, an 8-bit bullet hell game!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.4%, Arcade 12.7%, Space 11.1%, Retro 9.9%, Shooter 9.6%
- #22 Karakia Shooter
84% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: John Caruso
Windows
Fast Paced, Bullet Hell Retro Shooter! Shoot down enemies and dodge everything. Fight through 17 intense levels with 6 insane boss fights. Do you have what it takes to beat the game?
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.7%, 1990's 13.5%, Arcade 13.2%, Retro 8.5%, Shooter 8.4%
- #23 COTTON REBOOT!
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 79 reviews2021
Dev: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.Pub: BEEP
Windows
Cotton Reboot! is a completely remastered version of Cotton.Fantastic Night Dreams, the originator of the witchy shooting game released 30 years ago, with new features and the latest visual design.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.1%, Arcade 13.9%, Side Scroller 13.5%, 1990's 13.3%, Shooter 8.7%
- #24 Freddy Farmer
80% matchPositive93% of 44 reviews2025
Dev: Catcade GamesPub: Flynn's Arcade
Windows
Freddy's daughter has been kidnapped by an evil dragon. To rescue her, he must cross the entire kingdom taking some ingredients with which to make a magic potion, but it won't be easy, they must be collected in a specific order and Freddy will have to overcome the dangers he finds in his path.
Why similar: Arcade 17.5%, 1980s 16.1%, Side Scroller 15.2%, 1990's 13.9%, Retro 13%
- #25 GRADIUS ORIGINS
79% matchVery Positive93% of 282 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: Arcade 20.6%, 1980s 17.4%, 1990's 14.8%, Shooter 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%
- #26 VERZEUS
81% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 18%, Side Scroller 14.6%, 1980s 12.8%, Arcade 10.7%, Retro 10.1%
- #27 1982
81% matchVery Positive93% of 801 reviews2017
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.7 hrs≥1hr: 36%
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
Why similar: 1980s 21.2%, Arcade 16.6%, Retro 15.8%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%
- #28 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
78% matchVery Positive90% of 17,869 reviews2023
Dev: Auroch DigitalPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Load up your Boltgun and unleash the awesome Space Marine arsenal to blast your way through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood in a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, frenetic gameplay and the stylish visuals of 90’s retro shooters.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 62.7% ★, Retro 8.3%, 1990's 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, Shooter 5.7%
- #29 SHOGUN
79% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: GunealPub: Deep Rock Labs LLC
Windows · Linux
SHOGUN is an arcade style shooter that emphasizes running and gunning to stay alive. Rip through waves of increasingly difficult enemies hell-bent on your doom by shooting, looting, and eluding a bullet hell of cartoonish horror. Refuse death, explode with burning rage and tear asunder!!!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 41.4% ★, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Arcade 11.8%, 1990's 11.8%, Shooter 7.6%
- #30 First Person Stapler
77% matchPositive100% of 13 reviews2024
Dev: Andrew Connelly
Windows
Clear targets in your office call center and race to the exit in this ridiculous, stapler-centric target shooter.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 55.6% ★, 1990's 18.8%, Arcade 8.5%, Shooter 8.2%, Retro 4.3%
- #31 End Them, Soldier!
76% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Alex Kalumbin
Windows
Fast, brutal old‑school FPS with deep replayability through skill builds. Tailor specific builds with speed‑boost jumps, a burst‑fire explosive revolver, AXE SHOOTING as a shotgun and beyond in a handcrafted campaign, then climb the leaderboards in endless roguelike mode.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 37.1% ★, 1990's 14%, Bullet Hell 12%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 6.9%
- #32 Brave Soldier - Invasion of Cyborgs
77% matchVery Positive97% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: JM Neto Game Dev
Windows
Brave Soldier: Invasion Of Cyborgs is a pixel art platform game with a lot of action. Help the soldier save the world from the Cyborg Invasion! Good Luck!
Why similar: 1980s 14.3%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Arcade 13.4%, 1990's 11.8%, Aliens 8.9%
- #33 SATAZIUS
78% 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: Bullet Hell 23.5%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Arcade 10.5%, 1980s 9.5%, 1990's 8.1%
- #34 Chromacell
76% 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: Bullet Hell 25.9%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Arcade 12.2%, 1980s 10%, Shooter 8.3%
- #35 The Battle of Aurinoxia
73% 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: Bullet Hell 32.5%, Arcade 13.2%, 1990's 10.2%, Shooter 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%
- #36 The Rush
74% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.3%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Arcade 12.4%, 1980s 10.2%, Shooter 8.5%
- #37 Delta Light 2
74% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2025
Dev: FlapBox Studios
Windows
Delta Light 2 is my love letter to classic flash games! With new arcade graphics, a fresh engine, and a killer soundtrack. Explore + 35 handcrafted maps in the Campaign. then dive into Infinite Mode. With fruity power-ups and a set of unlock-able characters, this is Delta Light like never before!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.3%, 1980s 17.6%, 1990's 15.3%, Arcade 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%
- #38 Double D. F.
75% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: RielFactor
Windows
To bring you the old school 2D space arcade feeling in a modern look and feel. Whether you like the hard core style of the old days, or you have become the more lay back type, shoot your way home at the fun rate for you. Upgrade your ship on the way home, to get ready for the final battle. Have fun!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.9%, 1980s 18.9%, 1990's 13.6%, Arcade 11.5%, Aliens 8.3%
- #39 Space Dragons
73% matchPositive87% of 39 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Choose your spaceship and defeat the alien threat that comes from the Moon. Blast your way crushing, ripping apart and exploding hostile aliens that are taking control of powerful weapons and military technology from Earth. Find the entity that controls the threat and make it explode into blood.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20%, 1990's 13%, Side Scroller 11%, Arcade 9.9%, Aliens 9.8%
- #40 StarHaulers
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Bitacora Studio
Windows
Gather 3 friends and join the Star Hauler. Shoot, destroy, explode and have fun in a fun and challenging local co-op mode.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 30.4% ★, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Arcade 9%, Aliens 7.1%
- #41 Absolute Blue
75% matchMostly Positive71% of 55 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.2%, 1980s 14.9%, 1990's 13.7%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Arcade 10%
- #42 Meteor Swarm Old School
72% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: CannizzaroSoftware
Windows
Shoot meteors with a variable fire main, and various different power-ups. Survive and set a new hi-score today!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 30.1%, Arcade 17.8%, 1990's 15.7%, Shooter 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%
- #43 Thunder Infinity
71% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Enrique G. GalvezPub: Magic Games
Windows
Thunder Infinity takes classic shoot 'em up gameplay to the next level by adding survival, roguelite, and bullet hell elements. Choose your pilot, ship, and weapons, and destroy the Varkon Star Empire in the final offensive of the Aegis Star Bastion.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 48.8% ★, Bullet Hell 23.5%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 7%, Retro 3.2%
- #44 Tristar Mania
71% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: FrenzyPenguin Media
Windows
Get in on the action with this addictive 2D python space shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.5%, Arcade 16.2%, 1990's 16.2%, 2D Platformer 9%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
- #45 Star Crush
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: StickyBeastGames
Windows
Survive the chaos of deep space in this intense top-down arcade shooter! Crush asteroids, defeat enemy ships, and fight deadly bosses with lightning-fast reflexes.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 35.3% ★, Bullet Hell 17.9%, 1990's 11.3%, Arcade 10.7%, Aliens 7.3%
- #46 Splicer
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: PolarBytes-Studio
Windows · Linux
Blast enemies, get ship upgrades and defeat bosses in this arcade inspired space bullet hell
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.9%, 1980s 22.2%, Arcade 16.6%, 1990's 10.9%, Shooter 9.7%
- #47 Phonkside Killers
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: MB Pentakodas
Windows
Blast your way through zombie soldiers, succubus demons and floating cultist monks to escape this horror tape straight out of the 90s. Explore a dark world full of supernatural forces, rizz some hot baddies and uncover the secrets of the occult.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 60.5% ★, 1990's 12.6%, Shooter 9.3%, Retro 9.1%, Action 4.2%
- #48 Super Arcade Boy in Goodbye Greenies
72% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
Super Arcade Boy returns in a retro shoot ’em up with 8 levels, waves of Greenies, power-ups, and 8 big boss battles. Talk with the alien leader—then save the planet.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.7%, 1980s 14.6%, 1990's 13.2%, Arcade 11%, Retro 8.3%
- #49 AstroRage2049
68% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2026
Dev: CJPub: Outofthematrix
Windows
A short space shooter game that you can finish in your break time with beginner-friendly gameplay and some special features.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.2%, Arcade 14.6%, 1980s 13.7%, 1990's 11.8%, Shooter 9.1%
- #50 Project: AMICA
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: dofhouse
Windows
Project: AMICA is a fast-paced first person shooter built in the GZDoom engine. You play the role of SID, an android set out to defeat General Genant Kekaha in order to prevent further military conflict. Explore a colorful 90's inspired world of robots, cool power ups and weapons!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 53.2% ★, 1990's 20.5%, Retro 9.3%, Shooter 7.8%, Action 3.7%
- #51 BeatBox Runner
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lumogy, LLC
Windows
BeatBox Runner is a retro platformer with a twist: switch states to survive its unique series of traps and challenges.
Why similar: 1980s 21.5%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Arcade 10.5%, Retro 10.2%, Side Scroller 9.9%
- #52 Into The Void
69% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: tateorrtot
Windows
A wormhole has opened up letting aliens terrorize your city. Pilot your spacecraft and destroy the aliens using flamethrowers, missiles, gatling guns, shockwaves, and more!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.3%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Arcade 14%, Aliens 11%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%
- #53 MoonLess
70% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2023
Dev: Silver Cat Studios
Windows · Linux
Moonless is a challenging side-scrolling platformer in the style of classic arcade games of the 1980s, where you control a helpless astronaut who has been left stranded on the moon, and now has to face an invading alien force to earn a chance to go home.
Why similar: 1980s 18.3%, 1990's 16.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Retro 8.4%
- #54 KAUNA
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Antti Rönkkä
Windows · Linux
KAUNA is a Finnish boomer shooter made with 90's retro style graphics.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 58.4% ★, 1990's 14.6%, Retro 11.6%, Shooter 8.5%, Action 4.9%
- #55 PO'ed: Definitive Edition
67% matchMixed70% of 132 reviews2024
Dev: Nightdive Studios
Windows
PO’ed is an adrenaline-pumping space shooter that features gameplay elements inspired by generational powerhouses DOOM and QUAKE. Play as a chef who crashlands on an alien planet infested with extraterrestrial foes. Using a menu of “household” weapons, PO’ed puts your wits and reflexes to the test.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 53.4% ★, 1990's 19%, Aliens 8.8%, Action 6.3%, Shooter 6.2%
- #56 Chertovica
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: David FilusPub: Jester's Tales
Windows
All the cherts are getting married tonight, on a night called Chertovica. Grab your axe, chug down your last tankard, and kick them back to hell where they belong in this retro, melee-centric boomer shooter.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 40.8% ★, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Shooter 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Arcade 6.5%
- #57 Contra: Operation Galuga
66% 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: 1980s 17.1%, 1990's 15.4%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Aliens 9.2%
- #58 Cosmic Destroyer
67% 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: Bullet Hell 26.9%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Arcade 11.5%, 1980s 9.1%, 1990's 8.5%
- #59 Battle Marine
67% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: Yoji Suzuki
Windows · Mac · Linux
SHOOT 'EM UP! Battle Marine is a simple naval barrage STG. A barrage of intense shots! Shoot 'em up! Shoot 'em up! Chain bombs with detonation, powerful laser sweeps, and jumps to collect medals! Enjoy a RETRO but NEW and exhilarating STG experience!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 30.3% ★, Bullet Hell 15.7%, 1980s 12.2%, 1990's 11%, Arcade 9.1%
- #60 Vector Seven
66% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Electric Shed
Windows
Retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 80's games Fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up with looping battlefields, relentless enemy waves, tactical shields, power-ups and hyperspace jumps
Why similar: 1980s 21.8%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Arcade 15.2%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Retro 6.7%