- #1 Super Hexagon
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 24,964 reviews2012
Dev: Terry Cavanagh
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 26.7%, Addictive 19.8% ★, Fast-Paced 12.7%, Difficult 11.4%, Arcade 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Like Intake, this game offers an incredibly addictive, rhythm-based, and punishingly difficult arcade experience.
- #2 Just Shapes & Beats
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 25,089 reviews2018
Dev: Berzerk Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 39.8%, Music 30.3%, Difficult 10.6%, Fast-Paced 8.9%, Indie 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the fusion of bullet-hell mechanics and high-energy music found in Intake.
- #3 Savant - Ascent
96% 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: Great Soundtrack 27.5%, Music 21.1%, Score Attack 15.1%, Fast-Paced 14.1%, Action 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A music-driven action game that mirrors the fast, rhythmic combat style of Intake.
- #4 Beat Hazard 2
95% matchVery Positive86% of 2,250 reviews2019
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Experience your music collection as 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: Music 51%, Arcade 23.9%, Indie 13.8%, Action 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: It uses your own music library to generate a chaotic, rhythm-based bullet-hell shooter experience.
- #5 Thumper
94% matchVery Positive92% of 4,345 reviews2016
Dev: Drool
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 23.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Thumper is rhythm violence: classic rhythm-action, blistering speed, and brutal physicality. You are a space beetle. Brave the hellish void and confront a maniacal giant head from the future.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 30.2%, Music 23.3%, Fast-Paced 14.7%, Difficult 9.1%, Indie 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a similar sensory overload through its intense rhythm-action gameplay and fast-paced visual style.
- #6 Nex Machina
93% 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: Great Soundtrack 45.6%, Arcade 23.5%, Action 12.8%, Difficult 9.3%, Indie 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a modern, high-octane take on the classic arcade shooter with intense bullet-hell elements.
- #7 Devil Daggers
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 9,293 reviews2016
Dev: Sorath
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Devil Daggers is a fast-paced shooter that places you in an abyssal arena to face endless legions of demons. Armed with versatile magic daggers and a fluid movement system, fight to survive as long as you can.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 39.4%, Difficult 21.3%, Indie 14.2%, Action 13.9%, Arcade 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: This is the ultimate score-attack game that demands the same level of twitch reflexes and focus as Intake.
- #8 Ikaruga
91% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Arcade 35.8%, Great Soundtrack 34.7%, Addictive 10.7% ★, Action 9.3%, Difficult 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: The classic inspiration for color-based reflex shooters, sharing the same core gameplay philosophy as Intake.
- #9 Super Crate Box
91% matchVery Positive89% of 6,461 reviews2012
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 38.7 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can.
Why similar: Addictive 22% ★, Arcade 19.2%, Indie 16.9%, Action 15.3%, Fast-Paced 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: An addictive, fast-paced arcade shooter that focuses on high-score chasing and constant movement.
- #10 64.0
89% matchVery Positive90% of 1,489 reviews2017
Dev: rebel rabbit
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 67%
64.0 is a minimal fast-paced arcade game, where you shoot the squares that have the same color as the background.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.3%, Fast-Paced 17.8%, Difficult 14.9%, Arcade 10.5%, Indie 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, rhythm-based arcade game that requires the same split-second decision-making as Intake.
- #11 Downwell
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,486 reviews2015
Dev: MoppinPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.
Why similar: Arcade 24.6%, Fast-Paced 23.1%, Difficult 14.9%, Indie 14.1%, Action 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, difficult, and highly addictive arcade game that rewards quick reflexes and precise movement.
- #12 Retro/Grade
90% matchVery Positive84% of 396 reviews2013
Dev: 24 Caret Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Play a classic Shoot 'Em Up... in reverse!
Why similar: Music 43.8%, Indie 28.6%, Action 27.5%
Why You'll Like It: A unique rhythm-shooter that forces you to manage time and music in a way similar to Intake's core loop.
- #13 LUFTRAUSERS
88% matchVery Positive91% of 4,487 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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: Great Soundtrack 31.2%, Arcade 18.5%, Addictive 14.6% ★, Fast-Paced 10.8%, Indie 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style aerial shooter that emphasizes constant movement and high-intensity combat.
- #14 Hotline Miami
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 121,152 reviews2012
Dev: Dennaton GamesPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Hotline Miami is a high-octane action game overflowing with raw brutality, hard-boiled gunplay and skull crushing close combat.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44.9%, Fast-Paced 16.4%, Addictive 11.6% ★, Action 8.1%, Music 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: While a different genre, it shares the same fast-paced, music-synced, and addictive arcade loop.
- #15 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
87% matchVery Positive90% of 398 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27.2%, Score Attack 23.3%, Arcade 16.5%, Action 12%, Indie 11.6%
Why You'll Like It: A unique shooter that requires constant rotation and reflex-based pattern recognition.
- #16 Avoid - Sensory Overload
86% matchVery Positive86% of 224 reviews2014
Dev: 48h StudioPub: Strategy First
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 18.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Avoid is a fast-paced arcade game that will test your reflexes!
Why similar: Action 43.5%, Indie 34.3%, Arcade 22.2%
Why You'll Like It: A colorful, music-driven arcade game that focuses on dodging obstacles at high speeds.
- #17 Akane
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,861 reviews2018
Dev: Ludic Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
2121 A.D, with no escape options, Akane prepares for her final battle in the rain-soaked neon streets of Mega-Tokyo. Akane is an arena arcade slasher. Take out as many yakuza as possible, slashing and shooting in a one-hit-one-kill fight to the death.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31%, Arcade 21.1%, Indie 21%, Action 18.3%, Difficult 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A brutal, one-hit-kill arcade arena game that emphasizes speed, style, and high-score chasing.
- #18 Cosmophony
85% matchVery Positive82% of 116 reviews2015
Dev: Bento-StudioPub: Frogames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Cosmophony is a musical shooter designed for demanding gamers seeking an original and intense experience.
Why similar: Music 37.2%, Fast-Paced 23.5%, Indie 13.9%, Action 13.7%, Difficult 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, music-heavy shooter that demands high precision and rhythm awareness.
- #19 Polygoneer
84% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,730 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge?
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Score Attack 17.9%, Arcade 15.4%, Music 14.9%, Indie 12.9%
Why You'll Like It: A simple yet difficult arcade shooter that requires quick color-matching reflexes.
- #20 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
84% 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: Arcade 44.1%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Score Attack 19.4%, Indie 9.4%, Action 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential arcade shooter that focuses on survival and score-attack mechanics in a vibrant, neon environment.
- #21 Furi
81% matchVery Positive90% of 13,739 reviews2016
Dev: The Game Bakers
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 39.2%, Fast-Paced 27.7%, Difficult 13.8%, Action 10.2%, Indie 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A boss-rush game that combines rhythm-like patterns with intense reflex-based combat.
- #22 Shatter
82% matchVery Positive94% of 1,323 reviews2010
Dev: SidhePub: PikPok
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Shatter is a retro-inspired brick-breaking game that merges familiar action with unique twists and a modern crafted production approach.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 50.1%, Arcade 19.5%, Indie 11.3%, Fast-Paced 10.5%, Action 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A brick-breaking game with a heavy emphasis on music, rhythm, and arcade-style action.
- #23 Echoes+
81% 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: Action 39.7%, Indie 32.9%, Arcade 27.4%
Why You'll Like It: A free-to-play, minimalist bullet-hell shooter that focuses on pure arcade survival.
- #24 Vector Strain
82% 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: Arcade 37%, Action 33.9%, Indie 29.1%
Why You'll Like It: A high-speed, neon-infused bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes arcade-style scoring.
- #25 The Bug Butcher
79% 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: Great Soundtrack 26.1%, Arcade 18.9%, Indie 17.2%, Action 15.7%, Fast-Paced 14.8%
Why You'll Like It: An action-packed, arcade-style shooter that focuses on clearing waves of enemies in a confined space.
- #26 Danmaku Unlimited 2
80% matchVery Positive93% of 481 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: Great Soundtrack 42.3%, Arcade 20.6%, Indie 18.6%, Action 18.4%
Why You'll Like It: A polished bullet-hell experience that rewards players for mastering complex patterns.
- #27 Super reaKtor
71% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2025
Dev: SuperSAZ StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Super reaKtor is a bullet hell focused on difficulty with a twist: original controls and 2 differents weak points to manage. Collect green energy pellets, and avoid or absorb the various threats.
Why similar: Score Attack 41.1%, Arcade 19.3%, Difficult 13.3%, Fast-Paced 12.5%, Action 9.6%
- #28 Sektori
69% 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: Arcade 32.9%, Score Attack 30.6%, Great Soundtrack 26%, Action 10.4%
- #29 Neon Drive
78% matchVery Positive83% of 2,150 reviews2016
Dev: Fraoula
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Neon Drive is a slick retro-futuristic, '80s inspired arcade game that will make your brain melt. You've been warned.From beautiful cityscapes and ocean roads to exploding enemy spaceships, Neon Drive has it all.
Why similar: Music 32.5%, Great Soundtrack 25.6%, Arcade 16.3%, Difficult 12.5%, Action 9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-futuristic rhythm game that requires intense focus and fast reaction times.
- #30 GRIDD: Retroenhanced
79% 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: Action 50.7%, Indie 49.3%
Why You'll Like It: A cyberpunk-themed, on-rails shooter that focuses on dodging and high-speed reflexes.
- #31 Waves
77% 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: Score Attack 32.9%, Great Soundtrack 25%, Arcade 19.7%, Fast-Paced 13.5%, Action 8.9%
- #32 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
78% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Score Attack 43.3%, Arcade 25.3%, Difficult 18.6%, Action 12.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, difficult arcade shooter that captures the spirit of classic bullet-hell games.
- #33 Symphony
77% matchVery Positive84% of 1,497 reviews2012
Dev: Empty Clip Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A mysterious entity is absorbing and corrupting your music before your very eyes. You must battle through your own song collection and fight to reclaim your music!
Why similar: Music 66.2%, Arcade 11.9%, Indie 11.8%, Action 10%
- #34 Soundodger+
76% matchVery Positive90% of 814 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Bean
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Dodge the music and dance through a mesmerizing ballet of choreographed bullets, each synced to music from over a dozen international artists. Push your creativity and skills with the fully-featured Level Editor and never run out of things to dodge.
Why similar: Music 36.7%, Arcade 16.5%, Fast-Paced 15.7%, Indie 11.2%, Difficult 11%
- #35 Beat Hazard
75% 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: Music 65.2%, Arcade 14%, Indie 11.4%, Action 9.4%
- #36 TechBeat Heart
71% 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: Score Attack 39.4%, Fast-Paced 20.9%, Arcade 18.3%, Difficult 12.5%, Action 9%
- #37 Akka Arrh
70% matchVery Positive84% of 64 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Akka Arrh is a modern take on a scrapped project from the 1980s, providing players with a fast-paced, addictive, arcade shooter experience and psychedelic visuals. Protect your life rings as you chain together combos and go for a high score!
Why similar: Score Attack 42.3%, Arcade 38.9%, Action 18.8%
- #38 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
74% 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: Great Soundtrack 42.3%, Action 19.8%, Arcade 19.2%, Indie 18.7%
- #39 Galaxy Highways
65% 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: Difficult 60.2%, Action 39.8%
- #40 Trace Vector
75% matchMostly Positive78% of 54 reviews2014
Dev: Vexel Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Trace Vector is a modern take on tough as nails, high speed, vector, action arcade games from the 1980's. Turn up the music, navigate your ship through high speed warp networks, maintain your fuel reserves, avoid deadly hazards, and try to safely return home! Quarters not required.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44.9%, Indie 30.3%, Action 24.8%
- #41 BARRIER X
72% matchVery Positive85% of 2,336 reviews2016
Dev: NoclipPub: HypeTrain Digital
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Dodge! Shoot! Go faster! Break the sound barrier in this unbelievably fast game and go straight for the first place in the leaderboard of BARRIER X!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.9%, Music 24%, Arcade 16.3%, Indie 14.9%, Difficult 10.4%
- #42 Ultratron
73% 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: Arcade 39.6%, Indie 28.3%, Action 27.6%, Difficult 4.5%
- #43 PAWARUMI
73% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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: Score Attack 31.5%, Arcade 19.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Action 9.5%, Fast-Paced 9.3%
- #44 Rhythm Destruction
76% matchMixed45% of 135 reviews2014
Dev: Curious Panda Games
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Rhythm Destruction is a rhythm & shoot'em up that aims to combine the best of both genres. Blast and maneuver your way through perilous stages filled with numerous enemies, obstacles and unique boss encounters.
Why similar: Indie 56.2%, Action 43.8%
- #45 Nova Drift
61% 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: Arcade 34.7%, Great Soundtrack 33.1%, Action 17.5%, Indie 14.7%
- #46 Dyad
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 229 reviews2013
Dev: ][ Games IncPub: Shawn McGrath
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 1.3 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Experience a mind-bending, psychedelic sensory overload in Dyad! Blast through a reactive audio-visual tube creating a harmonious synthesis of color and sound as you Hook, Graze, and Lance enemies to master Dyad's 27 unique levels.
Why similar: Music 41.4%, Indie 30.4%, Action 28.2%
- #47 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
61% 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: Score Attack 53.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, Action 14%, Arcade 9.9%, Indie 6.7%
- #48 Droid Assault
72% matchVery Positive83% of 374 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Play Droid Assault and experience running blaster battles with hordes of rampaging killer robots! Discover a unique tactical arcade shooter, with the fun addictive gameplay of 8-bit classics. You'll need your wits and the help of your acquired droid squad to stay alive in this fast-paced retro actionfest.
Why similar: Arcade 36.1%, Action 34%, Indie 29.9%
- #49 Jet Lancer
67% matchVery Positive93% of 1,187 reviews2020
Dev: Code WakersPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.2 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: Great Soundtrack 25.4%, Addictive 23.2% ★, Fast-Paced 16.2%, Arcade 10.8%, Action 8.6%
- #50 RefRain - prism memories -
69% 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: Great Soundtrack 39.1%, Indie 30.6%, Action 30.3%
- #51 Grand Brix Shooter
68% matchVery Positive93% of 82 reviews2019
Dev: Intragames
Windows
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: Addictive 43.2% ★, Arcade 18.1%, Action 14.8%, Indie 12%, Difficult 11.8%
- #52 Beat Invaders
64% matchVery Positive96% of 201 reviews2022
Dev: Raffaele Picca
Windows · Linux
Beat Invaders is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up Roguelite - Fight your way through enemy fleets, unlock skills, items, ships, and upgrade them in the next run. Enjoy the smooth neon visuals matching the pushing EDM soundtrack - The perfect game to unwind.
Why similar: Arcade 41.5%, Score Attack 38%, Action 20.5%
- #53 Grav Blazer
71% 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: Score Attack 21.8%, Arcade 20.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Action 14.3%, Fast-Paced 13.6%
- #54 Power-Up
70% 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: Score Attack 22.9%, Indie 21.6%, Action 19.7%, Fast-Paced 18.9%, Arcade 16.9%
- #55 Octahedron: Transfixed Edition
67% matchVery Positive90% of 193 reviews2018
Dev: Demimonde
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Surf through a pulsating, underground world on platforms pulled from thin air in this challenging, psychedelic, rhythm-infused action platformer that has you defying gravity to a pumping beat.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.5%, Music 22.9%, Score Attack 19.8%, Indie 7.9%, Difficult 7.5%
- #56 SUGURI
69% matchVery Positive83% of 222 reviews2014
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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: Great Soundtrack 47.2%, Action 22.1%, Indie 18.3%, Difficult 12.4%
- #57 The Polynomial - Space of the music
70% matchMostly Positive73% of 499 reviews2010
Dev: Dmytry Lavrov
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 17%
Experience the music in a new way. Feel it pulse around you. The Polynomial is a 3D space shooter with unique, fractal based scenery that animates to the music.
Why similar: Music 44.4%, Indie 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Arcade 11.1%, Action 10.7%
- #58 Void Invaders
67% 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: Great Soundtrack 51.2%, Arcade 20.8%, Indie 14%, Action 14%