- #1 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
97% matchVery Positive81% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Bullet Hell 26%, Action 15.1%, Arcade 13.9%, Indie 11.1%
- #2 Power-Up
96% matchMixed58% of 266 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 31.4%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Fast-Paced 13.2%, Retro 12.9%, Action 10.2%
- #3 Space Elite Force
96% matchVery Positive89% of 186 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Bullet Hell 26.7%, Arcade 17%, Retro 12%, Action 8.8%
- #4 Hyper Simon X
95% matchMostly Positive71% of 66 reviews2018
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Hyper Simon X is an Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Puzzle game that ingeniously blends SHMUP mechanics with the classic nostalgia of 'Simon Says' memory games. Prepare for a challenge like no other as you destroy the enemies in the exact order displayed!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Fast-Paced 16.4%, Action 14.7%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Arcade 11.2%
- #5 Zenodyne R
94% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 49.4%, Action 29.9%, Indie 20.7%
- #6 Vektor Wars
94% matchMixed68% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Integer Overflow
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Certified 100% pure arcade action, rendered in eye-melting neon vectors, Vektor Wars is classic first-person blasting for the shooter connoisseur.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.2%, Retro 25.9%, Arcade 22.5%, Action 14.6%, Indie 10.7%
- #7 Hyper Bounce Blast
93% 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 38.9%, Action 24.6%, Arcade 19%, Indie 17.5%
- #8 Jetboard Joust
92% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Retro 17.3%, Arcade 12.1%, Action 9.6%
- #9 Echoes+
91% 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 30.2%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Action 16.3%, Arcade 10.7%, Indie 10.5%
- #10 Vector Strain
91% 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 38.1%, Bullet Hell 25%, Arcade 14.1%, Action 13.7%, Indie 9.1%
- #11 Kromaia
90% matchMostly Positive75% of 118 reviews2014
Dev: Kraken Empire
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Arcade 17.8%, Action 12.2%, Indie 9.2%
- #12 Rocking Pilot
89% matchVery Positive93% of 71 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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Fast-Paced 19.4%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Arcade 12.6%, Retro 11.3%
- #13 Switch 'N' Shoot
89% matchVery Positive96% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Fast-Paced 18.8%, Arcade 13.9%, Retro 11.7%
- #14 Super Hydorah
88% matchVery Positive87% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Arcade 16.5%, Retro 15.8%, Action 11.5%, Indie 8.9%
- #15 Steel Vampire
87% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Action 13.9%, Arcade 13.2%, Indie 10.2%
- #16 Ellipsis
86% matchVery Positive94% of 247 reviews2017
Dev: Salmi Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Ellipsis is an action-packed Avoid ’Em Up with minimalistic, yet powerful neon styled visuals. Guide your ship through a mysterious universe while deftly avoiding hordes of roaming enemies, spikes, lasers and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Action 17.7%, Retro 16.6%, Indie 12.8%
- #17 Interstellar Sentinel
84% matchVery Positive98% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Uplifting Goat LLC.
Windows
ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.6%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Action 13.9%, Arcade 10.2%
- #18 Q-YO Blaster
86% matchVery Positive91% of 196 reviews2018
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.2%, Action 20.9%, Indie 15.1%, Bullet Hell 12.7%
- #19 Incandescent
85% matchMixed68% of 173 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: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Action 23.4%, Indie 17.1%, Arcade 15.6%
- #20 Jets'n'Guns 2
82% matchVery Positive90% of 1,290 reviews2020
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Action 17.6%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Indie 12%
- #21 Danmaku Unlimited 2
83% matchVery Positive93% of 482 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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 41.3%, Bullet Hell 37%, Arcade 8.1%, Action 7.6%, Indie 6%
- #22 Horizon Shift
84% 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 34.7%, Action 27.8%, Arcade 19.1%, Indie 18.3%
- #23 Space Moth DX
82% matchVery Positive81% of 134 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.6%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 13.4%, Indie 10.1%
- #24 Sky Force Anniversary
81% matchVery Positive92% of 2,149 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 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 40.3%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Arcade 12.3%, Retro 10.1%, Action 8.8%
- #25 CometStriker DX
80% matchVery Positive98% of 64 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: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Arcade 14.8%, Retro 9.2%, Action 7.5%
- #26 Bit Blaster XL
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,145 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 34.3%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Arcade 17%, Retro 12.8%, Action 9%
- #27 TechBeat Heart
78% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2021
Dev: Lost Machine Games
Windows · Linux
SCORCHING TECHBEAT ACTION! A frantic combo-based score attack shooter. Make combos to earn more time. Master all weapons and defeat a raving mad machine. 100% arcade action. Online ranking. Lots of achievements. A Dual Gunstrike spin off.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Fast-Paced 20.5%, Arcade 12.6%, Retro 8.4%
- #28 Sky Mercenaries
81% matchMixed69% of 125 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Arcade 16%, Action 13.3%, Indie 10.4%
- #29 Jet Lancer
77% matchVery Positive92% of 1,196 reviews2020
Dev: Code WakersPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 23.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Arcade 11%, Action 9.2%
- #30 Sophstar
77% matchVery Positive100% of 103 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.8%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 14.5%, Action 10.4%
- #31 Roto Force
76% matchVery Positive93% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Accidently AwesomePub: PID Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot and dash your way through frantic missions! A twin-stick shooter set in a rotating world. Unlock weapons, move quickly and fight tons of bosses.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 27.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 6.7%
- #32 Super Glitter Rush
75% matchVery Positive95% of 113 reviews2021
Dev: tiny cactus studio
Windows
Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Action 11.6%, Retro 8.3%, Indie 5.8%
- #33 Hyperspace Dogfights
76% matchVery Positive90% of 139 reviews2018
Dev: Sleeper Games
Windows · Linux
Hyperspace Dogfights is a juicy jet-combat roguelite in which you blast, dodge and slice your way through masses of technologically inferior baddies. Your jet evolves differently on each run and becomes stronger and weirder by gathering some of the 300+ available items.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 27.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Retro 7.8%
- #34 Grav Blazer Squared
79% matchMixed41% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Fast-Paced 15.3%, Arcade 14.1%, Retro 9.6%
- #35 Galaxy Highways
70% matchVery Positive97% of 59 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: Bullet Hell 57.4%, Retro 25.1%, Action 17.5%
- #36 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
74% matchVery Positive84% of 605 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 33.9%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Retro 13.5%, Arcade 10.9%, Action 9.3%
- #37 Super Bit Blaster XL
71% matchVery Positive94% of 878 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Bullet Hell 27.5%, Arcade 17.4%, Retro 11.8%, Action 8.8%
- #38 Particle Wars
73% matchVery Positive94% of 52 reviews2019
Dev: HaDe GamesPub: My Way Games
Windows
Particle wars is a super cool and colorful survival shooter with crazy particle effects, tons of weapons and power-ups! Beat the levels with different approaches and get some great highscores at the infinite mode!
Why similar: Action 37.7%, Arcade 33.9%, Indie 28.4%
- #39 Ghost Blade HD
74% 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 41.4%, Bullet Hell 29%, Action 16.7%, Indie 13%
- #40 Roche Fusion
73% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2015
Dev: amulware
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Roche Fusion is a retro, over the top space shooter. An all you can shoot buffet; fast paced and procedurally generated; with crazy waves of enemies, awesome upgrades and wicked boss-fights! Also: Explosions. Lots of explosions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.9%, Action 26.8%, Indie 20.2%
- #41 RefRain - prism memories -
73% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: RebRankPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 24%, Action 20.7%, Indie 16.2%
- #42 Waves
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,557 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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Bullet Hell 24%, Arcade 14.6%, Fast-Paced 14.2%, Retro 10.7%
- #43 Duke of Alpha Centauri
72% matchMostly Positive77% of 549 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Duke of Alpha Centuri is a space shooter with amazing graphics. The main goal of our game is to have a lot of fun while blowing up hordes of different types of enemies. Engage in boss fights, upgrade your ship and ship systems until you are able to show off in an endless mode.
Why similar: Action 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 37.2%, Indie 25.1%
- #44 RagingBlasters
70% matchVery Positive99% of 124 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Retro 16.9%, Arcade 10.8%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Action 10.6%
- #45 Solar Shifter EX
75% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59%, Action 23.8%, Indie 17.2%
- #46 HYPER DEMON
66% matchVery Positive94% of 3,295 reviews2022
Dev: Sorath
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 41%
HYPER DEMON is an FPS like no other. a pearl of lightning. a dream from the future. a drop of poison. a swan song. The faster you slay demons, the harder the game and the higher your score. There is an end. Will it see you?
Why similar: Fast-Paced 39.2%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Arcade 13.3%, Action 7.8%
- #47 Sektori
61% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 768 reviews2025
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Arcade 21.6%, Action 7.1%
- #48 Cloud Cutter
68% matchVery Positive88% of 128 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: Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Arcade 24.5%, Retro 16.2%, Action 15.3%, Indie 1.4%
- #49 Heckabomb
71% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Arcade 23.3%, Indie 21.9%, Action 18.5%
- #50 Undercroft Warriors
64% matchMostly Positive79% of 502 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Arcade 14.8%, Retro 8.9%, Fast-Paced 8.4%
- #51 Gunkid 99
68% matchVery Positive92% of 66 reviews2019
Dev: Yongjustyong
Windows
GUNKID 99 is a fast and frantic 2D arena-shooter that will seriously challenge your skills and reflexes. Craft your own unique play-style and develop crazy combos with numerous weapons and abilities at your disposal! Lay waste to endless hordes of enemies and get that top score on the Global Leaderboards!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Fast-Paced 17.8%, Action 15.3%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Arcade 12.6%
- #52 Bleed 2
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 898 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Bullet Hell 25%, Action 16.4%, Arcade 14%, Indie 11.1%
- #53 Tiamat X
71% 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 42.4%, Arcade 23.5%, Action 20.8%, Indie 13.3%
- #54 AWA
69% matchVery Positive80% of 117 reviews2016
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62%, Arcade 16.1%, Action 12.5%, Indie 9.4%
- #55 Gunboat God
61% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2026
Dev: Janson RADPub: Fireshine Games
Windows
Become the all-powerful Gunboat God in this fluid shoot 'em up. Carve the waves as you stylishly fight hordes of monsters in hundreds of quick-fire missions. Transform your Gunboat and upgrade your weapons, skills and abilities to take on giant, challenging, multi-stage bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 23.5%, Retro 15.7%, Arcade 15.2%, Action 8.1%
- #56 Megabonk
56% matchVery Positive95% of 101,885 reviews2025
Dev: vedinad
Windows · Linux
Median: 15.9 hrsMean: 31.1 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: Bullet Hell 41.8%, Arcade 19%, Retro 14.8%, Action 12.8%, Indie 11.5%
- #57 Hyper Echelon
66% matchVery Positive89% of 66 reviews2021
Dev: GangoGames LLC
Windows · Mac
The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Bullet Hell 28.6%, Arcade 19.9%, Action 9%
- #58 Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders
59% matchVery Positive96% of 136 reviews2026
Dev: Combo Game StudioPub: Nuntius Games
Windows
Slide, jump and shoot in 8 directions in this explosive Run 'n Gun for up to 3 players! Swap weapons in real time, activate insane specials and take on alien bosses in an action-packed invasion of retro mayhem!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Retro 19.3%, Arcade 15.2%, Action 9.5%
- #59 Grav Blazer
69% matchMixed48% of 161 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 19%, Arcade 16.2%, Fast-Paced 15.4%, Action 12%