- #1 Syder Arcade
97% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Space 10.9%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 7.5%
- #2 Andro Dunos II
96% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Difficult 15.1%, Arcade 9.4%, Shooter 8.7%
- #3 Danmaku Unlimited 4 WYVER ULTRA
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Arise Wyver and fly against overwhelming odds in this modern labor of love tribute to classic shoot'em ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Space 12.9%, Difficult 10.7%, Arcade 8.3%
- #4 Space Invaders Extreme
94% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Difficult 13%, Space 11.7%, Arcade 7.8%
- #5 Polygon Attack
94% matchVery Positive88% of 268 reviews2016
Dev: Magnolia Art
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!
Why similar: Space 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Difficult 9.5%, Arcade 8.9%
- #6 Red Ruin
95% matchNo user reviews2019
Dev: David Seifers
Windows
Red Ruin is a Space-Arcade-Shooter, in which you control two ships. Each ship has unique properties and they can switch position with each other. Using the advantages of both ships strategically will bring you victory.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Space 19.9%, Difficult 18.5%, Action 7.3%
- #7 The Rush
92% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
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 23%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Space 10%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 9.2%
- #8 Syder Reloaded
91% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
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 21.8%, Bullet Hell 17%, Space 14.9%, Difficult 12.1%, Arcade 8.9%
- #9 The Core Message
93% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: Freedom Software
Windows
Combining retro puzzles and a arcade space shooter. You and your crew found strange materials in the galaxy core to upgrade your ship to the most powerful. While collecting core materials you came across something unbelievable ... The Core Message. The Core Message changes everything.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Space 18.5%, Arcade 10.6%, Difficult 8.2%
- #10 STURMWIND EX
91% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Space 15.2%, Arcade 9.1%, Shooter 8.3%
- #11 Star Saviors
90% matchVery Positive82% of 1,683 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.2%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Space 12.7%, Difficult 5.7%, Arcade 4.8%
- #12 Distant Space
89% matchVery Positive86% of 2,983 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Space 19.6%, Difficult 11.3%, Arcade 10.8%, Bullet Hell 10.4%
- #13 INSPACE 2980
89% matchMixed50% of 14 reviews2018
Dev: R_Games
Windows · Mac
INSPACE 2980 is a stylish and dynamic SHMUP from the 16-bit era of games consoles and arcade machines. Take part in an exciting adventure and save the galaxy! Once again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Space 15.9%, Difficult 9.7%, Futuristic 9.2%
- #14 Escape Space
88% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Space 18.1%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Arcade 8.9%, Shooter 8.8%
- #15 Star Jet Alpha
87% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Valles Games
Windows · Mac
Star Jet Alpha is a top-down space shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Progress through each stage by blowing up enemy space stations while avoiding or destroying enemy missiles, space mines and asteroids. Unlock Star Jet capabilities by completing stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Space 19%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Shooter 9.7%
- #16 Vulture Strike
86% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Vulture Strike
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vulture Strike is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you have the ability to travel between 2 parallel timelines whenever you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Difficult 17.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Action 7.4%
- #17 Laser Droplets
85% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Kikashi Online
Windows · Mac
Laser Droplets is a mixture of shoot ‘em up, bullet-hell, arcade styled, 2D game. It consists of 16 mini stages, each with a unique stage boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 14%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 6.3%
- #18 Unknown Hero
84% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: Svero Forge
Windows · Linux
Brace yourself for an intense bullet hell experience! Fight your way through challenging levels, defeat bosses, upgrade your weapon and get the highest score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Space 14.2%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Arcade 10%, Shooter 8.3%
- #19 Astar Solis
86% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Rooklift Labs
Windows
A minimalistic 2D shoot-em-up, based on dodging bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 27.5%, Shooter 10.7%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 9.7%
- #20 Kalzor: 2000
84% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2017
Dev: Roley Games
Windows
Shoot different types of spaceships while avoiding getting shot yourself. Kill 10 minutes at a time with this affordable colourful timewaster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Space 16.6%, Bullet Hell 16%, Difficult 13%, Arcade 9.2%
- #21 Arcade Forever
82% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: KOD7
Windows
Arcade Forever is a 3D vertical space shooter. This is an action game in which many enemies, obstacles and different weapons guarantee great fun. If you like fast space action, this is the game for you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Space 15.1%, Shooter 11%, Sci-fi 6.5%
- #22 Invaliens
82% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Galactic Droids Ltd
Windows
Retro arcade classic, Defeat a million invaders from another dimension in this side scrolling shoot'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Space 11.5%, Shooter 9.6%, Arcade 8.8%
- #23 Escape 2 Space
83% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
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 22.7%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Space 13.7%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 10.5%
- #24 Nociception ~ Voltaic Marketplace
81% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2023
Dev: Ethereal AirportPub: Sawney Arnett
Windows
A fantasy bullet hell on a strange, familiar planet. Fight the living and the dead as you figure out what's causing all this energy in the air! Play as a troupe of living puppets, curious immortal children, or a demon, and be sure to scan enemies to unlock journal pages on the way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Arcade 9.4%, Shooter 9.3%, Space 9%
- #25 The Battle of Aurinoxia
79% matchPositive75% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Shooter 10.9%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 10.3%
- #26 WITCH-BOT MEGLILO
80% matchVery Positive93% of 121 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Stop time and project yourself through space with “Time-stop warp” magic, pass through physical obstacles, dodge incoming bullets and shoot down your enemies! A satisfying shooter, filled with dark humor!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Difficult 14.3%, Arcade 8.7%, Anime 8.3%
- #27 Crush The Rebellion!
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: GameBeast Productions
Windows · Linux
The galactic empire is under siege from the rebel scum in all directions! Fight through endless waves of rebel ships using all of the weapons and resources at your disposal as you execute your sole orders: to Crush The Rebellion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Arcade 10.6%, Shooter 10.4%, Futuristic 9%
- #28 Space Ship Infinity
79% matchPositive85% of 20 reviews2021
Dev: Lucas LimaPub: Made In House
Windows
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 27.2%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Shooter 12.9%, Space 12.8%, Arcade 10.3%
- #29 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
78% matchVery Positive84% of 602 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Difficult 9.5%, Arcade 8.7%, Space 6.7%
- #30 Suicide Runners
77% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
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 27.6%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 7.7%, Difficult 7.2%
- #31 Flashover MegaSector
78% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2019
Dev: Happy Frog Games
Windows
Using a powerful weapon and raw skill, can you take out an entire space pirate fleet? Harken back to the era of old browser games in this fast-paced bullet hell shoot 'em up where stages change based on objectives cleared!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Space 12.2%, Difficult 10.3%, Arcade 7.8%
- #32 Endocrisis
77% matchPositive100% of 14 reviews2021
Dev: Arturo Buschmann
Windows
Combat against big bosses and increase the power of your ship through levels and secrets. Absorb or use your armor against enemy bullets is the key defense strategy
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Difficult 13.9%, Space 11.7%, Arcade 8.4%
- #33 ALPHA CENTAURI SPACE FORCE
76% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: ocasocreations
Windows
Execute intense space battle operations from side, and top view. Face tough enemies along your way, destroy guardians and generators. Dodge traps. Keep focus on targets. Think fast. Overcome the chaos. Join now and become an alpha centauri pilot. Bonus: retro like endless space shooter mini game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Space 16.2%, Arcade 10.6%, Shooter 9%
- #34 Fiery Rivaz
75% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2023
Dev: Tim Nicolai
Windows
Fiery Rivaz - Reanimate Shmups !!! It's time to revive the shmup genre. You can expect a shooter that focuses on varied and innovative level design. It is accompanied by cool 3d graphics and a great soundtrack.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Space 14%, Shooter 12.9%, Action 7.8%
- #35 PAWARUMI
75% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Difficult 12.7%, Space 11%, Arcade 10.3%
- #36 Kromaia
76% 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 33.9%, Bullet Hell 21%, Space 13.6%, Arcade 12.9%, Shooter 6.3%
- #37 DoDonPachi Resurrection
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.7%, Bullet Hell 32.7%, Arcade 9.6%, Difficult 9%, Anime 5.7%
- #38 Spinner Invaders
74% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Wobi Games
Windows
Shoot your way through a thrilling action adventure of 120 waves in 4 different game modes while fighting against waves of enemies and 12 extreme bosses. Save the world from The General by yourself or with a friend locally and play 10 different Challenges.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Difficult 15.9%, Space 14.1%, Shooter 8.8%
- #39 BULLETnico
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Difficult 16.9%, Arcade 8.6%, Shooter 7.5%
- #40 Cataclyzm
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dogroach
Windows
A 2D arcade shoot 'em up forged in the age of fire, feedback and METAL! It's a fast, loud and unforgiving ride on an atomic warhead through a hellish concert of beer, bullets and riffs. Crank it up to eleven, and strap in for the ride!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, Difficult 18.8%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 9.1%
- #41 Star Hunter DX
71% matchPositive81% of 31 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Betrayed by her cut-throat crew, Luna Starr - former Space Pirate Captain turned bounty hunter - has a score to settle. As Luna, travel to 5 exotic planets to track down your mutinous mates, and face them in Bullet Hell dogfights to the death!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Futuristic 8.5%, Space 7.9%, Arcade 7.7%
- #42 Space Blade
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mountain Of Games
Windows
Single player, top down, retro space-shooter, destroy enemies and fight bullet-hell bosses, upgrade during runs and after them to progress further and faster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Space 13.3%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 9.4%
- #43 Cosmo Chaser
72% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Choi Jaewook
Windows
Cosmo Chaser is space fighter action game which presents restless shooting battle. It demonstrates new style of vertical scroll shooter by presenting classic arcade action in 3D space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Space 17.2%, Arcade 8.4%, Sci-fi 8%
- #44 PULSOR
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 26 reviews2019
Dev: robotragePub: RR Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
PULSOR is a fast paced shoot em' up space arcade game where you orbit a black hole. Use your quick reactions and aim to blast the obstacles in your way !
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.9%, Space 18.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Difficult 11.7%, Arcade 7.8%
- #45 PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Chain Damage Games
Windows
PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift is a sci-fi shoot 'em up game in the style of arcade classics. Dodge barrages of attacks, survive bullet hell bosses, and save Prismidia!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Space 11%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 9.5%
- #46 Enemy Mind
70% matchVery Positive85% of 797 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Space 18.5%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 8.5%
- #47 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Bullet Hell 23.8%, Space 10.6%, Anime 6.9%, Arcade 6.8%
- #48 Shikhondo(食魂徒) - Soul Eater
69% matchVery Positive83% of 216 reviews2017
Dev: DeerFarm
Windows
Select one of the Grim Reaper or girl. Find escaped yokai from limbo, extricate soul that they absorbed. You must reseal them after
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Bullet Hell 29.1%, Shooter 7.8%, Anime 6.1%, Action 6%
- #49 Echoes+
68% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Space 14.1%, Action 9.7%, Arcade 9.2%
- #50 1x! Space Adventure
68% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2020
Dev: Lunar Madcap
Windows
1x! Space Adventure is an arcade top-down shump with gradually increasing difficulty.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Arcade 13.8%, Shooter 12.6%, Space 11.3%
- #51 Beyond The Heavens
69% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: Zane Games
Windows
Beyond The Heavens is a arcade style shoot-em-up where you take control of a ship seeking to reach the destination that calls out to it. The journey will take place across several worlds including Heaven and Hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Space 19%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Action 9.8%, Shooter 9.2%
- #52 REMOTE LIFE
67% matchVery Positive90% of 221 reviews2019
Dev: Next Game Level
Windows
Remote Life is a 2D Side scrolling space shooter (shmup) for PC. Experience a fast paced action game with insane scary graphics, and hyper jump into a brutal-frenetic-techno-alien world. Free the world from this dreadful nightmare before its nauseating breath of horror destroys mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Space 18.1%, Shooter 8.2%, Arcade 7.8%
- #53 R-Type Final 2
67% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 34.3%, Space 13.8%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 12.1%, Side Scroller 6.7%
- #54 Exorush
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Thrashmodule
Windows
A 2D vertical shoot 'em up that lets you upgrade your ship with an insane amount of options. From missiles and pods to specials and shields, you can upgrade every bit of your ship from guns to thrusters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Arcade 11.7%, Shooter 11.1%, Futuristic 7.3%
- #55 GROOD
68% matchPositive87% of 46 reviews2018
Dev: CC ARTS
Windows · Mac
GROOD is an indie 2.5D Shoot 'em up made with spare robot parts and Heavy Metal🤘🏻. The gameplay blends classic Shoot 'em up mechanics with modern low poly graphics, particles, shaders, and a hardcore soundtrack. Annihilate an army of machines, and afterward, annihilate their bosses—go all the way to confirm that your battle paid off.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Difficult 20.3%, Action 10.8%, Indie 9%
- #56 Psyvariar 3
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Banana BytesPub: Red Art Games
Windows
Play as one of 7 pilots in this thrilling sequel to a SHMUP classic. The time has come for a new generation of Psyvariars to rise… and save humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Shooter 9.4%, Space 8.7%, Arcade 8.6%
- #57 Space way: Echo of the Galaxy
65% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2025
Dev: My general
Windows
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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Space 11.4%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 8.9%
- #58 One Way Road: Firehunt
66% matchMostly Positive73% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Shabunov LeonidPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 33%
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 24.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Space 13.6%, Futuristic 10.7%, Arcade 10.7%
- #59 Spherical Worlds: Evolution
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Infobyte
Windows · Linux
A distant human colony faces an enigmatic alien threat. As commander of a spherical battle droid, infiltrate alien spacecraft to neutralize the menace from within. Face AI-enhanced droids, upgrade your arsenal, and engage in high-speed action, mini-games and test your strategic skills and reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Space 14.9%, Futuristic 9.9%, Shooter 8.9%
- #60 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
67% matchVery Positive90% of 398 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Difficult 11%, Shooter 7.6%, Arcade 7.3%