- #1 Nex Machina
97% matchVery Positive87% of 2,180 reviews2017
Dev: Housemarque
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 44.2%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by Housemarque, this is the gold standard for modern, high-octane twin-stick arcade action.
- #2 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
96% matchVery Positive91% of 1,104 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 47.9%, Arcade 16.3%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: The original classic that established the neon-infused, twin-stick arcade formula.
- #3 Assault Android Cactus+
96% matchVery Positive94% of 2,009 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 38.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 15%, Arcade 10.2%, Local Co-Op 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly polished twin-stick mechanics and intense, screen-filling combat that rivals the seed game.
- #4 Ultratron
95% matchVery Positive88% of 696 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46%, Arcade 15%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Action 8.4%, Local Co-Op 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic Robotron-style arcade feel with modern polish and vibrant, neon visuals.
- #5 Waves 2: Notorious
94% matchVery Positive93% of 322 reviews2015
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 20.4 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Waves 2: Notorious is an arcade twin-stick shooter set in Cyberspace. Build Combos, earn Adrenaline and unleash powerful Burst attacks as you Dive into the Net and do battle against an AI that adapts to your weaknesses!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 41.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Arcade 11.4%, Action 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: A direct evolution of the arcade arena shooter, focusing on high-speed movement and score multipliers.
- #6 Beat Hazard
94% matchVery Positive95% of 7,439 reviews2010
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 48.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Arcade 5.3%, Action 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: Matches the music-driven intensity of the seed game by synchronizing gameplay chaos to your own music library.
- #7 Tesla vs Lovecraft
93% matchVery Positive90% of 1,233 reviews2018
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Tesla vs Lovecraft is an intense top-down twin stick arena shooter from the creators of Crimsonland and Neon Chrome. Play as the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla harnessing the static energy to power up Tesla-Mech and give the lovecraftian nightmares a lesson in horror!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 49.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Action 9.6%, Local Multiplayer 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: Delivers fast-paced, high-octane twin-stick action with satisfying weapon upgrades and massive enemy counts.
- #8 Galaxy Champions TV
92% matchVery Positive92% of 122 reviews2018
Dev: aQuadiun
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Galaxy Champions TV is a super intense top-down closed arena shooter game inspired by the classic arcade game Smash TV. Get powerful weapons and power-ups, kill huge amounts of enemies, level up, unlock upgrades and beat all the bosses to become the champion of the most violent TV show of all time!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 48.4%, Arcade 12.7%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Action 11.2%, Local Co-Op 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers pure, unadulterated arcade twin-stick chaos that feels like a modern tribute to classic arena shooters.
- #9 Crimsonland
91% matchVery Positive93% of 3,112 reviews2014
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 47.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Action 10.7%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, Arcade 8%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive arena shooter experience that focuses on surviving overwhelming waves of enemies.
- #10 Danmaku Unlimited 3
91% matchVery Positive87% of 243 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 33.8%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Arcade 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Action 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the intense bullet-hell patterns and precision required in the more difficult modes of the seed game.
- #11 Nuclear Throne
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 19,651 reviews2015
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 24.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter. Not 'the final hope of humanity' post-apocalyptic, but 'humanity is extinct and mutants and monsters now roam the world' post-apocalyptic. Can you reach the Nuclear Throne?
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.1%, Bullet Hell 27.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Action 7.9%, Difficult 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity, skill-based twin-stick shooter that emphasizes fast movement and precise combat.
- #12 Scoregasm
90% matchVery Positive83% of 142 reviews2012
Dev: RC KnightPub: Charlie's Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Scoregasm is an incredible, variety rich shooter with a non-linear, branching paths style galaxy to explore. It's pretty, accessible, fun and really rather good! Blast your way through the galaxy's many varied levels and use your skills to change your route, find new levels, new enemies, unlock bonus challenge stages and fight the bosses...
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 65.8%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Action 13%, Score Attack 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on score-attack mechanics and branching paths, mirroring the addictive nature of the seed game.
- #13 Mushihimesama
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,553 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 34.6%, Bullet Hell 32.4%, Arcade 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 10.8%, Action 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: The pinnacle of bullet-hell precision, perfect for players who enjoy the high-difficulty dodging aspects of the seed.
- #14 Enter the Gungeon
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 89,278 reviews2016
Dev: Dodge RollPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 30.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler following a band of misfits seeking to shoot, loot, dodge roll and table-flip their way to personal absolution by reaching the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 47.8%, Twin Stick Shooter 33.4%, Local Co-Op 7.8%, Difficult 5.1%, Action 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines deep bullet-hell patterns with tight twin-stick controls in a highly replayable arcade format.
- #15 Heckabomb
88% matchMixed63% of 313 reviews2015
Dev: Allicorn GamesPub: KISS ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Explosive twin stick shooter. Lots of upgrades. Full controller support. Awesome soundtrack.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 58.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Arcade 14.3%, Action 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Provides fast-paced, neon-drenched arcade action with a focus on fluid movement and rapid-fire combat.
- #16 BLUE REVOLVER
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 888 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 42.3%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Arcade 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Action 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish, fast-paced bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes aggressive play and high-speed reflexes.
- #17 Trigonarium
85% matchVery Positive90% of 77 reviews2015
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Trigonarium is a hardcore twin-stick shooter for fans of challenging arcade gaming. Fight your way through multitudes of enemy formations in constantly shifting battle arenas to face the colossal level bosses.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Arcade 8.3%, Bullet Hell 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: Top-down twin-stick action that utilizes geometric shapes and vibrant colors to create a similar arcade feel.
- #18 Super Mutant Alien Assault
84% matchVery Positive86% of 177 reviews2016
Dev: CybernatePub: Surprise Attack
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
The Citizen Kane of Super Crate Box clones - dance with death through randomised rooms to clear your space freighter of irradiated aliens in a brutal arcade platformer shooter stuffed to the brim with unlockable weapons, explosives, special abilities and defense moves.
Why similar: Action 29.2%, Arcade 26.3%, Local Co-Op 24.5%, Shooter 7.3%, Difficult 7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style platforming shooter that keeps the action relentless and the difficulty high.
- #19 Iron Crypticle
84% matchVery Positive84% of 120 reviews2017
Dev: Confused PelicanPub: TIKIPOD
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
IRON CRYPTICLE is an arcade twin-stick dungeon shooter with RPG elements for 1 to 4 players LOCAL CO-OP! A mysterious, malevolent force has abducted Cryptonia’s princess – along with the king’s royal golden treasures (shaped curiously like large foodstuffs...). Kingsguard to the rescue!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 57%, Arcade 14.3%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Action 12.2%, Retro 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Blends arcade-style twin-stick action with a fantasy aesthetic, offering a satisfying and challenging experience.
- #20 PixelJunk™ Shooter Ultimate
83% matchVery Positive87% of 247 reviews2015
Dev: Q-Games Ltd.Pub: Double Eleven
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
CAN YOU SAVE THE SCIENTISTS ON APOXUS PRIME?PixelJunk™ Shooter Ultimate is a twin-stick shooter with equal elements of action and puzzle solving.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 77.1%, Action 14.7%, Local Co-Op 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features unique physics-based twin-stick gameplay that adds a layer of environmental strategy to the action.
- #21 Sektori
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 860 reviews2025
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. A game where the high-adrenaline gameplay, visuals, and music come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 44.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Arcade 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%
- #22 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
82% matchVery Positive81% of 104 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: Twin Stick Shooter 23.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter that focuses on simple, addictive mechanics and high-score chasing.
- #23 Neon Chrome
81% matchVery Positive91% of 1,173 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A masterful combination of top-down shooter and endless replayability with procedural levels. Blast your way through walls & enemies with guns and cybernetic abilities. Install perks from cyber chambers and upgrade your character stats after each death. Can you stop the Overseer?
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 61.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Local Co-Op 10.2%, Action 7%, Local Multiplayer 4%
Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter with satisfying destruction and roguelite elements that keep the gameplay fresh.
- #24 Shmadow
82% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 39.8%, Bullet Hell 17%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Action 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines twin-stick movement with complex bullet-hell patterns for a challenging arcade experience.
- #25 RUINER
79% matchVery Positive89% of 12,330 reviews2017
Dev: Reikon GamesPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
RUINER is a brutal action shooter set in the year 2091 in the cyber metropolis Rengkok. A wired psychopath lashes out against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 58.1%, Great Soundtrack 22.7%, Action 12.4%, Difficult 4.4%, Shooter 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides stylish, high-speed twin-stick combat in a dark, atmospheric cyberpunk setting.
- #26 Really Big Sky
81% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,891 reviews2012
Dev: Boss BaddiePub: Ripstone
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Bullet Hell 14%, Action 9.3%, Arcade 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that incorporates high-intensity arcade elements and a unique, shifting perspective.
- #27 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
80% matchVery Positive91% of 404 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Arcade 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Action 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique perspective-shifting mechanic that adds a fresh layer of strategy to bullet-hell gameplay.
- #28 Bit Blaster XL
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,154 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 30.5%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Arcade 18.2%, Action 7.3%, Difficult 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-speed arcade shooter that captures the 'just one more try' addictive quality of the seed.
- #29 XIIZEAL
79% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Arcade 15%, Action 5.8%, Local Co-Op 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A traditional, high-difficulty bullet-hell shooter that rewards pattern recognition and precise movement.
- #30 Waves
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,561 reviews2011
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 38.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Arcade 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%
- #31 Ikaruga
77% matchVery Positive95% of 2,344 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Bullet Hell 30.2%, Arcade 15.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Action 3.2%
- #32 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
77% matchVery Positive82% of 820 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.4%, Arcade 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Action 5.7%
- #33 Sky Force Anniversary
76% matchVery Positive92% of 2,157 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Arcade 13.9%, Action 7.6%, Local Co-Op 7.2%
- #34 Undercroft Warriors
72% matchMostly Positive78% of 539 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 40.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Arcade 10.4%, Action 3.8%
- #35 Danmaku Unlimited 2
76% matchVery Positive92% of 489 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Bullet Hell 35.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Arcade 9%, Action 6.5%
- #36 Sky Force Reloaded
74% matchVery Positive93% of 2,723 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 30.8%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Arcade 17%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Local Multiplayer 6.5%
- #37 Echoes+
73% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Bullet Hell 29.4%, Action 17.6%, Arcade 15.1%, Retro 2.4%
- #38 Eigengrau
70% matchVery Positive100% of 94 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Twin Stick Shooter 21.6%, Bullet Hell 17%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 5.4%
- #39 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
75% matchMixed56% of 533 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.6%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Arcade 20%, Action 11.1%, Shooter 4.4%
- #40 DoDonPachi Resurrection
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,065 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 25.1%, Bullet Hell 20%, Arcade 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Local Co-Op 7.7%
- #41 PewPew Live
70% matchVery Positive94% of 79 reviews2022
Dev: Jean-François Geyelin
Windows
A fast twin-stick shooter where you compete for the top spot in the leaderboards.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 43.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Arcade 11%, Action 4.8%
- #42 Vectorium
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 77 reviews2018
Dev: IndigoBlue Game Studio
Windows
Vectorium is a classical, yet intense arcade shooting game. Can you survive those dreadful enemies and barrage of gunfire?
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 42.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Arcade 10.1%, Local Co-Op 4.3%
- #43 Jamestown
71% matchVery Positive94% of 2,363 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 37.2%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Arcade 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%
- #44 Revolution Ace
73% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,886 reviews2014
Dev: Laser Guided Games, LLC
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.1%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Arcade 12%, Action 8.8%, Local Co-Op 8.3%
- #45 Beat Hazard 2
69% matchVery Positive86% of 2,260 reviews2019
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Experience your music collection as never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 48.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Arcade 11.6%, Action 4.5%
- #46 Star Saviors
71% matchVery Positive82% of 1,685 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Arcade 7.9%, Action 7.6%
- #47 Black Widow: Recharged
69% matchMostly Positive75% of 53 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend your spider web from an onslaught of bugs in this frenetic revival of the cult classic twin-stick shooter, all while jamming to an infectious original score by Megan McDuffee. Play solo or tag in a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 44.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Arcade 13.8%, Action 6.4%, Local Co-Op 4%
- #48 PAC-MAN™ Championship Edition DX+
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 8,190 reviews2013
Dev: Mine Loader Software Co., Ltd.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 56%
It's time to gear up!Get ready for more ghost chain gobbling and frantic action in PAC-MAN® CE-DX+! The award-winning chomping game makes a shattering debut on Steam with even more content and a refined user-interface to compare high scores with your friends!
Why similar: Arcade 55.9%, Great Soundtrack 18.3%, Action 9.1%, Retro 8.8%, Score Attack 7.8%
- #49 Jamestown+
68% matchVery Positive88% of 249 reviews2019
Dev: Final Form GamesPub: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Local Co-Op 11.4%, Action 8.5%
- #50 Space Invaders Extreme
69% matchVery Positive87% of 267 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Arcade 18.7%, Action 7.9%, Difficult 5.8%
- #51 Story of a Cube
70% matchMixed76% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: TinyAtomGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Story of a Cube is an action packed shooter about a lone cube and his quest for revenge. Mixing elements of twin-stick shooters and bullet hell games, this is a hardcode arcade game with a crazy amount of explosions.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 53.2%, Arcade 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Action 10.6%, Difficult 4.5%
- #52 Nova Drift
60% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,511 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.5 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 31.4%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Arcade 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, Action 7.6%
- #53 Beat Hazard 3
63% matchVery Positive83% of 671 reviews2024
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Are you ready to explore your music collection mapped as a stunning galaxy of wonders? Experience your music collection as never before with this intense music driven twin stick shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.1%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Action 6%, Shooter 2.5%
- #54 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
68% matchVery Positive84% of 615 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 35.4%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Arcade 13.7%, Action 8.9%, Great Soundtrack 7%
- #55 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
63% matchVery Positive97% of 376 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Arcade 16.7%, Action 7.8%, Local Co-Op 7.3%
- #56 Polygoneer
67% matchMostly Positive80% of 1,802 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.2 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: Twin Stick Shooter 28.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Arcade 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Action 10.8%
- #57 Just Shapes & Beats
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 25,698 reviews2018
Dev: Berzerk Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.1%, Great Soundtrack 34%, Difficult 8.9%, Local Co-Op 7.7%, Action 6.7%
- #58 CometStriker DX
66% matchVery Positive98% of 65 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 39.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Arcade 10%, Action 3.9%