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Games Like Heckabomb

60+ similar titles based on shared tags and player behavior. Themes include Action, Indie, Shoot 'Em Up, Bullet Hell.

Heckabomb header art

Explosive twin stick shooter. Lots of upgrades. Full controller support. Awesome soundtrack.

Reviews: Mixed — 63% — of 313 reviews
Released: 2015-02-27
Developer: Allicorn Games
Publisher: KISS ltd
Genres: Action, Indie
Platforms: Windows
Median playtime: 3.1 hrs
Mean playtime: 4.2 hrs
Players ≥ 1 hr: 95%

Overview

Heckabomb is a high-octane twin-stick shooter that excels at providing explosive, arcade-style action paired with rewarding upgrade systems. These recommendations focus on games that capture that same frantic energy, precise control, and satisfying visual feedback, ensuring you find the next best challenge for your reflexes.

Similar Games

View all 57 recommendations
  1. #1 Nex Machina
    97% matchVery Positive87% of 2,168 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 60.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 7%, Indie 6%

    Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for modern twin-stick shooters, offering intense, high-speed arcade action and incredible visual polish.

  2. #2 Assault Android Cactus+
    96% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
    Dev: Witch Beam
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 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 56%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 6.4%

    Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, highly polished twin-stick shooter that emphasizes constant movement and satisfying combat mechanics.

  3. #3 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
    96% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
    Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
    Windows
    Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 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 59.8%, Arcade 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Indie 5%, Action 2.7%

    Why You'll Like It: The definitive classic twin-stick arcade experience that defined the genre's addictive, score-chasing loop.

  4. #4 Tachyon Project
    95% matchMostly Positive76% of 74 reviews2015
    Dev: Eclipse GamesPub: SA Industry
    Windows
    Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%

    Tachyon Project is a dual stick shooter heavily inspired by classic shoot'em ups. We’ve combined many unique enemy types, a large variety of weapons and power-ups with innovative gameplay to ensure a long lasting challenge and discovery at every new level.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 43%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Indie 15.4%, Action 12.4%, Arcade 10.2%

    Why You'll Like It: Offers similar arcade-style twin-stick gameplay with a heavy focus on score-chasing and unique enemy patterns.

  5. #5 Tesla vs Lovecraft
    94% matchVery Positive90% of 1,231 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 54.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Indie 14.1%, Action 12.3%

    Why You'll Like It: Features the same upgrade-heavy, explosive combat style and chaotic enemy swarms found in Heckabomb.

  6. #6 Scoregasm
    94% matchVery Positive83% of 142 reviews2012
    Dev: RC KnightPub: Charlie's Games
    Windows · Mac
    Median: 24 minMean: 3.7 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 66.6%, Indie 18.2%, Action 15.1%

    Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced, branching arcade action that rewards aggressive play and high-score optimization.

  7. #7 Waves
    93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,549 reviews2011
    Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
    Windows
    Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.0 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 54.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Arcade 14.2%, Action 6.5%

    Why You'll Like It: Provides pure, minimalist twin-stick arcade action that focuses entirely on movement and precision.

  8. #8 Nuclear Throne
    91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 19,420 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 55.9%, Indie 26.3%, Action 17.8%

    Why You'll Like It: A high-octane, roguelite twin-stick shooter with punchy weapon feedback and relentless difficulty.

  9. #9 Monolith
    88% matchMostly Positive77% of 335 reviews2023
    Dev: Animation Arts
    Windows · Linux

    A classical science fiction point and click adventure which takes you into a deep story and murky atmosphere, while solving logical puzzles. Accompany Tessa Carter and her talking robot as she finds out about herself and searches for a way to survive.

    Why similar: Indie 100%

    Why You'll Like It: Features tight, responsive twin-stick combat with excellent weapon variety and challenging boss encounters.

  10. #10 Ultratron
    91% matchVery Positive88% of 694 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 48.3%, Arcade 14.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Indie 13%, Action 10.2%

    Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that captures the same addictive gameplay loop and upgrade progression.

  11. #11 Polychromatic
    89% matchVery Positive94% of 51 reviews2015
    Dev: Brushfire Games
    Windows · Linux
    Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%

    Polychromatic is a physics-based arcade shooter with a pop of color.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 60.3%, Indie 15.9%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 10.5%

    Why You'll Like It: A physics-based arena shooter with a vibrant, arcade aesthetic that feels very similar to Heckabomb.

  12. #12 Really Big Sky
    89% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,890 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 33%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Indie 24.3%, Action 11%, Arcade 7%

    Why You'll Like It: Features the same chaotic, screen-filling shoot-em-up energy and variety of gameplay modes.

  13. #13 Crimsonland
    87% matchVery Positive93% of 3,083 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 52.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Action 13.5%, Indie 10.5%, Arcade 7.8%

    Why You'll Like It: A classic arena-based twin-stick survival game that pits you against massive, screen-filling enemy counts.

  14. #14 Sektori
    76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 704 reviews2025
    Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
    Windows
    Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 73%

    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 56.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Arcade 14%, Action 4.5%

  15. #15 Hyper Sentinel
    85% matchVery Positive84% of 68 reviews2018
    Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 12 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 21%

    A face-melting, pixel-pumping arcade shoot 'em up featuring awesome power-ups, epic boss battles and spectacular effects at a blistering 60fps. Blast into battle against giant space destroyers in Arcade Mode, tackle endless waves of enemies in Survival Mode and face off against epic level guardians in Boss Run mode.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Arcade 23.4%, Indie 22.2%, Action 18.4%

    Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced, retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes high-speed action and combo-building.

  16. #16 Horizon Shift
    86% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
    Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
    Windows
    Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%

    Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Indie 27.1%, Action 25.8%, Arcade 18.4%

    Why You'll Like It: Combines platforming elements with classic shoot-em-up mechanics for a fresh take on the genre.

  17. #17 Danmaku Unlimited 3
    84% matchVery Positive87% of 240 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 47%, Arcade 19%, Indie 18.4%, Action 15.7%

    Why You'll Like It: A highly polished bullet-hell experience that is perfect for fans of screen-filling, high-stakes action.

  18. #18 Black Paradox
    83% matchMixed68% of 132 reviews2019
    Dev: Highwalls
    Windows · Mac
    Median: 42 minMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%

    Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.6%, Action 21.5%, Indie 17.9%

    Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled shoot-em-up that features deep upgrade systems and fast-paced combat.

  19. #19 Bullet Candy
    86% matchMixed52% of 87 reviews2007
    Dev: R C Knight
    Windows
    Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 14%

    Bullet Candy is a fast paced, action packed arena shooter. There are a variety of combo systems and many secret techniques that you can employ to get the best score and weapon upgrades possible. Viewed from a top-down perspective, Bullet Candy allows for a true 360° shoot-em-up experience.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Indie 18.4%, Arcade 11.6%

    Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade twin-stick shooter that focuses on combo-building and managing large waves of enemies.

  20. #20 Ion Assault
    84% matchMixed69% of 181 reviews2010
    Dev: CoreplayPub: THQ Nordic
    Windows
    Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%

    In ION ASSAULT players wield thousands of Ion Particles to blast, fry and disrupt anything on screen as you see fit! GAMEPLAY WITH A TWIST: By centering its gameplay around its unique fluid and particle physics system, ION ASSAULT adds a twist to arcade style space shooters!

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 40.3%, Indie 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Action 15.6%, Arcade 10%

    Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced arcade action with a unique focus on particle-based combat and rapid-fire destruction.

  21. #21 Ghost Blade HD
    82% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
    Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
    Windows · Mac · Linux

    Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.6%, Indie 27.9%, Action 22.4%

    Why You'll Like It: A polished shoot-em-up that emphasizes precision, pattern memorization, and high-score chasing.

  22. #22 Inferno 2
    82% matchVery Positive86% of 58 reviews2015
    Dev: Radiangames
    Windows

    Inferno 2 is an intense, atmospheric twin-stick adventure-shooter. Blast through 80+ levels full of enemies and secrets while upgrading your ship the way you want.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 74%, Indie 14.2%, Action 11.8%

    Why You'll Like It: Features the same neon-drenched, twin-stick arcade intensity and satisfying upgrade paths.

  23. #23 Undercroft Warriors
    73% matchMostly Positive79% of 459 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 54%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Arcade 12.5%, Action 5.8%, Indie 3.3%

  24. #24 Void Invaders
    81% matchVery Positive85% of 406 reviews2015
    Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
    Windows · Linux
    Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%

    Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Arcade 23.2%, Indie 19.7%, Action 15.8%

    Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic arcade spirit with explosive visuals and high-energy, wave-based gameplay.

  25. #25 Steredenn: Binary Stars
    81% matchVery Positive88% of 958 reviews2015
    Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 67.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%

    Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.5%, Arcade 30.9%, Action 13.6%

    Why You'll Like It: A roguelite shoot-em-up with high replayability, intense boss fights, and a great sense of progression.

  26. #26 CometStriker DX
    79% matchVery Positive98% of 63 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 51.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Arcade 11.8%, Indie 5.8%, Action 5.7%

    Why You'll Like It: A modern take on classic arcade shooters with unique movement mechanics and high-intensity boss battles.

  27. #27 satryn deluxe
    74% matchVery Positive97% of 132 reviews2021
    Dev: maybell🌻
    Windows · Linux

    a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 68.8%, Arcade 16.5%, Action 9.2%, Indie 5.5%

  28. #28 Cloud Cutter
    75% matchVery Positive87% of 127 reviews2021
    Dev: Just Two ltd.
    Windows

    Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Arcade 15.3%, Action 9.2%, Indie 1.4%

  29. #29 Tiamat X
    79% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
    Dev: BBQ Games
    Windows
    Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%

    Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Arcade 23.4%, Indie 20.4%, Action 19.9%

    Why You'll Like It: A challenging, arcade-style shooter that rewards quick reflexes and mastery of movement.

  30. #30 Nation Red
    78% matchVery Positive88% of 2,776 reviews2009
    Dev: DiezelPower
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%

    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: Twin Stick Shooter 50.5%, Action 17.7%, Indie 15.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.2%, Arcade 7.1%

    Why You'll Like It: An intense, horde-based twin-stick shooter with satisfying weapon upgrades and constant action.

  31. #31 Hexodius
    80% matchMixed64% of 53 reviews2013
    Dev: Brain Slap StudioPub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
    Windows
    Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%

    EXPLORE-EQUIP-ESCAPE!With its potent blend of twin-stick shooting, exploration and customization, HEXODIUS invites players to explore the vast complex, equip their drone with powerful items and upgrades, and ultimately escape the clutches of the deadly enemy droids in a blaze of laser fire!

    Why similar: Indie 53.6%, Action 46.4%

    Why You'll Like It: Focuses on exploration and combat within a polished twin-stick framework with diverse enemy types.

  32. #32 Rocking Pilot
    77% matchVery Positive93% of 68 reviews2017
    Dev: GungroundsPub: Mad Head Games
    Windows · Mac
    Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%

    Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 42.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Indie 13.7%, Arcade 13%, Action 10.5%

  33. #33 Story of a Cube
    78% matchMixed77% 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 55.9%, Indie 16.2%, Arcade 15%, Action 12.9%

  34. #34 Hyper Bounce Blast
    77% matchVery Positive93% of 89 reviews2016
    Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
    Windows
    Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%

    Hyper Bounce Blast is a stomach-churning retro shooter blended with classic platforming action. Bounce, shoot and dodge to survive the ever-increasing enemy attack. Bring it on!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Indie 26.2%, Action 23%, Arcade 18.4%

  35. #35 Echoes+
    75% 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 37.8%, Indie 23.6%, Action 22.9%, Arcade 15.6%

  36. #36 Vector Strain
    76% matchMostly Positive76% of 70 reviews2015
    Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
    Windows
    Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%

    Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.2%, Arcade 19.1%, Indie 19%, Action 17.8%

  37. #37 GRIDD: Retroenhanced
    74% matchVery Positive87% of 78 reviews2017
    Dev: Antab StudioPub: Kongregate
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%

    GRIDD: Retroenhanced is an intense arcade-style cyberpunk hacking shoot 'em up with an incredible soundtrack, procedurally generated elements, and electric visuals.

    Why similar: Indie 37.9%, Action 31.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%

  38. #38 Megabonk
    54% matchVery Positive95% of 99,563 reviews2025
    Dev: vedinad
    Windows · Linux
    Median: 15.7 hrsMean: 29.9 hrs≥1hr: 95%

    Smash your way through endless waves of enemies and grow absurdly powerful! Grab loot, level up, unlock characters and upgrade to create unique and crazy builds as you fend off hordes of creatures!

    Why similar: Arcade 39.1%, Indie 35.7%, Action 25.2%

  39. #39 ARMORED KITTEN
    71% matchVery Positive81% of 567 reviews2017
    Dev: Ducat
    Windows
    Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%

    Awesome side scroll action about Cute and Deadly Kitten with a double shotgun!

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 45.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Arcade 12.8%, Indie 9.1%, Action 7.8%

  40. #40 Feral Fury
    72% matchVery Positive81% of 130 reviews2017
    Dev: Skandivania GamesPub: Skandivania Games
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 30.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%

    Fast-paced twin stick shooter rogue-lite action

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 71.4%, Indie 15.6%, Action 13%

  41. #41 Shmadow
    72% 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 55.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Indie 13.2%, Action 10.1%

  42. #42 Incandescent
    73% matchMixed68% of 172 reviews2015
    Dev: Stephen Crabb
    Windows
    Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%

    Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 38%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Indie 16%, Action 13.7%, Arcade 9.5%

  43. #43 The Bug Butcher
    70% matchVery Positive90% of 1,201 reviews2016
    Dev: Awfully Nice Studios
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%

    A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Indie 23.7%, Arcade 20.7%, Action 17.5%

  44. #44 Power-Up
    73% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
    Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
    Windows
    Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%

    A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Indie 22.8%, Action 16.8%, Arcade 14.2%

  45. #45 Steel Vampire
    70% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
    Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
    Windows
    Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%

    Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.1%, Indie 21.1%, Action 18%, Arcade 17.7%

  46. #46 Super Ember Kaboom
    64% matchVery Positive97% of 69 reviews2022
    Dev: Josh Koenig Games
    Windows · Mac

    Super Ember Kaboom is a fast-paced, cute-and-colorful action game. It has tight controls and simple to learn, difficult to master gameplay that makes each level a joy to run through.

    Why similar: Arcade 47.5%, Action 35.1%, Indie 17.4%

  47. #47 Galaxy Highways
    57% matchVery Positive98% of 54 reviews2025
    Dev: Nanopike
    Windows · Mac

    An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 89.9%, Action 10.1%

  48. #48 Beat Hazard
    69% matchVery Positive95% of 7,422 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 58.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Indie 6%, Arcade 5.9%, Action 4%

  49. #49 Bezier
    70% matchMostly Positive77% of 110 reviews2016
    Dev: Philip BakPub: Thalamus Digital
    Windows
    Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 26%

    Bezier is a dual stick blaster set inside a vast computer built deep underground. The story traces the principal's escape from this "Noah's Ark" gone wrong. A simple shooter on the surface, the deeper narrative pulls in his relationship between evolution and god, family and love.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Indie 10.6%, Action 9.5%, Arcade 9.5%

  50. #50 Butsbal
    71% matchMixed58% of 87 reviews2015
    Dev: Xtase Studios
    Windows · Linux
    Median: 36 minMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 36%

    Fast Pace Shooter

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Indie 29.3%, Action 26.4%

  51. #51 Sky Force Reloaded
    66% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
    Dev: Infinite Dreams
    Windows · Mac · Linux
    Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%

    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 49.3%, Arcade 26.5%, Indie 12.9%, Action 11.3%

  52. #52 Color Chaos
    69% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2016
    Dev: Daniel Riley
    Windows
    Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 77%

    Color Chaos is a twin stick shooter that delivers fun and chaotic color swapping arcade action that will keep you coming back time and time again to beat the highscores on the leaderboards.

    Why similar: Indie 54.7%, Action 45.3%

  53. #53 Son of a Gun
    57% matchMostly Positive76% of 133 reviews2024
    Dev: Crank GoblinPub: Untold Tales
    Windows

    A retro-inspired, action packed, twin-stick shooter full of bullets, blood and explosions. Collect and manage your guns to exterminate jungle zombies, swarming bugs, heavy robots, slimy monsters and even space ghosts.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Arcade 14.9%, Action 8.5%

  54. #54 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
    56% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
    Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
    Windows
    Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%

    An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.9%, Action 17.5%, Arcade 12.2%, Indie 10.4%

  55. #55 BORIS the Mutant Bear with a Gun
    67% matchMostly Positive77% of 60 reviews2018
    Dev: Ducat
    Windows · Mac

    Awesome shooter adventure about the Mutant Bear with a Gun!!!

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 50%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Arcade 11.9%, Indie 8.5%, Action 7.1%

  56. #56 Evil Egg
    51% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 637 reviews2025
    Dev: Ivy Sly
    Windows
    Median: 24 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 33%

    Blast it all to hell.

    Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 60%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Arcade 14.6%, Action 4.3%

  57. #57 GUNFIELD
    55% matchVery Positive96% of 250 reviews2024
    Dev: Shiv
    Windows

    GUNFIELD – A game that combines the genres: shoot 'em up, roguelite. Choose the perfect weapon combinations and upgrade your ship to destroy hordes of enemies and giant bosses, using strategy and a powerful arsenal.

    Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.4%, Indie 20%, Action 18.6%

Based on tag similarity + player behavior
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