- #1 Polygoneer
97% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,730 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Space 10.9%, Arcade 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: Shares a similar minimalist aesthetic and arcade-focused gameplay loop centered on survival.
- #2 BLUE REVOLVER
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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 35.1%, Bullet Hell 23%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Arcade 9.2%, Indie 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly polished and intense bullet-hell experience that matches the high-octane energy of Polygon Attack.
- #3 Danmaku Unlimited 2
96% matchVery Positive93% of 481 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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 33.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Arcade 6.8%, Indie 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential bullet-hell shooter that focuses on dodging complex patterns and high-score chasing.
- #4 Switch 'N' Shoot
95% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Arcade 11.7%, Difficult 10.6%, Shooter 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist arcade shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and score-attack mechanics.
- #5 Sophstar
94% matchVery Positive100% of 102 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
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 17.9%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Top-Down Shooter 16%, Space 13.3%, Arcade 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter that features challenging boss encounters and tight, responsive controls.
- #6 ZeroRanger
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Great Soundtrack 21.7%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Arcade 7.6%, Indie 7%
Why You'll Like It: A deep and highly regarded bullet-hell game that captures the same sense of progression and challenge.
- #7 Super Star Path
93% matchVery Positive81% of 414 reviews2015
Dev: DYA Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Space 10.9%, Difficult 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Blends bullet-hell mechanics with arcade-style progression for a fast-paced experience.
- #8 SPLIT BULLET
91% matchVery Positive91% of 74 reviews2016
Dev: IndigoBlue Game StudioPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
SPLIT BULLET is a game all about 'splitting up' a massive crowd of enemies—yes, those polygons—crawling towards you. Don't let 'em get you and survive as long as you can, by using your instincts and weapons.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 16.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Shooter 9.6%, Arcade 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist shooter that focuses on precision and survival against endless waves of enemies.
- #9 Echoes+
91% 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 24.9%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Space 14.9%, Action 13.1%, Indie 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-speed arcade shooter that emphasizes survival and score-chasing.
- #10 Mushihimesama
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 32%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Arcade 11.8%, Difficult 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for bullet-hell shooters, offering the intense dodging gameplay found in Polygon Attack.
- #11 Bullet Hell Monday
89% matchVery Positive95% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
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 21.1%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Top-Down Shooter 18.2%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging bullet-hell game that captures the arcade spirit of the seed title.
- #12 DoDonPachi Resurrection
88% 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 31.3%, Bullet Hell 31.3%, Arcade 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Difficult 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: Features dense bullet patterns and high-speed action that will appeal to fans of challenging shooters.
- #13 Bladestar
89% matchMostly Positive70% of 107 reviews2016
Dev: Fair Weather Studios
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 20.7%, Space 20.2%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 10.9%, Sci-fi 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi arcade shooter that focuses on fast-paced action and enemy destruction.
- #14 Phoenix Force
87% matchVery Positive84% of 948 reviews2014
Dev: Awoker Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, Top-Down Shooter 15.5%, Difficult 10.5%, Shooter 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A boss-focused shooter that requires players to learn patterns and survive intense bullet storms.
- #15 Jamestown
86% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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 35.2%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Arcade 8.5%, Indie 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter with beautiful pixel art and a focus on overcoming difficult enemy waves.
- #16 Distant Space
86% 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 23.2%, Space 20.7%, Arcade 11.5%, Bullet Hell 9.1%, Difficult 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style space shooter that focuses on arcade action and pixel-art aesthetics.
- #17 Star Saviors
85% 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 29.9%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Space 12.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Indie 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A space-themed shooter that captures the arcade-style wave progression seen in Polygon Attack.
- #18 Galaxy Highways
81% matchVery Positive98% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
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: Top-Down Shooter 19%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Difficult 11.2%, Space 11.2%, Shooter 10%
Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that provides a difficult, space-themed arcade experience.
- #19 Ikaruga
84% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 33.5%, Bullet Hell 29.3%, Arcade 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Shooter 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter that requires precision and pattern recognition to survive boss encounters.
- #20 Legacy of the Elder Star
84% matchVery Positive88% of 73 reviews2016
Dev: Kickbomb Entertainment LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Legacy of the Elder Star is a mouse-driven shoot 'em up for the rest of us. You are the Cosmonaut, an eternal cosmic hero who must shatter the robotic Infinite Legion and rekindle a dying star!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Indie 12.9%, Action 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade shooter that focuses on boss fights and intense bullet-dodging.
- #21 Space Codex
83% matchVery Positive81% of 412 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Casual 25.5%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Arcade 13%
Why You'll Like It: A retro arcade shooter that focuses on simple mechanics and high-score survival.
- #22 Space War: Infinity
82% matchVery Positive90% of 124 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
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 18.8%, Space 17%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Top-Down Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade space shooter that provides a similar loop of wave-based combat and score chasing.
- #23 Hyper Simon X
82% matchMostly Positive70% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Hyper Simon X is an Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Puzzle game that ingeniously blends SHMUP mechanics with the classic nostalgia of 'Simon Says' memory games. Prepare for a challenge like no other as you destroy the enemies in the exact order displayed!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Space 14.3%, Top-Down Shooter 11.3%, Indie 10.7%, Action 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes quick reflexes and simple, addictive gameplay.
- #24 Cube Destroyer
81% matchVery Positive85% of 1,159 reviews2016
Dev: Freedomize Studio
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Cube Destroyer is a top-down shooter with a dynamic gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Indie 21.2%, Top-Down 15.1%, Action 12.3%, Shooter 12%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down arcade shooter that shares the minimalist aesthetic and wave-based gameplay.
- #25 Steel Vampire
80% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Indie 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes fast movement and dodging complex enemy patterns.
- #26 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
76% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"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 23.1%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Difficult 9.2%, Shooter 7.7%
- #27 Sine Mora EX
79% matchMixed65% of 678 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 26.7%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Difficult 13.1%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: A time-based bullet-hell shooter that offers a unique twist on the genre while maintaining high intensity.
- #28 Road Doom
79% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Agelvik
Windows
ROAD DOOM is an arcade bullet-hell with a cheesy story. On a quest to defeat the four horsemen, blast your way through evil beings with skills of immense power. Unleash your wrath!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 15.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Indie 10%
Why You'll Like It: A casual yet challenging bullet-hell shooter that fits the arcade-action vibe of the seed game.
- #29 Blast-off
77% matchVery Positive87% of 419 reviews2018
Dev: Quad-Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Blast-off is a hardcore jumper/runner/shmup, where your alter ego will be a ball of anti-matter seeking to leave our Universe. Anti-matter is extremely difficult to exist in our universe, because when it contact with matter it annihilates.
Why similar: Space 18.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Arcade 10%
- #30 Super Space Club
74% matchVery Positive82% of 50 reviews2023
Dev: GrahamOfLegend
Windows
Super Space Club is a lo-fi arcade space shooter to chill to. Defend a vibrant galaxy as a club of misfit heroes and battle endless waves of spacecrafts to the tune of atmospheric beats. Outlast your enemies and vibe to the rhythm of the stars.
Why similar: Space 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Bullet Hell 15%, Top-Down Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 10%
- #31 Defendoooooor!!
78% matchMixed46% of 68 reviews2017
Dev: White Dog GamesPub: SA Industry
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 14.6 hrs≥1hr: 47%
In Defendoooooor!!!, it's your job to fight an alien invasion.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 20.1%, Indie 14.2%, Action 13.3%, Arcade 11.2%, Adventure 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: An action-packed arcade game that focuses on defending against waves of enemies.
- #32 Beat Invaders
73% matchVery Positive96% of 201 reviews2022
Dev: Raffaele Picca
Windows · Linux
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: Space 21.7%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 10.5%
- #33 Grav Blazer
78% matchMixed48% of 157 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 12%
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 13.9%, Space 13.6%, Top-Down Shooter 12.5%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Sci-fi 8.6%
- #34 Galactic Glitch
68% matchVery Positive90% of 853 reviews2025
Dev: Crunchy Leaf Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 62%
A physics-powered action roguelike. Grab asteroids, catch missiles, and hurl them back at swarming enemies. Build wild loadouts, defeat colossal bosses, and push deeper into a collapsing galaxy.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.5%, Space 17.1%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Difficult 11%, Shooter 10.8%
- #35 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
75% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Space 18.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Indie 9.5%, Arcade 8.7%
- #36 Nebula
71% matchVery Positive87% of 181 reviews2023
Dev: JuTek Pixel
Windows
Survive in the deep void of the galaxy against thousands of invaders! Nebula is a challenging bullet hell, twin stick shooter where you have to face endless waves of space enemies. Additional map resources and space drones can provide you a support but be wary, they can as well become a deadly trap.
Why similar: Space 19.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Top-Down Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 8.8%
- #37 Geometry Survivor
71% matchMostly Positive75% of 102 reviews2024
Dev: Brain Seal Ltd
Windows
Geometry Survivor is rogue-lite survival where you fight waves of enemies. Unlock innovative upgrades in the shop, acquire new ships and conquer the unforgiving grid world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Top-Down Shooter 19.7%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 9.4%
- #38 Space Survival
77% matchMixed50% of 150 reviews2016
Dev: UltraShock Gaming LLCPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Space Survival is the next great SIMPLE 2D casual space action shooter where you have to defend against wave of enemies, have fast reflexes and strong will to win. It is great way to relax, but also a great challenge. How long can you stay focused?
Why similar: Space 18.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Top-Down Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 8%
- #39 Outnumbered
71% matchMostly Positive79% of 241 reviews2022
Dev: Amped Horizon
Windows
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 18.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.3%, Top-Down Shooter 15.3%, Shooter 9%, Arcade 8.4%
- #40 GalaxIverse
76% matchMostly Positive73% of 59 reviews2016
Dev: Sub Orbital Software
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 22.9%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 11.8%, Top-Down 7.5%
- #41 Waveform
74% matchVery Positive83% of 2,137 reviews2012
Dev: Eden Industries
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Navigate the beauty and hazards of the solar system while riding a wave of light through 100+ levels in this innovative action-puzzle game!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Indie 18.6%, Space 18.1%, Arcade 9.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.7%
- #42 Void Resurgence
67% matchVery Positive95% of 62 reviews2025
Dev: Puza Games
Windows · Mac
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: Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Space 13.7%, Arcade 8.9%
- #43 Nebulock
66% matchVery Positive87% of 542 reviews2025
Dev: LostVolBytes
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Nebulock is a short bullet-hell game with intense gameplay, where the player must destroy bosses made of blocks, collect resources and upgrade his spaceship.
Why similar: Space 22%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Arcade 11.3%, Difficult 10.2%
- #44 Captain Starshot
72% matchMostly Positive73% of 276 reviews2019
Dev: Double Door Games
Windows
Fight fierce hostile alien space ships to neutralize their defenses before you board their ships and battle intense on-foot encounters. Eliminate their forces and steal their technology to upgrade your squad with different abilities and save the galaxy!
Why similar: Space 18.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Difficult 8.1%
- #45 Space Moth DX
73% matchVery Positive81% of 133 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Arcade 11.5%, Indie 11%
- #46 Grav Blazer Squared
75% matchMixed40% of 85 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
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 19.6%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Space 14.9%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 10.7%
- #47 Nova Drift
62% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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 19.1%, Space 18.4%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 10.4%
- #48 Zolg
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 223 reviews2016
Dev: Robert Alvarez
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Zolg is a minimalist top-down shooter where you explore, fight enemies, collect powerups, and defeat bosses.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 28.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Top-Down 13.8%, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 11.2%
- #49 Half Hour Hexagon
68% matchVery Positive84% of 112 reviews2023
Dev: Carson Kompon
Windows
Obliterate a never-ending horde of enemies while you attempt to reach the 30 minute mark. Race to earn XP and level up to gain new items and opportunities for each run to become stronger than the last.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 24.1%, Top-Down Shooter 22.9%, Arcade 16.6%, Shooter 16.4%, Action 9.5%
- #50 PAWARUMI
72% 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 16.6%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Space 12%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 9.1%
- #51 BroodStar
68% matchVery Positive95% of 99 reviews2022
Dev: David Schmidthoffer
Windows · Mac · Linux
BroodStar is a classic arcade shmup with roguelike elements. Acquire crazy item combos, encounter strange events and fight challenging bosses on a quest to destroy the living planet, the BroodStar.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15.9%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Space 14.7%, Arcade 8.2%
- #52 Waves
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,549 reviews2011
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 22.5%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Shooter 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Arcade 12.4%
- #53 Phoenix 2
65% matchMixed67% of 211 reviews2025
Dev: Firi Games
Windows
A fast-paced shoot 'em up where skill matters. Master over 100 ships, unleash powerful special abilities, and blast through waves of Invaders. Play a new mission every day and climb the world-wide leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Space 14%, Top-Down Shooter 13.8%, Arcade 9.8%
- #54 Ether Loop
70% matchMostly Positive70% of 314 reviews2020
Dev: Moon Lens
Windows
Ether Loop is a hardcore fast-paced bullet hell with roguelike elements. Descend the unforgiving depths of a mysterious world, encounter challenges, discover dynamic environments and fight ruthless creatures while unveiling the secrets of Ether Loop.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 16.4%, Indie 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Action 13.3%, Top-Down Shooter 12.7%
- #55 Dark Old Sun
70% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
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: Action 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Space 15.5%, Bullet Hell 15%, Shooter 9.7%
- #56 GUNFIELD
62% matchVery Positive96% of 250 reviews2024
Dev: Shiv
Windows
GUNFIELD – A game that combines the genres: shoot 'em up, roguelite. Choose the perfect weapon combinations and upgrade your ship to destroy hordes of enemies and giant bosses, using strategy and a powerful arsenal.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Space 20.9%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, Sci-fi 9.8%
- #57 Bit Blaster XL
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 18.4%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Space 16.2%, Shooter 10.5%, Difficult 10.5%
- #58 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
69% 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 26.1%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 8.5%
- #59 Neon Striker
61% matchVery Positive89% of 81 reviews2025
Dev: Zeno's Adventure Team
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 19.9%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Space 13.5%, Shooter 10.2%