- #1 A Shooty Bit
97% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: FROGPub: Gameland Studios
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Postsoviet shoot 'em up borne from and reflective of the listlessness that modern, hyperconnected society injects into our selves
Why similar: Action 38.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Indie 29.3%
- #2 cloudphobia
96% matchMostly Positive78% of 27 reviews2016
Dev: MarsboundPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
In this pulse-pounding arcade style shoot 'em up, players control giant armored robots, loaded with hi-tech weaponry. Chose from two types of mechs: the PLG-90, armed with a high-tech laser rifle or the NúllPunktur with the Vibroblade!
Why similar: Action 39.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Indie 28.1%
- #3 Crush
96% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: VIS-GamesPub: SilentFuture
Windows
Crush is an old-school-styled shoot´em up. The game leads you through 7 challenging levels filled with action and great soundtracks. A must for all old-school shoot´em up fans!
Why similar: Action 38.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.8%, Indie 28.1%
- #4 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
94% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Action 35.6%, Indie 28.2%
- #5 Astro Tripper
95% matchMixed57% of 68 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.
Why similar: Action 36.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Indie 28.3%
- #6 The Blue Flamingo
94% 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: Action 36.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Indie 27.4%
- #7 Zenodyne R
93% matchVery Positive83% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Action 37.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Indie 26.4%
- #8 Fire Arrow Plus
92% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Fire Arrow and Fire Arrow X are time attack style shooters with a heavy emphasis on scoring. Otherwisely, you can call them coffee break shmups.
Why similar: Action 37.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Indie 25.7%
- #9 LIGHT
91% matchMixed60% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Indie Light
Windows
Not known what year it is, and in which galaxy everything happens. But one thing is known-you must to clear the space of dirty pirates, and their technique. For this, you will have to open the nearest space systems, improve your ship, and of course to shoot a pirate ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Action 35.3%, Indie 27.1%
- #10 Endless Wave
91% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: Snowdrop Lab
Windows
Endless Wave is wave style stg. 9 kinds of waves and 3 bosses are waiting for you. Manipulate fighter planes to defeat enemies approaching ! ・Endless wave style ・Neon style(Bullet) ・Minimum price
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Action 35.3%, Indie 27.1%
- #11 Jet Buster
89% matchVery Positive92% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Action 35.7%, Indie 26.4%
- #12 Drive to Hell
90% matchMostly Positive77% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Ghost Crab Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Drive to Hell is an action-packed shooter where you'll take a ride through an army of monsters to exact revenge on the Demon King for destroying your favorite dive bar. Enemies assault from all sides, each with its own special personality and attack style.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Action 35.1%, Indie 27%
- #13 Space Pirate Amai
87% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: Rockets and Cats
Windows
Old school 2d shooter with crazy music by the indie band 8bit Phantom Galactic! -Challenging retro space shooter -Fight your way through various stages and enemies. -Intense Boss fight! -Master the use of your shield to survive. -Use powerups to upgrade your ship's weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Action 34.1%, Indie 26.2%
- #14 SHOOTING CHICKEN BRUTAL SUCKERS
85% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: KoheiGallery
Windows
Makoto Yonekura, a new waitress, is a bright girl in Noh weather.Contrary to its appearance, it is a survival game girl who uses powerful weapons!She will do her best to crush the rampaging chickens for the beloved chief!
Why similar: Action 40.5%, Indie 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%
- #15 Humans Must Answer
89% matchMixed62% of 63 reviews2014
Dev: Sumom Games
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dodge, shoot and explode across the Solar System as a crew of intelligent and dangerous chickens. As the pilot of The Golden Eagle, it's your duty to keep Colonel Ram and Professor Bez safe as they squabble about ethics and who last used the toilet. Wage war against humanity as you battle your way towards the Sun to complete your mission.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Action 33.6%, Indie 28.6%
- #16 Velocity®Ultra
88% matchMostly Positive75% of 273 reviews2013
Dev: Curve StudiosPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Velocity®Ultra is an award-winning top down shooter that puts you in control of the galaxy’s only Quarp Jet, an advanced spacecraft with the ability to teleport at will. Tasked with rescuing survivors from a collapsed black hole, you’ll need to use both firepower and quick-wits to catapult the Quarp Jet through 50 levels of sci-fi action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Action 35.6%, Indie 25%
- #17 Valiant Gears
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Gaze Interactive
Windows
Valiant Gears is a 3D old school shoot 'em up game. Hop on your Valiant Gear, a ferocious battle machine and defend the planet by fighting the alien robots!
Why similar: Action 48.1%, Indie 37%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%
- #18 Battle Crust
86% matchPositive89% of 36 reviews2016
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
"Battle Crust" is a 80's-90's arcade-style shooter. You make full use of "Charge shot" that is available by obtaining the item, And let's Complete all of the 6 stage!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.8%, Action 34.9%, Indie 25.3%
- #19 Gamma Bros
84% matchVery Positive91% of 164 reviews2018
Dev: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The original 8-bit twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love, available to play for free.
Why similar: Action 43.2%, Indie 32.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%
- #20 Redux: Dark Matters
86% matchMixed55% of 38 reviews2014
Dev: KTX SoftwarePub: Signo & Arte
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Redux: Dark Matters is a fast-paced space shooting game with fresh scoring elements - a bastard-hard shooter and definitely a must have for every shmup fan!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Action 35.1%, Indie 24.9%
- #21 Zenodeath
80% matchPositive92% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Zenodeath is the final entry in the Zeno series, the final evolution, featuring a modern OST by HeavyViper and two gameplay types.
Why similar: Action 41.2%, Indie 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%
- #22 tri.Attack();
81% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: Demmy Mangusso
Windows
In this 2D arcade game, your body is the weapon. Shoot the tri out of yourself and recall it back to you to take out a constant onslaught of rogue polygons. Unlock all the tri modifiers and get as high of a score as possible!
Why similar: Action 41.2%, Indie 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%
- #23 Starship Annihilator
83% 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: Indie 41.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Action 24.3%
- #24 Voxel Interceptor
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: NewAtlantisGameStudio
Windows
Now you can select your control style in 3 different ways!. 6 different upgradeable space interceptors, 9 different weapons. You can supply in your carrier and upgrade her defenses. Shoot enemies down. That's all.
Why similar: Action 40.1%, Indie 30.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 29%
- #25 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Action 37.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Indie 28.4%
- #26 Solar Shifter EX
82% 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 45.7%, Action 31.2%, Indie 23.1%
- #27 Fatal Wings
78% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Brain Lab Studio
Windows
Fatal wings is a classic top down space shoot ‘em. Playing as the last resistance fighters from the similian colony in planet Lithios against a brutal attack led by vernor’s forces
Why similar: Action 44.8%, Indie 34.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%
- #28 Risk System
77% matchPositive95% of 39 reviews2019
Dev: Newt Industries, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
High speed kinetic action. Danger is the best offense!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Action 34.9%, Indie 27.6%
- #29 The Real Laser Ball
78% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2018
Dev: Holmsario Games
Windows
A physics based, arcade, high score chaser with a progression system and a fetish for the 80’s. In The Real Laser Ball you’re a ball… with a laser.
Why similar: Action 46.9%, Indie 36.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%
- #30 FEB - Brazilian Elite Force
77% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: Bearded Boy Productions
Windows
After an alien arives in Brazil, the brazilian army created the FEB - Brazilian Elite Force, a high tech agency with only the best of the bests. Choose one of three agents: Samanta, Zolrys and Silva, and save Brazil from an alien invasion in this 2D platform/shooter game.
Why similar: Action 45.3%, Indie 34.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%
- #31 Lucid Aether
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: FAL Works
Windows · Mac
Lucid Aether is a new kind of bullet hell shoot 'em up game.
Why similar: Action 40.1%, Indie 30.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 29%
- #32 Dantes Bullet Inferno
76% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2020
Dev: Red Pentagram Studios
Windows
Dantes Bullet Inferno is a shoot-em-up where the player fights against hell as Dante. This top down shooter includes a speedrun mode called time-dilation.
Why similar: Action 48.3%, Indie 37.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.6%
- #33 Horizon Shift
79% 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: Action 41.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Indie 27.9%
- #34 DECONSTRUCTION
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lazy Knight
Windows
DECONSTRUCTION is a fast-paced, hardcore, shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Action 35.3%, Indie 27.1%
- #35 AstroGenesis
74% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: GraphprojectPub: StavroGames
Windows
Dynamic game in the genre of Bullet hell. Destroy your enemies dodging the hail of bullets!
Why similar: Action 39.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Indie 30.1%
- #36 Cosmotic Blast
76% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: ThetaREZ
Windows
Cosmotic Blast is an asteroid game in an immersive experience. Stand amongst a swirling cluster of asteroids in space as you pilot a ship. Blast and destroy wave after wave of asteroids and collect the Cosmotic energy to enhance your ship, making it faster, stronger and more resilient.
Why similar: Action 46.9%, Indie 36.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%
- #37 Dangerous Blaster
71% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2019
Dev: Juicy Frog
Windows
Run, roll and shoot as long as possible through an arena filled with aliens and dangerous obstacles. Be careful, every missed shot becomes a new threat ! Great little game to practice and warm-up.
Why similar: Action 41.2%, Indie 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%
- #38 Sector Assault
71% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2020
Dev: Brian Crandell
Windows
In this arcade space shooter, combine weapons and equipment to create the perfect loadouts. Battle an enemy fleet as diverse as your own arsenal, dodging cruise missiles, phasing through lasers, and ramming targets as you fight to reclaim the sector!
Why similar: Action 49.5%, Indie 38.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%
- #39 Saint George | The Tree Of Secrets
63% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Obscure Cloud
Windows
Embark on a new breed of medieval-fantasy arcade plaformer and explore extensive worlds packed with loots, creatures and humongous boss
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #40 Flatshot
73% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2017
Dev: TurupawnPub: Rosalila
Windows · Linux
Flatshot is a free as in freedom shooting game with flat and minimalist aesthetics. Shoot, dodge, parry and charge to defeat +50 enemy bosses. Sharpen your skills in this easy to learn hard to master Bullet Hell.
Why similar: Indie 36.3%, Action 35.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%
- #41 DECEIVER
62% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Helvetica Scenario
Windows · Mac · Linux
Launch your spider drone at walls, ceilings, and enemy heads in this indie multiplayer shooter where "move" and "attack" are synonymous.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #42 Hangeki
75% matchPositive88% of 40 reviews2014
Dev: Pentavera
Windows
Hangeki is an arcade style shooter that emphasizes the use of over 50 spectacular weapons. Formulate new strategies and take on the alien invasion in this reimagining of the classic shoot em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Action 35.2%, Indie 27.9%
- #43 GRAY GROFA
61% matchNo user reviews
Dev: TPM.CO SOFT WORKS
Windows
GRAY GROFA is an unparalleled side-scrolling shooter puzzle game developed for the 8-bit MSX computer. 2 years have been spent hand-tuning the game's visuals, movements and puzzles in a tireless pursuit for aesthetic perfection.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #44 Uriel's Chasm 2: את
75% matchMostly Negative34% of 373 reviews2015
Dev: Rail Slave GamesPub: KPL
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
את is an allegorical, multi-genre Love story and exploration of the Biblical themes of paradise and sacrifice vs offering.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Action 30.8%, Indie 29.8%
- #45 Diadra Empty
73% 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: Action 38.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Indie 29.8%
- #46 Happy STG
69% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Tomoyuki Mizuma
Windows
Vertical scroll shooting game. Please avoid the bullets and defeat the enemies and clear the stage. You can set different types of bullets for "Main" and "Sub". You can also use skills. Skills include skills that make powerful attacks and skills that can eliminate bullets fired by enemies.
Why similar: Action 38.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Indie 29.3%
- #47 Zeroptian Invasion
68% matchPositive96% of 28 reviews2018
Dev: Josyan
Windows
Zeroptian Invasion is a classic shoot 'em up with mechanics from other arcades of the 80’s. Travel back in time with this unique pixilated experience with an incredible soundtrack in chiptune.
Why similar: Action 37.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Indie 30%
- #48 Kyber Knights
59% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Portaalin Pojat Oy
Windows
A multiplayer VR game by an Arcade for Arcades. Kyber Knights is a fun and easy multiplayer game developed exclusively for VR Arcades. Simple controls and an easy to control Operator View make this fast paced shooter a great choice for Arcades. CURRENTLY ONLY IN LAN.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #49 Who's That Flying?!
74% matchMostly Positive70% of 170 reviews2011
Dev: MediatonicPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 34%
As the mysterious and powerful "Guardian of Earth" your steely eye and HYPER-POWERED LASER ARM have kept the citizens of Earth safe for generations.
Why similar: Action 39.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Indie 27.2%
- #50 Beast Modon
69% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: Jeshawn Chrite
Windows · Mac
In this arcade style shoot em up that lets you earn more punishing difficulties, you are Sylvester, a hero pilot in his glory days turned space janitor on a space station. After an attack on said post, it is up to him to retrieve the fabled Fang Shards. Turn your Beast Mode on, you're going to need it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Action 34.1%, Indie 26.2%
- #51 Boiling Bolt
70% matchMixed63% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: Persistant StudiosPub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Use your powers and find your playstyle to survive in Boiling Bolt, an immersive and explosive shoot-em-up! Slow down the time to make combos and enjoy the stunning 3D graphics. Help June to save the world alone or with a friend.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Action 35.7%, Indie 25.8%
- #52 Star Drifter
72% matchMixed48% of 227 reviews2016
Dev: Nostalgia HoundPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Star Drifter is a super hard and hectic space shooter, inspired by classics such as R Type, Xenon, Galaxian, Moon Cresta and Gradius.
Why similar: Indie 49.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Action 24.6%
- #53 Infinos Gaiden
67% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.5%, Action 30.3%, Indie 22.1%
- #54 Chicken Invaders 2
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 588 reviews2016
Dev: InterAction studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Just when you thought it was safe to eat chicken again, the chickens have returned with an organized invasion to take over the entire solar system! Journey to each planet and fight your way through to save the world (again)!
Why similar: Action 42.5%, Indie 31.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%
- #55 Galagan's Island: Reprymian Rising
70% matchVery Positive80% of 123 reviews2015
Dev: Skinny Jean Death StudiosPub: Volens Nolens Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Galagan's Island is an Arcade style Space Shooter paying loving homage to classic arcade style & difficulty. This Bullet Hell is sure to satisfy your Shmup Shortage! Featuring 25 LEVELS of handcrafted whimsical charm. Formations so pretty you almost don't want to destroy them.
Why similar: Action 38.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Indie 29.8%
- #56 Neon Aileron
65% matchPositive100% of 17 reviews2019
Dev: Saturday Development, LLCPub: SaturdayDevelopment, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Neon Aileron is a shoot 'em up for people who are bad at shoot 'em ups. Enjoy the forgiving gameplay and 16-bit era graphics while shooting lots of enemies that spawn to the soundtrack!
Why similar: Action 47.2%, Indie 36.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%
- #57 leapoid
56% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Topher Anselmo
Windows
Leap, fall, and perish — over and over again. Only the most seasoned platforming veterans will overcome the trials that leapoid has to offer.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%