Games Like Iron Meat

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Shooter 9.3%, Platformer 9.1%, Arcade 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in retro-inspired action that perfectly captures the challenging, high-intensity gameplay of 90s arcade shooters.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Shooter 12.5%, Platformer 9.9%, 2D Platformer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features tight, arcade-style shooting mechanics and a gritty, neon-soaked aesthetic that matches the intensity of Iron Meat.

The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Side Scroller 15.4%, 2D Platformer 12%, Platformer 10.7%, Shooter 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive modern evolution of the classic run-and-gun formula that inspired Iron Meat.

Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.8%, Platformer 21.7%, Shooter 20.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.6%, Action 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A direct spiritual successor to the Contra series, offering the same level of difficulty and classic 2D run-and-gun mechanics.

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.

Why similar: Post-apocalyptic 21.9%, Side Scroller 21.3%, 2D Platformer 17.5%, Arcade 11.5%, Platformer 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, post-apocalyptic action platformer that emphasizes fluid movement and challenging boss battles.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.9%, Platformer 22.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Action 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers intense, gore-filled side-scrolling action with a heavy metal aesthetic that mirrors the visceral nature of Iron Meat.

Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Platformer 14.6%, Side Scroller 14.5%, Shooter 12.9%, 2D Platformer 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action platformer that emphasizes fast-paced shooting and challenging level design.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Platformer 20.2%, Side Scroller 18.9%, 2D Platformer 13.6%, Post-apocalyptic 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: Combines precise platforming and challenging combat with a dark, atmospheric world that feels right at home alongside Iron Meat.

Prison City is a dystopian, action-packed side-scroller with tight mechanics and intricate level design. Battle Techno-Terrorists with your chakram and grenades, eat hot dogs for health, and locate contacts to help take down bosses.

Why similar: Side Scroller 18.1%, Post-apocalyptic 17.2%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Platformer 11.4%, 1990's 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action platformer that nails the feel of 8-bit classics while providing modern, satisfying combat.

Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Side Scroller 25.6%, Shooter 17%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane shoot-em-up spin-off that maintains the intense, gore-drenched style of its predecessor.

Alien Scumbags is a sci-fi action platformer with a big slice of horror and a stack of pop culture references. You'll run, hide and kill across several levels, collect items from capsule machines and unlock characters.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Side Scroller 16.3%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Platformer 9.7%, Horror 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a gritty, pixelated run-and-gun experience that leans into the horror and action tropes of the genre.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Side Scroller 19.2%, Platformer 19.1%, Shooter 13%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%, Local Multiplayer 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers chaotic, over-the-top run-and-gun destruction that captures the same arcade energy as Iron Meat.

Experience the thrill of Terminator 2: Judgment Day with arcade action & pixel-perfect graphics! In this unique story blending iconic scenes from the movie with original scenarios and multiple endings, humanity’s fate is yours to decide.

Why similar: Side Scroller 24.1%, 2D Platformer 17.4%, 1990's 13.3%, Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game that focuses on retro aesthetics and arcade-style combat.

Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Platformer 17.1%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-speed, arcade-style action and boss-heavy gameplay that rewards precision and reflexes.

"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid

Why similar: Platformer 29.4%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Shooter 15.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.1%, Action 10%

Why You'll Like It: Features impressive physics-based combat and explosive run-and-gun gameplay that feels like a modern arcade classic.

NYC 2055: a city beyond salvation. Blast your way through this dense cyberpunk jungle in NEON INFERNO, an explosive fusion of 2D run-and-gun and gallery-shooter, and help the Family dominate its streets!

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Shooter 14%, Platformer 13.3%, Arcade 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that blends cyberpunk themes with intense, co-op friendly action.

Protect the Earth from an alien invasion in this Run N’ Gun action spectacle. Take control of G.U.N.N.R. and battle your way through a blast from the pixelated past.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Arcade 10.9%, 2D Platformer 10.1%, 1990's 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that focuses on pure, challenging action and classic side-scrolling gameplay.

BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.

Why similar: Platformer 23.9%, Shooter 22.9%, Pixel Graphics 17.5%, 2D 11.5%, Action 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A hyper-violent, fast-paced 2D shooter that prioritizes raw, visceral action over complex mechanics.

Lock and load for chaotic, fast-paced action in Gunslugs! Battle the evil Black Duck Army across wild, procedurally generated levels packed with explosions, jetpacks, chicken guns, and rogue-like permadeath. Unlock heroes, conquer bizarre worlds, and fight your way to the gates of Hell!

Why similar: Side Scroller 18.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Platformer 16.5%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, fast-paced arcade shooter that embraces the fun and simplicity of classic run-and-gun games.

“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Arcade 30.1%, Side Scroller 29.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.5%, Shooter 10.7%, Action 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard of run-and-gun shooters, providing the chaotic, high-detail pixel art and arcade action that Iron Meat fans love.

Black Future ’88 is a Synth-Punk roguelike 2D action Shooter. Vertically climb an always evolving procedural tower to reach the top and kill its insane owner…before your heart explodes. Shoot, slash, dash and upgrade yourself to survive the endless waves of Homicidal AI, Traps & Colossal Wardens.

Why similar: Action 29.7%, Side Scroller 26.3%, Pixel Graphics 21.1%, Platformer 20.7%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes, fast-paced action game that captures the relentless pressure of Iron Meat's boss encounters.

Mighty Goose is a fast paced run & gun shooter starring a bounty hunter Goose. Use epic weapons and devastating war machines to battle against screen filling bosses and hordes of enemies!

Why similar: Side Scroller 22%, Local Multiplayer 20.2%, 2D Platformer 15.7%, Platformer 13.5%, Arcade 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A humorous but mechanically sound run-and-gun shooter that captures the arcade spirit of the genre.

CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origins, stalking and consuming those that imprisoned you.

Why similar: Horror 31.3%, Pixel Graphics 27.6%, 2D 12%, Platformer 11.2%, Action 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: While a reverse-horror game, it perfectly captures the grotesque, mutating 'meat' aesthetic that serves as the core theme of Iron Meat.

Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

Why similar: Platformer 32.5%, Pixel Graphics 19.4%, Side Scroller 15.8%, 2D 10.7%, Action 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a dark, gothic atmosphere and brutal combat that aligns well with the horror elements found in Iron Meat.

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 22.8%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Gun Customization 17.1% ★, Platformer 12.2%, 2D Platformer 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that emphasizes movement and intense combat encounters.

A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.1%, Arcade 19.8%, Action 9.2%, Platformer 8.5%, Indie 6%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that focuses on clearing waves of enemies with frantic, high-score-chasing gameplay.

Tank controls. Fixed cameras. Pure Terror. Set in a haunting world of twisted experiments and occult nightmares, this game brings back the survival horror mechanics you know and love while pushing the genre into terrifying new depths.

Why similar: 1990's 34.3%, Horror 27.9%, Shooter 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 12%, Action 8%

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: Gun Customization 18% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Platformer 13%, Side Scroller 11.8%, Arcade 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade platformer that challenges players with intense, short-burst combat scenarios.

Slay grim cultists, infernal minions, and nightmarish creatures in this dark and bloody retro-inspired action platformer. Uncover secrets, acquire powerful artifacts, and face challenging bosses in the Haunted Lands.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Side Scroller 19.1%, 2D Platformer 14.9%, Platformer 12.8%, Horror 9.4%

Run, Gun and Eat your way through this roguelite RPG shooter. In a world where every enemy is edible, what you eat and how much you eat drives everything from your waistline to branching skill trees to weapon crafting. Shoot fast. Eat big. Satisfy your appetite for destruction.

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Platformer 15.8%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Arcade 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: An action platformer that combines traditional shooting mechanics with unique RPG-lite elements.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Platformer 34.5%, Pixel Graphics 20.4%, Side Scroller 13.7%, 2D 10.4%, Action 7.1%

A modern take on the classic arcade arena shooter. Taking inspiration from an entire generation of action games, Iron Fisticle builds on classic titles like Gauntlet and Robotron while adding over 100 collectible items, an RPG style upgrade system and local multiplayer.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%, Arcade 12.3%, 2D 10.9%, Action 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action game that offers challenging, arcade-inspired combat in a 2D space.

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 22.6%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Gun Customization 17.6% ★, Score Attack 9.8%, Arcade 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shoot-em-up that provides the classic arcade challenge and retro aesthetic expected by fans of the genre.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Score Attack 22.8%, 1990's 19.5%, Shooter 17%, Action 4.6%

A fast run and gun horror shooter with roguelike elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Shooter 22.3%, Post-apocalyptic 19%, Horror 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%

Meatgrinder is a chaotic and fast-paced FPS. Use agility and guns to jump your way through insane levels on top of speeding trucks, trains and planes. No cutscenes or storylines, just pure action.

Why similar: Post-apocalyptic 40%, 1990's 26.9%, Shooter 26.7%, Action 6.4%

Inspired by classic shooters like Gunstar Heroes, Metal Slug, and Contra, Greedy Guns brings the run-and-gun formula into the 21st Century! Help these greedy mercenaries survive their most epic contract yet. Explore, explode, survive!

Why similar: Platformer 34.6%, Shooter 26.4%, Action 17.4%, 2D 11.6%, Indie 10.1%

A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 22.8%, Shooter 16.9%, Platformer 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 11%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Rusted Moss is a twin-stick shooter metroidvania where you sling around the map with your grapple, blasting your way through witches and rusted machine monstrosities alike. This wasteland once harboring mankind has since fallen, and Fae long forgotten now knock on humanity's door...

Why similar: Platformer 29.4%, Post-apocalyptic 26.3%, 2D Platformer 20.9%, Pixel Graphics 10.4%, 2D 6.4%

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.

Why similar: Post-apocalyptic 19%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Platformer 13.5%, 2D Platformer 11.6%, Character Customization 10%

Viscerafest is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Singleplayer Arena FPS with minor Collectathon elements. Fight through hordes of aliens and eldritch monstrosities wielding a slew of powerful weapons, juggling your resources, and exploring over 23 intricately designed hand-crafted levels.

Why similar: Shooter 33%, Arcade 22%, Horror 18.6%, Pixel Graphics 16.3%, Action 6.8%

Hyper Bounce Blast is a stomach-churning retro shooter blended with classic platforming action. Bounce, shoot and dodge to survive the ever-increasing enemy attack. Bring it on!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.6%, Platformer 22.9%, Arcade 17.2%, Action 11.8%, Indie 6.5%

Deputinization is run and gun action game focused on boss battles. The game features pixel graphics and music that is rooted in Ukrainian culture.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.3%, Platformer 13.5%, Shooter 11.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.1%, Linear 8.4%

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 29.8%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Arcade 12.5%, Horror 11.6%, Linear 8.8%

Intense 2D action-platformer set in a mining colony infected by an alien plague. In B.I.O.T.A. you can choose your hero, fight gruesome monsters, and customize your 8-bit retro experience with swappable 4-color palettes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Side Scroller 20.7%, 2D Platformer 16%, Platformer 12.9%, Arcade 10.5%

Disfigure is a grim-dark rogue-like where you battle relentless hordes of monsters lurking in the shadows. Unlock powerful weapons, craft god-like builds with hundreds of upgrades, slay colossal bosses, and push your limits in intense 20–30 minute survival runs.

Why similar: Score Attack 24.4%, Arcade 15.5%, Shooter 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%, Horror 11.6%

- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Platformer 16.2%, Shooter 14.5%, Arcade 13.4%

Remote Life is a 2D Side scrolling space shooter (shmup) for PC. Experience a fast paced action game with insane scary graphics, and hyper jump into a brutal-frenetic-techno-alien world. Free the world from this dreadful nightmare before its nauseating breath of horror destroys mankind.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Shooter 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Horror 12.3%, Arcade 11.3%

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Score Attack 15.6%, Shooter 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Arcade 6.7%

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 33.2%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 7.4%, Score Attack 7.2%

The nightmarish dinosaur-spider hybrids known as Spidersaurs have run amok! Armed with an arsenal of awesome weapons, it's up to you (and a friend in co-op mode) to shoot your way through six levels of ferocious run-’n’-gun mayhem and send these mutant monstrosities back to the stone age.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, 2D Platformer 20.6%, Shooter 16.2%, Arcade 13.5%, Linear 9.1%

M.E.A.T. is a pixel art RPG game in a horror sci-fi setting, with renowned fight, movement and character development systems. Unravel the mystery of a sinister substance and become the hero of a small Canadian city during the Gold Rush era.

Why similar: Character Customization 40.6%, Horror 26.7%, Pixel Graphics 22.2%, Action 6.4%, Singleplayer 4%

Escape a concealed, mutated monster that's disrupting your scavenging. Master running, jumping, swinging, shooting and combining upgrades to end up as the powerful beast you once feared, turning the cave system from a nightmarish hollow into a playground.

Why similar: Post-apocalyptic 23.1%, 2D Platformer 14.6%, Character Customization 13.1%, Side Scroller 12%, Arcade 10.7%

Project Adder is a run-and-gun, zombie-killing, rogue-lite sandbox game with dynamic gameplay that offers a unique experience in every play-through.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Post-apocalyptic 15.6%, 2D Platformer 15.2%, Platformer 12.3%

Shoot to move, move to live, live to shoot! Blast Off Far Away (B.O.F.A.) is a space-themed, top-down arena shooter, with a focus on fast-paced arcade-esque gameplay, with the unique twist where movement is limited through the use of the player's gun.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, 2D Platformer 15.8%, Platformer 13.2%, Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 9.5%

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 21.2%, Gun Customization 18.3% ★, Side Scroller 17.7%, Score Attack 13.2%, Arcade 8.9%

Blast through a cursed nightmare solo or with up to 3 friends. A retro-inspired FPS where looter shooter weapons meets boomer shooter chaos and rogue-lite elements.

Why similar: Shooter 31.3%, 1990's 24%, Horror 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, Action 6.3%

Shoot stuff in a perfect pixel world, combine items, build guns, die every time! Roguelite twin-stick shooter where magic and post-apocalyptic future technologies collide. Defeat evil lord Dracula and save everyone!

Why similar: Post-apocalyptic 43.2%, Arcade 30.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.6%, Action 6.2%, Singleplayer 2.8%

Larva Mortus is a fast-paced hack and slash top-down shooter. As an agent specializing in exorcism, you are tasked to hunt monsters of the supernatural in a dark, ominous, and randomly generated atmosphere full of undead, terrifying and demonic nightmares.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Character Customization 16.9%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 12.1%, Horror 11.3%

All old-school FPS action. No Bullshit. Lots of blood & gore. Slaughter your way through nightmarish industrial mazes, transformed cityscapes and surreal alien structures to cut down the Growth in this ultraviolent, fast-paced, and merciless retro-styled first person shooter.

Why similar: 1990's 29.3%, Post-apocalyptic 28.4%, Shooter 22.4%, Horror 16%, Action 3.9%