- #1 Full Moon Rush
97% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: Silkworm
Windows
Take on a howling challenge in Full Moon Rush! This classic shoot 'em up is a bullet hell masterpiece with a boss rush twist. With 15 epic battles and old-school graphics, you'll need expert shooting skills to survive. Customizable health and Assist Mode make it accessible to all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Bullet Hell 12.2%, Boss Rush 9.8% ★, Difficult 9%
- #2 Prison City
96% matchVery Positive85% of 170 reviews2023
Dev: Retroware
Windows
Prison City is a dystopian, action-packed side-scroller with tight mechanics and intricate level design. Battle Techno-Terrorists with your chakram and grenades, eat hot dogs for health, and locate contacts to help take down bosses.
Why similar: Boss Rush 35% ★, Side Scroller 14.7%, 2D Platformer 9.6%, Platformer 7.6%, Old School 7.1%
- #3 Terminator 2D: NO FATE
96% matchVery Positive84% of 1,337 reviews2025
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Reef Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Experience the thrill of Terminator 2: Judgment Day with arcade action & pixel-perfect graphics! In this unique story blending iconic scenes from the movie with original scenarios and multiple endings, humanity’s fate is yours to decide.
Why similar: Boss Rush 32.6% ★, Side Scroller 16.3%, 2D Platformer 10.7%, Shooter 8%, Arcade 7.3%
- #4 Andro Dunos II
95% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Difficult 13.6%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 9.4%
- #5 pixelBOT EXTREME!
94% matchPositive97% of 29 reviews2018
Dev: PlayHeart Games
Windows · Mac
EXTREME! retro side-scrolling shoot 'em up with a colorful twist! Become one with your controller, learn all rocket colors by heart and master a unique color-based destruction! SHOOT DIE RESPAWN! And most importantly... NEVER GIVE UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Bullet Hell 13%, Difficult 10.2%, Fast-Paced 9.5%
- #6 Guns of Fury
92% matchVery Positive88% of 848 reviews2025
Dev: Gelato Games Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Platformer 10.4%, Shooter 10.2%, Old School 9.7%
- #7 FAR FROM DEAD
94% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Brian O'Keefe
Windows · Mac
A twitchy shoot 'em up boss rush game inspired by run 'n gun classics. Fight your way through seven challenging bosses and hitch a ride off this awful planet.
Why similar: Boss Rush 37.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Bullet Hell 9.7%, Difficult 8.2%, Side Scroller 8.2%
- #8 Clash Force
93% matchMostly Positive78% of 155 reviews2017
Dev: Spicy Gyro GamesPub: Shiny Dolphin Games LLC
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 35%
A bite-sized, 8-bit style run-and-gun inspired by Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Difficult 14.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Platformer 10.1%
- #9 Steel Assault
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 435 reviews2021
Dev: Zenovia InteractivePub: Tribute Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.
Why similar: Side Scroller 14.5%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Fast-Paced 11.1%, 2D Platformer 10.7%, Difficult 9.7%
- #10 Just Cube
91% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Just Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Get ready for a challenge! Discover 12 unique locations full of obstacles, epic boss fights and dynamic action. Test your skills, reflexes and determination to complete the game in record time!
Why similar: Boss Rush 36.1% ★, Side Scroller 9.5%, Difficult 8.8%, Bullet Hell 8.3%, 2D Platformer 7%
- #11 Laboratory
89% matchPositive97% of 29 reviews2022
Dev: Far-Bear
Windows · Mac · Linux
The game is all about the challenge. It has no in-between levels, only boss fights. Each boss is unique and will challenge your instincts and reflexes. Every boss you defeat will grant you a valuable upgrade.
Why similar: Boss Rush 41.8% ★, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Difficult 9.1%, Fast-Paced 7.9%, 2D Platformer 7.6%
- #12 Bourbon Risky
90% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: HaJoonHeon
Windows
Bourbon Risky is a simple but deep boss rush action game with retro style graphics. Smash all enemies in your way with your eternal companion that blasting bullets and lasers!
Why similar: Boss Rush 54.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 11.8%, Difficult 8.3%, 2D Platformer 5.6%, Platformer 4.2%
- #13 Super Catboy
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 354 reviews2023
Dev: PixelpogoPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Super Catboy is an action-packed platformer created in a high-bit pixel art style, combining the best elements of the golden 16-bit platformer era of the 90s with some ‘pawsome’ new mechanics! And let’s not forget; there’s plenty of CAT CONTENT!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Side Scroller 15.1%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Shooter 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%
- #14 BLOOD=BULLETS
88% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: Slendykray
Windows
BLOOD=BULLETS is a bullet hell boss rush action platformer where you dash into bullets to refill ammo. In order to kill the blood itself, one must hack into the sequence.
Why similar: Boss Rush 49.7% ★, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Shooter 6.5%, 2D Platformer 6%, Platformer 5.7%
- #15 Nowhere Patrol
87% matchVery Positive98% of 222 reviews2018
Dev: Slugsoft
Windows
Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.
Why similar: Boss Rush 44.9% ★, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Difficult 11.2%, Platformer 6.4%
- #16 Spectacular Sparky
86% matchVery Positive87% of 168 reviews2021
Dev: FreakZone GamesPub: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows
A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Shooter 9.4%, Old School 9.4%, 2D Platformer 9%
- #17 Roto Force
86% matchVery Positive94% of 127 reviews2023
Dev: Accidently AwesomePub: PID Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Shoot and dash your way through frantic missions! A twin-stick shooter set in a rotating world. Unlock weapons, move quickly and fight tons of bosses.
Why similar: Boss Rush 40.6% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Difficult 8.5%, Fast-Paced 8.3%
- #18 Lilac 0
85% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 10.2%, Old School 8.2%
- #19 Just Squat
84% match8 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: Soonsoo
Windows
Just Squat is a shmup and visual Nobel game that focuses on boss fight by growing up a boy. Grow the boy by encountering various events at the gym and school, and push Babel out with all your might! The difficulty of boss fight and the boy's growth will be determined by the exercise you choose!
Why similar: Boss Rush 38% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, Difficult 9%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%
- #20 Rise of the Penguins 2: Penguin's Dark Ascent
82% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2025
Dev: Bill WooPub: Pwoo
Windows · Mac · Linux
Throw snowballs and navigate seven challenging levels as Kaito, a young penguin. Master platforming challenges, collect items, and face epic bosses in this 2D adventure.
Why similar: Boss Rush 21.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Side Scroller 16.6%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Platformer 9.7%
- #21 Halloween Forever
83% matchVery Positive91% of 181 reviews2016
Dev: Imaginary MonstersPub: Poppy Works
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Something mysterious is happening in the pumpkin patch this Halloween! You control Pumpkin Man, a humanoid pumpkin thing animated by occult forces on a quest to discover why things are so creepy. And you vomit candy corn.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Side Scroller 19.5%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Shooter 9.6%, Platformer 9.5%
- #22 Hyper Shapes
82% matchMostly Positive76% of 21 reviews2023
Dev: BlindShot StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Hyper Shapes is a frenetic minimalist Boss Rush where understanding the enemies attack patterns and weaknesses is key.
Why similar: Boss Rush 66.8% ★, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Arcade 8.6%, Action 2.5%, 2D 2.2%
- #23 The Lone Boss
84% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Hussam alotaibe
Windows
The Lone Boss is a challenging 2D pixel art boss fight. Confront a single enemy in a tight arena filled with fireballs and minions. As the boss evolves through multiple states and randomized attacks, one mistake will cost you the fight. Master the patterns and survive the ultimate test of focus.
Why similar: Boss Rush 50.6% ★, Difficult 12.8%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Platformer 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%
- #24 Dogfight Darlings
80% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2026
Dev: dull rat
Windows
Dogfight Darlings is a bite-sized, bullet hell boss rush featuring an aviation themed cast of plane girls! Take to the skies, unlock skills, and battle your way to victory through daring aerial combat in this game made entirely of boss fights.
Why similar: Boss Rush 46.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Difficult 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 6%
- #25 STARR RINGER
81% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Sterling McKay
Windows
Grab the fate of all life in your hands. Blast your way through the cosmos, destroying monstrous cosmic beasts and the space cultists summoning them, on your path to stopping your mother from unleashing the chaos realm upon the universe, in this sci-fi cosmic horror bullet-hell, STARR RINGER.
Why similar: Boss Rush 24.4% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Shooter 9%, Arcade 8.1%
- #26 Syder Reloaded
79% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Difficult 9.4%, Shooter 8.3%
- #27 Golden Hornet
81% matchVery Positive93% of 178 reviews2017
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Golden Hornet is a retro style twin-stick shooter. Become a pilot of the multipurpose helicopter 'Golden Hornet' — rescue hostages and destroy enemy outposts.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Difficult 11.2%, Shooter 7.7%
- #28 Contra: Operation Galuga
78% matchVery Positive88% of 909 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Side Scroller 17.6%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Shooter 10.8%, Platformer 10%
- #29 A Whole Wolfrush
77% matchVery Positive96% of 188 reviews2025
Dev: uglycoal
Windows
Four friends battle their way across space to claim a once-in-a-lifetime wish. Their lives are in your hands.
Why similar: Boss Rush 46.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, Arcade 7.8%, Sci-fi 4.8%
- #30 Twinkle Hunter
78% matchPositive100% of 30 reviews2024
Dev: Silver Cat
Windows
Twinkle Hunter is a 2D action game focused on boss battles. Become a hunter whose teddy bear was stolen by the great villain 'Twinkle Thieves', and experience journey to retrieve the teddy bear. Can you hunt the thieves who attack you in various ways and rescue the teddy bear 'Mari'?
Why similar: Boss Rush 23.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Side Scroller 21%, Shooter 9.9%, Platformer 9.8%
- #31 Shield Knight
79% matchMixed67% of 15 reviews2024
Dev: UnderLight
Windows
Gain glory by defeating several leaders of a kingdom in ruins using only your shield as a weapon. Talk to the few remaining inhabitants and discover what secrets this kingdom holds.
Why similar: Boss Rush 55.2% ★, Bullet Hell 13%, Difficult 12.2%, Platformer 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%
- #32 Fallen Leaf
76% matchVery Positive91% of 274 reviews2024
Dev: Delta Shore Games
Windows
Fallen Leaf is a retro side-scrolling adventure focused on tight, action-packed level design set in a whimsical world where almost anything goes!
Why similar: Side Scroller 23.6%, Platformer 18%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, 2D Platformer 11.5%, Old School 11.4%
- #33 Monkey King: Master of the Clouds | 中華大仙
77% matchMostly Positive73% of 22 reviews2018
Dev: Starfish-SD Inc.Pub: Retroism
Windows
Join Micheal Chang, the Monkey King, on his journey through famous landmarks of ancient China and fight off mythical creatures and legends in this classic arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Arcade 13.4%, Shooter 12.3%, Retro 9.8%
- #34 Rise of the Penguins GB
74% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2025
Dev: Bill WooPub: Pwoo
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro penguin platformer designed for Gameboy. Perfect for fans of penguins and anyone looking for a moderate challenge in a cold setting!
Why similar: Side Scroller 19.1%, Boss Rush 18.4% ★, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Platformer 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%
- #35 Offendron Warrior
75% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Difficult 11.3%, Shooter 7.9%
- #36 Major Hoof
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Matrix Reliability
Windows · Mac · Linux
The game is a 2D pixel-art shooter with both horizontal and vertical scrolling, featuring bullet hell elements. It combines a pixel-art aesthetic inspired by classic Amiga titles, fast-paced combat, and subtle skeletal animations in the background - creating a unique retro atmosphere!
Why similar: Boss Rush 36.8% ★, Side Scroller 14.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.7%, Bullet Hell 9.4%, 2D Platformer 9%
- #37 DRAINUS
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Shooter 15.9%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Side Scroller 7.1%, Action 6.1%
- #38 Animal Kostume
74% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2023
Dev: LGV
Windows · Mac · Linux
No talk, compadre. It's Animal Kostume time! Follow kroc-boy in his path to overcome a series of difficult levels in this hardcore 2D platformer with a lot of enemies, bullets and surprises.
Why similar: Side Scroller 18.7%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Difficult 13.3%, 2D Platformer 12.1%, Platformer 8.7%
- #39 Hell is Other Demons
73% matchVery Positive93% of 337 reviews2019
Dev: Cuddle Monster Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 53%
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: Bullet Hell 15.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.3%, Difficult 11%, Fast-Paced 10.7%, Side Scroller 10.5%
- #40 Cannonpistol
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SmokebackPub: Smokeback Studio
Windows
Forge your own path in a Boss rush hunting run and boom adventure as the last Goldchest hunter! Explore , build, battle in shineless lands and skies to reclaim what was lost till the last Goldchest beast falls!
Why similar: Boss Rush 41% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 13.4%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Difficult 8.8%
- #41 Rustled Pete
71% matchVery Positive97% of 74 reviews2023
Dev: lemon
Windows
Rustled Pete is a very unforgiving boss fighting game. There is only one boss in the game and his name is Pete The Rustled. He has 4 forms, each one is harder than the other. Good luck!
Why similar: Boss Rush 50.3% ★, Difficult 11.2%, Fast-Paced 9.7%, Arcade 6.4%, 2D Platformer 5.8%
- #42 R-Type Final 2
72% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Side Scroller 25%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 11.5%, Bullet Hell 6.4%
- #43 Vulture Strike
73% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Vulture Strike
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vulture Strike is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you have the ability to travel between 2 parallel timelines whenever you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Difficult 13.9%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Arcade 9%
- #44 Jetboard Joust
71% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Difficult 9%, Platformer 8.2%
- #45 Infernal Elements
69% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: JustMakeGames
Windows
A bullet hell, boss rush game, where you control the newest Fire Elemental on his journey fighting against the elements of the underground.
Why similar: Boss Rush 55.1% ★, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Difficult 10.6%, Fast-Paced 6.4%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%
- #46 The 7th Sign Project
69% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Try-Estate
Windows
The 7th Sign Project is a classic 2D-platformer action game inspired by Doom, Quake, Abuse, and Painkiller games. Our goal is to entertain the player with massive enemy fights, boss fights, and stirring music.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Side Scroller 13.7%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Platformer 11.4%
- #47 The X-Type
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, 2D Platformer 10.7%, Shooter 8.6%
- #48 Pedro Land DX
70% match8 user reviews88% of 8 reviews2022
Dev: FGMS
Windows
An intense, retro run-and-gun platformer western game!
Why similar: Boss Rush 39% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Platformer 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%, 2D Platformer 4.5%
- #49 Fairy Fire - Defender of the Fairies
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Stefan Preuss
Windows
Up for some retro arcade action? Extra weapons, upgrades, smart bombs etc are your favorite tools? Then this great arcade clone is for you! Survive waves of evil creatures in this fantastic, fast paced side scroller. If you like games like Defender, Data Storm or Drop Zone, you will LOVE Fairy Fire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Fast-Paced 10.3%, Shooter 9.2%
- #50 Bananner Nababber
68% matchVery Positive94% of 141 reviews2022
Dev: LazroolPub: GZ Storm
Windows
It's a nice sunny day in Neo-Tartaria and ruthless killer Harry Pippels and his pretend friend Humpty-Ho are guzzling down some sprutzels and racking up a debt at the bar. Their life of luxury is soon interrupted however when the Elder Demon's diabolical crypto schemes threaten the lands.
Why similar: Boss Rush 55.9% ★, Arcade 8.4%, Platformer 8%, 2D Platformer 7.3%, Old School 4.3%
- #51 Syder Arcade
70% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Arcade 8.9%, Shooter 8.1%
- #52 The Void Rains Upon Her Heart
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,905 reviews2018
Dev: Veyeral GamesPub: The Hidden Levels
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Help her heart battle tough bosses in this Boss Rush, Bullet-hell with rogue-like elements. Fight through several randomly chosen boss battles leading up to a final battle. Each defeated monster will give her random gifts that power up her heart. Don't let her heart break!
Why similar: Boss Rush 41.6% ★, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Difficult 6.1%, Side Scroller 4%
- #53 Feeble Light
68% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%
- #54 RYZY NYIL
67% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: SB_Games_Public
Windows
Vertical-scrolling 2D shooting game with three types of weapons
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 11.6%
- #55 War In Heaven
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SteventusPub: Steventus Games
Windows
Chaotic boss-rush, bullet-hell-y, twin-stick arena shooter mayhem! Dynamically changing arena forces you to be vigilant: Watch the bullets, watch the walls!
Why similar: Boss Rush 45.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Arcade 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%
- #56 Jet Gunner: Refueled
67% matchPositive87% of 15 reviews2025
Dev: Sinclair StrangePub: Clickteam
Windows
Jet Gunner is reloaded, remade and refueled for a new explosive 8-bit adventure. Relive the past glory days where VHS was king, phones didn't have screens and you'd have to blow into a cartridge to get your gaming fix.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Side Scroller 15.2%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Platformer 10.1%, Shooter 10%
- #57 Is It Wrong to Try to Shoot 'em Up Girls in a Dungeon?
67% matchVery Positive92% of 246 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: PQube
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Enjoy a free shoot'em up side-scrolling mini-game with the characters from the anime and JRPG DanMachi, and fight through stages of bullet hell and bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, 2D Platformer 11.1%, Shooter 8.3%
- #58 BULLETnico
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Difficult 13%, Arcade 7.3%, Shooter 7.2%
- #59 Blazing Chrome
66% matchVery Positive87% of 1,924 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, Retro 8.3%, Difficult 8.1%
- #60 Greedling: 2D Boss Rush
64% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2026
Dev: Goblin Catapult Studio
Windows
A silly-but-violent 2D boss rush where a laser-shooting eyeball battles deranged cartoon monsters in bullet-hell chaos. Time your special attacks, recover mid-fight, and survive gory slapstick deaths again and again.
Why similar: Boss Rush 48.5% ★, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Difficult 10%, Fast-Paced 7.9%, 2D Platformer 6.4%