- #1 Overload
97% matchVery Positive94% of 2,127 reviews2018
Dev: Revival Productions, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A new six-degree-of-freedom shooter with intuitive controls, amazing lighting and graphics. From the creators of Descent, Overload is the best zero-gravity robot-blasting combat ever.
Why similar: 6DOF 67.1% ★, Action 14.9%, Space 10.8%, Shooter 6%, Singleplayer 1.2%
Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to the classic 6DOF shooter genre that offers intense, high-speed combat in complex 3D environments.
- #2 Sublevel Zero Redux
96% matchVery Positive87% of 527 reviews2015
Dev: Sigtrap
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Sublevel Zero Redux is a roguelite six-degree-of-freedom shooter in a universe where reality is falling apart. Use your zero-g gunship to fight through a vast underground facility, looting advanced weapons to destroy hordes of deadly enemies.
Why similar: 6DOF 63.2% ★, Shooter 16.3%, Action 9.9%, Indie 8%, Singleplayer 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A 6DOF roguelike shooter that captures the same disorienting, high-speed movement and arcade intensity found in Kromaia.
- #3 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
96% matchVery Positive91% of 402 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 45.3%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 10.9%, Action 7%, Shooter 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique 360-degree rotation mechanic that forces players to constantly shift their perspective to survive bullet-hell patterns.
- #4 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
94% matchVery Positive90% of 1,582 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 39.9%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Arcade 22.3%, Action 11.4%, Shooter 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features 360-degree movement and intense, arcade-style twin-stick shooting that mirrors the frantic energy of Kromaia.
- #5 AngerForce: Reloaded
94% matchVery Positive91% of 383 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Bullet Hell 33.4%, Shooter 13.4%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, modern bullet-hell shooter with high-quality visuals and relentless, arcade-style action.
- #6 Nex Machina
93% matchVery Positive87% of 2,177 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 31.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Arcade 19%, Action 9.1%, Shooter 5%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of arcade-style, 360-degree twin-stick action that demands the same level of focus and reflex as a bullet-hell shooter.
- #7 Chorus
91% matchVery Positive82% of 4,520 reviews2021
Dev: Deep Silver FishlabsPub: Deep Silver
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Take control of Nara on a quest to destroy the dark cult that created her. Unlock devastating weapons & mind-bending abilities in an evolution of the space-combat shooter. Along with Forsaken, her sentient starfighter, explore ancient temples, engage in zero-g combat & venture beyond waking reality.
Why similar: Action 35.6%, Space 25.9%, Indie 19%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-focused space combat game that emphasizes high-speed maneuvers and fluid, 360-degree dogfighting.
- #8 Hyper Sentinel
92% matchVery Positive84% of 69 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 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 38.7%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Arcade 17.8%, Action 12.2%, Indie 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes speed, reflexes, and high-score chasing.
- #9 Void Destroyer 2
91% matchVery Positive80% of 667 reviews2020
Dev: Iteration 11
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Start with nothing... End with everything! All you have is a basic ship, barely fit for combat, with it you'll start your journey and empire. A open world space sandbox, inspired by and expanding the classics.
Why similar: Space 50.6%, Action 27.1%, Indie 17.7%, Singleplayer 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: Combines 6DOF space combat with arcade-style shooting mechanics in a massive, open-ended environment.
- #10 Echoes+
90% 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 35.1%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Action 13.1%, Arcade 10.3%, Indie 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-intensity bullet-hell shooter that focuses on pure, arcade-style survival.
- #11 Sophstar
89% matchVery Positive100% of 103 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Arcade 13.2%, Space 10.1%, Action 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter that focuses on arcade-style scoring and high-speed, challenging gameplay.
- #12 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: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Bullet Hell 34.8%, Arcade 7.2%, Action 5.7%, Indie 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential bullet-hell experience that focuses on precision movement and overwhelming enemy fire.
- #13 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
87% matchVery Positive97% of 367 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Arcade 16.3%, Shooter 8.8%, Action 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: An incredibly intense, high-octane bullet-hell shooter that captures the frantic spirit of classic arcade gaming.
- #14 House of the Dying Sun
88% matchVery Positive90% of 2,016 reviews2016
Dev: Marauder Interactive, LLC
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 50%
House of the Dying Sun is a tactical space shooter that puts you in the cockpit of the universe's most terrifying starfighter. Hunt the enemies of the Empire and bring ruin to their people.
Why similar: Space 44.5%, Action 25.6%, Indie 16.1%, Shooter 11.5%, Singleplayer 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: A tactical 6DOF space combat game that captures the intense, high-stakes feeling of piloting a fighter in deep space.
- #15 Rigid Force Alpha
86% 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 38.1%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Arcade 15%, Space 10.9%, Shooter 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, arcade-style side-scrolling shooter that captures the classic feel of high-speed, score-attack gaming.
- #16 Close Order
86% matchMixed50% of 76 reviews2016
Dev: Raconteur Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Close Order is an arcade shooter with one simple goal: become a badass armada! In this mashup of genres, defeat enemies for parts to build up an armada of ships around you. Fight from a distance, charge headfirst into battle, or create a mix of anything and everything. You decide how to play!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.8%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Action 16.4%, Indie 12.3%
Why You'll Like It: A bullet-hell shooter that features unique movement mechanics and intense, arcade-style combat.
- #17 Really Big Sky
84% 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 35.5%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Indie 13.5%, Space 12.1%, Action 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade shooter that features high-speed movement and a chaotic, ever-changing environment.
- #18 Habroxia 2
82% matchVery Positive92% of 62 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 41.9%, Arcade 19.4%, Action 14.7%, Shooter 10%, Space 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling arcade shooter that offers a variety of challenges and high-speed, reflex-based gameplay.
- #19 Sine Mora EX
84% matchMixed64% of 681 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 43.3%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Arcade 15%, Shooter 8.4%, Action 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A high-speed, 2.5D shooter that emphasizes intense bullet-hell patterns and a unique time-based mechanic.
- #20 Solar Shifter EX
85% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
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 67.6%, Action 18.8%, Indie 13.6%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that features intense bullet-hell patterns and a unique shift mechanic.
- #21 Power-Up
83% matchMixed58% of 266 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 40.2%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Space 9.8%, Action 9%, Arcade 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style side-scrolling shooter that focuses on arcade-style power-ups and intense combat.
- #22 Zenodyne R
82% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.6%, Action 24.4%, Indie 16.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled bullet-hell shooter that captures the challenging, high-speed spirit of classic arcade titles.
- #23 Lilac 0
75% matchVery Positive95% of 75 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Arcade 16.6%, Action 8.3%, Shooter 7.6%
- #24 Horizon Shift
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.1%, Action 23.3%, Arcade 19.2%, Indie 15.3%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that blends classic mechanics with modern, high-speed gameplay.
- #25 Vector Strain
80% 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 43.7%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 10.8%, Indie 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes precision and quick reactions.
- #26 Rocking Pilot
79% matchVery Positive93% of 71 reviews2017
Dev: GungroundsPub: Mad Head Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Bullet Hell 22%, Arcade 17.5%, Action 12.2%, Indie 10%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action and classic, challenging gameplay.
- #27 Super Killer Hornet: Resurrection
79% matchMixed62% of 814 reviews2014
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
'Things will explode, things will die, you will dodge, you will do maths...Yes maths!' Super Killer Hornet Resurrection is an intense vertical shooter with a brain train twist. Through the chaos and explosion try to answer the falling math problems to increase your multiplier and power up your ship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.2%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Indie 19.2%, Arcade 7.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%
Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity, arcade-style shooter that focuses on bullet-hell patterns and score-attack gameplay.
- #28 C-RUSH
81% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 17%
C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.9%, Action 11.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Indie 9.6%, Shooter 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and relentless action.
- #29 Hyper Bounce Blast
77% matchVery Positive93% of 89 reviews2016
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 46.5%, Action 20.3%, Arcade 18.7%, Indie 14.5%
- #30 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
76% matchVery Positive88% of 1,630 reviews2014
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Bullet Hell 23%, Arcade 14.2%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 8%
- #31 Tiamat X
78% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
Dev: BBQ Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.7%, Arcade 22.7%, Action 16.8%, Indie 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, arcade-style shooter that focuses on high-speed combat and classic gameplay mechanics.
- #32 Project Root
78% matchMixed50% of 115 reviews2014
Dev: OPQAMPub: Reverb Triple XP
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Action 12.4%, Arcade 11.7%, Indie 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that focuses on fast-paced, top-down combat and relentless enemy waves.
- #33 Roche Fusion
76% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2015
Dev: amulware
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Roche Fusion is a retro, over the top space shooter. An all you can shoot buffet; fast paced and procedurally generated; with crazy waves of enemies, awesome upgrades and wicked boss-fights! Also: Explosions. Lots of explosions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.9%, Action 21.7%, Indie 16.4%
- #34 LUFTRAUSERS
74% matchVery Positive91% of 4,499 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.7 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 34.1%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Arcade 17.9%, Action 7.8%, Indie 6.5%
- #35 Steredenn: Binary Stars
73% matchVery Positive88% of 959 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 68.2 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 43.2%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Arcade 17.1%, Shooter 8.5%, Action 6.5%
- #36 Hotloop
69% matchVery Positive88% of 52 reviews2024
Dev: Tntlaxy GDS
Windows · Mac · Linux
Use the force of gravity in this fast-paced space shooter with realistic physics and orbital mechanics.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32%, Space 31.5%, Arcade 21%, Action 13.2%, Singleplayer 2.3%
- #37 Gunvein
70% matchVery Positive97% of 215 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 46.3%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Arcade 14.4%, Action 8.8%, Shooter 5.1%
- #38 Comet Crasher
73% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2019
Dev: Mika Molenkamp
Windows
Soar, shoot and dodge - but don't stop moving. Fall down at breakneck speeds in this fast-paced platformer filled with chaos and explosions.
Why similar: Action 35.6%, Arcade 34.5%, Indie 26.8%, Singleplayer 3%
- #39 Sky Mercenaries
75% matchMixed69% of 125 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Bullet Hell 26.3%, Arcade 15.3%, Action 10.7%, Indie 8.3%
- #40 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
73% matchVery Positive84% of 605 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 41.3%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Arcade 11%, Action 7.8%, Indie 5.9%
- #41 Roto Force
68% matchVery Positive93% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Accidently AwesomePub: PID Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot and dash your way through frantic missions! A twin-stick shooter set in a rotating world. Unlock weapons, move quickly and fight tons of bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Arcade 15.3%, Shooter 7.7%, Action 7.3%
- #42 Grav Blazer Squared
74% matchMixed41% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 14.2%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 8.1%
- #43 DYSTORIA
72% matchVery Positive94% of 51 reviews2017
Dev: Tri-Coastal GamesPub: Hound Picked Games
Windows
Taking to the stars in this six-axis arcade shooter, your ship flips at every angle, tackling enemies and mazes in a race to be the best that humanity has to offer. Collect the orbs and blast your way through 360° of pure synthwave action. Upgrade your craft and make your mark as the top starfighter of all time.
Why similar: 6DOF 32.2% ★, Action 19%, Arcade 16.8%, Shooter 16.7%, Indie 13.9%
- #44 Syder Arcade
72% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.7%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Arcade 12.3%, Space 7.2%, Action 6.8%
- #45 Space Smash
71% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Fast-paced retro shmup where space keeps shrinking. Collect energy orbs, avoid danger, unlock ships, and chase the highest score in this addictive arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 15.9%, Space 13.1%, Action 7.1%
- #46 Schildmaid MX
67% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.1%, Arcade 15%, Space 11.8%, Shooter 7.9%, Bullet Hell 7.7%
- #47 Switch 'N' Shoot
70% matchVery Positive96% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Arcade 15.7%, Shooter 7.4%, Space 6.3%
- #48 CometStriker DX
70% matchVery Positive98% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Arcade 13.9%, Shooter 7.8%, Action 5.8%
- #49 Alien Crusader
71% matchMixed62% of 101 reviews2018
Dev: Zydrone
Windows
Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.8%, Action 19.7%, Space 15.9%, Indie 14.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #50 Sektori
60% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 768 reviews2025
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. A game where the high-adrenaline gameplay, visuals, and music come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.1%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Arcade 18.2%, Shooter 6.9%, Action 5%
- #51 Megabonk
57% matchVery Positive95% of 101,885 reviews2025
Dev: vedinad
Windows · Linux
Median: 15.9 hrsMean: 31.1 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Smash your way through endless waves of enemies and grow absurdly powerful! Grab loot, level up, unlock characters and upgrade to create unique and crazy builds as you fend off hordes of creatures!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 51.5%, Arcade 22.4%, Action 12.5%, Indie 11.3%, Singleplayer 2.3%
- #52 Ikaruga
68% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 48.6%, Bullet Hell 31.2%, Arcade 12.9%, Action 3%, Shooter 2.5%
- #53 Crisis Brigade 2 reloaded
67% matchVery Positive84% of 340 reviews2021
Dev: Sumalab
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.7 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Crisis Brigade 2 reloaded is about covering, pointing and shooting, fast-paced pure action. Intense shootouts, powerful weapons, challenging levels, fierce enemies... Like the 90's classic arcade machines, but with the immersion that Virtual Reality is capable of.
Why similar: 6DOF 32.3% ★, Arcade 24%, Action 17.8%, Shooter 13.6%, Indie 10.7%
- #54 satryn deluxe
66% matchVery Positive97% of 134 reviews2021
Dev: maybell🌻
Windows · Linux
a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨
Why similar: Arcade 41.7%, Action 20.2%, Space 15.8%, Shooter 12.9%, Indie 7.6%
- #55 Void Invaders
69% matchVery Positive84% of 412 reviews2015
Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55%, Arcade 22%, Action 13%, Indie 10.1%
- #56 GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION
65% matchVery Positive90% of 147 reviews2022
Dev: ES4 / Eternal Sphere 4Pub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Bullet Hell 25.6%, Space 13.3%, Shooter 8.4%, Action 7.3%
- #57 Nova Drift
58% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,456 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 33.3%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Arcade 13.6%, Space 12%, Shooter 7.5%
- #58 Ellipsis
67% matchVery Positive94% of 247 reviews2017
Dev: Salmi Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Ellipsis is an action-packed Avoid ’Em Up with minimalistic, yet powerful neon styled visuals. Guide your ship through a mysterious universe while deftly avoiding hordes of roaming enemies, spikes, lasers and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Action 17.5%, Indie 12.6%, Arcade 10%