Games Like Platypus

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 41.5%, Action 37.3%, Local Co-Op 14.3%, Arcade 4.1%, Retro 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, retro-inspired shoot-'em-up that excels in local co-op gameplay and classic arcade difficulty.

Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!

Why similar: Action 75.7%, Local Co-Op 24.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes local co-op and intense bullet-hell action similar to the core experience of Platypus.

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: Action 62.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Retro 5.6%, Arcade 5%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the spirit of traditional arcade shooters with its retro aesthetic and challenging level design.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Action 54.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Local Co-Op 12.6%, Retro 5.5%, Arcade 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: While a run-and-gun, it captures the same 80s arcade aesthetic and satisfying side-scrolling action that made Platypus so memorable.

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: Action 49.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Local Co-Op 7.9%, Arcade 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shoot-'em-up features a unique visual style and time-manipulation mechanics that mirror the distinct artistic identity of Platypus.

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: Action 66%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Local Co-Op 9.6%, Arcade 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that emphasizes fast-paced, cooperative action and colorful, stylized visuals.

Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!

Why similar: Action 92.2%, Retro 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-inspired action game that focuses on precise movement and shooting mechanics.

A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!

Why similar: Action 70.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Local Co-Op 3%, Arcade 2.4%, Retro 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: A frantic, high-energy shooter that shares the side-scrolling bullet-hell DNA found in Platypus.

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: Action 53.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Local Co-Op 7.4%, Arcade 4.2%, Retro 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging shooter that offers a polished experience with a strong focus on progression and arcade-style fun.

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: Action 47.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Arcade 6.1%, Local Co-Op 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive side-scrolling shooter experience that offers the depth and variety expected by fans of the genre.

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

Why similar: Action 55.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Retro 4%, Arcade 3.8%, Local Co-Op 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in retro-style shmup design that rewards player skill with deep mechanics and a nostalgic feel.

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

Why similar: Action 51.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Arcade 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This chaotic, retro-styled space shooter combines procedural generation with the high-stakes action of classic arcade games.

Tower 57 is a fast-paced neo-retro shooter where cooperation is as important as your ammo capacity. As a member of an extraordinary task force fight your way through a dieselpunk megatower and uncover its hidden secrets.

Why similar: Action 95.8%, Local Co-Op 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter with a strong retro aesthetic and cooperative gameplay that feels right at home for fans of arcade-style titles.

Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.

Why similar: Action 64%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Retro 7.4%, Arcade 7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-action game that blends platforming with intense, retro-styled shooting.

Prepare for the dark world of The Chaos Engine, a steampunk Victorian age in which one or two players must fight the hostile creations of the Chaos Engine across four dynamic landscapes and take part in the ultimate battle.Choose from six hard-nailed mercenaries each with their own unique weapons and skills.

Why similar: Action 95.5%, Retro 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic retro title that emphasizes cooperative play and challenging, top-down arcade action.

Black Future ’88 is a Synth-Punk roguelike 2D action Shooter. Vertically climb an always evolving procedural tower to reach the top and kill its insane owner…before your heart explodes. Shoot, slash, dash and upgrade yourself to survive the endless waves of Homicidal AI, Traps & Colossal Wardens.

Why similar: Action 92.8%, Local Co-Op 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane, retro-styled action game that shares the intense, punishing nature of arcade classics.

Lock and load for chaotic, fast-paced action in Gunslugs! Battle the evil Black Duck Army across wild, procedurally generated levels packed with explosions, jetpacks, chicken guns, and rogue-like permadeath. Unlock heroes, conquer bizarre worlds, and fight your way to the gates of Hell!

Why similar: Action 63.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Local Co-Op 11.6%, Retro 6.5%, Arcade 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, retro-pixel platformer that leans into the over-the-top action and arcade fun found in Platypus.

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: Action 51.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Arcade 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality bullet-hell shooter that provides the intense, pattern-based gameplay fans of the genre crave.

Destropolis is a top-down shooter game with a fully destructible environment, hundreds of enemies and nuclear explosions. Fight a countless swarm of enemies. Tear them to pieces with bullets, lasers and explosions. Destroy as many of them as you can before they overwhelm you...

Why similar: Action 54.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Arcade 6.9%, Local Co-Op 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, top-down shooter that focuses on surviving waves of enemies in a destructible environment.

Dead End Job sends you into a madcap, Ren & Stimpy-esque world to bust up ghosts. It’s a procedurally generated, couch co-op, twin-stick shooter that straps a vacuum pack to your back and puts a plasma blaster in your hand. For you, it’s just another day in the office.

Why similar: Action 85.8%, Local Co-Op 10.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, action-packed shooter that supports local co-op and features a distinct, stylized visual approach.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 52.6%, Action 36.9%, Arcade 7.5%, Local Co-Op 2.2%, Retro 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary shooter that challenges players with unique color-switching mechanics, perfect for those who enjoy the technical side of shmups.

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: Action 51.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%, Arcade 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential bullet-hell experience that offers immense satisfaction through mastering complex enemy patterns.

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.

Why similar: Action 61.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Retro 4.4%, Arcade 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter that pairs a great soundtrack with challenging, pattern-heavy gameplay.

Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!

Why similar: Action 76.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Arcade 2.8%, Retro 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-intensity shooter that focuses on pure, arcade-style survival mechanics.

NYC 2055: a city beyond salvation. Blast your way through this dense cyberpunk jungle in NEON INFERNO, an explosive fusion of 2D run-and-gun and gallery-shooter, and help the Family dominate its streets!

Why similar: Action 56.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Local Co-Op 11.9%, Arcade 6.1%, Retro 5.9%

Extreme battles versus crazy bosses in this Intense 2D Platformer

Why similar: Action 79.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Local Co-Op 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D action game featuring a unique, hand-drawn art style that prioritizes boss-rush style combat.

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: Action 67.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Arcade 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the bullet-hell genre that features a great soundtrack and accessible yet deep gameplay.

A musical bullet-hell where all things beautiful are deadly. Dodge well little nanobot, you don't have much time.

Why similar: Action 76.9%, Local Co-Op 16%, Arcade 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-based bullet-hell game that requires precise movement and timing, appealing to players who enjoy the difficulty of shmups.

- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -

Why similar: Action 55.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Retro 7.9%, Arcade 7%

Make your way on foot, on a hoverbike, up skyscrapers, and down bottomless pits, as you exterminate a threat of unknown origin!

Why similar: Action 92.3%, Retro 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired platformer that captures the simple, addictive gameplay loop of early arcade titles.

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: Action 89.9%, Local Co-Op 10.1%

Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.

Why similar: Action 81.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%

Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.

Why similar: Action 56.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Local Co-Op 10.9%, Retro 5.8%, Arcade 0.9%

A band of aliens led by the careless Prince FaceBox have invaded the future city of Nucleusport, bombarding it with radioactive waste from their own polluted planet. Only one man has the tech and the cojones to fight back. Take on the role of Doc DuBrane and wield his super-powerful Prisma Cannon in this endless arcade-style shooter.

Why similar: Action 100%

RADical ROACH is a fast paced shoot em’ up, set minutes after nuclear hell falls from the sky engulfing all but a few tough little bugs.

Why similar: Action 81.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%

A puzzle-platformer set in a dystopian world where the invention of a cloning device has messed things up, big time. Armed with a clone gun and a mighty fine mustache, the chore of saving THE WHOLE OF CIVILIZATION rests on your shoulders. Don’t blow it.

Why similar: Action 93.6%, Local Co-Op 6.4%

Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.

Why similar: Action 57.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.2%, Arcade 7.4%

A sinister force now controls the city of Neutropolis. A once-thriving city full of beauty and light, Neutropolis has been reduced to a a stagnant pit of apathy.

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: Action 40.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Local Co-Op 22.3%, Arcade 5.3%

Unrest brews in the city of Arcadia, and a monstrous enemy approaches.

Why similar: Action 91.5%, Retro 8.5%

Escape failed! All we have left is our will to survive, the endless hordes of enemies, and enough bullets to rip them all to shreds. Blazing trail. Vertical co-op shooter, offering accessible, action-packed gameplay.

Why similar: Action 57.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Arcade 7%, Local Co-Op 3.1%

Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.

Why similar: Action 74.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Arcade 3.1%

Run, gun and explore an open undercity in this otherworldly non-linear Metroidvania adventure about the Old Gods, strange creatures and the remnants of a lost world!

Why similar: Action 86.7%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Retro 2.9%

Donuts 'N' Justice is a fast-paced 2d horizontal shoot-'em-up wherein you take the role of one of two Super Cops in the 1980s to defend their city against gangs, violence and corruption.

Why similar: Action 60.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Local Co-Op 11.8%, Retro 5.3%, Arcade 4.7%

You're outnumbered, low on ammunition and the paranoia sets in. This is an action horror-world where enemies get power-ups and you don’t.

Why similar: Action 97.4%, Retro 2.6%

Drive to Hell is an action-packed shooter where you'll take a ride through an army of monsters to exact revenge on the Demon King for destroying your favorite dive bar. Enemies assault from all sides, each with its own special personality and attack style.

Why similar: Action 81.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%

BULLETHELL is an experimental, retro-hardcore, barely playable, ultra-fast-paced arena top-down shooter.

Why similar: Action 98.5%, Arcade 1.5%

Earth Atlantis is a side-scrolling shooter with an original "Monster-Hunting" gameplay. Search and hunt down dreadful sea monsters and explore the post-apocalyptic underwater world.

Why similar: Action 69.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Retro 4.5%

Revenge will consume you, but redemption will push you to your breaking point.Play as Dusty, a multi- weapon wielding warrior ready to face loads of outlawed criminals, dangerous creatures and the ruthless evil villain that rules them all.

Why similar: Action 90.3%, Local Co-Op 9.7%

Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!

Why similar: Action 76.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Retro 4.1%

A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!

Why similar: Action 72.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Arcade 3%, Retro 1.2%

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: Action 66.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Local Co-Op 8.6%, Arcade 6.5%

Uncover the dark secrets of a gritty, tangled metropolis and battle diabolic villains with your trusty Gunbrella, a bulletproof brolly that doubles as a firearm.

Why similar: Action 100%

The world has gone mad and Flint Trucker must go down a long, creepy road to get back home and save his beloved Angelina. Blast your guns across different scenarios to fight hordes of ravenous beasts and bloodthirsty enemies.Will you survive?

Why similar: Action 83.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14%, Arcade 2.6%

Woodpunk is an exhilarating roguelike bullet hell retro pixel art shooter in a medieval Woodpunk universe, where the primary energy resource is WOOD.

Why similar: Action 75.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.6%, Local Co-Op 7.8%, Retro 4.1%

A symbiotic Flower and Wasp struggle to complete their lifecycle, in a challengingly twisted arcade experience. Control both characters at once in mind-bending Single Player, or team up with a friend in hectic Local Co-Op. Master the symbiotic duet, devour the swarm, and ascend the leaderboard.

Why similar: Action 75.9%, Local Co-Op 13.2%, Arcade 10.9%

Snow Plows vs Aliens: 4 player, local co-op chaos

Why similar: Action 86.7%, Local Co-Op 13.3%