- #1 Bit Blaster XL
97% 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 22.5%, Difficult 13.1%, Arcade 12.7%, Score Attack 12.2%, Space 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-speed arcade shooter that captures the same addictive 'just one more try' loop.
- #2 Ikaruga
96% 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 53.1%, Arcade 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Action 5.3%, Difficult 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features a core color-switching mechanic that directly mirrors the color-matching reflex gameplay found in Polygoneer.
- #3 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
96% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26%, Arcade 19.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.6%, Retro 10%, Casual 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arena shooter that shares the neon-geometric aesthetic and chaotic, high-score-chasing gameplay.
- #4 BARRIER X
95% matchVery Positive85% of 2,336 reviews2016
Dev: NoclipPub: HypeTrain Digital
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Dodge! Shoot! Go faster! Break the sound barrier in this unbelievably fast game and go straight for the first place in the leaderboard of BARRIER X!
Why similar: Music 22.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.3%, Arcade 15.9%, Difficult 14.9%, Indie 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: A high-speed, reflex-intensive game that requires perfect timing and focus to survive its minimalist environments.
- #5 64.0
94% matchVery Positive90% of 1,489 reviews2017
Dev: rebel rabbit
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 67%
64.0 is a minimal fast-paced arcade game, where you shoot the squares that have the same color as the background.
Why similar: Difficult 19%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Retro 9.1%, Arcade 9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines rhythm and reflex-based difficulty in a minimalist setting that feels very similar to Polygoneer's intensity.
- #6 Super Hexagon
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 24,964 reviews2012
Dev: Terry Cavanagh
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27.6%, Difficult 26.9%, Arcade 13.1%, Music 9.2%, Indie 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for minimalist, reflex-based difficulty that tests your ability to react to geometric patterns.
- #7 Polychromatic
93% matchVery Positive94% of 51 reviews2015
Dev: Brushfire Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Polychromatic is a physics-based arcade shooter with a pop of color.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 31.5%, Great Soundtrack 23.8%, Arcade 16.6%, Indie 14.4%, Action 13.7%
Why You'll Like It: A colorful, physics-based arena shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action and geometric destruction.
- #8 Savant - Ascent
92% matchVery Positive92% of 2,796 reviews2013
Dev: D-Pad Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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: Music 21.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 19.3%, Score Attack 9.2%, Action 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, music-driven arcade shooter that requires quick reflexes and precise aiming.
- #9 Just Shapes & Beats
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 25,089 reviews2018
Dev: Berzerk Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.
Why similar: Music 33.9%, Great Soundtrack 30.1%, Difficult 18.1%, Action 6%, Indie 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-based, geometric bullet-hell game that demands precise movement and intense focus.
- #10 Super Hydorah
91% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Arcade 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Retro 10.4%, Action 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging, retro-styled shoot-em-up that rewards pattern recognition and quick reactions.
- #11 Devil Daggers
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 9,293 reviews2016
Dev: Sorath
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Devil Daggers is a fast-paced shooter that places you in an abyssal arena to face endless legions of demons. Armed with versatile magic daggers and a fluid movement system, fight to survive as long as you can.
Why similar: Difficult 32.6%, Retro 17%, Action 15.4%, Indie 13.6%, Arcade 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: An extreme-difficulty arena shooter that focuses on pure reflex and survival against overwhelming odds.
- #12 Cyberhunt
89% matchVery Positive85% of 2,639 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, Twin Stick Shooter 13.9%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 8.8%, Space 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled, fast-paced action game that focuses on quick movement and precise shooting.
- #13 Waves
89% 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 22.1%, Twin Stick Shooter 20.2%, Arcade 12.4%, Score Attack 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: An intense twin-stick arena shooter that focuses on high-speed movement and reflex-based combat.
- #14 Void Invaders
88% matchVery Positive85% of 406 reviews2015
Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Great Soundtrack 24.6%, Arcade 15.4%, Retro 11.2%, Action 11%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired arcade shooter that captures the chaotic energy of classic bullet-hell games.
- #15 Echoes+
86% 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 32.9%, Action 20.3%, Indie 14.5%, Arcade 13.2%, Space 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, bullet-hell arena shooter that tests your ability to navigate through dense patterns.
- #16 Tachyon Project
87% matchMostly Positive76% of 74 reviews2015
Dev: Eclipse GamesPub: SA Industry
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Tachyon Project is a dual stick shooter heavily inspired by classic shoot'em ups. We’ve combined many unique enemy types, a large variety of weapons and power-ups with innovative gameplay to ensure a long lasting challenge and discovery at every new level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Twin Stick Shooter 25.1%, Action 18%, Indie 15.6%, Arcade 14.1%
Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter with a strong focus on arcade scoring and fast-paced, reflex-heavy combat.
- #17 Grand Brix Shooter
86% matchVery Positive93% of 82 reviews2019
Dev: Intragames
Windows
Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Arcade 14.5%, Difficult 13.9%, Space 12.8%, Action 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shoot-em-up that features constant action and challenging boss encounters.
- #18 Downwell
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,486 reviews2015
Dev: MoppinPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.
Why similar: Arcade 19.3%, Difficult 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Indie 10.1%, Action 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, reflex-heavy arcade game with a minimalist aesthetic and a focus on constant movement.
- #19 Trigonarium
85% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2015
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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: Twin Stick Shooter 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Score Attack 11.2%, Arcade 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A geometric, twin-stick shooter that focuses on arena-based combat and high-score survival.
- #20 Danmaku Unlimited 3
84% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 41.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Arcade 16.1%, Action 14%, Indie 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity bullet hell shooter that emphasizes reflex-based dodging and precise movement.
- #21 Asteroids: Recharged
83% matchMostly Positive76% of 104 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 22.3%, Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Arcade 12.5%, Score Attack 10.1%, Space 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A modernized version of a classic arcade shooter that maintains the simple, reflex-based core of the original.
- #22 Thumper
82% matchVery Positive92% of 4,345 reviews2016
Dev: Drool
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 23.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Thumper is rhythm violence: classic rhythm-action, blistering speed, and brutal physicality. You are a space beetle. Brave the hellish void and confront a maniacal giant head from the future.
Why similar: Music 28.1%, Great Soundtrack 24.6%, Difficult 16.8%, Action 10.8%, Indie 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-based, intense game that requires extreme focus and reflex-based inputs to survive.
- #23 One Finger Death Punch
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 16,332 reviews2014
Dev: Silver Dollar Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Experience cinematic kung-fu battles in the fastest, most intense brawler the indie world has ever seen! With the unique 1:1 response system of One Finger Death Punch, players will feel the immediate feedback of every bone-crunching hit. Pay tribute to the masters using five classic kung-fu styles mixed with additional weapons.
Why similar: Action 26.5%, Indie 15.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Difficult 11.9%, Arcade 11.6%
Why You'll Like It: A reflex-based combat game that relies on color and input matching to succeed against waves of enemies.
- #24 Infinos Gaiden
81% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Action 19.1%, Indie 15.2%, Arcade 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style, challenging shoot-em-up that rewards players for mastering complex enemy patterns.
- #25 Bullet Hell Monday
79% 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 27.9%, Top-Down Shooter 20.6%, Arcade 12.6%, Score Attack 10.8%, Top-Down 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet difficult bullet hell shooter that focuses on reflex-based dodging and pattern recognition.
- #26 SPLIT BULLET
81% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Score Attack 11.4%, Arcade 11.1%, Casual 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, arcade-style shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action and reflex-based survival.
- #27 Super Crate Box
79% matchVery Positive89% of 6,461 reviews2012
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 38.7 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can.
Why similar: Arcade 18.6%, Action 15.8%, Indie 15.1%, Difficult 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast, arcade-style platformer that requires quick reflexes and constant adaptation to survive.
- #28 Cycle 28
80% matchVery Positive81% of 59 reviews2018
Dev: Pill Bug Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 16.5%, Twin Stick Shooter 16%, Arcade 10.9%, Score Attack 8.7%, Difficult 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style space shooter that focuses on quick reactions and survival.
- #29 Neon Drive
78% matchVery Positive83% of 2,150 reviews2016
Dev: Fraoula
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Neon Drive is a slick retro-futuristic, '80s inspired arcade game that will make your brain melt. You've been warned.From beautiful cityscapes and ocean roads to exploding enemy spaceships, Neon Drive has it all.
Why similar: Music 24.8%, Difficult 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Arcade 13%, 1980s 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A reflex-based, arcade-style obstacle avoidance game with a strong synth-wave aesthetic.
- #30 Undercroft Warriors
74% matchMostly Positive79% of 459 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Twin Stick Shooter 16.7%, Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Difficult 10%, Arcade 9.2%
- #31 Polygon Attack
77% matchVery Positive88% of 268 reviews2016
Dev: Magnolia Art
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Space 10.9%, Arcade 10.7%
- #32 Distant Space
76% 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 26%, Arcade 13.1%, Space 11.4%, 1980s 8%, Difficult 7.7%
- #33 1982
76% matchVery Positive93% of 801 reviews2017
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 36%
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
Why similar: Arcade 18.7%, Retro 16.6%, 1980s 13.9%, Action 10.5%, Casual 10.2%
- #34 Hyper Simon X
77% 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 15.5%, Music 10.9%, Action 10.6%, Top-Down Shooter 8.6%, Indie 8.6%
- #35 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
72% 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 30%, Top-Down Shooter 19.3%, Difficult 12.1%, Arcade 9.7%, Score Attack 7.4%
- #36 Planes, Bullets and Vodka
74% matchVery Positive86% of 2,589 reviews2016
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Arcade 11.3%, Score Attack 10.8%, Retro 9.3%, Difficult 9.2%
- #37 Breakpoint
71% matchVery Positive97% of 236 reviews2020
Dev: Studio AesthesiaPub: The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Breakpoint is a twin-stick slasher where your weapons explode. Break through the swarm to claim your spot on the online leaderboard.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 13.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Score Attack 10.2%, Arcade 8.8%
- #38 Story of a Cube
75% matchMixed77% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: TinyAtomGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Story of a Cube is an action packed shooter about a lone cube and his quest for revenge. Mixing elements of twin-stick shooters and bullet hell games, this is a hardcode arcade game with a crazy amount of explosions.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 12.1%, Difficult 11.6%
- #39 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
73% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Action 11.9%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 10.3%
- #40 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
72% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Arcade 17.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Action 10.7%
- #41 Grav Blazer
75% 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 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Space 9.2%, Action 9%
- #42 satryn deluxe
69% matchVery Positive97% of 132 reviews2021
Dev: maybell🌻
Windows · Linux
a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 28.4%, Arcade 16.2%, Score Attack 15.4%, Retro 11.7%, Action 9.5%
- #43 Galaxy Highways
66% 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: Twin Stick Shooter 22.9%, Top-Down Shooter 19.2%, Difficult 13.5%, Retro 7%, Space 6.5%
- #44 Incandescent
73% matchMixed68% of 172 reviews2015
Dev: Stephen Crabb
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Twin Stick Shooter 19.3%, Action 17.4%, Indie 14.1%, Arcade 11.5%
- #45 ZeroRanger
69% 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 34.5%, Great Soundtrack 21.9%, Arcade 9.7%, Action 8%, Indie 7.8%
- #46 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: Twin Stick Shooter 22%, Top-Down Shooter 20.6%, Arcade 17.7%, Casual 11.7%, Action 11.7%
- #47 Waveform
71% 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 20.8%, Indie 20.1%, Arcade 11.7%, Space 10.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.2%
- #48 Keyboard Killers
73% matchMixed49% of 465 reviews2017
Dev: Heaven Brotherhood
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Keyboard Killers is a difficult reflex game in which you destroy meteors in order to save your starship and your friend dragon(^-^) . You must be very fast to able to complete the game. More then 500 apm on most challenging levels.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 22.3%, Casual 15.2%, Action 14.8%, Indie 13%, Arcade 12%
- #49 TeraBlaster
71% matchMixed70% of 1,034 reviews2015
Dev: Black Shell Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
TeraBlaster is a top-down arcade shooter micro-game which draws heavy inspiration from Geometry Wars. Duke it out with hordes of enemies on randomly generated levels, trigger massive explosions, and die a truly glorious death.
Why similar: Casual 23.7%, Action 23%, Indie 21.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Retro 12.9%
- #50 Geometry Arena
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,401 reviews2021
Dev: 011 Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A free-form arena-shooter Roguelite with heavy emphasis on building an overpowered character! You play as a little shape that shoots other shapes! Strengthen your character by mixing and matching mods and upgrades, and experiment with a limitless rune upgrade system!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 29.1%, Score Attack 21.3%, Arcade 19.8%, Action 8.9%, Casual 8.6%
- #51 Sophstar
67% 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 22.5%, Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Arcade 11%, Score Attack 9.4%, Retro 8.4%
- #52 Astral Gunners
65% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2024
Dev: Sati Bros
Windows
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: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Difficult 13.2%, Score Attack 10.5%, Arcade 9%
- #53 Horizon Shift
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Action 28.6%, Indie 20.9%, Arcade 19.4%
- #54 Beat Hazard
67% matchVery Positive95% of 7,422 reviews2010
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Experience your music collection like 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: Music 24.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Twin Stick Shooter 22.8%, Space 8.1%, Arcade 5.5%
- #55 Beat Hazard 3
64% matchVery Positive83% of 646 reviews2024
Dev: Cold Beam Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Are you ready to explore your music collection mapped as a stunning galaxy of wonders? Experience your music collection as never before with this intense music driven twin stick shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
Why similar: Music 27.4%, Twin Stick Shooter 22.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Action 7.5%, Indie 6.6%
- #56 BLUE REVOLVER
67% 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 45.5%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Arcade 12.2%, Action 7.6%, Indie 7.4%
- #57 Switch 'N' Shoot
68% 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 24.1%, Score Attack 15.8%, Arcade 13.1%, Difficult 11.9%, Retro 8.5%
- #58 Space Smash
68% matchVery Positive89% of 53 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
A retro-style, fast-paced, and addictive shoot 'em up. A throwback to the classic arcade games of the 80s. Great for playing while waiting in line for another game. 🎮 (shmup)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Twin Stick Shooter 16.2%, Top-Down Shooter 10.5%, Score Attack 10.1%, Difficult 9.9%
- #59 Nebula
65% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 17.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13.3%, Space 11.1%, Arcade 10.3%