- #1 Assault Android Cactus+
96% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Local Co-Op 13.2%, 4 Player Local 11.4%, Difficult 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: This twin-stick shooter captures the frantic, cooperative arcade energy of Jamestown with a focus on fast-paced combat.
- #2 ZeroRanger
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Bullet Hell 24.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Arcade 4.2%, Local Co-Op 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern indie masterpiece that pays homage to classic shmups while introducing innovative mechanics and a compelling narrative.
- #3 Nex Machina
95% 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: Bullet Hell 28.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Local Co-Op 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Arcade 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: Developed with arcade legend Eugene Jarvis, this game provides the ultimate high-score-chasing experience with polished, modern visuals.
- #4 Super Hydorah
94% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.1%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Arcade 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Local Multiplayer 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the retro spirit of classic side-scrolling shooters with a deep level of challenge and variety.
- #5 Ikaruga
94% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 47.7%, Bullet Hell 33.6%, Arcade 6%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%, Local Co-Op 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary shooter that introduces a unique polarity-switching mechanic, demanding the same level of focus and pattern recognition as Jamestown.
- #6 Mushihimesama
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Bullet Hell 37.7%, Arcade 6.1%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Difficult 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: A gold standard in the bullet-hell genre, offering the precise, high-difficulty patterns that fans of the genre crave.
- #7 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
92% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.6%, Bullet Hell 14%, Local Co-Op 8.5%, 4 Player Local 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive, sprawling arcade experience with a legendary soundtrack and classic side-scrolling mechanics.
- #8 Danmaku Unlimited 3
91% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 35.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Arcade 6%, Indie 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, modern take on the bullet-hell genre with a focus on high-speed action and accessible difficulty settings.
- #9 DoDonPachi Resurrection
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.8%, Bullet Hell 36.8%, Arcade 5.9%, Great Soundtrack 4.5%, Difficult 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: This title is a pillar of the bullet-hell genre, known for its extreme bullet density and satisfying scoring systems.
- #10 BLUE REVOLVER
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.5%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%, Arcade 4.8%, Indie 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A fantastic indie shmup that blends modern accessibility with the intense, rhythmic bullet patterns of classic arcade games.
- #11 Sine Mora EX
90% matchMixed65% of 678 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Steampunk 16.4% ★, Local Co-Op 9.2%, Difficult 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique time-based health system and a distinct visual style that sets it apart in the shmup genre.
- #12 Sky Force Reloaded
89% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Local Co-Op 20.1%, Local Multiplayer 8.3%, Arcade 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a highly accessible and visually stunning top-down shooter experience with a deep upgrade system.
- #13 The Bug Butcher
88% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Local Co-Op 20.7%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Arcade 6%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A fun, action-packed arcade shooter that features local co-op and a humorous tone similar to the indie spirit of Jamestown.
- #14 Steredenn: Binary Stars
87% 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 33.1%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Local Multiplayer 7.1%, Arcade 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, co-op friendly roguelite shooter that keeps the action fresh with procedurally generated levels.
- #15 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
86% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Arcade 9.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a fast-paced, abstract arcade experience that tests your reflexes in a variety of unique geometric arenas.
- #16 LUFTRAUSERS
85% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Bullet Hell 30.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Arcade 8.3%, Indie 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the pure joy of flight and combat, allowing for deep customization of your aircraft in a stylish, retro environment.
- #17 Revolution Ace
86% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,880 reviews2014
Dev: Laser Guided Games, LLC
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.5%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Local Co-Op 15.2%, Arcade 4.3%, Indie 3%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, action-heavy shooter that delivers the classic arcade thrills of the genre.
- #18 Batsugun
81% matchVery Positive97% of 105 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Local Co-Op 10.8%, Arcade 7.4%, Local Multiplayer 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: As a foundational title for the bullet-hell genre, it offers a pure, unfiltered arcade experience that every fan should try.
- #19 Shmadow
84% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Local Co-Op 11%, 4 Player Local 9.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: An indie shooter that focuses on quick, intense bursts of action and a variety of weapon upgrades.
- #20 Shatter
84% 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: Local Co-Op 31.1%, Great Soundtrack 26.9%, Arcade 15.8%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%, Indie 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: While a brick-breaking game, it shares the intense, arcade-style energy and rhythmic focus found in top-tier shmups.
- #21 Bullet Heaven 2
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 520 reviews2015
Dev: Matt Roszak
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 35.3%, Local Co-Op 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Difficult 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A charming indie bullet-hell game that emphasizes character variety and challenging, pattern-heavy boss encounters.
- #22 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
83% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Arcade 8.9%, Action 4%, Shooter 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter that brings the traditional vertical-scrolling experience to modern hardware with great polish.
- #23 Beat Hazard
81% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Bullet Hell 33.3%, Local Co-Op 7.9%, Arcade 3.5%, Co-op 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: It turns your music library into a bullet-hell playground, creating a unique, rhythm-synced shooting experience.
- #24 Xenoraid: The First Space War
82% 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 33%, Local Co-Op 18.3%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Arcade 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A solid arcade shooter that introduces a unique squad-switching mechanic to keep the gameplay dynamic.
- #25 Rigid Force Alpha
80% 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 47.9%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Arcade 9%, Retro 6.2%, Shooter 3.2%
Why You'll Like It: A modern side-scrolling shooter that combines classic gameplay with high-fidelity graphics and intense boss battles.
- #26 Jamestown+
78% matchVery Positive88% of 248 reviews2019
Dev: Final Form GamesPub: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Local Co-Op 17%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, 4 Player Local 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 6.5%
- #27 Graceful Explosion Machine
79% matchPositive81% of 47 reviews2017
Dev: Vertex Pop
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Skillfully pilot the Graceful Explosion Machine, a fighter ship armed with a ludicrously overpowered quad-weapon array! Lost in deep space, you'll shoot, dash and combo your way through jewel-hued uncharted planets, fighting an alien armada to find a way home.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Indie 8.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Action 7%
Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, arcade-style shooter that focuses on fluid movement and satisfying, screen-clearing attacks.
- #28 Galacide
79% matchVery Positive86% of 95 reviews2015
Dev: Puny Human
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.6%, Local Co-Op 19.4%, 4 Player Local 12.1%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Indie 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: It blends traditional side-scrolling shooting with puzzle-like elements, offering a unique twist on the classic formula.
- #29 Sky Force Anniversary
77% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 24%, Local Co-Op 14%, Arcade 5.4%, Retro 3%
- #30 Sine Mora
78% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.6%, Bullet Hell 26%, Arcade 5.5%, Indie 3.2%, Action 2.5%
- #31 Eigengrau
71% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Local Co-Op 13.2%, Difficult 6.5%, Arcade 6.4%
- #32 Bartlow's Dread Machine
74% matchVery Positive85% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Beep Games, Inc.
Windows
An artifact from the past returns in Bartlow's Dread Machine, a game from the dawn of the Electric Age. Dread Machine is a dual stick arcade shooter with single player and couch co-op modes, six scintillating game worlds and a cast of improbable monsters and characters.
Why similar: Steampunk 24.3% ★, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Local Co-Op 19%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.4%, Arcade 5.8%
- #33 Pixel Galaxy
76% matchVery Positive86% of 189 reviews2015
Dev: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A non-shooting shoot 'em up where you must grow, make friends, and survive together.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Bullet Hell 33.3%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Co-op 7.6%, Arcade 4.8%
- #34 Really Big Sky
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,890 reviews2012
Dev: Boss BaddiePub: Ripstone
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.6%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Indie 9.2%, Local Co-Op 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 4.3%
- #35 Astral Gunners
70% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2024
Dev: Sati Bros
Windows
Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Difficult 7.2%, Co-op 5.2%
- #36 Wish Project
76% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2016
Dev: Andrew Willman
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Bullet Hell 24.5%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Difficult 5.5%, Indie 5%
- #37 Danmaku Unlimited 2
75% 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 46.3%, Bullet Hell 39.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.9%, Arcade 3.6%, Indie 2.6%
- #38 Star Saviors
75% 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 53.2%, Bullet Hell 27.8%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Arcade 3.1%, Indie 2.8%
- #39 Crisis Wing
73% matchVery Positive90% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Local Co-Op 12.3%, Difficult 7.3%, Local Multiplayer 5.6%
- #40 Enemy Mind
74% matchVery Positive85% of 797 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Local Co-Op 13.5%, 4 Player Local 6.9%, Arcade 5.4%
- #41 Woodpunk
73% matchMostly Positive72% of 171 reviews2018
Dev: Meteorbyte StudiosPub: Libredia Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Woodpunk is an exhilarating roguelike bullet hell retro pixel art shooter in a medieval Woodpunk universe, where the primary energy resource is WOOD.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Local Co-Op 16.9%, Difficult 7.6%, Co-op 5.3%
- #42 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
73% matchVery Positive84% of 602 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.9%, Bullet Hell 29.8%, Arcade 5.3%, Retro 4.6%, Difficult 3.9%
- #43 Echoes+
72% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Bullet Hell 34%, Arcade 6.2%, Indie 5.9%, Action 5.9%
- #44 VASARA Collection
71% matchVery Positive82% of 145 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, 4 Player Local 11.6%, Arcade 4.9%
- #45 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
63% matchVery Positive100% of 67 reviews2025
Dev: Dot bloodPub: Targem Games
Windows
Kickback is a top-down shooter with roguelike elements, where shooting is the only way to move. Repel waves of mutants, create combinations of weapons and upgrades to survive at all costs on your own or with a friend in a local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Local Co-Op 19.7%, Local Multiplayer 9.3%, Arcade 6.3%
- #46 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
72% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.8%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Local Co-Op 9.4%, Difficult 7.6%, Local Multiplayer 6.4%
- #47 Monsters 'til Midnight
66% matchVery Positive85% of 95 reviews2023
Dev: Retro Dreamer
Windows
Use steampunk weaponry to vanquish the legions of evil and survive until the clock strikes midnight! In this fast-paced horde survival game, each powerful upgrade can help turn the tide. Go it alone, or join another player in your pursuit to outlast the inevitable march of time itself!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Steampunk 20.8% ★, Local Co-Op 9.1%, Co-op 5.4%
- #48 Ballistic Tanks
71% matchVery Positive82% of 244 reviews2016
Dev: Kirklight Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Ballistic Tanks is the best tank game you've played since the 80's. Battle in exhilarating local multiplayer, or challenge yourself in an intense solo/co-op arcade mode. Play 5 game modes in over 50 maps; and destroy your enemies in a frenzy of bullets, lasers, and explosions!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 21.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, 4 Player Local 15.9%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Local Multiplayer 8.9%
- #49 PARTICLE MACE
70% matchVery Positive88% of 1,371 reviews2015
Dev: Andy Makes
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A space game about swinging trash into things and dying.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Local Co-Op 19.1%, 4 Player Local 11.6%, Arcade 9.8%, Local Multiplayer 8.7%
- #50 Super Bit Blaster XL
67% matchVery Positive94% of 878 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Bullet Hell 26.7%, Local Co-Op 14.9%, Arcade 7%, Co-op 4.1%
- #51 Aqua Kitty - Milk Mine Defender
70% matchVery Positive86% of 480 reviews2014
Dev: TIKIPOD
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Aqua Kitty is a fast paced retro styled submarine arcade shooter with optional 2 player local Co-op.Blast through hordes of mechanical sea monsters in your kitty sub and defend the deep sea milk mining kittens!THE MILK MUST FLOW!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.7%, Local Co-Op 19.5%, Arcade 5.7%, Indie 5.1%, Action 4.3%
- #52 Paper Planet
64% matchVery Positive85% of 520 reviews2023
Dev: DoodlegamesPub: 2 Left Thumbs
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Paper Planet is a planet-defender, arcade roguelike with a doodley, Flash-inspired artstyle. Battle through waves of unique enemies and bosses. Combine items with strange and wacky effects for insanely overpowered runs. Play with 1-4 players, for some chaotic co-op fun!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Bullet Hell 24.5%, Local Co-Op 23.7%, Local Multiplayer 7.3%, Arcade 6.8%
- #53 Steel Empire
69% 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 43.4%, Steampunk 34.1% ★, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Action 5.4%, Retro 4.9%
- #54 Ultratron
69% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Local Co-Op 24.8%, Arcade 10.4%, Bullet Hell 7.5%, Retro 6.9%
- #55 Super Retro Fighter
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 87 reviews2021
Dev: Syndrome interactivePub: Cat God Studio
Windows
Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Local Co-Op 24.2%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Local Multiplayer 8.2%, Retro 2.9%
- #56 Rocket Wars
68% matchVery Positive91% of 95 reviews2017
Dev: Rooftop Panda
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 23.3 hrs≥1hr: 99%
Fast-paced local multi-player game packed with action. Destroy your friends with all sorts of different weapons and power-ups across multiple game modes!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, 4 Player Local 17.8%, Bullet Hell 16%, Local Co-Op 12.9%, Local Multiplayer 10.9%
- #57 Blazing Chrome
65% matchVery Positive87% of 1,924 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
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 40.1%, Local Co-Op 21.2%, Retro 6.8%, Arcade 6.6%, Difficult 5.5%
- #58 Tower 57
68% matchMixed64% of 814 reviews2017
Dev: PixwerkPub: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Tower 57 is a fast-paced neo-retro shooter where cooperation is as important as your ammo capacity. As a member of an extraordinary task force fight your way through a dieselpunk megatower and uncover its hidden secrets.
Why similar: Steampunk 28.7% ★, Local Co-Op 25.4%, Indie 14.2%, Action 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%
- #59 Vector Strain
69% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 50.3%, Bullet Hell 31.5%, Arcade 7.4%, Indie 4.6%, Action 4.5%