- #1 Bourbon Risky
95% matchPositive85% of 20 reviews2026
Dev: HaJoonHeonPub: Jang Hajun
Windows
Bourbon Risky is a simple but deep boss rush action game with retro style graphics. Smash all enemies in your way with your eternal companion that blasting bullets and lasers!
Why similar: Boss Rush 64.6% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Action 12%, Indie 10.1%
- #2 Dangerous Blaster
97% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2019
Dev: Juicy Frog
Windows
Run, roll and shoot as long as possible through an arena filled with aliens and dangerous obstacles. Be careful, every missed shot becomes a new threat ! Great little game to practice and warm-up.
Why similar: Action 34.5%, Indie 25.4%, Score Attack 20.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%
- #3 Steel Eagle
96% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: enrjuPub: Andrzej Cudzilo
Windows
Steel Eagle is a reference to the 80's and 90's shooters. Your task is to reach the landing pad at the end of the level, destroying as many enemy units as possible, for which you collect points that can be exchanged for force and strength, which allows you to upgrade your “Steel Eagle”.
Why similar: Action 33.3%, Indie 24.5%, Top-Down Shooter 21.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%
- #4 Lonecastle
96% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: Rainkioutou Interactive
Windows
Lonecastle is a top-down shooter where the player attempts to survive countless enemies. Defend your little castle from the incessant waves of enemy ships and soldiers. Collect gold and gain experience to improve your castle.
Why similar: Action 32.8%, Indie 25%, Top-Down Shooter 21.9%, Score Attack 20.2%
- #5 Nowhere Patrol
94% matchVery Positive97% of 239 reviews2018
Dev: Slugsoft
Windows
Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.
Why similar: Boss Rush 50.7% ★, Action 19.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, Indie 14.2%
- #6 PASKA BATTLE STYLE!
94% matchMixed46% of 13 reviews2018
Dev: No one important
Windows
The time has finally come! All the most dangerous people in the world have reunited to show off their talents in the annual Paska Battle Style anniversary and you, yes, YOU, will have to shut their big egos off!
Why similar: Boss Rush 60.7% ★, Action 22.6%, Indie 16.7%
- #7 Dezatopia
93% matchPositive100% of 43 reviews2020
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Strange and unusual creatures inhabited Earth’s underground, unknown to humankind. This was until Momoko, a fashion-obsessed high school girl, accidentally discovered them. Together, they plotted to combine the civilizations above and below the surface to create a new world: Dezatopia.
Why similar: Action 33.1%, Indie 24.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Top-Down Shooter 18.6%
- #8 ニンジャスレイヤー : AREA 4643
91% matchVery Positive99% of 114 reviews2018
Dev: DeathMofuMofuPub: Diehardtales Games
Windows · Mac
**NOW ON SALE!!** AREA 4643 is the cyberpunk action shooting game. It's based on the cyberpunk city Neo-Saitama and Ninja Slayer universe.
Why similar: Action 44%, Indie 31.5%, Top-Down Shooter 24.5%
- #9 Dantes Bullet Inferno
92% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2020
Dev: Red Pentagram Studios
Windows
Dantes Bullet Inferno is a shoot-em-up where the player fights against hell as Dante. This top down shooter includes a speedrun mode called time-dilation.
Why similar: Action 45.1%, Indie 33.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.7%, Top-Down Shooter 10.1%
- #10 Cyber Strike
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Sprinkle Games
Windows
Cyber Strike is a butt clenching bullet hell dungeon crawler. Navigate through intense shootouts, strategic dodges, and cybernetic boss battles. Save a digital world from viruses and virtual foes. Rewrite destiny as you save cyber space in this thrilling adventure.
Why similar: Boss Rush 54.9% ★, Indie 23.7%, Action 21.4%
- #11 Square Massacre
91% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2017
Dev: CyberVaca Entertainment
Windows
Square Massacre is a skill based, hardcore top-down shooter. No matter what you are going to do, you will lose. The question is how long you will last before the end.
Why similar: Action 34.6%, Indie 25.5%, Top-Down Shooter 20.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%
- #12 Endless Burst
90% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2016
Dev: Neon Squid Games
Windows
This top-down shooter pits you against an overwhelming hell of bullets. Customize your experience with 9 upgradeable classes and unleash powerful attacks as you fight and dodge your way through procedurally generated levels, enemies, and bosses.
Why similar: Action 31.5%, Indie 23.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Top-Down Shooter 22.2%
- #13 Superstatic
89% matchMixed65% of 40 reviews2015
Dev: Sleepy Studios
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Superstatic is a top-down shooter where you're given the ability to possess and control your enemies. Using "copies", you're able to perform a variety of skills including killing enemies within a certain radius, chaining kills together based on your current combo, teleporting to your copy's position and more.
Why similar: Action 42%, Top-Down Shooter 29.7%, Indie 28.3%
- #14 Iridescence
89% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2018
Dev: Polarity Bear
Windows
Iridescence is a Shoot 'Em Up with a color-changing mechanic, where you dodge and absorb many different colored bullets. It features a painted watercolor theme & features an inventive chaining system. Play through 5 main levels and 30 varied challenge levels!
Why similar: Action 41.8%, Indie 30.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%
- #15 cloudphobia
87% matchMostly Positive76% of 29 reviews2016
Dev: MarsboundPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
In this pulse-pounding arcade style shoot 'em up, players control giant armored robots, loaded with hi-tech weaponry. Chose from two types of mechs: the PLG-90, armed with a high-tech laser rifle or the NúllPunktur with the Vibroblade!
Why similar: Action 42.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Indie 28.5%
- #16 A Shooty Bit
86% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: FROGPub: Gameland Studios
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Postsoviet shoot 'em up borne from and reflective of the listlessness that modern, hyperconnected society injects into our selves
Why similar: Action 40.5%, Indie 29.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%
- #17 Crush
86% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: VIS-GamesPub: SilentFuture
Windows
Crush is an old-school-styled shoot´em up. The game leads you through 7 challenging levels filled with action and great soundtracks. A must for all old-school shoot´em up fans!
Why similar: Action 40.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Indie 28.6%
- #18 BLUE SHIP
78% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: HAE GAME STUDIO
Windows
Choose from ships with distinct combat styles, unleash devastating skills, and carve a path through relentless enemy barrages. BLUE SHIP is a compact, high-intensity 2D vertical-scrolling shoot ’em up featuring Story, Boss Practice, Time Attack, and Endless modes.
Why similar: Boss Rush 30% ★, Action 22.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Indie 14.4%, Score Attack 12.1%
- #19 Star Rogue
84% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2016
Dev: Julian Wehrmann
Windows
Star Rogue is a sci-fi roguelike platformer. This pixel indie game will challenge you with a randomly generated spacestation full of deadly traps, collectable items, nasty enemies and strong bosses, each time you play it.
Why similar: Indie 51.7%, Action 48.3%
- #20 Astro Tripper
85% matchMixed58% of 69 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 21%
Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.
Why similar: Action 39.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Indie 28.9%
- #21 Zenodyne R
83% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Action 39.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Indie 26.9%
- #22 The Blue Flamingo
84% matchMixed45% of 637 reviews2014
Dev: Might and Delight
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
You are ready to challenge pilots from all around the world. Shoot your way through intense levels with swiftly increasing difficulty in a game world completely built with handcrafted models. Invest your score in upgrades or save it to gain interest with the risk of losing it all.
Why similar: Action 38.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Indie 27.9%
- #23 Fire Arrow Plus
82% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Fire Arrow and Fire Arrow X are time attack style shooters with a heavy emphasis on scoring. Otherwisely, you can call them coffee break shmups.
Why similar: Action 40.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Indie 26.2%
- #24 UNLOAD
72% matchPositive97% of 38 reviews2026
Dev: RooTwoPub: Jungle Game Lab
Windows
UNLOAD is an interception-focused top-down shooter where ammo is life. Intercept lethal projectiles to reload and survive by a thread. As a Visitor who lost everything in an explosion, hunt down those tied to the incident and uncover the truth behind that day.
Why similar: Boss Rush 61.7% ★, Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Action 11.4%, Indie 8.7%
- #25 SHOOTING CHICKEN BRUTAL SUCKERS
82% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: KoheiGallery
Windows
Makoto Yonekura, a new waitress, is a bright girl in Noh weather.Contrary to its appearance, it is a survival game girl who uses powerful weapons!She will do her best to crush the rampaging chickens for the beloved chief!
Why similar: Action 42.8%, Indie 31.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%
- #26 Endless Wave
81% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: Snowdrop Lab
Windows
Endless Wave is wave style stg. 9 kinds of waves and 3 bosses are waiting for you. Manipulate fighter planes to defeat enemies approaching ! ・Endless wave style ・Neon style(Bullet) ・Minimum price
Why similar: Action 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Indie 27.8%
- #27 GOLIATH
70% matchPositive100% of 15 reviews2026
Dev: Dawg
Windows
Twin-stick boss-rush bullet-hell with an emphasis on arcade-style scoring. Blast away Titans and dodge exciting attack patterns, all the while improving and upgrading your character. Compete with friends online for the high score, or grab a buddy and fight together in couch co-op.
Why similar: Boss Rush 58.8% ★, Score Attack 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Action 8.2%
- #28 LIGHT
81% matchMixed60% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Indie Light
Windows
Not known what year it is, and in which galaxy everything happens. But one thing is known-you must to clear the space of dirty pirates, and their technique. For this, you will have to open the nearest space systems, improve your ship, and of course to shoot a pirate ships.
Why similar: Action 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Indie 27.8%
- #29 Drive to Hell
80% matchMostly Positive77% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Ghost Crab Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Drive to Hell is an action-packed shooter where you'll take a ride through an army of monsters to exact revenge on the Demon King for destroying your favorite dive bar. Enemies assault from all sides, each with its own special personality and attack style.
Why similar: Action 37.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Indie 27.7%
- #30 World Destroyers
79% matchPositive89% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: HardHead Games
Windows
World Destroyers is a fast-paced, skill-testing, multiplayer space shooter that pays homage to classic games such as Asteroids, but with modern high-speed action.
Why similar: Action 57.6%, Indie 42.4%
- #31 Jet Buster
77% matchVery Positive90% of 62 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
Why similar: Action 37.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Indie 26.5%
- #32 Humans Must Answer
79% matchMixed62% of 63 reviews2014
Dev: Sumom Games
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dodge, shoot and explode across the Solar System as a crew of intelligent and dangerous chickens. As the pilot of The Golden Eagle, it's your duty to keep Colonel Ram and Professor Bez safe as they squabble about ethics and who last used the toilet. Wage war against humanity as you battle your way towards the Sun to complete your mission.
Why similar: Action 36%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Indie 29.3%
- #33 Joe Blunt - Up In Smoke
78% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: Sykonest
Windows
Joe Blunt - Up In Smoke is a single player top down shooter game in which you "Joe Blunt" are trying to fight your way through an onslaught of cigarettes, with the sole purpose to track down your beloved Mary Jane from the clutches of evil Dr Hydro.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 37.5%, Action 36%, Indie 26.5%
- #34 Dash Dash Run!
77% matchPositive83% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: Prime VR Inc.
Windows
Dash Dash Run! The frantic VR arcade runner that has you pumping those arms, performing to the crowd, and racing at crazy speeds across a wild selection of vibrant courses.
Why similar: Indie 100%
- #35 Velocity®Ultra
76% matchMostly Positive75% of 282 reviews2013
Dev: Curve StudiosPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Velocity®Ultra is an award-winning top down shooter that puts you in control of the galaxy’s only Quarp Jet, an advanced spacecraft with the ability to teleport at will. Tasked with rescuing survivors from a collapsed black hole, you’ll need to use both firepower and quick-wits to catapult the Quarp Jet through 50 levels of sci-fi action.
Why similar: Action 38.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Indie 25.7%
- #36 Hyper Shapes
72% matchMostly Positive77% of 22 reviews2023
Dev: BlindShot StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Hyper Shapes is a frenetic minimalist Boss Rush where understanding the enemies attack patterns and weaknesses is key.
Why similar: Boss Rush 65% ★, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Action 10.9%, Indie 6.5%
- #37 Battle Crust
75% matchPositive89% of 37 reviews2016
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
"Battle Crust" is a 80's-90's arcade-style shooter. You make full use of "Charge shot" that is available by obtaining the item, And let's Complete all of the 6 stage!
Why similar: Action 37.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Indie 26%
- #38 Space Pirate Amai
76% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: Rockets and Cats
Windows
Old school 2d shooter with crazy music by the indie band 8bit Phantom Galactic! -Challenging retro space shooter -Fight your way through various stages and enemies. -Intense Boss fight! -Master the use of your shield to survive. -Use powerups to upgrade your ship's weapons!
Why similar: Action 36.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Indie 26.9%
- #39 Valiant Gears
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Gaze Interactive
Windows
Valiant Gears is a 3D old school shoot 'em up game. Hop on your Valiant Gear, a ferocious battle machine and defend the planet by fighting the alien robots!
Why similar: Action 50%, Indie 36.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%
- #40 Bit Bullet
73% matchPositive89% of 27 reviews2017
Dev: Growfall Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Bit Bullet – Is a single player top-down shooter with an escalating difficulty level and complicated enemies, in which you will have to blow up and crush hordes of enemies using various weapons and skills.
Why similar: Action 39%, Top-Down Shooter 33%, Indie 28%
- #41 Kill The Humans
74% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Cold Beverage StudiosPub: Walsh Technologies Corp
Windows
Heavily armed homicidal robots have taken over Weapons Laboratory Delta Five. Something sinister is afoot in the dimly lit corridors of the science complex. Your mission: commandeer the last functional X-4 battle mech, breach the magnetically shielded entrance and wipe them out!
Why similar: Action 40.6%, Indie 30.8%, Top-Down Shooter 28.6%
- #42 Redux: Dark Matters
75% matchMixed55% of 38 reviews2014
Dev: KTX SoftwarePub: Signo & Arte
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Redux: Dark Matters is a fast-paced space shooting game with fresh scoring elements - a bastard-hard shooter and definitely a must have for every shmup fan!
Why similar: Action 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Indie 25.5%
- #43 Rocket Armor
73% matchPositive93% of 15 reviews2017
Dev: Illusion Foundry
Windows
Rocket Armor is the most realistic and exciting flight combat experience in VR today! It features a completely new type of flight control system and maneuvering capability – it’s like really flying using two huge rockets strapped to your arms!
Why similar: Action 57.6%, Indie 42.4%
- #44 Underworld Dungeon
73% matchMostly Positive74% of 19 reviews2017
Dev: InfernoSoulPub: Fromjaf Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Underworld Dungeon is a rogue-like action-adventure, in which you explore a ruined Greek dungeon hidden within the depths of the Underworld. As you dig deeper, ancient weapons and armor will be uncovered which you can combine to create more powerful gear.
Why similar: Action 57.6%, Indie 42.4%
- #45 Smogpunk 湮霾之地
71% matchMostly Positive76% of 17 reviews2018
Dev: CJH Labs
Windows
The world is engulfed with poisonous gas and deadly monsters. To survive and find truth about the world, welcome to Smogpunk.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 27.6%, Action 26.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Indie 19.5%
- #46 Capsule Jump
71% matchMixed69% of 16 reviews2018
Dev: Generouz EntertainmentPub: ZuHause Studios
Windows
Capsule Jump is a difficult Jump and Run platformer Game. As a caspule you need to pass the level, that are very difficult. There are 55 level by now, which have different environments. Will you get through that game?
Why similar: Indie 100%
- #47 Starship Annihilator
70% matchMixed63% of 378 reviews2016
Dev: IR Studio
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 28.0 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A classic style vertical scrolling-shooter. Includes 10 levels and 10 boss enemies. You will have several power-ups for weapon modification. Within each level, you will face different enemies, among which will vary from low to extreme levels of threat!
Why similar: Indie 42.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.6%, Action 26%
- #48 Starfighter General
68% matchMostly Positive78% of 32 reviews2020
Dev: James Sager IIIPub: James Sager
Windows
Space ACTION-MMO. Control & upgrade more than one ship. Build a fleet! Turn a rag tag team into an armada. Aliens build relationships. Crew/attributes/skills/mastery/magic(legendary/unilegendary/unique)items. WORLD FIRST: Multicore MMO & INFINITE PLAYERS! Soon: Conquer star systems & Tax Players.
- #49 Crimson Shift
69% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2018
Dev: NandeePub: Crimson Lodge
Windows
You control an Assassin trying to break free and learn the truth. Your choices can help her, or take her down a different path.
Why similar: Indie 100%
- #50 AMATERASU【 天照 】
66% matchNo user reviews
Dev: angle M
Windows
A dramatic bullet hell shooter where you master your Shot, Bomb, and the Yatano Kagami System, which transmutes enemy bullets into resources, as you fight to overthrow AMATERASU, the Stellar Management System that has launched its assault on humanity.
Why similar: Action 37.3%, Top-Down Shooter 22.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Indie 18.3%
- #51 Trigger Time
69% matchPositive82% of 44 reviews2017
Dev: Shephf GamesPub: Creative Mobile
Windows · Linux
Trigger Time is a story-driven, top-down Shoot 'em up with a fun gravity gun and physics puzzles to solve. Blast your way through 9 levels filled with enemies, hazards and bizarre bosses. Along the way you'll take control of vehicles, pick up weapons, items and boosters.
Why similar: Action 33.8%, Indie 24.9%, Top-Down Shooter 22.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%
- #52 Desert Strait: Operation Online
71% matchMixed45% of 31 reviews2017
Dev: BeyterGamesStudio
Windows
Desert Strait: Operation Online is a team-based tactical first-person shooter based on battles in a mountain strait with various dynamically changing weather conditions and multiplayer gameplay with a focus on capturing a point.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #53 Voxel Interceptor
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: NewAtlantisGameStudio
Windows
Now you can select your control style in 3 different ways!. 6 different upgradeable space interceptors, 9 different weapons. You can supply in your carrier and upgrade her defenses. Shoot enemies down. That's all.
Why similar: Action 42.5%, Indie 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%
- #54 Retro Space Shooter
68% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2019
Dev: Gable Games
Windows
Retro Space Shooter is a refreshingly modern 3D physics-based implementation of a top-down retro arcade space shooter. Expertly pilot your drone ship through an onslaught of enemy fire and fight seemingly endless waves of enemy ships and bosses.
Why similar: Action 47.8%, Indie 35.1%, Top-Down Shooter 17.1%
- #55 Zenodeath
66% matchPositive93% of 14 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Zenodeath is the final entry in the Zeno series, the final evolution, featuring a modern OST by HeavyViper and two gameplay types.
Why similar: Action 43.4%, Indie 32%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%
- #56 tri.Attack();
68% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: Demmy Mangusso
Windows
In this 2D arcade game, your body is the weapon. Shoot the tri out of yourself and recall it back to you to take out a constant onslaught of rogue polygons. Unlock all the tri modifiers and get as high of a score as possible!
Why similar: Action 43.5%, Indie 32%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%
- #57 The Real Laser Ball
67% matchPositive88% of 17 reviews2018
Dev: Holmsario Games
Windows
A physics based, arcade, high score chaser with a progression system and a fetish for the 80’s. In The Real Laser Ball you’re a ball… with a laser.
Why similar: Action 48.8%, Indie 35.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.2%
- #58 Dropkick Navvy: First Step
59% matchVery Positive96% of 56 reviews2023
Dev: Ocean Drive Studio, Inc.
Windows
Dropkick Navvy: First Step is a physics-based crafting/survival sim. Help the World Tree rebuild the broken cosmos as the responsibility falls upon you. Scurry through diverse landscapes, gather essential resources, and build your way towards finding the eternal source of water for the World Tree.
- #59 Little Obedient Robot
63% matchMostly Positive76% of 25 reviews2022
Dev: Silver Dollar Games
Windows
Take control of a little obedient robot that you program with cards you find. Learn new cards to outmaneuver your enemies. This is our experimental strategy/2D side-scrolling hybrid.
Why similar: Indie 100%