Games Like NIDUS

HYPER DEMON is an FPS like no other. a pearl of lightning. a dream from the future. a drop of poison. a swan song. The faster you slay demons, the harder the game and the higher your score. There is an end. Will it see you?

Why similar: Spectacle fighter 21.3% ★, Psychedelic 18.6%, Arena Shooter 18%, Score Attack 13.5%, Bullet Hell 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an unparalleled, hyper-fast, and psychedelic arena-shooter experience that matches the intensity and score-chasing nature of NIDUS.

Windowkill is a twin-stick shooter, but the game window itself is constantly closing in on you. Shoot the window edges to push it around your screen as you fight and dodge enemies and bosses in their own windows.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 28.2%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Score Attack 14.2%, Arcade 10.1%, Local Co-Op 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique, abstract mechanics and a chaotic arcade feel that aligns with the experimental nature of NIDUS.

Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.9%, Psychedelic 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Score Attack 12.4%, Arcade 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic arena shooter that captures the same minimalist, high-pressure, and arcade-focused gameplay found in NIDUS.

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: Twin Stick Shooter 40.7%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Arcade 10.5%, Top-Down Shooter 8.1%, Local Co-Op 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a masterclass in twin-stick arcade action with intense bullet-hell patterns and a focus on high-score mastery.

Chip destructible bosses apart pixel-by-pixel in this twin-stick bullet-hell shooter.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.9%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Arena Shooter 14.9%, Top-Down Shooter 12.9%, Score Attack 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A boss-focused, high-intensity bullet-hell that rewards precision and pattern recognition in a similar way to NIDUS.

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: Twin Stick Shooter 32.8%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Arcade 9.8%, Local Co-Op 8.6%, Top-Down 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, fast-paced twin-stick shooter that emphasizes movement and crowd control in tight arena spaces.

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: Arena Shooter 36.9%, Bullet Hell 34.7%, Arcade 16.7%, 2D 5.7%, Action 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines space-based shooting with deep, evolving mechanics in an abstract, neon-drenched environment.

Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 67.1%, Arcade 22.3%, Local Co-Op 3.5%, Action 3%, Local Multiplayer 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a dual-nature mechanic that mirrors the symbiotic, multi-entity control required to succeed in NIDUS.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Bullet Hell 61%, Arcade 19.2%, Action 7.5%, 2D 6.4%, Local Co-Op 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply psychedelic and challenging shoot-em-up that evolves its mechanics in surprising, high-stakes ways.

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: Twin Stick Shooter 47.6%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Arcade 14.6%, Local Co-Op 5.3%, Score Attack 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A staple of the twin-stick genre that provides the same addictive, arcade-style arena combat.

Devil Daggers is a fast-paced shooter that places you in an abyssal arena to face endless legions of demons. Armed with versatile magic daggers and a fluid movement system, fight to survive as long as you can.

Why similar: Arena Shooter 41.8%, Bullet Hell 36.4%, Arcade 12.2%, Action 7.6%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, minimalist, and high-pressure arena survival game that demands absolute focus and twitch reflexes.

Trigonarium is a hardcore twin-stick shooter for fans of challenging arcade gaming. Fight your way through multitudes of enemy formations in constantly shifting battle arenas to face the colossal level bosses.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 27.9%, Psychedelic 20.6%, Top-Down Shooter 15.7%, Local Co-Op 12.5%, Score Attack 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful, twin-stick arcade shooter that emphasizes local co-op and frantic, pattern-based survival.

Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 67.3%, Arcade 21.8%, Action 6.3%, 2D 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a stylish, intense, and highly polished arcade shoot-em-up experience with a distinct visual flair.

Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.

Why similar: Arcade 33.3%, Psychedelic 30.2%, Score Attack 26%, 2D 4.4%, Action 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: An abstract, rhythm-based arcade game that captures the same 'flow state' intensity required for NIDUS.

THOTH is a challenging twin-stick shooter you can conquer alone or cooperatively with a friend. Each stage is handcrafted to test coordination and puzzle-solving skills. Colorful minimalist graphics combine with an intense unnerving soundtrack, making for an exciting mix of art and arcade.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 85.6%, Action 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, difficult, and abstract shooter that forces players to navigate complex patterns with deliberate movement.

A classical science fiction point and click adventure which takes you into a deep story and murky atmosphere, while solving logical puzzles. Accompany Tessa Carter and her talking robot as she finds out about herself and searches for a way to survive.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 93.5%, Singleplayer 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, top-down bullet-hell roguelite that rewards precise movement and mastery of complex enemy patterns.

A twin-stick, bullet-hell, roguelite where you must cultivate and defend the last farm in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Farm mutated crops, upgrade your weapons, marry townsfolk, and kill every mutant creature that tries to invade your homestead! Yee-haw!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 47.6%, Bullet Hell 38.4%, Combat 6.6%, Action 6.3%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: Blends hectic, top-down shooting with dual-focus gameplay, requiring players to manage farming while surviving bullet-hell waves.

Rym 9000 is a hyperkinetic shooter inspired by Akira, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Guxt. A treasure-hunting journey to the Moon developed by Sonoshee and composed by Roex. A unique high-octane experience conceived to stimulate your senses and make your eyes and ears bleed!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 66.9%, Action 20.2%, 2D 13%

Why You'll Like It: A visually overwhelming and psychedelic shoot-em-up that prioritizes speed and sensory overload.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 69.2%, Arcade 21.9%, Action 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential bullet-hell experience that focuses on screen-clearing action and high-score optimization.

Rescue breakfast in this arcade-style bullet hell shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.8%, Arcade 19.3%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, Local Co-Op 7.3%, Co-op 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A cute yet punishing bullet-hell that focuses on tight, arcade-style gameplay and boss encounters.

A fast twin-stick shooter where you compete for the top spot in the leaderboards.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 37.4%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Score Attack 11.8%, Arcade 10.8%, Top-Down 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, highly responsive twin-stick shooter that is perfect for players who enjoy pure, arcade-focused mechanics.

Repetendium is a top-down roguelike-lite shooter. Select from a rowdy group of characters to play as and wield an ever expanding variety of gear and items to conquer the underworld. Death awaits...

Why similar: Arena Shooter 23%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Top-Down Shooter 18.3%, Score Attack 9.3%, Local Co-Op 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelite bullet-hell that provides endless, high-difficulty arcade action for players who enjoy NIDUS's loop.

Post Void is a hypnotic scramble of early first-person shooter design that values speed above all else. Keep your head full and reach the end; Kill what you can to see it mend; Get the high score or try again.

Why similar: Psychedelic 49.3%, Score Attack 20.3%, Surreal 13.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A psychedelic, fast-paced shooter that focuses on constant forward momentum and sensory intensity.

Vectorium is a classical, yet intense arcade shooting game. Can you survive those dreadful enemies and barrage of gunfire?

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.9%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Score Attack 11.7%, Arcade 9.1%, Top-Down 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-infused twin-stick shooter that challenges players to sync their movements with the music while dodging bullets.

The giant hornets have destroyed your hive and taken the pollen. Fight the swarms alone or with a friend and destroy the dangerous hornet queen! The insect world is very dangerous but... what are you waiting for to get your revenge?

Why similar: Bullet Hell 37.6%, Score Attack 23.1%, Arcade 17.9%, Co-op 11.8%, 2D 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, insect-themed shoot-em-up that shares the nature-inspired aesthetic and arcade difficulty of NIDUS.

2121 A.D, with no escape options, Akane prepares for her final battle in the rain-soaked neon streets of Mega-Tokyo. Akane is an arena arcade slasher. Take out as many yakuza as possible, slashing and shooting in a one-hit-one-kill fight to the death.

Why similar: Arcade 43.8%, Top-Down 23.5%, Action 19.7%, 2D 11%, Singleplayer 2%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish, one-hit-kill arena game that emphasizes high-score mastery and fast-paced, rhythmic combat.

Enter the AI universe and fight evil AIs with a variety of weapons and modifications. AIPD is a top-down coop twin-stick shooter where you can enjoy thousands of possible combinations of enemy and arena permutations that give you an unprecedented and nearly unlimited arcade experience.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 47.1%, Top-Down Shooter 25.4%, Local Co-Op 19.3%, Action 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A neon-soaked twin-stick shooter that supports local co-op and focuses on high-score arena survival.

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: Bullet Hell 30.3%, Local Co-Op 21.3%, Arcade 17.7%, Co-op 13.8%, Combat 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that features chaotic, screen-filling action and local co-op support.

Classic Asteroids® updated with modern gameplay and perfected controls. Explore hazardous environments and sneak around asteroids to surprise attack giant bosses. Upgrade your ship to use additional power-ups. Single player or fight with up to 3 friends with intense local coop.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.3%, Arena Shooter 16.4%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Top-Down Shooter 13.5%, Score Attack 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: An arena-based shooter that combines classic mechanics with modern bullet-hell intensity and physics.

Blast bugs and chase high scores in this glorious revival of an old-school classic, all while jamming to a heart-pounding original score by Megan McDuffee. Play solo or tag in a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.8%, Psychedelic 20.6%, Score Attack 14.7%, Arcade 13.8%, Top-Down 9.7%

A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.6%, Score Attack 17.8%, Twin Stick Shooter 15.9%, Arcade 10.9%, Top-Down Shooter 10.2%

Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 71.1%, Arcade 21.3%, Action 4.5%, 2D 2.7%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Defend your spider web from an onslaught of bugs in this frenetic revival of the cult classic twin-stick shooter, all while jamming to an infectious original score by Megan McDuffee. Play solo or tag in a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 30%, Psychedelic 23.1%, Score Attack 10.8%, Arcade 10.6%, Local Co-Op 5.5%

Shape Shifter: Formations is an action twin-stick shooter with rogue-lite elements, where you must destroy hordes of geometric enemies alone or with a friend. Select your ship and combine a large variety of weapons, abilities and infinitely stacking upgrades to craft your own unique build.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 20.4%, Arena Shooter 15.2%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Top-Down Shooter 11.2%, Local Co-Op 8.7%

Take control of a virtual organism in this unique indie arcade title, while unlocking Steam Achievements and climbing the leaderboards!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21.7%, Arena Shooter 15.2%, Psychedelic 15%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Top-Down Shooter 12%

slither and shoot, but don't run out of space! cyber_serpent is an arcade twin-stick shooter combined with snake. compete for a global high score in this modern take on retro classics as you face infinite waves of polygonal enemies.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.3%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Top-Down Shooter 16.1%, Score Attack 15.5%, Arcade 9.5%

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: Twin Stick Shooter 37.4%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Top-Down Shooter 19.3%, Local Co-Op 14.6%, 2D 3%

Waves 2: Notorious is an arcade twin-stick shooter set in Cyberspace. Build Combos, earn Adrenaline and unleash powerful Burst attacks as you Dive into the Net and do battle against an AI that adapts to your weaknesses!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21.1%, Arena Shooter 15.4%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Top-Down Shooter 12.8%, Psychedelic 12.6%

Blast your way through an endless maze inhabited by deadly robots and their invulnerable, menacing master Evil Otto. Tag in a friend in local co-op to help you survive this twin-stick revival of an arcade classic.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 31.4%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Top-Down Shooter 19%, Score Attack 13.1%, Arcade 9.8%

You're tied together, but if you team up properly, that can be your greatest weapon! Align your movements and ping-pong cooldowns to reap hordes of enemies and sow flavorful builds, all while tangled together by a magical vine in Vinebound, an intense horde-survival roguelite co-op for 1-2 players!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.4%, Local Co-Op 18%, Arcade 13.5%, Local Multiplayer 11.7%, Co-op 11.6%

Vital Shell is a single player top-down arena shooter that puts you in control of mechs inspired by classic fantasy archetypes. Unlock powerful synergies with unique weapons, traits, and abilities as you take on increasingly challenging waves of enemies in a shattered realm.

Why similar: Arena Shooter 24.3%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Top-Down Shooter 21.6%, Arcade 11%, Top-Down 9.8%

Action arcade! CAPTURE enemies of your color and AVOID the rest to become the best in the world! Fast, addictive and 100% challenging!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 34%, Psychedelic 25.7%, Arcade 13.4%, Local Co-Op 9.6%, Local Multiplayer 7.4%

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: Bullet Hell 22.5%, Top-Down Shooter 20.1%, Score Attack 12.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Top-Down 7.6%

Frenetic arcade style twin-stick shooter. Fight your way through hordes of enemies alone or with a friend!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 46.8%, Twin Stick Shooter 41.8%, Action 11.4%

A bullet heaven where you cooperate with Kill-BOI 9000 (your friend and toaster). Forge a beautiful bond and bring destruction - together. Give him saws! Give him drones! Then give all the drones saws! AND THEN SET THE SAWS ON FIRE.

Why similar: Arena Shooter 19.9%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16.3%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, Local Multiplayer 7.4%

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: Arcade 32.7%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Local Multiplayer 15.1%, Co-op 11.9%, Action 11.2%

Retrograde Arena is a multiplayer twin stick shooter where bullets don’t kill. Use weapons, physics, and your Drone to push, pull, and blast your foes into deadly surroundings in this skill-based shooter action title that redefines physics-based action.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 28.6%, Psychedelic 21.4%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Top-Down Shooter 16.7%, Arcade 8.9%

A rogue-lite twin-stick shooter/brawler that never plays the same twice. Collect and control 60 different characters as the body-snatching alien Parasite with a grudge against humanity. Fight to the top of the food chain: possess the President, push the Big Red Button and one-up the human race.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 58.6%, Local Co-Op 15.5%, Top-Down 15.1%, Multiplayer 6.3%, Action 4.5%

Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.3%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Score Attack 11.7%, Arcade 8.5%

Anima Flux is a co-op metroidvania with two genetically enhanced soldiers, special agents of a theocratic dictatorial regime. Fight your way through swarms of mutants through a desolate, dystopian space city and save humanity's last stronghold, if, of course, anyone is still alive...

Why similar: Local Co-Op 25.2%, Local Multiplayer 21.4%, Hand-drawn 18.5%, Co-op 17.2%, 2D 8.5%

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: Twin Stick Shooter 29.8%, Arena Shooter 16.8%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Top-Down Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 9.1%

Xeno Crisis is an arena shooter in which up to two players take control of battle-hardened marines embarking on a deadly mission to confront an alien menace! Run and gun your way through thousands of adversaries, searching for survivors, and ultimately facing the origin of the outpost's demise.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.2%, Top-Down Shooter 20.7%, Arena Shooter 18.9%, Local Co-Op 7.6%, Top-Down 7%

Meltdown is a tactical arcade shooter featuring both singleplayer and intense online multiplayer. Become the most skilled soldier, choose your weapons, get the best upgrades, buckle up and start your mission. Be careful, each enemy has it’s own combat style, special AI and gear. Adapt to them to survive!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 36.7%, Arcade 22.2%, Local Co-Op 16.4%, Action 16.1%, Multiplayer 8.6%

INVERSUS is is a competitive and cooperative arcade shooter for 1 to 4 players online or on the couch. Fight for territory in a dynamic negative-space map where open paths for your team are the walls of your opponent's team. Strategize and trap the enemy to win!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.3%, Top-Down Shooter 22.4%, Local Co-Op 13.8%, Local Multiplayer 12.3%, Arcade 12.3%

NeuroVoider is a twin-stick shooter RPG set in a cyber futuristic world about brains shooting around evil robots with nuclear rocket launchers. Battle through the horde of vigilant robots, boost your character with the smoking remains of your victims, and defeat the master NeuroVoider.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 43.4%, Local Co-Op 18.2%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Top-Down 7%, Co-op 5.8%

You are a disease. Infect the human body as a lone pathogen in this cellular roguelike shooter. Collect organelles to evolve your parasite in a microscopic arms race against your host's immune system. Conquer a beautiful, procedurally generated world of tiny proportions.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 31.2%, Top-Down Shooter 29.1%, Local Co-Op 19.4%, Co-op 11.8%, 2D 5%

Defend a Terraforming station against hordes of enemies in this short coop-only rail-shooter! A unique mix of nostalgic arcade elements and modern coop shooter gameplay. Triumph against your foes and compete for the top of the leaderboard!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 36.8%, Arcade 29.3%, Combat 12.6%, Co-op 11.8%, Action 8.1%

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: Bullet Hell 32.2%, Top-Down Shooter 28.7%, Score Attack 16.4%, Arcade 15%, Action 3.6%

Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter. Not 'the final hope of humanity' post-apocalyptic, but 'humanity is extinct and mutants and monsters now roam the world' post-apocalyptic. Can you reach the Nuclear Throne?

Why similar: Bullet Hell 31.7%, Top-Down Shooter 21.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 19.4%, Local Co-Op 10%, Top-Down 6.1%

Galaxy Champions TV is a super intense top-down closed arena shooter game inspired by the classic arcade game Smash TV. Get powerful weapons and power-ups, kill huge amounts of enemies, level up, unlock upgrades and beat all the bosses to become the champion of the most violent TV show of all time!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 34.8%, Top-Down Shooter 19.7%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Arcade 10.4%