- #1 Jets'n'Guns Gold
97% 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 53.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Action 6.1%, Bullet Hell 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: The direct predecessor to the seed game, offering the same chaotic destruction and heavy metal soundtrack.
- #2 Super Hydorah
96% 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 59%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Action 11.7%, Indie 8.4%, Bullet Hell 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, retro-inspired side-scroller that emphasizes challenging gameplay and diverse weapon loadouts.
- #3 Steredenn: Binary Stars
96% 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 58.6%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Action 8.8%, 2D 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, roguelike side-scrolling shooter that captures the same feeling of intense, unpredictable combat.
- #4 ZeroRanger
95% 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 52.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.5%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Action 7.3%, Indie 6%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of the genre that features incredible boss battles, a fantastic soundtrack, and high-stakes action.
- #5 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
94% 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 62.5%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Bullet Hell 7.8%, Action 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: Provides an epic scale of action with a legendary soundtrack and massive boss encounters.
- #6 Graze Counter GM
91% 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 58.3%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Action 11.8%, Indie 7.2%, 2D 3%
Why You'll Like It: A modern, high-octane shooter that rewards aggressive play with a satisfying risk-reward system.
- #7 Sine Mora EX
93% 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 55%, Side Scroller 19%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Action 6.4%, 2D 2.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique time-based mechanic and high-fidelity visuals that match the cinematic scale of the seed game.
- #8 R-Type Final 2
91% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Action 12.9%, Bullet Hell 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep ship and weapon customization that appeals to fans of the seed game's upgrade systems.
- #9 Rigid Force Alpha
92% 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 54.5%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Action 9.4%, Colorful 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A modern side-scrolling shooter that focuses heavily on weapon power-ups and fast-paced combat.
- #10 Sky Force Anniversary
90% 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 61.8%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Action 9.4%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Indie 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible but highly addictive shooter with a robust progression and upgrade system.
- #11 Jamestown
89% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 8%, Indie 5.3%, Action 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a fantastic soundtrack and intense co-op action that feels both classic and modern.
- #12 BLUE REVOLVER
88% 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 61%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Action 6.1%, Indie 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Fast, stylish, and challenging, with a high-energy soundtrack that keeps the adrenaline pumping.
- #13 Danmaku Unlimited 3
89% 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 51.2%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Action 10.5%, Indie 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Refined bullet-hell mechanics paired with a pulse-pounding electronic soundtrack.
- #14 Devil Engine
87% matchVery Positive89% of 142 reviews2019
Dev: Protoculture GamesPub: Poppy Works
Windows
A last ditch effort to destroy what was once to be our savior. A final mission to eliminate a disastrous future. A single ship against Earth’s entire military. The Andraste is the only hope to defeat...the Devil Engine.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.6%, Action 13.9%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, 2D 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced, high-difficulty action with a retro aesthetic that emphasizes pure arcade intensity.
- #15 Ikaruga
86% 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 65.5%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Action 3.9%, Indie 1%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic shooter that demands precision and tactical thinking through its unique color-switching mechanic.
- #16 Astral Gunners
81% 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 48.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Action 8.4%, Side Scroller 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter that focuses on high-speed combat and intense boss encounters.
- #17 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 43%, Great Soundtrack 19.7%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Action 9.8%, Indie 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Combines high-speed arcade action with deep, modular ship customization.
- #18 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
86% 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 55.5%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Action 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Indie 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced, colorful, and action-oriented, capturing the arcade spirit of the seed game.
- #19 RefRain - prism memories -
84% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: RebRankPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.1%, Action 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Indie 12.2%, Bullet Hell 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features deep weapon customization and high-speed combat that rewards tactical loadout choices.
- #20 Deathsmiles
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 609 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.1%, Bullet Hell 19%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Action 7.2%, Side Scroller 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed bullet-hell that offers a distinct aesthetic and intense, pattern-heavy gameplay.
- #21 Bullet Heaven 2
83% 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 47.3%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Action 9.6%, Indie 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on chaotic, screen-filling bullet patterns that challenge even the most experienced players.
- #22 Bleed 2
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 895 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 47.7%, Action 16%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Indie 10%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Blends fast-paced platforming with bullet-hell mechanics for a unique, action-packed experience.
- #23 ESCHATOS
82% matchVery Positive97% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Action 14.2%, Bullet Hell 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features unique time-manipulation mechanics and fast-paced gameplay that keeps the action constant.
- #24 Steel Vampire
81% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.8%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Action 13%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Indie 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A casual-friendly but intense bullet-hell experience with a focus on rapid-fire action.
- #25 Star Saviors
79% 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 61%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Action 7.7%, Indie 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: A space-themed shooter that prioritizes constant action and high-speed movement.
- #26 Reign of Bullets
79% matchVery Positive81% of 100 reviews2015
Dev: Critical Bit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.8%, Action 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Indie 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling action game with a strong focus on weapon upgrades and customization.
- #27 Hyper Sentinel
78% 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 55.2%, Action 17.3%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Indie 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes high scores and rapid destruction.
- #28 Danmaku Unlimited 2
77% 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 56.4%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Action 7.1%, Indie 5.2%
- #29 Echoes+
76% 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 51.7%, Action 19.2%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Indie 11.4%
- #30 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
76% 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 52.1%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.8%, Side Scroller 9%, Action 8%
- #31 Sine Mora
77% 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 66.7%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Side Scroller 7.6%, Action 7.4%, Indie 5.6%
- #32 Blazing Chrome
73% 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 51%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Action 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 8%, Indie 7.3%
- #33 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 68.4%, Action 18.9%, Indie 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique shift mechanic that adds tactical depth to the standard side-scrolling formula.
- #34 Amaranthine
75% matchVery Positive92% of 108 reviews2016
Dev: Roman Kozhukhov
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Amaranthine - is a dynamic horizontal scrolling shooter with elements of procedural generation. Travel through warp to the distant frozen planet that sent a distress signal.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.3%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Action 15.2%, Indie 8.7%
- #35 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
74% matchVery Positive81% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Action 13.5%, Indie 9.2%
- #36 Really Big Sky
75% 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 46.1%, Indie 16.1%, Action 12.5%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%
- #37 Jet Lancer
68% matchVery Positive93% of 1,187 reviews2020
Dev: Code WakersPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%, Great Soundtrack 20.6%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Action 11.8%, Indie 8.2%
- #38 Vector Strain
73% 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 59.6%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Action 14.7%, Indie 9.1%
- #39 Q-YO Blaster
71% matchVery Positive91% of 195 reviews2018
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.5%, Action 17.8%, Indie 11.9%, Bullet Hell 6.7%
- #40 Habroxia 2
69% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.1%, Action 19.9%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Indie 4.6%, 2D 2.5%
- #41 Space Moth DX
72% matchVery Positive81% of 133 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.9%, Bullet Hell 14%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Action 13.8%, Indie 9.6%
- #42 Gunvein
65% 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 65.3%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Action 12.4%, Colorful 2.7%, 2D 2.5%
- #43 ALLTYNEX Second
72% matchVery Positive85% of 160 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 28%
The year is 2192AD. 40 years ago, the Stellar-class All-purpose Administrative Computer ALLTYNEX suddenly attempted to enact genocide upon mankind. Commandeering armies of unmanned weapons, ALLTYNEX enacted a massacre so terrible that within only 72 hours of the start of the incident, approximately 85% of the world's population had...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.1%, Action 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Indie 9.8%, Bullet Hell 7.7%
- #44 Revolution Ace
71% 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 70.6%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Action 9.9%, Indie 6.9%, 2D 0.8%
- #45 Sweezy Gunner
71% matchVery Positive83% of 243 reviews2014
Dev: Windybeard
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Action 25.2%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Indie 17.6%
- #46 Nova Drift
58% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%, Action 9.2%, Indie 5.6%
- #47 Valfaris
66% matchVery Positive83% of 2,694 reviews2019
Dev: Steel MantisPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 45%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Great Soundtrack 20.2%, Action 19.8%, Side Scroller 13%, Indie 10%
- #48 BULLET SOUL INFINITE BURST
70% matchMostly Positive74% of 92 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Bullet Soul Infinite Burst is a vertically scrolling shooting game crossing old-school gameplay with a bullet hell twist. It adds numerous gameplay enhancements over its predecessor, Bullet Soul, not least of which is Burst Mode. The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, now with more destruction, more coins and more tunes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.4%, Action 16.3%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%
- #49 Atomik: RunGunJumpGun
69% matchVery Positive86% of 326 reviews2016
Dev: ThirtyThreePub: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Atomik: RunGunJumpGun is a tough as nails game that puts a gravity-defying weapon in your hands. One button lets you fly, the other blasts obstacles out of the way. With a cast of crazed characters, challenging gameplay, and a pulsing musical score, it delivers twitchy platforming goodness.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Action 27.2%, Indie 19%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, 2D 2.8%
- #50 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 68.3%, Action 17.7%, Indie 11.7%, 2D 2.4%
- #51 Intrusion 2
68% matchVery Positive90% of 2,224 reviews2012
Dev: Aleksei Abramenko
Windows · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 37%
"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: Action 29.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Indie 19.2%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%
- #52 Andro Dunos II
63% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.7%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Action 9.4%, Indie 1.9%, 2D 1.8%
- #53 Galaxy Highways
58% 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 53.2%, Action 26.1%, Colorful 14%, 2D 6.7%
- #54 DRAINUS
61% 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 64.9%, Action 14.3%, Indie 8%, Bullet Hell 6.9%, Side Scroller 3.9%
- #55 Nex Machina
66% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Great Soundtrack 24.5%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Action 11.6%, Indie 5.8%
- #56 Valfaris: Mecha Therion
59% matchVery Positive92% of 431 reviews2023
Dev: Steel MantisPub: Silver Lining Interactive
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 50.1%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Action 10.1%, Bullet Hell 9.6%, Indie 6.6%