- #1 Starship Annihilator
97% matchMixed64% of 354 reviews2016
Dev: IR Studio
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 28.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A classic style vertical scrolling-shooter. Includes 10 levels and 10 boss enemies. You will have several power-ups for weapon modification. Within each level, you will face different enemies, among which will vary from low to extreme levels of threat!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.6%, Indie 35.2%, Action 21.2%
- #2 Tachyon Project
96% 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 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Action 18.7%, Indie 14.4%, Arcade 8.2%
- #3 Chroma Blast
95% matchVery Positive82% of 252 reviews2017
Dev: William Cheek
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Chroma Blast is a fast paced twin stick shooter with many different styles of play where you fight through waves of enemies while constantly leveling up your ships colorful arsenal. Beat your friends and challenge yourself in the leaderboards, or seek out a true test of skill for those good enough to find it.
Why similar: Action 48.6%, Indie 36.3%, Casual 15.1%
- #4 Ion Assault
96% 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 27.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Action 21.9%, Indie 15.5%, Arcade 7.4%
- #5 Luminosity
94% matchVery Positive84% of 62 reviews2015
Dev: Windmill Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Luminosity is a fast paced arcade game. You take the control of a space ship and your objective is to close off the enemy drones and conquer a certain percent of the map in order to blow them up. Things quickly escalate and you face an increasing number of unique and challenging enemies and environments all trying to destroy your laser...
Why similar: Casual 60.9%, Action 22.8%, Indie 16.3%
- #6 Hyper Sentinel
94% 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 43.6%, Action 23.3%, Indie 17.4%, Arcade 15.7%
- #7 Rocking Pilot
93% 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 31.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Action 16%, Indie 12.9%, Arcade 10.5%
- #8 Distant Space
90% matchVery Positive86% of 2,983 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Arcade 15.3%, Indie 12.1%, Action 11.1%, 2D 4.3%
- #9 Color Chaos
91% 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: Action 48.4%, Indie 36.2%, Casual 15.4%
- #10 Bullet Candy
91% 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 38.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Indie 17.7%, Arcade 9.5%, Casual 6.2%
- #11 Horizon Shift
89% 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 34.4%, Action 32.3%, Indie 21.1%, Arcade 12.2%
- #12 Grav Blazer Squared
89% matchMixed40% of 85 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 52.3%, Arcade 16.6%, Action 14.3%, 2D 7.3%, Indie 5.1%
- #13 Solar Shifter EX
88% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 55.3%, Action 26%, Indie 18.7%
- #14 AWA
86% matchVery Positive80% of 115 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 63.3%, Action 14.9%, Indie 11.2%, Arcade 10.6%
- #15 Stellar 2D
87% matchMixed41% of 975 reviews2015
Dev: quad gamesPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Stellar 2D is a retro style space arcade game, it's a 2D game in a 3D world. With an addictive, fast paced, casual game-play style.
Why similar: Indie 44.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Action 20.4%, Casual 6.5%, 2D 4.1%
- #16 Mobile Astro
86% matchMostly Positive71% of 182 reviews2016
Dev: Raxasoft Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Run, gun, and survive! In this twin stick arcade shooter, you'll be fighting your way through countless waves of enemies to restore maximum peace to the galaxy!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.9%, Twin Stick Shooter 28%, Action 23.1%, Indie 9.8%, Arcade 8.3%
- #17 Switch 'N' Shoot
84% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.8%, Arcade 17.6%, Indie 7.5%, Action 7%, 2D 6.2%
- #18 Close Order
85% matchMixed50% of 76 reviews2016
Dev: Raconteur Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Close Order is an arcade shooter with one simple goal: become a badass armada! In this mashup of genres, defeat enemies for parts to build up an armada of ships around you. Fight from a distance, charge headfirst into battle, or create a mix of anything and everything. You decide how to play!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.9%, Action 30.4%, Indie 22.7%
- #19 Duke of Alpha Centauri
82% matchMostly Positive77% of 546 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 36%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Indie 23.7%, Casual 10.1%
- #20 Bit Blaster XL
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 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 53.7%, Arcade 17.2%, Action 16.4%, 2D 7.6%, Casual 5%
- #21 Space Survival
84% matchMixed50% of 150 reviews2016
Dev: UltraShock Gaming LLCPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Space Survival is the next great SIMPLE 2D casual space action shooter where you have to defend against wave of enemies, have fast reflexes and strong will to win. It is great way to relax, but also a great challenge. How long can you stay focused?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Action 20.6%, Arcade 14.6%, Indie 14.4%, 2D 7%
- #22 Roto Force
77% matchVery Positive94% of 127 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: Twin Stick Shooter 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Action 10.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Indie 7.5%
- #23 Power-Up
83% 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 51.6%, Action 19.5%, Indie 16.5%, Arcade 8.8%, 2D 3.6%
- #24 Reign of Bullets
81% matchVery Positive81% of 100 reviews2015
Dev: Critical Bit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.7%, Action 23.9%, Indie 18.3%
- #25 The Blue Flamingo
82% matchMixed45% of 635 reviews2014
Dev: Might and Delight
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
You are ready to challenge pilots from all around the world. Shoot your way through intense levels with swiftly increasing difficulty in a game world completely built with handcrafted models. Invest your score in upgrades or save it to gain interest with the risk of losing it all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Action 31.6%, Indie 23%
- #26 Space War: Infinity
78% matchVery Positive90% of 124 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
A semi-procedural shoot-'em-up that will test your skills. Level up your ship, unlock amazing weapons, and defeat 5 formidable bosses. Challenge the infinite by facing real-time waves of enemies after completing all missions. Become the intergalactic hero now!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.8%, Arcade 17.7%, Action 16.4%, 2D 6.1%, Casual 5%
- #27 Clean'Em Up
79% matchVery Positive90% of 72 reviews2016
Dev: Cheesy Holes
Windows
Clean’Em Up is a fast paced, arcade-style Top Down Shooter with neon graphics. You play as an Upgradable Antivirus. You seek and destroy tremendous viruses and threats, collect and protect files and survive huge Bosses. The story is simple: Your Computer has been hacked... Dozens of viruses and other threats have penetrated your System...
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #28 Grav Blazer
80% matchMixed48% of 157 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 12%
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 40.2%, Action 19.3%, Arcade 14.3%, Indie 13%, 2D 7.6%
- #29 Half Hour Hexagon
73% matchVery Positive84% of 112 reviews2023
Dev: Carson Kompon
Windows
Obliterate a never-ending horde of enemies while you attempt to reach the 30 minute mark. Race to earn XP and level up to gain new items and opportunities for each run to become stronger than the last.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 48.1%, Action 21.3%, Arcade 18%, Casual 6.4%, 2D 6.2%
- #30 Space Codex
78% matchVery Positive81% of 412 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.5%, Casual 17.6%, Arcade 13.8%
- #31 Heckabomb
79% 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: Twin Stick Shooter 38%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Indie 16%, Action 13.7%, Arcade 9.5%
- #32 CometStriker DX
77% 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 36.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Arcade 9.3%, Action 8.5%, Indie 5.3%
- #33 Undercroft Warriors
69% 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 38.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Arcade 10%, Action 8.7%, 2D 4.5%
- #34 Galaxy Highways
68% 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 71.7%, Action 16.8%, 2D 6.6%, Casual 4.9%
- #35 Neon Striker
68% matchVery Positive89% of 81 reviews2025
Dev: Zeno's Adventure Team
Windows · Mac · Linux
Configure the weaponry on your ship to blast away enemies as you navigate through swarms of bullets and space battles. Each ship has unique customization options and playstyles.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67.7%, Action 18.4%, 2D 8.4%, Casual 5.5%
- #36 Void Resurgence
67% matchVery Positive95% of 62 reviews2025
Dev: Puza Games
Windows · Mac
Command a starship in Void Resurgence, a retro-futuristic space roguelite. Battle through colorful cosmic fields, collect upgrades, and build your ultimate ship. Dodge intense bullet-hell patterns and fight for survival. Every run offers new challenges and permanent progress.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.9%, Arcade 18.2%, Action 12.6%, 2D 6.3%
- #37 Gal-X-E
76% matchVery Positive86% of 91 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Gal-X-E aims to revive the old-school shoot em up genre, and adds modern elements to it! Fight your way through endless waves of randomly generated madness! Collect spaceships and show the enemy who's boss!
Why similar: Action 49%, Indie 35.2%, Casual 15.8%
- #38 Ruzh Delta Z
76% matchMixed62% of 506 reviews2015
Dev: Pribuni
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Action 32.8%, Indie 21.3%, Casual 8.5%
- #39 Jetboard Joust
73% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 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 60.5%, Action 19.7%, Arcade 13.8%, 2D 6%
- #40 Ellipsis
73% matchVery Positive94% of 246 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 37.9%, Action 30%, Indie 21.5%, Arcade 7.9%, Casual 2.7%
- #41 FullBlast
75% matchMostly Positive71% of 87 reviews2016
Dev: UFO Crash Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.7%, Action 17.2%, Arcade 15.9%, Indie 12.6%, Casual 5.5%
- #42 Bladestar
75% matchMostly Positive70% of 107 reviews2016
Dev: Fair Weather Studios
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Bladestar is a sci-fi cinematic action shooter featuring visually rich worlds with potentially endless enemies on each level. Defend the galaxy flying a Manta Starfighter through asteroid, mine, and debris fields while battling pirates, rebels, and aliens.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Action 24.4%, Arcade 13.9%, Indie 9.3%, 2D 5.6%
- #43 Inferno 2
74% 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 63.3%, Action 21%, Indie 15.7%
- #44 One Ship Two Ship Redshift Blueshift
74% matchVery Positive88% of 52 reviews2015
Dev: HYPYRYL
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Redshift Blueshift is a tournament-ready pong-like 2D shooter in which two pilots fight for glory in their variable paddle ships! Power up your shields, unleash a horde of drones and homing missiles on your opponent and keep the hyper-ball in play! Supports local multiplayer and single player vs AI. Gamepad strongly recommended.
Why similar: Action 47.6%, Indie 37%, Casual 15.3%
- #45 Phoenix 2
65% matchMixed67% of 211 reviews2025
Dev: Firi Games
Windows
A fast-paced shoot 'em up where skill matters. Master over 100 ships, unleash powerful special abilities, and blast through waves of Invaders. Play a new mission every day and climb the world-wide leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.3%, Arcade 16.1%, Action 14.7%, Indie 11.8%, 2D 6%
- #46 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
66% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.2%, Action 15.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Indie 8.7%, 2D 4.8%
- #47 Nova Drift
60% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.5%, Arcade 15.4%, Action 15%, Indie 9.7%, 2D 6.9%
- #48 Polygon Attack
71% matchVery Positive88% of 268 reviews2016
Dev: Magnolia Art
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Indie 21%, Action 19.8%, Arcade 15%, Casual 6.1%
- #49 Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter
69% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2021
Dev: Sensen Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot enemies while typing pop culture phrases to destroy enemies with your special laser attack! This is a classic Shoot'em up game with a typing twist! We challenge you to dodge all the shots and destroy all the enemies!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Arcade 16.7%, Action 11.8%, Indie 9.5%, 2D 5.9%
- #50 Roche Fusion
72% matchVery Positive94% of 96 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 45%, Action 26.7%, Indie 20%, Casual 8.3%
- #51 Shmadow
71% 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 40.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.6%, Action 15.4%, Indie 12.5%
- #52 Savant - Ascent
70% matchVery Positive92% of 2,796 reviews2013
Dev: D-Pad Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.6%, Action 22.9%, Indie 15.2%, Arcade 9.2%, 2D 3.1%
- #53 Talented
60% matchVery Positive92% of 1,468 reviews2024
Dev: TurtleFox Games
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Slay waves of spooky enemies for 20 nights to survive 'The Demonic Conveyor Belt'. Talented is an arcade roguelite with randomly generated skill trees. Choose your upgrades and abilities wisely and you might just make it out alive. Are you truly Talented?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.2%, Arcade 15.4%, Action 15%, Indie 12%, 2D 7.3%
- #54 Burning Skies Arcade
64% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2024
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Lt Blitz has the city sieged, and it's your job to destroy his troops. Shoot, dodge and upgrade your jet and and try to take on this challenge! Burning Skies is a free, endless retro shmup, that will take you right back to the era of arcade machines, with modernized graphics and gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.9%, Action 24.2%, 2D 8.6%, Casual 7.4%
- #55 Nebula
65% matchVery Positive87% of 181 reviews2023
Dev: JuTek Pixel
Windows
Survive in the deep void of the galaxy against thousands of invaders! Nebula is a challenging bullet hell, twin stick shooter where you have to face endless waves of space enemies. Additional map resources and space drones can provide you a support but be wary, they can as well become a deadly trap.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Action 11.8%, Arcade 9.5%, Indie 8.1%
- #56 Void Prison
67% matchVery Positive80% of 95 reviews2022
Dev: Lazy FlockPub: Untold Tales
Windows
Void Prison is a fast paced, endless arcade twin stick shooter that puts you inside of an ever shrinking ring. Survive by fighting emerging enemies around you and don't get consumed by the void. Complete achievements to unlock new skins and powerups and get on top of the leaderboards!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 58.9%, Arcade 18%, Action 17.1%, 2D 6%
- #57 ShipLord
71% matchMixed62% of 844 reviews2015
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.
Why similar: Indie 33.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Action 27.6%, Casual 8.7%
- #58 Meltdown
70% matchVery Positive85% of 822 reviews2014
Dev: Phenomenon Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Meltdown is a tactical arcade shooter featuring both singleplayer and intense online multiplayer. Become the most skilled soldier, choose your weapons, get the best upgrades, buckle up and start your mission. Be careful, each enemy has it’s own combat style, special AI and gear. Adapt to them to survive!
Why similar: Action 37.2%, Twin Stick Shooter 25.8%, Indie 23.1%, Arcade 13.9%
- #59 Gunkid 99
69% 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: Twin Stick Shooter 23.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Action 22.4%, Indie 17.2%, Arcade 10.1%