Games Like METAL SLUG

“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Classic 29.9% ★, Arcade 19%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Co-op 10.1%, Retro 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the pinnacle of the series, it expands on the original with more branching paths and iconic vehicle segments.

“METAL SLUG X”, one of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Classic 21.2% ★, Arcade 14.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.6%, Co-op 9.4%, Side Scroller 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This enhanced version of the second game refines the gameplay and enemy placement for a more balanced arcade experience.

“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Arcade 17.7%, Classic 16.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 10.9%, Action 10.7%, Side Scroller 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic entry that introduced many of the series' staple mechanics and memorable boss encounters.

METAL SLUG XX, the most recent installment in the famous run-and-gun action shooting series, returns to the battlefield on Steam with a plethora of brand new features!

Why similar: Classic 25.8% ★, Arcade 14.4%, Retro 12.2%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Action 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane entry that brings the classic run-and-gun formula to modern systems with crisp visuals and intense missions.

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.

Why similar: Classic 26.3% ★, Side Scroller 15.8%, Retro 9.9%, Action 9.2%, Arcade 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: As the spiritual ancestor to the run-and-gun genre, this collection is essential for any fan of Metal Slug's core gameplay.

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 19.1%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Retro 12.7%, Arcade 11.9%, Local Co-Op 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to 90s run-and-gun classics that perfectly replicates the frantic pace and difficulty of the genre.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Co-op 15.5%, Local Co-Op 12%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Multiplayer 8.9%, Local Multiplayer 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This explosive, side-scrolling shooter shares the chaotic energy and destructible environments that make Metal Slug so fun.

Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 revives the good, old, action platform run & gun genre, but this time with a bunch of humor and buckets of blown off body parts. In this sequel to Guns, Gore & Cannoli, Vinnie Cannoli’s story continues and this time it’s personal.

Why similar: Side Scroller 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%, Co-op 13.9%, Multiplayer 9.5%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shooter offers smooth controls and satisfying co-op gameplay with a unique 1920s mobster aesthetic.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Arcade 11.5%, Local Co-Op 10.9%, Co-op 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish arcade shooter that captures the gritty, fast-paced action of 80s action movies and classic run-and-gun titles.

Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!

Why similar: Classic 26.5% ★, Arcade 15.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Local Multiplayer 11.2%, Action 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fantastic remake of the classic arcade shooter that blends western themes with intense, screen-clearing action.

The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 17%, Arcade 16.3%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, Co-op 8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, 2D arcade shooter known for its distinct art style and relentless, high-difficulty action.

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 23.4%, Side Scroller 20%, Arcade 16.3%, Local Multiplayer 9.8%, Shooter 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern run-and-gun title featuring grotesque enemies and intense bullet-hell segments that mirror Metal Slug's boss design.

“SHOCK TROOPERS ”, the fan favorite 2D top-down view action shooting game released exclusively on NEOGEO MVS in 1997, returns to the battlefield on Steam!Progress through the battlefield, choosing the best routes and strategy!

Why similar: Arcade 30.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Action 19%, Retro 17.5%, 2D 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Another classic SNK title that offers a similar arcade feel and high-octane combat, albeit from a top-down perspective.

Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!

Why similar: Retro 21.6%, Action 16.1%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Shooter 10.4%, Co-op 10%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore run-and-gun game that feels like a direct homage to the most challenging arcade shooters of the past.

Mega Man is back! The newest entry in this iconic series blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new Double Gear system boosts Mega Man's speed and power for a new twist to the satisfying gameplay the series is known for.

Why similar: Classic 38% ★, Side Scroller 20.8%, Action 11.5%, Platformer 9%, Retro 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: While more platform-heavy, it offers the same tight, precision-based combat and challenging boss fights found in classic arcade games.

Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.

Why similar: Co-op 17.4%, Local Co-Op 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.3%, Multiplayer 10.6%, Side Scroller 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: While more boss-focused, its hand-drawn animation and extreme difficulty provide a similar sense of accomplishment to Metal Slug.

R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Classic 21.5% ★, Side Scroller 15.2%, Arcade 15%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: For those who love the shoot-em-up elements of Metal Slug, this classic series offers the ultimate side-scrolling challenge.

Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Arcade 20.2%, Co-op 8%, Retro 7.4%, 2D 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational bullet-hell shooter that provides the same screen-clearing intensity and arcade satisfaction as Metal Slug's vehicle sections.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection includes the legendary 16-bit titles and the series’ exciting foray into the 32-bit era: Mega Man X, Mega Man X2, Mega Man X3, and Mega Man X4. Test your skills in the new X Challenge mode, which pits players against two deadly bosses at once.

Why similar: Classic 37.2% ★, Side Scroller 14.9%, Action 13.3%, Retro 11.2%, Platformer 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a fast-paced, action-oriented platforming experience that defined the 2D action genre for a generation.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection contains thirteen prior released classic games. This collection is a great place for gamers to experience these popular titles on Steam.

Why similar: Arcade 18.4%, Retro 13.5%, Classic 13.5% ★, Co-op 11.1%, Local Co-Op 10%

Why You'll Like It: Features several classic arcade beat-em-ups and shooters that share the same co-op, pick-up-and-play arcade DNA.

Rescue hostages, disarm bombs and save the day in this old school, side-scroller action game with retro graphics and retro sensibilities. Online and Couch Coop Included.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 15.6%, Local Multiplayer 15%, Co-op 14.8%, Retro 14.2%, Shooter 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical, side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and coordinated team play in a retro-inspired package.

Lock and load for chaotic, fast-paced action in Gunslugs! Battle the evil Black Duck Army across wild, procedurally generated levels packed with explosions, jetpacks, chicken guns, and rogue-like permadeath. Unlock heroes, conquer bizarre worlds, and fight your way to the gates of Hell!

Why similar: Side Scroller 13.8%, Arcade 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.3%, Retro 11.9%, Local Co-Op 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, fast-paced run-and-gun that leans into a retro aesthetic with randomized levels for high replayability.

Craft your arsenal to avenge your fallen comrades and save the world from the fearsome forces of CLAW!

Why similar: Side Scroller 17.4%, Co-op 16.6%, Local Co-Op 10.8%, Action 8.7%, 2D 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines classic run-and-gun mechanics with deep weapon crafting for a more tactical take on the genre.

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: Side Scroller 20.3%, Action 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Retro 11.9%, Platformer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A heavy-metal-infused run-and-gun that features brutal combat and stunning pixel art reminiscent of the golden age of arcade games.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Retro 22.7%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Arcade 13.7%, 2D 10.7%, Platformer 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern action-platformer that captures the feel of classic 8-bit games with tight, responsive controls and challenging encounters.

Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.

Why similar: 2D 21.5%, Action 20.4%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, Platformer 18.5%, Funny 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: While it incorporates roguelite elements, its core combat is some of the most fluid and satisfying 2D action available on Steam.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Retro 26.4%, 2D 12.4%, Platformer 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: An action-platformer that evolves from a retro-inspired experience into a complex, fast-paced adventure.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 17.3%, Action 17%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Fast-Paced 13.4%, Retro 13.3%

Why You'll Like It: A hyper-fast, one-hit-kill action game that requires the same level of focus and pattern recognition as a Metal Slug boss fight.

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.9%, Arcade 22%, Retro 14.7%, Fast-Paced 11.5%, Action 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A short but incredibly intense action game that focuses on fluid movement and satisfying combat mechanics.

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 32.8%, Classic 15.3% ★, Arcade 15.1%, Local Co-Op 9%, Retro 8.7%

22 years after its first appearance, the iconic Platypus is coming back, featuring updated gameplay, new weapons and additional content. Get ready to dive into the heart-pounding action of this fast, frantic, and incredibly fun arcade-style shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Co-op 12.4%, Arcade 11.8%, Local Co-Op 10.1%

Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.

Why similar: Side Scroller 17%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Classic 12.4% ★, Co-op 12.4%, Local Multiplayer 10.4%

Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Arcade 27.5%, Shooter 13.1%, Action 9.1%, Platformer 8.3%

Sonic Mania is an all-new adventure with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles full of unique bosses, rolling 2D landscapes, and fun classic gameplay.

Why similar: Classic 30.8% ★, Retro 11%, Side Scroller 9.4%, Fast-Paced 6.4%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%

METAL SLUG makes an explosive return! Dive into this dynamic tactical RPG with a roguelite thrill and experience the iconic run'n'gun action of the original series, redefined. Grab your weapons, assemble your squad and conquer the battlefield to defeat the infamous Rebel Army.

Why similar: Retro 43%, 2D 28.7%, Pixel Graphics 24.3%, Singleplayer 3.9%

SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is the ultimate collection of classic arcade games from SNK's golden age with 24 different nostalgic titles back from the 1980s, and many bells and whistles for the best game experience on Steam!!

Why similar: Classic 35.1% ★, Arcade 16.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Action 10.9%, Retro 10.5%

First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!

Why similar: Classic 30.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Arcade 19%, Retro 11.6%, Action 7%

“METAL SLUG”, the pinnacle of 2D action-shooting on NEOGEO returns in a brand new strategy game on Steam!

Why similar: Multiplayer 30.3%, Action 27.9%, 2D 18.8%, Arcade 9%, Shooter 6.3%

After “KOF '98”, often praised by the fans as the best installment in the “KOF” series, and “KOF ’98 UM” 10 years later, “KOF ’98” returns now on the Steam PC gaming platform in an ultimate and final version with THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION

Why similar: Arcade 33.6%, Classic 27.6% ★, Multiplayer 9.1%, Action 8.8%, Local Multiplayer 6.3%

Hard-core action with easy controls! The METAL SLUG we all love is back as a tower defense game!

Why similar: Multiplayer 30%, Retro 24.4%, Pixel Graphics 22.1%, 2D 21.1%, Singleplayer 2.4%

Mega Man Legacy Collection is a celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber featuring faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games.

Why similar: Classic 40% ★, Retro 14.9%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Platformer 7.8%, Action 6.7%

The Blue Bomber is back in this second collection of classic Capcom titles! Featuring faithful reproductions of Mega Man 7, 8, 9, & 10, this collection is bursting with additional content, from time trials and remix challenges to a music player and an extensive gallery of rare illustrations.

Why similar: Classic 38.2% ★, Retro 12.8%, Side Scroller 12%, Action 10.1%, Platformer 7.7%

The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Arcade 18.9%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Retro 10.1%, Shooter 9.5%

Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!

Why similar: Classic 24.1% ★, Local Multiplayer 13.3%, Arcade 12.2%, Side Scroller 12%, Local Co-Op 10.7%

Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.

Why similar: Arcade 31.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Shooter 12.2%, Action 11.5%, Retro 9.6%

Enter the futuristic year of 1984, an age where ducks run wild in a frantic battle for glory. Blast your friends with Shotguns, Net Guns, Mind Control Rays, Saxophones, Magnet Guns, and much, much more. This is DUCK GAME. Don't blink.

Why similar: Multiplayer 19.7%, Local Multiplayer 19%, Action 6.9%, Co-op 6.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%

Relive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle! This comprehensive collection includes seven classic titles, each with various multiplayer options and online capabilities!

Why similar: Classic 29.3% ★, Arcade 21%, Co-op 11.3%, Retro 11.1%, Action 8.1%

First appearing in arcades in 1982, Dig Dug finally comes to Steam! Control Dig Dug to make underground tunnels and inflate or crush the enemies!

Why similar: Classic 48.7% ★, Arcade 23.1%, Retro 10.4%, Action 9.9%, 2D 4.5%

The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Arcade 16.3%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Co-op 12.4%, Retro 9.6%

It's time to gear up!Get ready for more ghost chain gobbling and frantic action in PAC-MAN® CE-DX+! The award-winning chomping game makes a shattering debut on Steam with even more content and a refined user-interface to compare high scores with your friends!

Why similar: Classic 39.3% ★, Arcade 29%, Retro 15.8%, Action 4.3%, 2D 3.4%

A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Arcade 17%, Co-op 13.7%, Local Co-Op 13.2%, Action 10.4%

Starring a cast of beloved Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.

Why similar: Classic 49.6% ★, Retro 18.1%, Action 8.1%, Platformer 7.5%, 2D 7.2%

Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Side Scroller 20%, Arcade 17.3%, Retro 7%, Action 6.5%

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 29.9%, Arcade 18.6%, Retro 12.8%, Action 9.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%

Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Arcade 15.3%, Co-op 11.7%, Local Multiplayer 10.3%, Local Co-Op 10.3%

Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Arcade 20.5%, Local Multiplayer 14.8%, Local Co-Op 14.4%, Retro 6.8%