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 48.4%, Bullet Hell 30.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Action 3.8%, Indie 3.6%

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 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15.1%, Score Attack 8.3%, Space 7.5%

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

"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 27.3%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Top-Down Shooter 18.8%, Score Attack 7.2%, Arcade 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the mobile-to-PC lineage and accessible, daily-challenge-focused structure found in Phoenix 2.

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 36.4%, Bullet Hell 35.2%, Arcade 11.1%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Action 5.8%

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.

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 40.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Arcade 12.5%, Action 3.3%, 2D 1.7%

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

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 41.4%, Bullet Hell 39.6%, Arcade 11.9%, Action 3.4%, Shooter 2.4%

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 30.6%, Bullet Hell 27.5%, Arcade 13.1%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Shooter 4.9%

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.

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 22.8%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15.5%, Score Attack 10%, Arcade 9.3%

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

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.2%, Bullet Hell 28%, Arcade 9%, Action 4.5%, Indie 4.3%

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 23.8%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Score Attack 16.7%, Arcade 10.1%, Space 5.6%

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 19.5%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Top-Down Shooter 16.6%, Arcade 8.5%, Top-Down 7.4%

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 23.3%, Top-Down Shooter 17.4%, Bullet Hell 17%, Arcade 10.2%, Top-Down 7.7%

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 19.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Score Attack 10.4%, Space 8.9%, Arcade 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 22.3%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Top-Down Shooter 19.4%, Score Attack 13.1%, Space 9.9%

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 45.2%, Bullet Hell 31.7%, Arcade 8.7%, Indie 3.4%, Action 2.7%

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

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 16.8%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.3%, Score Attack 9.8%, Space 8.1%

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

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 43.1%, Bullet Hell 37.5%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 4.2%, Indie 2.2%

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

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 19.9%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Top-Down Shooter 16.9%, Procedural Generation 11.4%, Score Attack 9.5%

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

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 17.7%, Top-Down Shooter 17%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Space 10.4%

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

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 46.1%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Arcade 8.6%, Top-Down 6.2%, Action 5%

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

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Arcade 19.3%, Space 12.9%, Action 10.6%, Shooter 8.5%

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

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 18.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.7%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Procedural Generation 11.3%, Space 7.5%

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

Lt Blitz has the city sieged, and it's your job to destroy his troops. Shoot, dodge and upgrade your jet and and try to take on this challenge! Burning Skies is a free, endless retro shmup, that will take you right back to the era of arcade machines, with modernized graphics and gameplay!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17.9%, Top-Down 8%, Procedural Generation 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A casual-friendly bullet hell that provides a quick, satisfying burst of action for short play sessions.

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 50.7%, Action 15.9%, Indie 13.1%, Retro 10.3%, Colorful 10%

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 20.5%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Top-Down Shooter 15.8%, Arcade 10.9%, Top-Down 6.4%

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

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 35.9%, Bullet Hell 30.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Sci-fi 6.4%, Shooter 6.4%

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

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 52.9%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Arcade 15.5%, Space 6.2%, Action 4.1%

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

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 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 16.1%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Score Attack 11.4%, Procedural Generation 11.2%

Configure the weaponry on your ship to blast away enemies as you navigate through swarms of bullets and space battles. Each ship has unique customization options and playstyles.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Top-Down Shooter 22.1%, Space 9.6%, Sci-fi 6.2%

A semi-procedural shoot-'em-up that will test your skills. Level up your ship, unlock amazing weapons, and defeat 5 formidable bosses. Challenge the infinite by facing real-time waves of enemies after completing all missions. Become the intergalactic hero now!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Procedural Generation 11.4%, Score Attack 11%, Top-Down Shooter 9%

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 21.7%, Top-Down Shooter 19.9%, Arcade 9.8%, Top-Down 8.1%

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 23.6%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Top-Down Shooter 18.7%, Score Attack 9.8%, Arcade 8.3%

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 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 13.9%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Space 9%, Arcade 8.2%

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 41.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Arcade 7.1%, Action 4.1%, Indie 3.5%

Outnumbered is a mass-enemy top-down shooter with rogue-lite elements. You may be greatly outnumbered, but not outpowered. Evolve into the ultimate weapon of destruction!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16.9%, Arcade 8%, Score Attack 6.8%

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 20.9%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Procedural Generation 13.9%, Arcade 9.1%, Space 8.8%

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 31.6%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Space 11.3%, Score Attack 7.7%, Arcade 7.4%

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 24.5%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Score Attack 13.8%, Arcade 10.7%, Top-Down 9.7%

Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Space 14%, Top-Down Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 9.8%

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 21.6%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Score Attack 14.5%, Arcade 11.8%, Space 8.6%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Top-Down Shooter 17.2%, Score Attack 8.6%, Arcade 7.7%

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 29.7%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Arcade 12.2%, Top-Down 7.8%, Shooter 7.2%

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 25.7%, Top-Down Shooter 25.2%, Top-Down 9.3%, Space 8.9%, Sci-fi 7.1%

Cycle 28 is a classic arcade space combat game where you have six minutes to beat your high-score. Simple controls, powerful upgrades, and intense dogfights. Perfect for when you just need to switch off and shoot something. See you on the scoreboard!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Score Attack 11.1%, Arcade 10.2%, Space 9.8%

Star Vortex is a fast paced Action-RPG inspired by classics of the genre. Design your ship, fight your way through hostile alien sectors, upgrade as you salvage rare weapons and experiment with different builds until nothing can stand against you.

Why similar: Sci-fi 33.2%, 2D 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.5%, Space 9.3%, Bullet Hell 9%

Furious Angels is a brutal score attack shooter with different waves each day. Compete on the leaderboards, transform into a flying tank and shred the skies to pieces!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Top-Down Shooter 19.5%, Score Attack 16%, Arcade 9.5%

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 21.5%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Score Attack 12.5%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 9.5%

Arcadium is a survival roguelite set in a dynamic, ever-changing universe. Journey across space, harvest planetary resources, and craft powerful builds to eradicate relentless waves of aliens. Each playthrough unveils a new and uncharted universe, ensuring endless challenges and discoveries.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13%, Procedural Generation 11.1%, Space 10.6%

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%, Top-Down Shooter 16.5%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 8%

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 28%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Action 16.3%, Space 12.6%, Sci-fi 7.4%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Space 13.6%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 5.3%

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 26.9%, Procedural Generation 16.8%, Space 14.4%, Arcade 11.5%, Sci-fi 8.8%

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 34.1%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Arcade 9.7%, Retro 5.4%, Space 5.1%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Score Attack 11.2%, Top-Down 10.4%

Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Top-Down Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 12.6%, Top-Down 5.9%

Beat Invaders is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up Roguelite - Fight your way through enemy fleets, unlock skills, items, ships, and upgrade them in the next run. Enjoy the smooth neon visuals matching the pushing EDM soundtrack - The perfect game to unwind.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Space 14.5%, Arcade 10.4%, Score Attack 7.4%

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Score Attack 14.4%, Bullet Hell 12%, Space 10.3%, Arcade 9.8%

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 28%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Score Attack 18.1%, Sci-fi 7.2%, Shooter 5.8%

Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.1%, Action 15.6%, Indie 12.4%