Games Like Guns, Gore & Cannoli

Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 revives the good, old, action platform run & gun genre, but this time with a bunch of humor and buckets of blown off body parts. In this sequel to Guns, Gore & Cannoli, Vinnie Cannoli’s story continues and this time it’s personal.

Why similar: Side Scroller 19.9%, Gore 12.4%, Co-op 11.7%, Zombies 11.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: The direct sequel expands on the original's mechanics with improved movement and more varied weaponry.

From the developers of the Guns, Gore and Cannoli franchise comes a new 2D run & gun platformer: Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & TEEF! Spearhead an Ork invasion, destroy the hive city and kill your warboss! ‘Ere we go!

Why similar: Side Scroller 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Co-op 12.4%, Local Multiplayer 11.8%, Beat 'em up 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game offers the same chaotic, side-scrolling run-and-gun experience with a distinct Ork aesthetic.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Co-op 12.5%, Shooter 9.8%, Platformer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in modern run-and-gun gameplay that captures the same high-octane, arcade-style intensity.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Co-op 19.5%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Gore 11.5%, Local Multiplayer 11.2%, Platformer 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the same chaotic, explosive co-op action with a heavy emphasis on destructible environments and over-the-top humor.

“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Side Scroller 17%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Classic 12.8% ★, Co-op 12%, Local Multiplayer 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive classic of the run-and-gun genre that heavily inspired the gameplay loop of the seed game.

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Side Scroller 29.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Platformer 9.1%, Shooter 8.3%, Action 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, retro-inspired run-and-gun that delivers the same tight controls and challenging boss fights.

The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Local Multiplayer 11.5%, Co-op 11.4%, Arcade 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic hand-drawn side-scroller that matches the seed game's unique art style and frantic action.

Shank is the cult-classic revival of the sidescrolling beat-em-up. Play as Shank in an over-the-top grindhouse game, packed to the rim with enemies, bosses, combos, and more by the award-winning team at Klei Entertainment.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.2%, Beat 'em up 18.2%, Gore 12.8%, Action 9.7%, Platformer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized 2D action game that focuses on fluid combat and cinematic, hand-drawn visuals.

An old-fashioned beat 'em up with big doses of adrenaline and trippiness, somewhere between the classic style of Streets of Rage and the ultra-violence of Hotline Miami. Set in a cold, ruthless Soviet Union, Mother Russia Bleeds aims to conjure up anxiety, unease, and drug-addled frenzy.

Why similar: Gore 27.3%, Beat 'em up 18.2%, Co-op 14%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Violent 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A gritty, violent 2D brawler that captures the intense, visceral feel of the seed game's combat.

Welcome to Streets of Red: Devil's Dare Deluxe, the permadeath multiplayer horror beat'em up that bestows players with the skills of retro gaming heroes in a fight against a legion of undead monstrosities. The chills, thrills, bills, and opportunity to learn new skills won't stop until every street runs red with blood!

Why similar: Gore 14.3%, 4 Player Local 11%, Zombies 10.8%, Side Scroller 9.8%, Beat 'em up 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style beat-em-up with a strong zombie theme and excellent local co-op support.

Rescue hostages, disarm bombs and save the day in this old school, side-scroller action game with retro graphics and retro sensibilities. Online and Couch Coop Included.

Why similar: Zombies 28.7%, Local Multiplayer 21.5%, Co-op 20.3%, Shooter 12%, Action 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes co-op coordination and fast-paced room clearing.

Shoot, slice and surf on zombies by yourself or with friends. Fight overwhelming amounts of zombies and other monsters summoned by an evil wizard (ooOooOOOo spooky) in an early 1900s London.

Why similar: Zombies 18.8%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Co-op 12.3%, 4 Player Local 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: A zombie-focused side-scroller that emphasizes co-op play and chaotic, gore-filled combat.

BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.

Why similar: Gore 36%, Action 10.6%, Platformer 10.6%, Violent 9.9%, Shooter 9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, ultra-violent 2D shooter that demands quick reflexes and precision aiming.

It’s a punk rock apocalypse! Team up with your friends to lead embattled punk rock band Charlie Murder in their epic quest to save the world from rival death metalers Gore Quaffer and their legions of evil.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 18%, Gore 16.5%, Co-op 15.2%, Side Scroller 10%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A punk-rock themed beat-em-up that incorporates RPG elements and chaotic co-op gameplay.

Superfighters Deluxe is a unique action game that combines brawling, shooting and platforming in dynamic sandboxy 2D levels. Lots of weapons and fun gameplay systems interlock to create absurd action-movie chaos.

Why similar: Gore 19.7%, Local Multiplayer 12.8%, Violent 9.5%, Co-op 7.9%, Platformer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based 2D brawler that offers endless chaotic fun and high replayability in local co-op.

Craft your arsenal to avenge your fallen comrades and save the world from the fearsome forces of CLAW!

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.8%, Co-op 21.4%, Platformer 12.8%, Action 8.5%, Shooter 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep weapon customization and side-scrolling co-op action that rewards teamwork.

My Friend Pedro is a violent ballet about friendship, imagination, and one man’s struggle to obliterate anyone in his path at the behest of a sentient banana.

Why similar: Gore 21.8%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Shooter 10.8%, Action 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, fast-paced shooter that focuses on acrobatic movement and creative combat encounters.

Annihilate an evil penguin regime in this cinematic platform adventure game offering full solo and co-op campaigns.

Why similar: Side Scroller 16.4%, Co-op 14.3%, Gore 13.8%, Local Multiplayer 13.2%, Platformer 11%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game with a unique art style and a focus on cinematic storytelling.

The city is in chaos! With crime and corruption around every corner, it’s all down to a team of hard-hitting justice seeking mavericks, to clean up the streets with some tough justice! Raging Justice is a classic beat ‘em up, dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Why similar: Co-op 17.9%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Beat 'em up 14.2%, Local Multiplayer 12.2%, Violent 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style beat-em-up that delivers satisfying, visceral combat and local co-op fun.

A gritty, non-stop blood bath from the creator of Insanity's Blade, Super Battle Princess Madelyn and the recently released GuardGrave. And a parody of beloved 60s and 70s classic action films, heroes and villains. Deathwish Enforcers... There's gonna be hell to pay!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Co-op 14.4%, Local Multiplayer 14%, Shooter 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that captures the spirit of 80s and 90s action cinema.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Gore 24%, Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 12.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.2%, Action 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A heavy-metal themed run-and-gun that combines challenging platforming with intense, screen-filling action.

Fight across the ruins of London using carefully refined Free-Form Combat, taking down a terrifying variety of mutated zombies with an expanding special move-set. Created for 1-4 players, for online and offline play, Bloody Zombies is also enhanced with HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

Why similar: Zombies 17.3%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Co-op 12.5%, Gore 12.1%, 4 Player Local 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A co-op brawler designed specifically for local play, pitting players against hordes of undead enemies.

The fan-favorite 2D brawler is back as ex-mob hit man Shank returns to action in Shank 2. With those closest to him under attack, Shank is once again forced on the offensive. Now he must put his trusty arsenal of handguns, shotguns, automatic weapons, chainsaws, machetes, grenades, plus all-new weaponry and moves to use in order to...

Why similar: Beat 'em up 20.9%, Side Scroller 18%, Gore 13.9%, Co-op 12.8%, Action 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the original game's combat system with smoother controls and more varied weapon options.

Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.

Why similar: Co-op 21.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Platformer 12.6%, Side Scroller 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully hand-drawn run-and-gun that offers a significant challenge and high-quality boss design.

Jump into the frenzied action and the whacky humor of a pure 2.5D side-scroller! While they were going to their old high school for what was supposed to be the party of their life, four long-time friends end up in a ghost town full of monstrous creatures.

Why similar: Co-op 21.1%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Beat 'em up 16.4%, Zombies 16.1%, Action 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game that leans heavily into co-op play and monster-slaying mechanics.

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: Gore 20.3%, Classic 12.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 11.7%, Co-op 10.8%, Shooter 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down arcade shooter that focuses on surviving massive waves of enemies with an arsenal of powerful weapons.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.1%, Gore 20%, Platformer 19.9%, Action 12.4%, Violent 11%

Why You'll Like It: A lightning-fast 2D action game that emphasizes precision and one-hit-kill combat mechanics.

The followup to 2009's Dead Samurai, The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile is a combo-fueled, fast-paced, stylistic 2D action platformer that features the series' staple gritty, graphic novel-inspired art style, built on a new engine that allows for an even more visually gruesome experience.

Why similar: Gore 33.5%, Action 14.6%, Co-op 13.4%, Beat 'em up 12.1%, 2D 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A highly stylized, fast-paced 2D action game known for its fluid combat and dark aesthetic.

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.

Why similar: Side Scroller 27%, Classic 20% ★, Action 10.7%, Platformer 10.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential collection of run-and-gun games that defined the genre for generations.

"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid

Why similar: Platformer 22.8%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Action 16.8%, Shooter 10.5%, 2D 10%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-heavy run-and-gun that features impressive boss battles and dynamic combat scenarios.

Serious Sam 4 reignites the classic FPS series in a high-powered prequel loaded with an explosive arsenal, intergalactic carnage, and perfectly timed one-liners.

Why similar: Gore 30.9%, Co-op 19.1%, Shooter 9.4%, Classic 9.4% ★, Violent 8.3%

Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Side Scroller 24%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Action 5.7%, Shooter 3.6%

Run, Gun and Eat your way through this roguelite RPG shooter. In a world where every enemy is edible, what you eat and how much you eat drives everything from your waistline to branching skill trees to weapon crafting. Shoot fast. Eat big. Satisfy your appetite for destruction.

Why similar: Side Scroller 18.6%, Gore 15.4%, Co-op 14.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.7%, Platformer 9.7%

Donuts 'N' Justice is a fast-paced 2d horizontal shoot-'em-up wherein you take the role of one of two Super Cops in the 1980s to defend their city against gangs, violence and corruption.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Gore 13.7%, Classic 10.9% ★, Violent 10.2%, Action 8.8%

Zombie Kill of the Week - Reborn is a challenging, fast paced, 2D survival shooter! Featuring a compelling single player survival mode and cooperative multiplayer for up-to four players, this is one zombie firefight you're not going to want to miss!

Why similar: Zombies 55.8%, Action 16.3%, 2D 11.3%, Platformer 10.9%, Indie 5.7%

MADNESS: Project Nexus is a third-person Run n' Gun / Beat'Em Up filled with arcade-style action and button-mashing brutality. Gun your way through droves of bad guys in the Story Campaign, or build your perfect killing machine in the neverending onslaught of Arena Mode.

Why similar: Gore 32.2%, Beat 'em up 16.4%, Co-op 16.1%, Shooter 11.4%, Violent 9.7%

Enter the futuristic year of 1984, an age where ducks run wild in a frantic battle for glory. Blast your friends with Shotguns, Net Guns, Mind Control Rays, Saxophones, Magnet Guns, and much, much more. This is DUCK GAME. Don't blink.

Why similar: Local Multiplayer 25.4%, 4 Player Local 16.1%, Funny 9.6%, Platformer 8.7%, Co-op 8.4%

Pile on the firepower with the revolutionary Gunstacker and fire all your weapons at once in a symphony of destruction!

Why similar: Platformer 25.7%, Action 19.6%, Gore 18.7%, Shooter 12.7%, Comedy 8.8%

Dish out carnage of hellish proportions in Gunnheim, a top-down co-op shooter where the equation is simple: Vikings + Guns = Mayhem!

Why similar: Gore 20.5%, Co-op 16.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.5%, 4 Player Local 9.8%, Local Multiplayer 9.6%

Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!

Why similar: Classic 20.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Local Multiplayer 17.9%, Shooter 9.6%, Action 9.2%

Chaotic bacon-flavored beat'em up with plenty of enemies to smash around

Why similar: Local Multiplayer 24.2%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Beat 'em up 13.9%, Gore 10.3%, Action 8.8%

A crazy action-adventure platformer... In Hell.

Why similar: Platformer 29.8%, Gore 15.5%, Action 12.2%, Comedy 10%, 2D 9.1%

Nation Red is an ultra fast infinite play arena-based shooter providing an exceptional close-quarter battlefield experience. Fight thousands of zombie mutants and their bosses in frantic bloody gameplay while earning close to 100 perks. Fight in Barricade, Survival or Free Play mode.

Why similar: Zombies 47.8%, Gore 15.2%, Co-op 9.2%, Action 8.6%, 4 Player Local 5.9%

The Rare Nine - ultrafast and explosive beat 'em up, in which you should break through the darkness and hordes of undead in a giant skyscraper. Also you can enjoy a lot of great chiptune music.

Why similar: Side Scroller 16%, Zombies 15.2%, Gore 12.3%, Action 9.9%, Beat 'em up 9.9%

Defeat the Ninth Legion of the Roman army in this side-scrolling, arcade-inspired beat 'em up set in Roman-era Britain.

Why similar: Gore 20%, Beat 'em up 15.3%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Violent 12%, Action 10.2%

Mayhem Brawler is an urban fantasy themed beat 'em up that brings back the 90s arcade vibe to present day. With comic book style art and kick-ass soundtracks, it offers a unique experience that you can tackle solo or as co-op with friends while defining the next step in the story with your choices.

Why similar: Side Scroller 27.5%, Co-op 17.3%, Local Multiplayer 17.1%, Beat 'em up 16.5%, Action 7.1%

Welcome to the Blood Party! Play together with up to 3 people and compete in deadly game shows. Customize your zombie, build your own levels, share them via Steam Workshop and die a lot.

Why similar: Zombies 27.8%, Co-op 19.9%, Gore 16.3%, Violent 10.9%, Funny 6.8%

Infected Shelter is an ultra-violent rogue-lite post-apocalyptic beat'em up. Singleplayer and co-op for up to four players.

Why similar: Gore 24.3%, Zombies 14.2%, Local Multiplayer 13.1%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Co-op 10.6%

Lock and load for chaotic, fast-paced action in Gunslugs! Battle the evil Black Duck Army across wild, procedurally generated levels packed with explosions, jetpacks, chicken guns, and rogue-like permadeath. Unlock heroes, conquer bizarre worlds, and fight your way to the gates of Hell!

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Platformer 15.3%, Shooter 11.4%, Action 8.4%

Help Frank F. Franky fight the evil cardesians, zombies & robots while setting your arrested friends free. Bullshot is a run 'n gun game that tries to recover the essence of the 90s classics, such as Abuse, Contra or the Metal Slug sagas.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Zombies 16.7%, Classic 13.6% ★, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Platformer 11%

Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26%, Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Local Multiplayer 16.8%, Shooter 10.4%, Platformer 10.2%

Shoot your way through the pages of an ever-changing comic book in this fast-paced roguelike. Play solo, in local or online co-op, expand your weaponry, and upgrade your hero with each run. All that to find out why has your creator lost his faith in you and to prove him wrong.

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.9%, Local Multiplayer 20.9%, Co-op 17.8%, Platformer 12.5%, Shooter 10.3%

Every character plays like an entirely different action game in Contract Rush DX. Explore a world inspired by 2000's flash animation, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Platformer 13.5%, Gore 13.1%, Shooter 9.2%, Action 7.6%

Miner Meltdown is an action-packed team-based multiplayer game. Scour the map for minerals, upgrade your gear, and attempt to blow up the opposing team all the while avoiding monsters, traps, and environmental pitfalls along the way.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21%, Zombies 20.6%, Co-op 12%, Platformer 11.9%, Action 10.4%

Astro Duel is a competitive local multiplayer party game. Rounds are quick and death is sudden. Blast your friends into space. Run over their helpless bodies for good measure.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18%, 4 Player Local 16%, Local Multiplayer 14.2%, Gore 12.8%, Action 10.6%

Over 9000 Zombies! is top-down arcade action blown out of all reasonable proportions. An endless horde of zombies is coming your way, how long can you survive?

Why similar: Zombies 34.7%, Co-op 24.5%, 4 Player Local 15.4%, Shooter 8.1%, Action 6%

Serious Sam Classic: The Second Encounter is a high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS and Gamespot's Game of the Month February 2002!

Why similar: Classic 25.7% ★, Gore 22.2%, Co-op 14.7%, Action 11.3%, Shooter 8.1%

Ben and Ed is a 3D platformer, in which the player controls Ed the Zombie, who is forced to participate in a grotesque game show called "Rundead". Will he beat all obstacles Hans Showmaster confronts him with, to save his best friend Ben?

Why similar: Gore 27.8%, Zombies 27.8%, Co-op 8.3%, Action 7.9%, Funny 7.8%

Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 25.3%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Local Multiplayer 13.9%, Action 10.6%, Co-op 8.4%

Expect blasts of green zombie goo painting the screen in this top-down shooter packed with crazy guns that blow the heads off some… freaky zombies. Your mission is simple: graffiti the whole city before these mutants dog-pile you

Why similar: Zombies 41.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Shooter 14%, Action 8.5%, Indie 3.1%