- #1 Mushihimesama
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,541 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.9 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: Bullet Hell 53.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Anime 7.2%, Difficult 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell experience that defines the genre with its intricate patterns and high-quality production.
- #2 Graze Counter GM
96% matchVery Positive97% of 191 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: Bullet Hell 41.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Anime 15.2%, Difficult 9.3%, Female Protagonist 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features a rewarding 'grazing' mechanic that encourages players to dance dangerously close to bullets, much like the best danmaku titles.
- #3 BLUE REVOLVER
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 870 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: Bullet Hell 42.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Anime 8.6%, Difficult 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A polished indie shooter that perfectly blends arcade-style intensity with modern quality-of-life features.
- #4 Touhou Tenkuushou ~ Hidden Star in Four Seasons.
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,524 reviews2017
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 271.2 hrs≥1hr: 67%
桜を見ながら西瓜を割り、紅葉を見ながら鍋をつつく こんな季節に誰がした! イレギュラーでシーズナルなシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 49.2%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Difficult 9.6%, Female Protagonist 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible entry in the iconic Touhou series that shares the seasonal and anime-inspired themes of the seed game.
- #5 SUGURI
94% matchVery Positive83% of 222 reviews2014
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Experience the rush of battle with the fan acclaimed Bullet-Hell shooter "SUGURI". You're equipped with an automatic lock-on targeting system and a unique arsenal of hyper weapons, power shields, and more. Sure, she may look cute, but when it's time to fight, it's all business.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.5%, Anime 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Difficult 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features the same fast-paced, anime-styled combat and projectile-heavy gameplay as the seed game.
- #6 RefRain - prism memories -
93% 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: Bullet Hell 41.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Anime 9.8%, Indie 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A high-octane indie shooter with a deep, anime-inspired aesthetic and complex scoring systems.
- #7 Shikhondo(食魂徒) - Soul Eater
92% matchVery Positive83% of 216 reviews2017
Dev: DeerFarm
Windows
Select one of the Grim Reaper or girl. Find escaped yokai from limbo, extricate soul that they absorbed. You must reseal them after
Why similar: Bullet Hell 51.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Anime 10%, Indie 3.8%, Female Protagonist 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a unique Asian-mythology anime aesthetic with challenging, screen-filling bullet patterns.
- #8 DoDonPachi Resurrection
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,062 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 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: Bullet Hell 43.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Anime 15.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Shooter 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the bullet-hell genre, providing the ultimate challenge for fans of the style.
- #9 Deathsmiles
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 617 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: Bullet Hell 51.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Anime 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Female Protagonist 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a distinct gothic-anime aesthetic paired with the classic side-scrolling bullet-hell gameplay.
- #10 Bullet Heaven 2
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 558 reviews2015
Dev: Matt Roszak
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 8.2 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: Bullet Hell 53.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Anime 6.1%, Difficult 6%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging indie shooter that captures the spirit of classic danmaku games.
- #11 Danmaku Unlimited 2
89% matchVery Positive93% of 482 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: Bullet Hell 60.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Indie 2.4%, Shooter 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: Known for its clean, modern visual style and satisfying, rhythmic bullet-hell gameplay.
- #12 Touhou Chireiden ~ Subterranean Animism.
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 778 reviews2020
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 76%
弾幕は 地獄であるほど 美しい 深ければ深いほど地底は地獄の姿を取り戻す ヘリッシュでラブリーな弾幕シューティング地獄
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Difficult 9%, Indie 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A staple of the genre that offers the deep, pattern-based gameplay fans of the seed game expect.
- #13 Rolling Gunner
86% matchVery Positive91% of 67 reviews2022
Dev: Project Rolling GunnerPub: mebius.
Windows
March 18th, 2061 - "Operation Downfall" Commences With its reliance on BAC, humanity had forgotten how to operate even basic transportation, let alone weapons. After the attacks from BAC and the subsequent social chaos, the human population was reduced by half.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.3%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, Shooter 11.7%, 2D 3.8%, Indie 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece of the genre that offers deep mechanics and a beautifully crafted visual style.
- #14 Touhou Fuujinroku ~ Mountain of Faith.
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,541 reviews2020
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 70%
我が国には八百万の神々がいる 弾幕は八百万発程度では終わらない ノスタルジックでネイティブな弾幕シューティング原風景
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Difficult 8.1%, Anime 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features iconic boss battles and the signature bullet-hell intensity that defines the Touhou series.
- #15 Touhou Kanjuden ~ Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom.
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,540 reviews2019
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 71%
月の都から敵が攻めてきた! その弾幕が過去最狂難易度を誇るのは当然だろう? ピュアーでルナティックなシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 47.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Difficult 12.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.6%, Anime 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its extreme difficulty and intricate spell card patterns, perfect for seasoned players.
- #16 BULLET SOUL
84% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 43.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Anime 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Action 1.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-score chasing and satisfying destruction in a classic bullet-hell framework.
- #17 Sora
83% matchVery Positive92% of 479 reviews2016
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
From Orange Juice comes a shoot'em'up starring the lone enhanced human, Sora. The sequel of the high-speed shoot'em'up "Suguri", with improved game system and graphics.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Anime 15.7%, Difficult 12.3%, Female Protagonist 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action shooter that leans heavily into anime aesthetics and high-speed projectile dodging.
- #18 Touhou Kishinjou ~ Double Dealing Character.
82% matchVery Positive99% of 419 reviews2019
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 578.9 hrs≥1hr: 69%
飛び出そう、いつも通りの弾幕へ それが結果として世界をひっくり返す事になるだろう プリティでデュアリスチックなシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 48.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Difficult 8.9%, Anime 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a refined bullet-hell experience with a great soundtrack and classic anime character designs.
- #19 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
84% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Bullet Hell 44.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Anime 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Female Protagonist 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: An indie shooter that provides a wide variety of weapon types and intense anime-style action.
- #20 Touhou Kikeijuu ~ Wily Beast and Weakest Creature.
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,046 reviews2019
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
誰が強いのか、誰が賢いのか、誰が正しいのか 畜生の理に則って、全て弾幕で決めよう! ワイルドでビーストライクなシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Difficult 7%, Anime 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: Known for its aggressive gameplay and excellent soundtrack, fitting perfectly with the seed game's vibe.
- #21 Gun Wings
81% matchVery Positive88% of 418 reviews2015
Dev: Mercury StonePub: DigitalEZ
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A mysterious meteorite from deep space was detected approaching the Solar System, before the meteorite is due to hit the Earth, three of the girls who had their bodies modified as weapons are sent, along with all the hopes of humanity, to destroy the meteorite and save mankind...
Why similar: Bullet Hell 44.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Anime 16.9%, Female Protagonist 4.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A dedicated bullet-hell shooter that features a female protagonist and challenging, pattern-heavy gameplay.
- #22 Touhou Shinreibyou ~ Ten Desires.
80% matchVery Positive96% of 422 reviews2019
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 256.9 hrs≥1hr: 60%
飛び出そう、いつも通りの弾幕へ それが結果として世界をひっくり返す事になるだろう プリティでデュアリスチックなシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Difficult 7.2%, Anime 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A solid entry in the series that emphasizes unique scoring mechanics and intense projectile patterns.
- #23 Touhou Kouryudou ~ Unconnected Marketeers.
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,801 reviews2021
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
買う、売る、貰う、手放す いつから人間は所有権を自由に扱えると勘違いしたのか レインボーでイマモリアルなシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 43.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Difficult 7%, Anime 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: Features a card-based ability system that adds a modern twist to the traditional bullet-hell formula.
- #24 Xmas Shooting - Scramble!!
79% matchVery Positive93% of 138 reviews2016
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Help Aru save Christmas in this humoristic, action-packed shooter set in the universe of QP Shooting - Dangerous!!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Anime 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Female Protagonist 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A colorful and charming shooter that provides a lighter, yet still challenging, danmaku experience.
- #25 VASARA Collection
79% matchVery Positive82% of 146 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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: Bullet Hell 48.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Anime 18.6%, Shooter 3.7%, 2D 1.3%
Why You'll Like It: Brings classic arcade-style bullet-hell action with a distinct historical-anime flair to modern systems.
- #26 東方幕華祭 TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,454 reviews2018
Dev: 東方幕華祭制作组
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 199.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Fantastic Danmaku Festival is a Touhou Project fanfiction STG with colourful danmaku, beautiful remix music and original music. Besides the characters we know in Touhou Project, there is also a brand new original character named Nix in this game! With the Scarlet Devil mansion as their stage, the girls are soaring in the sky of Gensokyo!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 58.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%, Anime 8.3%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Difficult 5.9%
- #27 TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part II
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,609 reviews2019
Dev: 东方幕华祭制作组
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 21.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Touhou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival part II is a danmaku shooting game, which is the second part of Touhou Makuka Sai. The repeat of incident is coming again. Can the girls going to the netherworld solve the mystery?
Why similar: Bullet Hell 53.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Anime 7.5%, Difficult 6.3%
- #28 弹幕音乐绘 ~风雷幻奏曲~ / Barrage Musical ~A Fantasy of Tempest~
76% matchVery Positive96% of 357 reviews2017
Dev: SlimeSmile
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
This is a music rhythm STG where stages with highly BGM synchronization will show you a barrage musical; A shop system with dozens of items available offers you infinite possibility; An AI based auto dodging system benefits beginners.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 44.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Anime 11.1%, Indie 4.1%
- #29 Danmaku Amanojaku ~ Impossible Spell Card.
75% matchVery Positive98% of 181 reviews2019
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
ルール無用の弾幕地獄週間! 華麗に、ずる賢く、卑怯な手でしのぎきれ!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 53.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Difficult 6.7%, Female Protagonist 3.9%
- #30 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: Bullet Hell 60.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Indie 6.3%, Action 2.4%, Singleplayer 1%
- #31 Rabi-Ribi
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 12,200 reviews2016
Dev: CreSpirit
Windows
Median: 11.9 hrsMean: 64.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Dodge bullets, missiles and lasers in battle as you wrap your head around that bunny girl costume! Combo away with your mighty Piko Hammer or spam various spells from afar with your fiery fairy friend. Explore and explode through Rabi-Rabi Island as you collect power-ups and uncover secrets...
Why similar: Bullet Hell 47.5%, Anime 19.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Difficult 9.8%, Female Protagonist 6.1%
- #32 Neptunia Shooter
74% matchVery Positive88% of 740 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 66.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 54.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Anime 16.1%, Female Protagonist 3%, Difficult 1.9%
- #33 Touhou Fantasia / 东方梦想曲
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,492 reviews2019
Dev: SlimeSmile
Windows
This is a fan-made Touhou shmup with one single stage, similar to the extra stage of official Touhou games. This game has an auto dodging system, which gives you a choice to ignore all the danmaku and only focus on the story.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 54.9%, Anime 16.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.9%, Difficult 6.9%, Indie 4.2%
- #34 Murasaki
75% matchVery Positive91% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: KatatemaPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
"Murasaki" is a puzzle explosion game. Use explosions to clear the screen of pesky obstacles filling it up. The only controls you need are the directional buttons and two other buttons (Z and X)!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 43.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Anime 12%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Difficult 5.3%
- #35 Hifuu Nightmare Diary ~ Violet Detector.
74% matchMostly Positive76% of 298 reviews2018
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
東方Project第16.5弾! 超能力女子高生「宇佐見菫子」に、突如襲いかかる幻想郷の住人達。その恐ろしくも美しい弾幕を、スマホに撮りまくり、SNS映えを狙おう! サイキカルでSNS映え狙いのシューティング幻想!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Difficult 6.9%, Anime 6.4%
- #36 Steel Vampire
73% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Anime 9%, Indie 4.5%
- #37 ZeroRanger
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,161 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Bullet Hell 43.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Indie 3.1%, Difficult 2.9%
- #38 WOWOWOW KORONE BOX
69% matchVery Positive92% of 758 reviews2024
Dev: tian nyaPub: holo Indie
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 36%
A hololive fangame featuring Inugami Korone of hololive GAMERS! Collect as many Korone Boxes as possible while contending with an endless onslaught of enemies and bosses using whatever weapons you happen to pick up!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 47.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Anime 12%, Shooter 4.4%, Difficult 3.5%
- #39 Hellsinker.
72% matchVery Positive90% of 269 reviews2019
Dev: Ruminant’s WhimperPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
A legendary SHMUP influential to the best makers in the genre, Hellsinker is now available on steam in its most advanced form! Gameplay, story, graphics, and even music all united into one cohesive and highly dimensional Shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 40.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Anime 14%, Difficult 8.7%, Female Protagonist 3.9%
- #40 Graze Counter
71% matchVery Positive96% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Anime 15.7%, Difficult 8%, Female Protagonist 4.6%
- #41 Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 2,918 reviews2016
Dev: Ludosity
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Remedy, a recent graduate from the Saturnian healing school, must descend to Hurtland and use her powers to heal everyone from stray ducks to dark lords, and finally cure the ailing Prince Hingst. It's a short, whimsical adventure with plenty of heart(s).
Why similar: Bullet Hell 47.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, Female Protagonist 9.2%, Indie 5.8%
- #42 Ikaruga
71% matchVery Positive95% of 2,317 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.1 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: Bullet Hell 57.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Difficult 2.9%, Shooter 1.5%
- #43 Touhou Juuouen 〜 Unfinished Dream of All Living Ghost.
67% matchVery Positive93% of 1,231 reviews2023
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 15.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
東方Project第19弾は、対戦型弾幕シューティング! ダークで元気いっぱいで、ちょっぴり可愛い妖獣たちの狂宴をお楽しみに。
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.7%, Female Protagonist 5.2%, Shooter 4.8%
- #44 東方催狐譚 ~ Servants of Harvest Wish
69% matchVery Positive96% of 418 reviews2020
Dev: Dream Compass
Windows
Set off on a journey to an autumnal paradise in this bountiful Touhou vertical Bullethell Shmup fan game made by overseas fans!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 52.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Anime 11.6%, Shooter 3.6%, Singleplayer 1.9%
- #45 BULLET SOUL INFINITE BURST
72% matchMostly Positive74% of 93 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Bullet Hell 43%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Anime 16.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Action 1.7%
- #46 DANMAKAI: Red Forbidden Fruit
70% matchVery Positive92% of 108 reviews2020
Dev: 森の中の猫の小屋
Windows
PowerUp and BusterAttack! Despite the beauty of the Danmaku aggressive playing leads to victory in this Makaism Danmaku shooter. The Danmaku Garden awaits you. There's even a cat!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Anime 13.4%, Female Protagonist 5.5%, Shooter 5.2%
- #47 東方眠世界 ~ Wonderful Waking World
68% matchVery Positive97% of 295 reviews2022
Dev: Oligarchomp
Windows
A simplistic, dynamic Touhou fangame bullet hell shmup with a pixel art esthetic. Shoot down your enemies and dodge your way through an incessant barrage of projectiles!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 65.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Shooter 4.4%, Indie 1.8%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #48 WITCH-BOT MEGLILO
70% matchVery Positive93% of 121 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Stop time and project yourself through space with “Time-stop warp” magic, pass through physical obstacles, dodge incoming bullets and shoot down your enemies! A satisfying shooter, filled with dark humor!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Anime 16%, Difficult 10.1%, Female Protagonist 4.4%
- #49 TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III
63% matchVery Positive90% of 1,190 reviews2025
Dev: 东方幕华祭制作组
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
"Touhou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III" is a bullet hell shooting game with a distinctive, glamorous presentation style. It is the third game in the Touhou Makuka Sai series. The strange moon seems to hide a new conspiracy. Charge into the deep world on the eternal night!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 48.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Anime 15.1%, Female Protagonist 5.1%, Shooter 3.8%
- #50 Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP
66% matchVery Positive95% of 720 reviews2022
Dev: Idea FactoryPub: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Older Neptune and friends shoot and slash through enemies of Gamindustri in this rail shooter!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 51%, Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Anime 17.7%, Female Protagonist 4%, Action 1.8%
- #51 Project Beril / 贝丽尔养成计划
67% matchVery Positive93% of 82 reviews2022
Dev: SlimeSmile
Windows
This is an AI game.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Anime 15.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%, Female Protagonist 4.3%
- #52 Terra Feminarum
69% matchVery Positive86% of 65 reviews2018
Dev: Polar Night Games
Windows
Terra Feminarum is a Finnish mythology themed Japanese style danmaku shoot ’em up.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 48.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Anime 16.2%, Indie 8.7%, Action 2.8%
- #53 Touhou Kinjoukyou ~ Fossilized Wonders.
63% matchVery Positive91% of 821 reviews2025
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Team Shanghai Alice presents a bullet hell shooter! The 20th installment of the Touhou Project. Utilize the powers you've acquired to overcome new challenges!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 52.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Female Protagonist 4.5%, Shooter 4.4%
- #54 Touhou Kaeizuka ~ Phantasmagoria of Flower View.
66% matchVery Positive98% of 335 reviews2022
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 54%
桜、紫陽花、向日葵、彼岸花、 幻想の花は散ることなく咲き続ける。弾幕の花も然り。 弾幕の対戦型フラワリングシューティング!一人でも大変遊べます。
Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Anime 7.4%, Shooter 6%
- #55 Shotgun Witch
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,098 reviews2020
Dev: Asephy
Windows
Only armed with a double barrel shotgun, go through waves of hell spawns to get your book back! A bullet hell arena shooter!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Difficult 12.6%, Anime 11.4%, Shooter 4.6%