
In 1985 N.O.M.A.D. pushed the boundaries of what the 8-bit computers of the day could achieve with both their graphics and their gameplay. A fast-paced, all-out action shoot ’em up, this retro classic still retains a fan base to this day.
60+ similar titles based on shared tags and player behavior. Themes include Shoot 'Em Up, Action, Side Scroller, Shooter.

In 1985 N.O.M.A.D. pushed the boundaries of what the 8-bit computers of the day could achieve with both their graphics and their gameplay. A fast-paced, all-out action shoot ’em up, this retro classic still retains a fan base to this day.

Penetrator
In this addictive side-scrolling shoot-em-up from 1982, your mission is to penetrate through four defence rings, and blow up an illegal cache of neutron bombs - an almost impossible feat! Enemy missiles and radar bases track your movements, and the landscape is as treacherous as your enemies.

Thundering Skies
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
In this addictive side-scrolling shoot-em-up from 1982, your mission is to penetrate through four defence rings, and blow up an illegal cache of neutron bombs - an almost impossible feat! Enemy missiles and radar bases track your movements, and the landscape is as treacherous as your enemies.
Why similar: Flight 24.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Shooter 7.9%, Arcade 6.6%
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
Why similar: Flight 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 8%
A paper airplane fights against Rock, Paper and Scissors. The ROCPAIN gameplay is inspired on the rock-paper-scissors hand game, and like the original hand game, each enemy only its destroyed with the right shot. A new way to play shooting games that will challenge your skills.
Why similar: Flight 26%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Shooter 9%, Arcade 6.5%
Speyarranoth is a classic sci-fi space asteroid shooter in 3D. You control the game using WASD and shoot with the space key. It's wonderful to just blast full speed through the asteroid fields lasers ablaze and enjoy the explosive light show.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Flight 14.5%, Arcade 10%, Space 8.7%
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Flight 20.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 8.7%, Arcade 8.2%
Take flight in your Grand Gyro and shoot down every robot in your path to save the Powerful Monkey Council!
Why similar: Flight 29.2%, Side Scroller 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Shooter 9.6%, Arcade 7.2%
Navigate treacherous caverns in RocketShip Go Up, a physics-based 3D game. Master your thrusters to deliver packages, dodge beams, turrets, and falling debris—or speedrun for the fastest flight. Precision is your lifeline.
Why similar: Flight 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Side Scroller 19.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Sci-fi 6.4%
Throst is a 2D-retro-arcade-action adventure about precision flying under constant gravity. Dive through tight tunnels, outmaneuver and destroy defenses. Grab the enemy’s energy orbs, and blast your way back to orbit before you’re crushed or shot down.
Why similar: Flight 22.3%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Arcade 9.5%, Shooter 7.6%
Elyna X is shoot'em up (Shmup) for 2 players in cooperative mode.The year is 3864, mysterious ships appear and iniciate a terrible attack against planet Earth, It is up to Enyla, a courageous space pilot, to lead the space fleets in defense of her beloved planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Robots 10.4%, Shooter 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.8%, Linear 8.5%
You are the Rendering Ranger, a special forces soldier defending Earth from a devastating alien invasion through nine levels of action platforming as well as blisteringly fast horizontal shooter stages. Originally developed for Super Famicom by Manfred Trenz, creator of the Turrican series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9%, Space 6%
Fast-paced, trippy, vibrant, music-driven 2D space shooter where every shot, enemy movement, and setting syncs to the beat. Part classic shmup, part interactive music visualizer, this is an audiovisual rush like no other!
Why similar: Flight 26.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Cyberpunk 11.4%, Shooter 10.6%
In this retro space shooter you will have the opportunity to take control of a space fighter and crush waves of enemies. Show all your agility and reaction!
Why similar: Flight 31.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 8.7%, Space 5.9%
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Space 6.1%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Side Scroller 25.5%, Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 12%, Space 7.2%
In a world devastated by machines, humanity places its last hope in a warrior equipped with special armor. Explore intense stages, face challenging bosses, and fight to reclaim what remains of the planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Arcade 12.5%, Cyberpunk 10.6%, Shooter 9.1%
Mud River is a horizontal 2D Shoot‘em Up game. The Rio Doce (Sweet River) was a paradise for mankind and animals, but now it has become a territory destroyed by the unscrupulous activities of Dr. Wellin. This is Pacal's first destination, ascending the Rio Doce preventing its complete destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Flight 18.4%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 10.9%
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Flight 13.4%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 9.8%
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 7.5%
Take flight in one of three unique ships to battle a legion of enemies and massive bosses across a city sky, through a dark cave, along the bottom of the sea, and into a secret laboratory! Confront a buff, flamboyant crawfish scientist to retrieve the Power Pearl and save your job!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Flight 16.5%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 10.5%
Shoot lasers in space because a fish told you to. Ernesto's Asteroid Arcade is a twin-stick side-scrolling space shoot-em-up which tells the story of a man side-scrolling in space and shooting-em-up with twin-sticks. This game has at least 2 characters in it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 7.7%
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Side Scroller 22%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Cyberpunk 16.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 9.3%
In this Shoot'em, you fight against an alien swarm of pollinators taking over the system! With your laser beam, Blast through waves of enemies, traverse challenging puzzles, and reclaim control in this fast-paced shooter. Step up to the challenge and push back the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 9.9%, Space 8.3%
Firehunt is a prologue for the main story One Way Road. Take part in space battles as you travel across the galaxy and fight to save humanity. This cinematic narrative driven action-focused space shooter, will take you on a journey into the near future, and put the destiny of mankind in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Flight 19.1%, Arcade 11%, Space 7.4%
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 11.5%, Space 7.8%
Thunder Tiger is a fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up, blending 1980s arcade style with futuristic flair. Blast enemies, grab power-ups, and chase high scores in intense 2D stages. Classic retro vibe meets modern gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 23.9%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 9.7%, Sci-fi 6.8%
A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 8.7%, Space 6.7%
In this sideways scrolling shmup, take control of your spaceship and navigate through vibrant pixelated environments filled with hordes of enemy spacecraft. Upgrade your ship and weapons, dodge enemy fire while blasting through each stage. Emerge victorious as the ultimate space pilot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Shooter 12.4%, Arcade 10.4%, Linear 8.9%
Stellar Raid is a side-scrolling run and gun game inspired by the greatest classic games of the genre! With a variety of weapon upgrades at your disposal (including a support drone) you’ll charge through hordes of enemy mercenaries to take down one of the Universe’s most notorious space terrorists!
Why similar: Side Scroller 31.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Arcade 12.7%, Shooter 7.6%, Space 7.2%
Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!
Why similar: Side Scroller 29.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%
1992's home computer legend Apidya is making a comeback in this authentic 24-bit pixel remake, built from the ground up, but utterly faithful to the original. Take flight in Apidya' Special!
Why similar: Flight 23.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 7.4%
2D side-scrolling shoot 'em up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 15.2%, Robots 8.2%, Action 7%
A thrilling sci-fi cyberpunk shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle through the Ecumenopolis, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Flow state gaming to unleash your inner hero! Feel your skills grow on your way to 1CC S+ tier rank!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Cyberpunk 17.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Futuristic 4.9%
In a world of miracles and challenges, where steam technology meets magic on a vast archipelago continent, you become Lea, an ace pilot. Your mission: conquer enemies, unveil conspiracies, and bring peace. Are you ready to be the hero who stops the war?
Why similar: Flight 28.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Side Scroller 20%, Shooter 12.4%, Sci-fi 5.4%
Join the High Commander as the eternally loyal Green in an epic journey to save the Blues from the menace of the Greys and their evil Red Gems!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Shooter 16.3%, Arcade 15.1%, Space 9.1%, Linear 8.6%
A 2.5D arcade flight game, in which you take the role of a rookie pilot flying a unique rescue aircraft to render dangerous falling space debris safe. Fly through 20 levels including 4 boss stages, and save the world!
Why similar: Flight 41.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Arcade 14.9%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Action 6.3%
A 2D Shoot-Em-Up with a focus on crew management, exploration, procedural generation, and corporate espionage.
Why similar: Flight 21%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Cyberpunk 11.9%, Shooter 8.7%
Space adventure is a classic Shoot 'Em Up style game with a fast pace and a test of your reflexes. Maneuver, collect bonuses and score points to become the best!
Why similar: Flight 28.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 11.8%, Space 7.1%
Cybertrash STATYX is a story-driven 2D action-platformer with tactical elements, set in a cyberpunk world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Cyberpunk 16.3%, Shooter 11.9%, Robots 7.2%
Destroy your enemies and use the scraps that come out to destroy them even more! Side-scrolling space fantasy shooting game, that is "Kanamono".
Why similar: Side Scroller 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Shooter 15.1%, Action 6.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%
Returning to the classic style of spaceship games in pixel art. Survive in space as many enemy ships and anything else that can destroy your ship, get all the advantages and improvements available to get your best score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Flight 17.2%, Shooter 16.4%, Arcade 11.3%, Action 7.5%
Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds, expanded gameplay modes, and a range of new features designed to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Shooter 13.3%, Linear 7.9%, Space 5.8%
In the year 2,000,000,009, a team of bounty hunters infiltrates a massive facility swarming with hostile AI. Can they find Zurd?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Side Scroller 21.6%, Arcade 11.7%, Linear 9.5%, Action 7.2%
Starxia is an old-fashioned side-scrolling space shooter. Step into the role of a Pilot and use your ship to eliminate hordes of fierce enemies. A compelling story and many interesting characters await you in this adventure. Take over the controls and fly into the vacuum of space. Let the hunt begin
Why similar: Side Scroller 29.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Arcade 12.3%, Linear 9.1%, Space 5.9%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Robots 9.8%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 9.2%
A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!
Why similar: Flight 21.2%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Shooter 10.4%, Space 8.8%
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 26.1%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 9.4%, Space 7.8%
Top-down shooter action for the Atari Lynx handheld console. WANTED: Hot gun for hire. Travel to several exotic and dangerous places. Discover several exotic and dangerous aliens and kill them. Kill lots. For cash. Buy more weapons and kill again.
Why similar: Flight 29.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Cyberpunk 12.9%, Shooter 9.6%, Arcade 7.9%
Take to your ship to ensure the survival of humanity against an alien force determined to see you fail. Customize your ship with upgrades to raise your chance of success. Take a friend into battle to immediately become a stronger force and watch each others tail
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 14.1%, Space 8.6%
Super simple 2D shooter game! Use the two types of shots to push forward.Kick out the swarming zakos and take on the powerful bosses.7 crazy worlds are waiting for your cat!?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Side Scroller 24.4%, Shooter 15.5%, Arcade 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%
The year is 2248. You play as Anthea, a pilot for the Spacing Guild. She's battling a pirate fleet. During the game, you'll need to destroy four leader ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Shooter 17%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Linear 8.2%
Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives, and untold surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 13.3%, Action 7%
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 9.3%
Free the galaxy by destroying the EVA program and its artificial planet HELOS. In this 2D shoot'em up, take control of one of the three ships of your choice and go to the different planets to eliminate each threat. 1 or 2 Player coop.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 7.6%, Shooter 7.3%
AWA 2024 is a fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the ten fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own special end-level boss.
Why similar: Flight 32.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 9.8%, Linear 9.7%
Old school side scrolling shoot'em up. Blast through exciting different locations. Defeating waves of defenders until the final boss battle. Attack of the Mechadonk is a indie game developed for fun and learning for the creator.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 13.8%, Action 8%
Retro arcade classic, Defeat a million invaders from another dimension in this side scrolling shoot'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Flight 23.8%, Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 10.1%, Space 6.9%
Hyper-5 is a cinematic shmup inspired by classics from the “golden era” of the 90’s. Responding to a distress beacon, deep space scout ship Hyper-5 is drawn into a terrifying battle with an unknown enemy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Side Scroller 24%, Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 11.7%, Sci-fi 8.4%
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Side Scroller 16%, Arcade 12.6%, Shooter 10%, Sci-fi 7.1%
A new dimension on the classic shmup genre, take to the skies as a rookie pilot thrown into the deep end. Prove yourself in skies as you battle devious enemies and work become a hero pilot in Iron Flight Air Force.
Why similar: Flight 44.1%, Shooter 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.1%, Space 7%, Side Scroller 6.5%