Games Like Phoenix 2

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: Shoot 'Em Up 47.5%, Bullet Hell 31%, Arcade 11.2%, Indie 3.4%, Action 3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, fast-paced shooter with incredible polish and a focus on high-skill, rhythmic dodging.

A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Top-Down Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 7.9%, Old School 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished modern shooter that emphasizes movement and strategic ability usage against massive enemy waves.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Bullet Hell 35.4%, Arcade 12.3%, Sci-fi 6%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a similar modern aesthetic and accessible yet challenging bullet-hell gameplay that feels right at home for fans of Phoenix 2.

"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Arcade 8.1%, Score Attack 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the mobile-to-PC lineage and accessible, daily-challenge-focused structure found in Phoenix 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 40.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 2.7%, 2D 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell experience that provides the gold standard for pattern memorization and precision movement.

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 22.7%, Bullet Hell 17%, Top-Down Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 10.1%, Old School 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a strong ship upgrade system and daily tournament modes that mirror the progression loop of Phoenix 2.

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 19.8%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Top-Down Shooter 13.3%, Score Attack 9.8%, Arcade 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: One of the most influential shooters ever made, offering the deep scoring systems and intense action that define the genre.

A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 14.4%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Shooter 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique risk-reward mechanic that encourages players to get close to bullets, similar to the high-stakes gameplay of Phoenix 2.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Arcade 9.5%, Retro 7.4%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that blends classic shmup mechanics with creative, evolving gameplay sequences.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 18%, Score Attack 13.7%, Arcade 10.5%, Old School 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-difficulty score-attack game that distills the shmup experience down to its most essential, addictive core.

Akka Arrh is a modern take on a scrapped project from the 1980s, providing players with a fast-paced, addictive, arcade shooter experience and psychedelic visuals. Protect your life rings as you chain together combos and go for a high score!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 18%, Top-Down Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 9.7%, Score Attack 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-focused shooter that emphasizes score-chasing and intense, rhythmic action.

Movement is your weapon. A sci-fi action roguelike and shmup combined, in Gunlocked 2 you'll pilot and upgrade a state-of-the-art warship against endless waves of deadly aliens. Deep customization, branching paths, and tons of unlockables offer endless replayability!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Top-Down Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 10.6%, Old School 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike shooter that provides deep customization and replayability through its procedural mission structure.

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 19.2%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Arcade 9.3%, Old School 8.8%, Score Attack 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, high-energy reimagining of a classic that focuses on rhythm and arcade-style scoring.

Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15.4%, Score Attack 12.3%, Space 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Blends bullet-hell intensity with roguelite progression, offering a fast-paced experience that is easy to pick up and play.

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44%, Bullet Hell 30.8%, Arcade 9.3%, Retro 4.8%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully crafted shooter with high production values and a satisfying progression system that rewards skill.

Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Bullet Hell 37.1%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 3.4%, Shooter 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A unique side-scrolling bullet hell with a distinct aesthetic and deep, rewarding mechanics.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Top-Down Shooter 10.8%, Old School 9.1%, Score Attack 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: An arena-based shooter that emphasizes precision movement and survival against overwhelming odds.

Experience your music collection as never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.

Why similar: Procedural Generation 19.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Top-Down Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Uses procedural generation based on music to create unique, intense combat encounters that feel fresh every time.

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Arcade 21.4%, Shooter 10.5%, Space 9.8%, Action 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter with a focus on arcade-style progression and a variety of challenging mission types.

A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.6%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 5.2%, Top-Down 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, action-heavy shooter that focuses on satisfying combat and arcade-style progression.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Top-Down Shooter 13.2%, Procedural Generation 12.3%, Arcade 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arena shooter that rewards quick reflexes and strategic positioning in a bullet-hell environment.

The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Procedural Generation 12.3%, Top-Down Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art arcade shooter that captures the nostalgic feel of classic bullet hells with modern controls.

Inferno 2 is an intense, atmospheric twin-stick adventure-shooter. Blast through 80+ levels full of enemies and secrets while upgrading your ship the way you want.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 37.6%, Retro 21.3%, Colorful 15.3%, Action 13.2%, Indie 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that provides a high-intensity, arcade-focused experience with plenty of upgrades.

Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Arcade 12.5%, Top-Down Shooter 12.4%, Shooter 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter that provides a pure, challenging experience for those who enjoy traditional shmup patterns.

DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.5%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Arcade 17.1%, Space 4.6%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers massive scale and high production values with a wide variety of ships and branching paths.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Bullet Hell 30.1%, Arcade 14.4%, Shooter 7.7%, Sci-fi 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique time-based mechanics that add a layer of strategy to the traditional bullet-hell formula.

Vertical semi-procedural shmup with upgrades, real-time enemy waves, and infinite replayability. Level up your ship, unlock 20+ weapons, defeat 5 bosses, and survive endless bullet-hell combat.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Procedural Generation 11.5%, Score Attack 9.3%, Old School 8.7%

Command a starship in Void Resurgence, a retro-futuristic space roguelite. Battle through colorful cosmic fields, collect upgrades, and build your ultimate ship. Dodge intense bullet-hell patterns and fight for survival. Every run offers new challenges and permanent progress.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13.1%, Procedural Generation 12.7%, Score Attack 10.8%

Outnumbered is a mass-enemy top-down shooter where bullet heaven meets bullet hell. Evolve your ship, master your loadout and turn the tide against hordes of enemies. You may be outnumbered, but you are far from outpowered.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Top-Down Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 9.2%, Score Attack 6.2%

Phoenix Force is a shoot 'em up about a group of phoenixes that fight big and strong mythological creatures in over 100 levels. It takes the boss battle as the foundation for every level, creating engaging and challenging fast battles that will require your best strategies and reflexes.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 10.7%, Retro 7.7%

Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Arcade 7.8%, Action 3.4%, Indie 3.4%

Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Old School 10.7%, Score Attack 10.3%, Arcade 9.9%

Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Procedural Generation 14%, Arcade 9.7%, Space 6.4%

Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 13%, Top-Down Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 9.5%, Procedural Generation 8.5%

A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Retro 10.4%, Space 8.3%, Arcade 7.9%

Fast-paced retro shmup where space keeps shrinking. Collect energy orbs, avoid danger, unlock ships, and chase the highest score in this addictive arcade shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Old School 12.2%, Score Attack 11.4%, Arcade 10.6%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Bullet Hell 22%, Score Attack 11.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Retro 7.1%

Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Top-Down Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 8.6%, Score Attack 8.4%

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 22.6%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Arcade 13.4%, Score Attack 13%, Space 6.7%

Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Top-Down Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 9.8%, Score Attack 9%

Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Score Attack 12.6%, Arcade 10.1%, Space 8.5%

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 32.7%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Retro 10.7%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 4%

A fast‑paced 2.5D shooter built entirely solo on a custom engine, featuring multiple game modes, ship loadouts, online and local co‑op, and over a decade of continuous updates. Battle alien forces through handcrafted missions, survival challenges, and intense boss encounters.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Bullet Hell 23%, Procedural Generation 19.4%, Arcade 10.3%, Top-Down 6%

GalaxIverse is a top down fast paced vertical blastathon, Battle Fleets and formations of aliens with the occasional boss thrown in for good luck.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Arcade 13.2%, Shooter 8.6%, Colorful 6.3%

How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Top-Down Shooter 14%, Arcade 10.5%, Old School 9.3%, Score Attack 9.2%

A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Action 14.4%, Space 10%, Shooter 6.9%

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 28.6%, Arcade 10.9%, Retro 10.5%, Score Attack 8.7%, Space 8%

SCORCHING TECHBEAT ACTION! A frantic combo-based score attack shooter. Make combos to earn more time. Master all weapons and defeat a raving mad machine. 100% arcade action. Online ranking. Lots of achievements. A Dual Gunstrike spin off.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Procedural Generation 15.9%, Score Attack 11.4%, Top-Down Shooter 10.7%

A bullet heaven roguelite set in a procedurally generated universe. Land on planets to harvest resources, craft hundreds of game-breaking builds, and unleash them on relentless waves of aliens. Every run unveils a new universe: endless challenges, endless discoveries.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Procedural Generation 15.3%, Arcade 10.9%, Top-Down Shooter 7.5%

The ultra-hardcore, authentic vertical scrolling shooter game comes back to life in the modern age. Dodge, shoot, and destroy. Conquer all six stages and experience the real thrill of vertical scrolling shooter.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.4%, Top-Down Shooter 16.1%, Arcade 15.1%, Old School 11.6%, Score Attack 8.1%

An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.7%, Top-Down Shooter 19.6%, Colorful 8.7%, Retro 8.5%, Top-Down 7.3%

Vostok 2061 is a modern-graphics vertical scroll shooter. Gorgeous alien worlds, spaceships, and bosses. Explore mysteries as you listen to a great soundtrack!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.2%, Arcade 8.7%, Space 7.4%

Bladestar is a sci-fi cinematic action shooter featuring visually rich worlds with potentially endless enemies on each level. Defend the galaxy flying a Manta Starfighter through asteroid, mine, and debris fields while battling pirates, rebels, and aliens.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Procedural Generation 17.6%, Arcade 12.8%, Space 11%, Sci-fi 7.8%

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 33.2%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Top-Down Shooter 10.1%, Arcade 9.8%, Score Attack 6.9%

The sequel to Toaplan’s shoot ‘em up masterpiece Truxton is a thrilling insane space action with an unforgiving difficulty level. Enjoy the visually stunning pixel graphics and vibrant music as you dodge the high-speed bullet rain and take on tough bosses.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Top-Down Shooter 15.2%, Old School 13.4%, Arcade 11.7%, Space 9.2%

Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Bullet Hell 25.6%, Arcade 13.4%, Colorful 5%, Sci-fi 4.7%

An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Score Attack 15.3%, Retro 9.3%, Shooter 6.8%

Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Score Attack 10.9%, Arcade 10.5%, Space 8.5%