- #1 Space Elite Force
97% matchVery Positive89% of 185 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 56%
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 21.9%, Side Scroller 20%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Old School 8.4%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #2 Hyper Sentinel
96% 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 45.4%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Action 13.8%, Arcade 10.2%
- #3 Schildmaid MX
95% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Side Scroller 22.4%, Shooter 9.5%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Fantasy 6.5%
- #4 Power-Up
96% 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 30.6%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Shooter 9.7%, Action 6.6%
- #5 Dark Old Sun
94% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Action 21.2%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Shooter 11.9%, Sci-fi 10%
- #6 CometStriker DX
94% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Shooter 9.3%, Linear 6.5%
- #7 Cube Gothic
93% matchMixed61% of 51 reviews2020
Dev: Arkhouse TelegraphPub: Arkhouse Telegnosis
Windows
Cube Gothic is a Story-driven Shoot 'em up Adventure. Shooting enemies and dodging projectiles while solving simple puzzles and trying to comprehend the surreal plot - these are the challenges you'll be facing in Cube Gothic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Side Scroller 19%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, Linear 5.9%
- #8 Hyper Echelon
92% matchVery Positive89% of 65 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: Dragons 24% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Shooter 8.8%, Linear 6.1%
- #9 Jets'n'Guns 2
91% matchVery Positive90% of 1,284 reviews2020
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.2 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 52.8%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Bullet Hell 15%, Action 11%, 2D 3.4%
- #10 Space Elite Force II
91% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Score Attack 9.3%, Sci-fi 8.1%
- #11 Sophstar
90% matchVery Positive100% of 102 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 27.2%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Shooter 9.7%, Old School 9%, Sci-fi 8.1%
- #12 BULLET SOUL
89% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 41.8%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Anime 13%, Action 9.6%, Sci-fi 8.7%
- #13 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
89% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Shooter 8.8%, Sci-fi 6.3%
- #14 Super Glitter Rush
88% matchVery Positive96% 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 38%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Shooter 13.8%, 2D 6.6%, Action 6.5%
- #15 Gunvein
86% matchVery Positive97% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Shooter 8.4%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Action 7.2%
- #16 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
87% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Action 13.6%, Shooter 9.2%, 2D 8.9%
- #17 Hell is Other Demons
86% matchVery Positive93% of 337 reviews2019
Dev: Cuddle Monster Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Shooter 11.7%, 2D 7%
- #18 Revolgear Zero
83% matchVery Positive99% of 105 reviews2026
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Anime 11.5%, Old School 9.8%
- #19 Undercroft Warriors
84% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Shooter 12.3%, Old School 10.1%, Score Attack 8%
- #20 Jets'n'Guns Gold
84% matchVery Positive87% of 1,517 reviews2014
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.1%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Bullet Hell 11%, Old School 7%, Action 4.6%
- #21 Weapon of Choice DX
85% matchMostly Positive77% of 481 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Weapon of Choice is a high-energy, side-scroller in which each playable character is unique with their own special weapon and abilities! Blast insane aliens, find new player characters, and choose between branching paths!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Lovecraftian 13.4%, Hand-drawn 12.5%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #22 Demon Hunt
82% matchMostly Positive75% of 423 reviews2025
Dev: Massive Hug
Windows
Battle through demon-infested lands in this fast-paced rogue-lite bullet-heaven. Pick unique weapons with powerful evolutions, and hunt down ancient demons in intense boss fights. Loot, upgrade, and unlock new ways to grow stronger after every hunt!
Why similar: Demons 26.2%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Sci-fi 8.8%, Shooter 8.4%
- #23 Bloodshed
81% matchVery Positive85% of 1,673 reviews2025
Dev: com8com1 SoftwarePub: Headup
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Bloodshed is a Roguelite Survivors FPS; an exhilarating fusion of Roguelite elements merged with retro-styled visuals and first-person “Survivors-like” frenetic combat action!
Why similar: Demons 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Dark Fantasy 12.8%, Old School 10.3%
- #24 ASTROLANCER
80% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2024
Dev: Studio Hexeye
Windows
ASTROLANCER combines top-down shooter and shoot 'em up gameplay into one action-packed experience! Devise your own playstyle with a huge variety of weapons. Hardcore and casual players alike are welcome!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Anime 13.8%, Shooter 9.2%, Action 8.6%, Linear 8.1%
- #25 Danmaku Unlimited 2
81% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 44.3%, Bullet Hell 40.8%, Shooter 5.9%, Action 5.5%, Arcade 3.5%
- #26 Absolute Blue
82% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Side Scroller 20%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Old School 10%, Shooter 9.3%
- #27 Cosmic Carnage: Prologue
79% matchVery Positive93% of 69 reviews2023
Dev: LionSwordPub: LionSword Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Prepare for an interstellar showdown like no other in a gripping roguelike top-down twin-stick shooter set in the vast depths of space. Pilot your advanced starship, engaging in relentless battles against hordes of alien adversaries. Destroy, Collect, Upgrade, Die, Unlock, Repeat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Bullet Hell 26.7%, Shooter 14%, Sci-fi 7.9%, 2D 6.7%
- #28 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.6%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Shooter 13.9%, Score Attack 11.6%, Sci-fi 10.5%
- #29 Steredenn: Binary Stars
79% matchVery Positive88% of 958 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 67.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 9.9%, Score Attack 8.7%
- #30 Galaxy Highways
77% 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: Bullet Hell 42.4%, Shooter 20.8%, Sci-fi 16.9%, 2D 9.4%, Action 8.4%
- #31 DRAINUS
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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 46.6%, Shooter 16.1%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Action 10%, Side Scroller 7.6%
- #32 ZOE Begone!
75% matchVery Positive99% of 152 reviews2025
Dev: Retchy GamesPub: PM Studios, Inc.
Windows
A frenetic hand-drawn bullet hell shooter, blending run-and-gun mechanics with classic shmup action in looping arenas. Inspired by drawn-on-film animation of the 1930's - shoot, dash and pound your way through the Animator's creations.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Side Scroller 15%, Hand-drawn 9.4%, Score Attack 7.6%
- #33 Radiant Silvergun
75% matchVery Positive93% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
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 31.9%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Shooter 12.8%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Anime 7.2%
- #34 Demon's Crystals
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 73 reviews2016
Dev: Byte4GamesPub: BadLand Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Demon's Crystals is a frenetic twin stick shooter where you guide the Urican demons through countless hazards in order to restore peace to the world. A variety of weapons and power-ups will help you defeat the massive enemy hordes.
Why similar: Action 100%
- #35 Star Saviors
76% matchVery Positive82% of 1,683 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 49.8%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Action 6.1%, Sci-fi 4.9%, Shooter 4.4%
- #36 Savant - Ascent REMIX
73% matchVery Positive92% of 422 reviews2023
Dev: D-Pad Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Savant - Ascent REMIX is an explosive shoot-em-up / scrolling shooter, starring an acrobatic wizard on an elevator-ride. Unlock destructive spells & acrobatic moves as you survive through a tower brimming with robotic fiends!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Dark Fantasy 16.4%, Shooter 9.8%, Score Attack 9.2%
- #37 Solar Shifter EX
78% 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 78.8%, Action 21.2%
- #38 Disaster Arms - Impact Project B.A.H.N.
73% matchVery Positive100% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: PD_CGT
Windows · Linux
- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Hand-drawn 11.3%, Shooter 9.8%
- #39 PAWARUMI
74% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Shooter 12.7%, Score Attack 11.1%, Sci-fi 9.7%
- #40 Jett Rider
72% matchVery Positive94% of 68 reviews2024
Dev: Last Chicken GamesPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Jett Rider is an arcade shooter packed with action, exploration, RPG elements, tons of humor and awesome bosses. Explore, fight, gain experience, purchase weapons in this exciting adventure.
Why similar: Side Scroller 33.5%, Shooter 18.2%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Fantasy 10.5%, 2D 8.9%
- #41 KILL KNIGHT
70% matchVery Positive94% of 1,908 reviews2024
Dev: PlaySide
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 57%
KILL KNIGHT is an ultra-responsive arcade-inspired isometric action shooter. Condemned to eternal sufferance, deep within the voids of an eldritch arena, you must wield an arsenal of devastating weaponry to obliterate swarms of otherworldly horrors - and MASTER THE DEMON WITHIN.
Why similar: Demons 24%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Dark Fantasy 15.7%, Shooter 12.8%, Score Attack 11.6%
- #42 GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION
72% matchVery Positive90% of 144 reviews2022
Dev: ES4 / Eternal Sphere 4Pub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Shooter 12.4%, Old School 10.6%, Sci-fi 8.7%
- #43 Pudding: Lyre Knight
71% matchVery Positive94% of 127 reviews2023
Dev: Katatema
Windows
"Let's defeat the demon lord together!" A thrilling action-adventure of destruction!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Shooter 14.2%, Old School 9.5%, Anime 9.4%
- #44 Rigid Force Alpha
73% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Shooter 10.8%, Score Attack 9.7%
- #45 Graze Counter
71% matchVery Positive96% of 313 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Dark Fantasy 11.1%, Anime 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.1%
- #46 Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax
71% matchVery Positive94% of 232 reviews2015
Dev: Dreamloop Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Side Scroller 21%, Bullet Hell 17%, Shooter 11.4%, Anime 9.5%
- #47 Roto Force
69% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 7%, 2D 6.8%
- #48 Breakout Epilepsia
68% matchVery Positive88% of 190 reviews2025
Dev: CataxisPub: Skull Queens Games
Windows · Linux
A fast-paced Breakout-style arcade with a bold black-and-white aesthetic. Engage in space battles against stunning yet deadly alien foes who are determined to destroy you. Intense visuals, thrilling gameplay, and a challenge that will test your reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Side Scroller 25.2%, Shooter 12.4%, Linear 7.6%, Anime 7.5%
- #49 Operation STEEL
69% matchVery Positive93% of 85 reviews2022
Dev: Undermog Games
Windows · Linux
Operation STEEL is a roguelike shoot-em-up rendered in hand-drawn art. Blow up loads of enemies, destroy huge bosses, find weapons, and upgrade your load-out between levels. Combat the electronic legion across 20+ procedurally generated levels!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Hand-drawn 8.8%, Score Attack 8.5%
- #50 Flying Tank
67% matchVery Positive86% of 101 reviews2024
Dev: Hexage
Windows
Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!
Why similar: Side Scroller 28.4%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Hand-drawn 16.9%, Anime 11.6%, Shooter 8.5%
- #51 Steel Empire
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 107 reviews2018
Dev: mebius.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.9%, Action 21%, 2D 13.4%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #52 Angel at Dusk
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,638 reviews2024
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 33.7%, Hand-drawn 20.8%, Shooter 19.6%, 2D 9.8%, Action 8.8%
- #53 Bladestar
70% 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 38.8%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Shooter 16.2%, Action 12.1%, 2D 7.9%
- #54 Sayonara Sigil Sentry
66% matchVery Positive96% of 57 reviews2025
Dev: ApeHardware
Windows · Linux
The most intense game of "connect the dots" you'll ever play. Dodge waves of attacks while marking the points of "magic" runes to defeat 10 massive eldritch monstrosities.
Why similar: Lovecraftian 32.4%, Bullet Hell 31.8%, 2D 9.7%, Action 8.9%, Arcade 8.8%
- #55 Ballpoint Universe - Infinite
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 726 reviews2013
Dev: Arachnid Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Ballpoint Universe Infinite is a shoot-em-up adventure game featuring artwork entirely drawn in ballpoint pen. Explore immaculate worlds, discover the secrets of the doodles, and customize your Ink-Ship for battle! Press"Ballpoint Universe Infinite is too exuberant to ignore.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.6%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Hand-drawn 18.7%, Action 8.8%, Shooter 7.9%
- #56 Core Devourer
66% matchMostly Positive75% of 111 reviews2024
Dev: IcyQuill
Windows
Hunt down huge hordes of droids, absorb their cores and become the strongest cybernetic being. In this sci-fi action-packed roguelite, you unlock weapons with unique effects, craft powerful gear and create endless combinations of upgrades for your character. Make your choice and break the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Dark Fantasy 14.8%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Score Attack 9.7%
- #57 Graze Counter GM
65% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Dark Fantasy 13.2%, Anime 9.8%, Sci-fi 8.9%
- #58 Diadra Empty
68% matchMostly Positive77% of 90 reviews2015
Dev: Frozen OrbPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Diadra Empty is a free-roaming shoot-'em-up on a grand scale. Take the role of Nyalra and her faithful dragon Minimi in a fantastical quest to save her missing sister, and battle legions of monsters and menacing bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44%, Bullet Hell 34.7%, Action 21.3%
- #59 Xenoraid: The First Space War
67% matchVery Positive87% of 140 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 30.7%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Shooter 13.6%, Sci-fi 12.9%, Score Attack 11.4%