- #1 Moose Life
97% matchVery Positive98% of 101 reviews2020
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.
Windows
Moose Life is a trippy, psychedelic trance shooter. Created in the style of a 1980s arcade game, Moose Life offers you an exhilarating ride into the trance zone. Spectacular shooty action and a top techno soundtrack will raise your mood. If you have VR, immerse yourself for greater satisfaction.
Why similar: Psychedelic 43.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Arcade 20.6%, Action 9.8%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #2 BrAInstorm
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: BRAINSTORM STUDIOSPub: Mediacollege Amsterdam
Windows
BrAInstorm is a heavily stylised shoot-em-up/bullethell. dodge bullets and defeat waves of enemies while you travel through the mind to uncover the truth.
Why similar: Psychedelic 33.9%, Arcade 23.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Action 18.2%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #3 My Nuclear Octopus
96% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: Tea Monster Games
Windows
My Nuclear Octopus is a psychedelic retro arcade game for fans of pure out-and-out arcade blasters that takes two minutes to learn and hours to master! It's an overload of sight and sound for you to lose yourself in. Can you make it to the top of the leaderboard?
Why similar: Psychedelic 56.5%, Arcade 14.7%, Action 14.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #4 The Infinite Trial of a Hopeless Man Running
95% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Vagabond Dog
Windows
THE HOPELESS MAN MUST RUN FOREVER || HE IS NOT PERMITTED REST || TO STOP IS TO DIE || CONCLUSION IS INEVITABLE || MAKE A PEACE WITH THIS || THIS TRUTH IS ALL THERE IS || RUN
Why similar: Psychedelic 56.1%, Arcade 19.8%, Action 16.6%, 3D 4%, Singleplayer 3.4%
- #5 Blade Rush
94% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2025
Dev: Noba
Windows
Master your Blade in frantic, fast paced combat!
Why similar: Psychedelic 32.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Arcade 21.5%, Action 18.6%, Singleplayer 1.9%
- #6 Space Giraffe
94% matchMostly Positive74% of 87 reviews2009
Dev: Llamasoft LTD
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 42 min≥1hr: 9%
Space Giraffe is an abstract action arcade style game that takes place in a succession of beautiful environments generated by an advanced graphics synthesizer. It presents itself as a shooter but the more you play the more you discover the hidden depths and strategies that make the gameplay satisfyingly rich and rewarding.
Why similar: Psychedelic 75.2%, Arcade 24.8%
- #7 Tiamat X
93% 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: Arcade 36.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Action 27.5%
- #8 Space Moth: Lunar Edition
92% matchPositive89% of 37 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
1CC Games’ first shoot ’em up returns with totally overhauled visuals, all-new enemies and attacks, a deeper scoring system, remixed soundtrack and fresh player powers. Space Moth: Lunar Edition is the ultimate version of the beloved cult classic.
Why similar: Psychedelic 42.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Arcade 20.8%, Action 11.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #9 Space Slurpies
91% matchVery Positive99% of 71 reviews2021
Dev: Alexander ClarkPub: Starcade Arcade
Windows
Snake, slither, SLURRPP! Chill out with your friends in this multiplayer arcade game. Relax as you grow your colorful space snake by eating lots of food and avoiding playful baddies and other players. How long can you grow your Space Slurpie?
Why similar: Psychedelic 52.9%, Arcade 31.2%, Action 14.2%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #10 Prof. Bringoo's Big Dumb Block Factory
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: cyber tomato soft
Windows
Play by yourself or with a friend in this action puzzler. With tons of power up combinations, zany sound effects and music you'll never get bored.
Why similar: Psychedelic 45%, Arcade 30.3%, Action 23.1%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #11 Polybius Invaders
90% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2021
Dev: Jonni the DodgerPub: Jonni The Dodger
Windows
Take on the Evil General Goo as he sends waves of Retro Space Invaders your way in this Action-Packed Retro Styled Arcade Shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Psychedelic 46.5%, Arcade 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Action 10.1%, Singleplayer 2.8%
- #12 Hypnogenesis
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Andy Wallace & Allen RileyPub: none
Windows · Mac
Hypnogenesis is an experimental video feedback bullet hell game in which arcade gameplay is integrated with the controls of a video synthesizer.
Why similar: Psychedelic 46%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Arcade 17.7%, Action 15.4%, Singleplayer 1%
- #13 RIFTINVADERS
89% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: hennakinPub: Binärwerkstatt
Windows · Linux
RIFTINVADERS is a fast-paced arcade game with hard difficulty, focused on aim training and endless action. Compete for top spots on the leaderboard, unlock achievements and get to the highest X-RUN possible. Enjoy also in seated VR with tracked controller and head-steering support!
Why similar: Arcade 32.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Action 26%, 3D 7%, Singleplayer 3.2%
- #14 Barback
86% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: Scott LinkenheldPub: Savage Squirrel Games
Windows
Barback is a 1980s arcade action run and gun game.
Why similar: Arcade 34.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Action 28.2%, Singleplayer 3.4%
- #15 Dodge 2
86% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Bisso
Windows
Bullet hell with the mouse.
Why similar: Psychedelic 41.9%, Arcade 31.4%, Action 24.4%, Singleplayer 2.2%
- #16 Trip Saber
87% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: Eirtep
Windows
Trip Saber is a trippy psychedelic experience where you swing sabers to strike the incoming orbs to score points in a psychedelic atmosphere but if you miss too many orbs then it's game over so try to beat your high score!
Why similar: Psychedelic 77.9%, Action 18.2%, Singleplayer 4%
- #17 SHOCK TROOPERS
85% matchVery Positive83% of 273 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 41%
“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 41.6%, Action 31.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%
- #18 AstroRage2049
82% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2026
Dev: CJPub: Outofthematrix
Windows
A short space shooter game that you can finish in your break time with beginner-friendly gameplay and some special features.
Why similar: Psychedelic 33.8%, Arcade 25.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Action 18.5%
- #19 Horizon Shift
84% 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: Action 38.4%, Arcade 30.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%
- #20 Po-Go-No!
84% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: LGV
Windows
Po-Go-No! is a colorful and psychedelic arcade game where, on a pogo stick, you have to bounce between different floor tiles - each with different effects on your run and score points!
Why similar: Psychedelic 54.4%, Arcade 28.8%, Action 15.8%, Singleplayer 1.1%
- #21 Flying Shark
82% matchPositive88% of 43 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience Toaplan's arcade shooter Flying Shark (AKA Sky Shark) on PC with the latest quality-of-life features. Ride through the skies as they burn in a rain of armor-piercing bullets! You have been chosen for the mission. Because you are the best pilot there is!
Why similar: Arcade 36.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Action 26.2%, Singleplayer 2.9%
- #22 Super Chain Crusher Horizon
83% matchMixed56% of 41 reviews2014
Dev: Mindware
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Super Chain Crusher Horizon is the largest, longest, most incredible PC shooting game in history with a two-player mode that is revolutionary. And, it’s loaded with game modes that solve the problems had by most shoot ‘em ups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Arcade 39.7%, Action 15.7%
- #23 Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story
81% matchVery Positive89% of 84 reviews2024
Dev: Digital Eclipse
Windows
42 of the weirdest, trippiest, sheepiest games ever created. Enter the mind of Jeff Minter, the legendary creator of Attack of the Mutant Camels, Gridrunner, and Tempest 2000, in this interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse.
Why similar: Psychedelic 44.1%, Arcade 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Action 11.5%, Singleplayer 3.5%
- #24 Slap Fight
81% matchPositive81% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Artificial intelligence threatens the galaxy. Buckle up and fight computing power with the only power that counts: FIREPOWER! Experience Toaplan's brain-melting Slap Fight (AKA Alcon) with its gauge-based power-ups and strategic gameplay. Now on PC with the latest features!
Why similar: Arcade 36%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Action 26.7%, Singleplayer 3%
- #25 TTV4
80% matchVery Positive95% of 83 reviews2022
Dev: Walter Machado
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 27%
TTV4 is the latest volume of the retro hardcore maze wanderer minigame series Trip to Vinelands.
Why similar: Psychedelic 61%, Arcade 24.4%, Action 13.9%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #26 Deep Snake
77% matchVery Positive97% of 215 reviews2025
Dev: dietzribi
Windows
Non-Euclidean snake where you can go forever deeper and deeper into the void... ...and if you're good enough, into the daily leaderboards
Why similar: Psychedelic 54.6%, Arcade 30%, Action 13.3%, Singleplayer 2%
- #27 Beast Modon
79% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: Jeshawn Chrite
Windows · Mac
In this arcade style shoot em up that lets you earn more punishing difficulties, you are Sylvester, a hero pilot in his glory days turned space janitor on a space station. After an attack on said post, it is up to him to retrieve the fabled Fang Shards. Turn your Beast Mode on, you're going to need it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Arcade 32.7%, Action 29.7%
- #28 Stargunner
79% matchVery Positive81% of 150 reviews2014
Dev: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 18 minMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 32%
In the far distant future, an epic war for survival takes place... Deep within the Andromeda galaxy, the people of Zile grow restless and greedy. The Zilions secretly prepare for a massive strike against the nearby planet Ytima. Fearing such an attack, the Ytimians train an elite squad of "Stargunners.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Action 32.2%, Arcade 23.3%
- #29 HORGIHUGH (ホーギーヒュー)
78% matchMixed67% of 18 reviews2019
Dev: PiXELPub: LionWing Publishing
Windows
HORGIHUGH is a horizontal side-scrolling shoot 'em up from Japanese developer PiXEL featuring vibrant retro graphics, intense boss battles, a unique power-up system, and an adorable roster of anthropomorphic characters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Action 32.9%, Arcade 29.7%
- #30 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
76% matchVery Positive90% of 97 reviews2023
Dev: Studio SaizensenPub: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
The original beautiful girl side-scrolling shooter is back! This work commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Cotton series.
Why similar: Arcade 36%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Action 25.3%, Singleplayer 3.4%
- #31 Luxuria Superbia
77% matchMixed69% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Tale of Tales
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 23%
A simple game of touch, pleasure and joy.Luxuria Superbia is a colorful, musical journey made to fill you with joy. Exciting designs explode from your touch as you glide through playful stylized flowers. It’s all about the experience and the interaction.There’s twelve flower-like tunnels and a garden with a temple.
Why similar: Psychedelic 86.5%, Action 13.5%
- #32 Zamarian
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 36 reviews2016
Dev: Quarter Pound Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 0 minMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Zamarian is a fast-paced shoot 'em up classic arcade action game brought to you in an exciting, colorful, and challenging new way!
Why similar: Arcade 35.4%, Action 33.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 31%
- #33 Lunyatic Invaders
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: kanajalab
Windows
What is that... a cat!? A mysterious enemy has invaded from outer space. Break through a storm of bullets in your super fighter in this unique full-scale shooting game.
Why similar: Arcade 34.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Action 28.3%, Singleplayer 3.1%
- #34 Time Barbarian Extreme!!
74% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: Wholesale Algorithms
Windows
Time Barbarian Extreme!!A fast-paced shooter, inspired by retro arcades of the past.A penguin from the future... a barbarian from the past... fighting for survival in a broken world... really messed up world... seriously look at the moon!Pew, pew, pew, nuff said.
Why similar: Action 55.1%, Arcade 44.9%
- #35 Scribble Ships
73% matchPositive92% of 36 reviews2017
Dev: Slothzilla GamesPub: (none)
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Scribble Ships is a 2D top-down arcade shooter that tosses the player into a world of color and chaos. With a range of ships to choose from, the player is tasked with coloring the monochromatic enemies that are trying to take your color away.
Why similar: Arcade 53.2%, Action 46.8%
- #36 Pills4Skills
72% matchVery Positive87% of 54 reviews2016
Dev: Petro Shoferystov
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
FLIP THE WORLD! WALK ON WALLS! HALLUCINATE! EXPAND THE BOUNDARIES OF YOUR MIND! Take a challenge in a weird and unique trippy gravitational puzzle platformer!
Why similar: Psychedelic 70.5%, Action 29.5%
- #37 HEADACHE
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: MELTPACK
Windows
HEADACHE is an eyeburning, high-octane FPS where you use anything and everything you can to brutalise everybody in the level as fast as possible.
Why similar: Psychedelic 37.5%, Arcade 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Action 12.3%, 3D 4.8%
- #38 Space Trail Fireworks
71% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: WRDSLYR Crew
Windows · Linux
Drag trails, make explosions, survive as long as you can! Space Trail Fireworks is a fun arcade-like, snake-like that is easy to learn. Best on touchscreen or with mouse.
Why similar: Psychedelic 53.5%, Arcade 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Action 9%, Singleplayer 0.5%
- #39 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Action 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Arcade 31.6%
- #40 Color Flash
73% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: QuickBobber
Windows
Color Flash is an endless runner 2d game based on colors. The player has to pass through a series of obstable bars (divided into four tiles) by matching the tile with the same color as the player.
Why similar: Psychedelic 62.6%, Arcade 34.1%, Singleplayer 3.2%
- #41 Voxel Interceptor
71% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: NewAtlantisGameStudio
Windows
Now you can select your control style in 3 different ways!. 6 different upgradeable space interceptors, 9 different weapons. You can supply in your carrier and upgrade her defenses. Shoot enemies down. That's all.
Why similar: Action 39.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Arcade 29.5%
- #42 Pirate's Peril
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Consumed Media
Windows · Linux
Pirate's Peril is an arcade shooter themed in the world of pirates on the open sea!
Why similar: Arcade 36%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Action 28.9%, Singleplayer 3.2%
- #43 tri.Attack();
70% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: Demmy Mangusso
Windows
In this 2D arcade game, your body is the weapon. Shoot the tri out of yourself and recall it back to you to take out a constant onslaught of rogue polygons. Unlock all the tri modifiers and get as high of a score as possible!
Why similar: Action 40.7%, Arcade 30.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 29%
- #44 AWA
69% matchVery Positive80% of 117 reviews2016
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.9%, Arcade 26.6%, Action 17.6%
- #45 Shmandala
69% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: mjoldhamPub: Pinfall Games
Windows
Shmandala is a delirious arcade-style shoot'em up choreographed to a banging soundtrack!
Why similar: Psychedelic 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Arcade 26.1%, Action 10.6%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #46 Star Razer
69% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: CreepyCat
Windows
Star Razer is a shooter game inspired by the Vectrex game Asteroids, with a hint of Geometry Wars. You must face successive waves of enemies and achieve the highest score (online). The game is exclusively played with mouse and keyboard (for now).
Why similar: Arcade 35%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Action 28%, Singleplayer 3.1%
- #47 PyroKite
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Studio Zamudio One
Windows
Devour the swarm. In this vivid arcade torch 'em up, you play as a dragon growing its tail to expand its firepower. Dodge bullet-hell patterns, wield elemental magic, and slay massive mythic bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Psychedelic 29.3%, Arcade 24%, Action 15.2%, Singleplayer 1%
- #48 SuperSerpentSnake3D
66% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: HTNG Studio
Windows
Take control of a sleek snake, slither through diverse obstacle and see how long you can grow. Eat the glowing cube to grow longer and score points.
Why similar: Psychedelic 38.2%, Arcade 32.3%, Action 19.5%, 3D 6.4%, Singleplayer 3.7%
- #49 Single Scoop
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: CrunchySoft Studios
Windows
Scoot and shoot to the finish line in this action puzzle game! Time your button press to advance towards the goal. Navigate through a maze of patterns and build your combo meter to break the rules!
Why similar: Psychedelic 44.4%, Arcade 29.9%, Action 23.2%, Singleplayer 2.5%
- #50 Zeroptian Invasion
67% matchPositive96% of 28 reviews2018
Dev: Josyan
Windows
Zeroptian Invasion is a classic shoot 'em up with mechanics from other arcades of the 80’s. Travel back in time with this unique pixilated experience with an incredible soundtrack in chiptune.
Why similar: Action 34.8%, Arcade 33%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%
- #51 Block Smash
70% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: RoadToIndieGameDev
Windows
Choose your powerup, ball, and paddle and face off against a variety of blocks in this game inspired by Breakout!
Why similar: Arcade 58.8%, Action 34.5%, Singleplayer 6.7%
- #52 Tecroroid Assault
68% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2019
Dev: WizByte Games
Windows
A synthetic race has come to your planet to steal your technology, And you have to fight them off. Fight off the Tecroroid invasion as they sent wave after wave of enemies to the planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Arcade 36.3%, Action 19.4%, Singleplayer 4.7%
- #53 Mori
67% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Alex Kramer
Windows
The arcade shoot 'em up where getting angry is just a game mechanic.
Why similar: Arcade 36.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Action 29%, Singleplayer 3%
- #54 Rainbows, toilets & unicorns!
66% matchMostly Positive79% of 33 reviews2020
Dev: Highwalls
Windows · Mac
Rainbows, Toilets and Unicorns is a fast-paced shoot 'em up / bullet hell where the only option to avoid pooping yourself is to face your greatest fears in a fight to the last splash.
Why similar: Psychedelic 41%, Action 38.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%
- #55 Singularity Strike
65% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: RUOKPub: MBC Entertainment
Windows
Are you ready to aid Era-bus in its relentless quest for vengeance and consume everything in your path? Defeat the Hu-bon empire in this unique SHMUP/STG experience!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.9%, Arcade 33.8%, Action 21%, Singleplayer 3.2%