Games Like Ikaruga

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Bullet Hell 30.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Arcade 6.4%, Action 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant indie shmup that mirrors Ikaruga's philosophy of rewarding deep mechanical mastery and thoughtful level design.

Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.8%, Bullet Hell 34.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Difficult 4.6%, Shooter 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: As the spiritual predecessor to Ikaruga, this game features the same developer's signature depth and complex, puzzle-like scoring systems.

Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 40%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Arcade 8%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%, Classic 4.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of bullet-hell shooters, it provides the pure, high-difficulty arcade experience that Ikaruga fans crave.

Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Bullet Hell 31.1%, Arcade 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 4.9%, Shooter 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a direct evolution of the color-polarity mechanic, requiring players to manage three different damage types to survive and score.

The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.7%, Bullet Hell 39.2%, Arcade 7.7%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%, Classic 3.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A classic Cave shooter that demands extreme precision and offers a deep, rewarding scoring system for advanced players.

Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Bullet Hell 39.7%, Arcade 7.7%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%, Action 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: This horizontal shooter offers a unique gothic aesthetic and a distinct scoring system that rewards tactical positioning.

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 40.8%, Bullet Hell 39.7%, Arcade 8.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Action 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished modern bullet-hell that captures the frantic energy and high-score focus of the genre perfectly.

Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Bullet Hell 31.9%, Arcade 6.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Action 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-quality indie shooter that emphasizes tight controls and intense, pattern-based combat.

Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 35%, Arcade 12.9%, Shooter 5%, Action 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a complex transformation mechanic that forces players to balance defensive and offensive states, similar to Ikaruga's polarity switching.

The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Bullet Hell 31.6%, Arcade 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Shooter 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game introduces a unique perspective-shifting mechanic that forces players to rethink their movement in a 3D space, much like Ikaruga's polarity.

DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.6%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Arcade 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Action 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a grand scale and a classic arcade feel with a wide variety of ships and strategic depth.

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 54.8%, Arcade 13.2%, Bullet Hell 12%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%, Difficult 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled, challenging arcade shooter that captures the spirit of classic 80s and 90s shmups with modern polish.

Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.5%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Arcade 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Action 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This mission-based shooter allows for deep customization and tactical planning, appealing to players who enjoy the strategic side of Ikaruga.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Arcade 10%, Difficult 4.4%, Shooter 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It introduces a time-based mechanic that forces players to play aggressively to maintain their survival, adding a layer of tension similar to Ikaruga.

Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 45.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%, Difficult 2.5%, Action 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging bullet-hell that features a great soundtrack and a focus on pattern recognition.

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 44.3%, Bullet Hell 33.6%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 3.1%, Local Co-Op 3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, upgrade-focused shmup that offers a polished experience with a high degree of replayability.

An epic tale that begins from shooting missiles! The newest work of the Caladrius series with lots of new features that exceeds the original story!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.1%, Bullet Hell 40.2%, Arcade 7.3%, Action 3.8%, Shooter 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its beautiful art and complex scoring mechanics, it provides a deep tactical experience for dedicated shmup fans.

Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Arcade 11.7%, Shooter 4.3%, Action 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modernized classic that provides a smooth, arcade-style experience with a variety of weapon systems.

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: Bullet Hell 37.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Arcade 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Difficult 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: While a twin-stick shooter, its intense arcade focus and high-score chasing mechanics make it a perfect companion for Ikaruga fans.

New dramatic horizontal shoot ’em up that takes place in the same setting as Ginga Force. An immersive story that follows protagonist Natsuki. Discover the story of her past as a rookie pilot up to present day with events that are parallel to those in Ginga Force.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 23%, Action 13.3%, Arcade 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, accessible, yet deep shooter that features a unique timeline-based narrative and strategic weapon loadouts.

Japanese boutique game studio G.rev makes its long-awaited debut on Steam with Strania!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.1%, Bullet Hell 24%, Arcade 8.3%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic, tight arcade shooter that focuses on weapon management and precise movement through challenging environments.

Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.2%, Bullet Hell 35.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Action 3.3%, Sci-fi 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game encourages aggressive, high-score-focused play by rewarding players for destroying enemies quickly and efficiently.

Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Classic 17.8% ★, Arcade 8.2%, Addictive 4.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: Features dynamic, shifting gameplay where players can swap ships on the fly, adding a layer of tactical variety.

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 40.5%, Bullet Hell 34.5%, Arcade 7.5%, Classic 5.3% ★, Great Soundtrack 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired shooter that focuses on pure action and high-score competition.

A non-shooting shoot 'em up where you must grow, make friends, and survive together.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Arcade 7%, Action 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: A unique, chaotic bullet-hell that focuses on building your ship as you play, offering a fresh take on the genre.

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 42.4%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Arcade 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style action game that requires quick reflexes and pattern memorization to survive intense waves.

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Classic 13.1% ★, Arcade 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A squad-based shmup that adds a layer of strategic management to the traditional arcade shooter formula.

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 43.8%, Bullet Hell 28.8%, Classic 8.9% ★, Arcade 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 2.3%

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: Bullet Hell 44%, Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Arcade 4.9%, Great Soundtrack 4.8%, Action 1.5%

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 47.5%, Bullet Hell 35.7%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 3.3%, Sci-fi 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, intense arcade shooter that relies on clean visuals and precise, high-speed gameplay.

Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Bullet Hell 36.6%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 3.8%, Action 2.9%

Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51%, Bullet Hell 32%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Arcade 4.4%, Action 1.8%

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.5%, Bullet Hell 29.5%, Arcade 7.6%, Shooter 2%, Action 1.8%

Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Arcade 15.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Action 3.1%

The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Arcade 12%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Shooter 2.3%

A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Bullet Hell 32.9%, Arcade 11%, Shooter 4%, Difficult 3.9%

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 49.7%, Bullet Hell 34.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Action 5.1%, Indie 1.5%

Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.6%, Bullet Hell 36.8%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 2%, Local Co-Op 1.5%

A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.1%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Arcade 7.1%, Shooter 3.1%, Action 2.3%

An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.7%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Arcade 6.8%, Action 3.7%

Bullet Soul Infinite Burst is a vertically scrolling shooting game crossing old-school gameplay with a bullet hell twist. It adds numerous gameplay enhancements over its predecessor, Bullet Soul, not least of which is Burst Mode. The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, now with more destruction, more coins and more tunes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Bullet Hell 34.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Action 4.2%, Sci-fi 2.4%

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Bullet Hell 35.6%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Arcade 6.1%, Difficult 3.8%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.9%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Arcade 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%, Action 3.2%

This is a music rhythm STG where stages with highly BGM synchronization will show you a barrage musical; A shop system with dozens of items available offers you infinite possibility; An AI based auto dodging system benefits beginners.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Action 3.6%, Shooter 3.4%

Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.8%, Bullet Hell 30.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Local Co-Op 3.2%, Action 2.5%

【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.1%, Bullet Hell 36.2%, Arcade 6.9%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Action 2.5%

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 38.9%, Bullet Hell 34.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 3.4%

Experience the rush of battle with the fan acclaimed Bullet-Hell shooter "SUGURI". You're equipped with an automatic lock-on targeting system and a unique arsenal of hyper weapons, power shields, and more. Sure, she may look cute, but when it's time to fight, it's all business.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Shooter 2.5%, Action 2.5%

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.4%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Shooter 6.2%, Action 4.2%, Indie 1%

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.7%, Bullet Hell 33.6%, Arcade 6%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%, Local Co-Op 2.6%

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 65.5%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Action 3.9%, Indie 1%

A legendary SHMUP influential to the best makers in the genre, Hellsinker is now available on steam in its most advanced form! Gameplay, story, graphics, and even music all united into one cohesive and highly dimensional Shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Bullet Hell 34.2%, Arcade 10.9%, Difficult 3.4%, Shooter 2.8%

Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Bullet Hell 35.6%, Arcade 8.2%, Action 4.2%, Shooter 3.6%

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 47%, Bullet Hell 31.8%, Shooter 5.4%, Arcade 4.8%, Great Soundtrack 3.7%

桜を見ながら西瓜を割り、紅葉を見ながら鍋をつつく こんな季節に誰がした！ イレギュラーでシーズナルなシューティング幻想！

Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Arcade 4.7%, Difficult 4.2%

R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.7%, Classic 19.8% ★, Arcade 12.4%, Action 3.4%, Difficult 1.8%

Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Bullet Hell 36.9%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 4.5%, Great Soundtrack 3.4%