- #1 Danmaku Unlimited 2
97% 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 41.5%, Bullet Hell 40.6%, Arcade 7.3%, Shooter 5.2%, Action 5%
- #2 Sophstar
96% matchVery Positive100% of 102 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 24.1%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 8%, Futuristic 7.6%
- #3 TechBeat Heart
96% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2021
Dev: Lost Machine Games
Windows · Linux
SCORCHING TECHBEAT ACTION! A frantic combo-based score attack shooter. Make combos to earn more time. Master all weapons and defeat a raving mad machine. 100% arcade action. Online ranking. Lots of achievements. A Dual Gunstrike spin off.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 8.6%, Perma Death 7.4%
- #4 Rigid Force Alpha
95% 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 33.5%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Arcade 14.3%, Shooter 13.7%, Retro 10%
- #5 BLUE REVOLVER
94% 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 46.5%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Arcade 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%, Action 4.4%
- #6 Neptunia Shooter
93% matchVery Positive88% of 738 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 65.1 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 34.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Retro 6.7%, Action 6.4%
- #7 Kromaia
94% matchMostly Positive75% of 118 reviews2014
Dev: Kraken Empire
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.3%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Arcade 16.7%, Action 8.3%, Shooter 7.5%
- #8 AngerForce: Reloaded
92% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 44.4%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Shooter 20.5%
- #9 Hyper Echelon
91% matchVery Positive89% of 65 reviews2021
Dev: GangoGames LLC
Windows · Mac
The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Arcade 12.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%
- #10 Super Hydorah
91% 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 43.8%, Arcade 16.3%, Retro 11%, Bullet Hell 9.2%, Action 8.3%
- #11 Burning Skies Arcade
90% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2024
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Lt Blitz has the city sieged, and it's your job to destroy his troops. Shoot, dodge and upgrade your jet and and try to take on this challenge! Burning Skies is a free, endless retro shmup, that will take you right back to the era of arcade machines, with modernized graphics and gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Shooter 11.5%, Old School 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%
- #12 Gunlocked
89% matchVery Positive87% of 502 reviews2022
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Arcade 10.9%, Shooter 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #13 GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION
89% matchVery Positive90% of 144 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 33.9%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Shooter 11.5%, Old School 9%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%
- #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 30%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Arcade 12.8%, Shooter 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%
- #15 Yawnoc
86% matchVery Positive98% of 62 reviews2024
Dev: DaFluffyPotato
Windows · Linux
Destroy hordes of strange machines that have invaded the forest. Yawnoc is a chaotic top-down shooter roguelite focused on immersion into the world of Conway's Game of Life and other cellular automata.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.3%, Arcade 17.3%, Pixel Graphics 14%, Retro 8.4%, Action 7.2%
- #16 Radiant Silvergun
85% matchVery Positive93% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 13%, Shooter 12.3%, Futuristic 7%
- #17 Power-Up
88% matchMixed58% of 263 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 34.8%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Shooter 10.3%, Retro 8.9%, Arcade 8.2%
- #18 Hyper Sentinel
86% 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 35%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Arcade 17.5%, Retro 10.9%, Action 10.4%
- #19 Roto Force
84% matchVery Positive94% of 127 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 26.9%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%
- #20 Blazing Chrome
84% 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 34.7%, Retro 13.6%, Arcade 13%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Shooter 11.3%
- #21 Valfaris: Mecha Therion
82% 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 35.6%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Arcade 16.2%, Shooter 14.9%, Retro 7%
- #22 BroodStar
83% matchVery Positive95% of 99 reviews2022
Dev: David Schmidthoffer
Windows · Mac · Linux
BroodStar is a classic arcade shmup with roguelike elements. Acquire crazy item combos, encounter strange events and fight challenging bosses on a quest to destroy the living planet, the BroodStar.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #23 Undercroft Warriors
80% matchMostly Positive79% of 459 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 10.1%, Old School 7.6%
- #24 Cloud Cutter
81% matchVery Positive87% of 127 reviews2021
Dev: Just Two ltd.
Windows
Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Arcade 18.5%, Shooter 16.7%, Retro 8.6%, Old School 8.4%
- #25 Crisis Wing
81% 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 30.8%, Bullet Hell 23.8%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
- #26 Black Paradox
82% matchMixed68% of 132 reviews2019
Dev: Highwalls
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Shooter 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%, Retro 7.2%
- #27 BIRDCAGE
76% matchVery Positive97% of 196 reviews2025
Dev: POLYGON BIRD
Windows
Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 23%, Arcade 11.5%, Futuristic 11.4%, Shooter 11.2%
- #28 Destructivator 2
79% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2020
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!
Why similar: Old School 19.5%, Shooter 17.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%, Retro 10.3%
- #29 Jetboard Joust
79% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Bullet Hell 25%, Retro 9.4%, Arcade 9.4%, Perma Death 8.8%
- #30 Alien Death Mob
78% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2021
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
Aliens have invaded Earth! Towns, cities, deserts, they're everywhere! Take on the role of Earth's last super soldier and confront the alien menace in this intense twin stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Arcade 18.7%, Shooter 14.8%, Action 10.2%, Old School 9.9%
- #31 Graze Counter
77% matchVery Positive96% of 313 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: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Shooter 6.7%
- #32 Shooting Game KARI
77% matchVery Positive94% of 72 reviews2022
Dev: SAEKI Soft
Windows
The ultra-hardcore, authentic vertical scrolling shooter game comes back to life in the modern age. Dodge, shoot, and destroy. Conquer all six stages and experience the real thrill of vertical scrolling shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 30.7%, Arcade 18.3%, Shooter 16%, Action 11.5%, Old School 11%
- #33 Rocking Pilot
78% matchVery Positive93% of 68 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 32.3%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Arcade 16.1%, Retro 10.1%, Action 9.7%
- #34 Angel at Dusk
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,638 reviews2024
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.2%, Shooter 19.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Action 8.9%, 2D 8%
- #35 DRAINUS
73% 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 48.8%, Shooter 15.7%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Action 10.2%, 2D 5%
- #36 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
75% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.6%, Action 26.6%, Indie 2.8%
- #37 Void Scrappers
73% matchVery Positive89% of 608 reviews2022
Dev: 8BitSkull
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Bullet Hell 31.9%, Shooter 11.9%, Action 6.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%
- #38 Steel Empire
76% 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 54.9%, Action 17.9%, Retro 14.2%, 2D 9.2%, Singleplayer 3.2%
- #39 MYRIAD DEATH
71% matchVery Positive86% of 272 reviews2025
Dev: IGNITION MPub: holo Indie
Windows
This is an exhilarating action and shooting game where you fight using weapons with different abilities.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 50.7%, Shooter 21.4%, 2D 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Action 7.1%
- #40 Planetary Dustoff
75% matchVery Positive84% of 51 reviews2019
Dev: Rymdfall AB
Windows · Mac
Planetary Dustoff is a space-themed roguelite shooter. Go on a death riddled journey to sprawling alien environments and fight your way through hordes of enemies and epic boss battles. Take part in the revived Planetary Survey Program and help the Space Faction find a new home for humanity.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 33.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Shooter 13.9%, Action 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 12.2%
- #41 Gunvein
72% 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 39.3%, Bullet Hell 26.3%, Arcade 13.2%, Shooter 7.9%, Action 7.1%
- #42 Jet Lancer
71% 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 27.1%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%
- #43 Zenodyne R
74% matchVery Positive83% of 70 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 70%, Action 27.5%, Indie 2.5%
- #44 CometStriker DX
72% matchVery Positive98% of 63 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 28.8%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 6%
- #45 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Shooter 12.9%, Retro 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%
- #46 Assault Android Cactus+
70% 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 33.5%, Bullet Hell 30.2%, Arcade 14.5%, Shooter 13.8%, Action 5.2%
- #47 Pewt 'em Up!
70% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Arcade 14.3%, Shooter 13.1%, Futuristic 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #48 Galactic Glitch
67% matchVery Positive90% of 853 reviews2025
Dev: Crunchy Leaf Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 62%
A physics-powered action roguelike. Grab asteroids, catch missiles, and hurl them back at swarming enemies. Build wild loadouts, defeat colossal bosses, and push deeper into a collapsing galaxy.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.1%, Shooter 23.7%, Combat 11%, Action 10.1%, Top-Down 4.9%
- #49 Exodemic
70% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2022
Dev: ganashaw
Windows
Destroy aliens, dash between planets, and buy powerful upgrades. Exodemic is a compact roguelike that combines frenetic shoot 'em up gameplay with a procedurally generated overworld filled with vendors, trading hubs, and combat encounters. Race against the clock to save the human race.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Arcade 16.9%, Perma Death 12.1%, Action 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%
- #50 Go Mecha Ball
68% matchVery Positive87% of 452 reviews2024
Dev: Whale Peak GamesPub: Super Rare Originals
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Bullet Hell 22%, Arcade 12.6%, Futuristic 11.3%, Shooter 10.9%
- #51 Yars: Recharged
69% matchVery Positive86% of 120 reviews2022
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot from affar or get nibble away up-close and personal in a boss-rush, bullet-dodging revival of the 1982 Atari classic title, Yars' Revenge. Take on 60 unique enemy encounters alone or with a friend in local co-op.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 10.4%, Futuristic 8%
- #52 Railgunners
68% matchVery Positive92% of 60 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 8.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.3%
- #53 Symmodance
69% matchVery Positive84% of 75 reviews2023
Dev: Mehmet Melih Solt
Windows
Dive into the symphonic chaos of geometric warfare! Unleash futuristic weaponry, customize your hovering platform, conquer relentless foes and dance to victory in this mesmerizing reverse bullet hell shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Futuristic 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Combat 5.8%
- #54 Switch 'N' Shoot
69% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 9%, Old School 7.6%
- #55 Voidigo
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,722 reviews2023
Dev: semiwork
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 64%
A vividly animated action roguelite focused on boss hunting. Unleash an array of diverse weapons and powerups to combat the corruption of the Void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Bullet Hell 30.9%, Shooter 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, 2D 5.2%
- #56 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
67% matchVery Positive97% of 357 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 8.0 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 33.6%, Bullet Hell 27.7%, Arcade 15.2%, Shooter 10.8%, Action 7.7%
- #57 GalaxIverse
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 59 reviews2016
Dev: Sub Orbital Software
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
GalaxIverse is a top down fast paced vertical blastathon, Battle Fleets and formations of aliens with the occasional boss thrown in for good luck.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 12.6%, Futuristic 8.3%
- #58 Super Glitter Rush
67% matchVery Positive96% of 113 reviews2021
Dev: tiny cactus studio
Windows
Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Bullet Hell 26%, Shooter 12.7%, Pixel Graphics 7%, Action 6.2%
- #59 Iron Meat
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,041 reviews2024
Dev: Ivan Valeryevich SuvorovPub: Retroware
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Arcade 15.8%, Shooter 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, 2D 6.4%