- #1 Full Moon Rush
97% matchPositive95% of 21 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 14.7%, Side Scroller 12.9%, Bullet Hell 12%, Boss Rush 9.5% ★, Difficult 9.1%
- #2 Prison City
96% matchVery Positive84% of 182 reviews2023
Dev: Retroware
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 40.8% ★, Side Scroller 13.5%, 2D Platformer 8.7%, Shooter 7%, Old School 6.6%
- #3 Terminator 2D: NO FATE
96% matchVery Positive84% of 1,495 reviews2025
Dev: Bitmap BureauPub: Reef Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 31.8% ★, Side Scroller 16.9%, 2D Platformer 10.7%, Shooter 8.2%, Arcade 7.2%
- #4 Roto Force
95% matchVery Positive91% of 135 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 39.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Difficult 8.6%, Fast-Paced 8.4%
- #5 pixelBOT EXTREME!
94% matchPositive97% of 29 reviews2018
Dev: PlayHeart GamesPub: FusionPlay
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 15.8%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Difficult 10.3%, Fast-Paced 9.5%
- #6 Andro Dunos II
94% matchVery Positive92% of 233 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 33%
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 35.5%, Bullet Hell 20%, Difficult 13.7%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 9.2%
- #7 Nowhere Patrol
93% matchVery Positive97% of 239 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 43.8% ★, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.6%, Difficult 11.3%, Platformer 6.5%
- #8 FAR FROM DEAD
92% match4 user reviews75% of 4 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 36.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Bullet Hell 9.7%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Difficult 8.4%
- #9 Clash Force
91% matchMostly Positive78% of 156 reviews2017
Dev: Spicy Gyro GamesPub: Shiny Dolphin Games LLC
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 34%
A bite-sized, 8-bit style run-and-gun inspired by Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Difficult 14.3%, Shooter 10.7%, Platformer 10.2%
- #10 Steel Assault
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 445 reviews2021
Dev: Zenovia InteractivePub: Tribute Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 2.2 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 14.7%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Fast-Paced 11.1%, 2D Platformer 10.8%, Difficult 9.8%
- #11 Guns of Fury
89% matchVery Positive88% of 968 reviews2025
Dev: Gelato Games Ltd
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 21.1%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Platformer 10.5%, Shooter 10.3%, Old School 9.6%
- #12 Metaloid : Origin
90% matchPositive80% of 41 reviews2019
Dev: RetroRevolution
Windows · Mac
Metaloid: Origin is an fast-paced gun’n'run 2D platformer. Take on the role of one out of three android warrior's known as “Predator” and dash through 9 different levels in order to save their planet from an robot army led by Lucian Corp, whom invade their planet and exploit the planetary resources to fuel their galactic war efforts.
Why similar: Side Scroller 18.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 14%, Platformer 11.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Fast-Paced 9.2%
- #13 Just Cube
89% match1 user reviews100% of 1 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 35.4% ★, Side Scroller 9.8%, Difficult 8.9%, Bullet Hell 8.3%, 2D Platformer 7.1%
- #14 Bourbon Risky
88% matchPositive85% of 20 reviews2026
Dev: HaJoonHeonPub: Jang Hajun
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 53.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 12.1%, Difficult 8.5%, 2D Platformer 5.6%, Platformer 4.3%
- #15 Laboratory
87% 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 41.1% ★, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Difficult 9.3%, Fast-Paced 8%, 2D Platformer 7.7%
- #16 BLOOD=BULLETS
86% 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% ★, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Shooter 6.7%, 2D Platformer 6.1%, Platformer 5.9%
- #17 CometStriker DX
86% matchVery Positive98% of 65 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Difficult 11.6%, Shooter 8.1%
- #18 Space Elite Force II
85% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.
Why similar: Boss Rush 32.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Bullet Hell 10.4%, Fast-Paced 6.7%
- #19 R-Type Final 2
84% matchMostly Positive75% of 823 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 34.8%, Side Scroller 24.9%, Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Bullet Hell 6.6%
- #20 Spectacular Sparky
84% matchVery Positive88% of 192 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 17%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Shooter 9.5%, Old School 9.2%, Platformer 9.1%
- #21 Contract Rush DX
81% matchVery Positive100% of 277 reviews2025
Dev: FigburnPub: 2 Left Thumbs
Windows
Every character plays like an entirely different action game in Contract Rush DX. Explore a world inspired by 2000's flash animation, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Difficult 16.4%, Platformer 10.1%, Shooter 8.5%
- #22 Just Squat
82% 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 37.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Difficult 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%
- #23 DRAINUS
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,157 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 45.5%, Shooter 15.2%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Action 5.9%
- #24 Orbital Hell
83% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Eduard Corral
Windows · Linux
A first-person bullet hell in a world that curves above you: the horde comes from every direction. Bounce off enemy swarms, unleash orbital beams and shields, and topple colossal bosses in Normal and Boss Rush. Fight for #1 on the global leaderboards with replays. Full controller support.
Why similar: Boss Rush 38.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 11.2%, Bullet Hell 9.6%, Shooter 9.4%, Difficult 8.6%
- #25 Star Fire
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: TerraGleam Studio
Windows
STAR FIRE is a fast-paced, hand-drawn 2D boss rush bullet hell. Play as Eira, a stray catgirl driven by a long-lost promise, deep into the Astral Disc. Dash, jump, and weave through dense bullet patterns in stylish duels to defeat 12 Guardians and soothe their unresolved regrets.
Why similar: Boss Rush 41.9% ★, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Difficult 9.4%, 2D Platformer 7.2%
- #26 Halloween Forever
80% 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 21.8%, Side Scroller 19.7%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Shooter 9.7%, Platformer 9.6%
- #27 Rise of the Penguins 2: Penguin's Dark Ascent
78% 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 21.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Side Scroller 16.8%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Platformer 9.9%
- #28 Offendron Warrior
79% matchVery Positive87% of 51 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 18.3%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Difficult 11.4%, Shooter 8%
- #29 Syder Reloaded
77% matchPositive88% of 26 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 20.1%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Difficult 9.4%, Shooter 8.4%
- #30 Golden Hornet
78% matchVery Positive93% of 179 reviews2017
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 59%
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 18.1%, Side Scroller 16%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Difficult 11.3%, Shooter 7.8%
- #31 Dogfight Darlings
76% 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 45.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Difficult 9%, Pixel Graphics 6%
- #32 STARR RINGER
77% 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 23.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Shooter 9.2%, Arcade 8.1%
- #33 Twinkle Hunter
76% matchPositive100% of 33 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 23.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Shooter 10%, Platformer 10%
- #34 Contra: Operation Galuga
74% matchVery Positive87% of 969 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 21.9%, Side Scroller 17.7%, 2D Platformer 12.3%, Shooter 10.9%, Platformer 10.2%
- #35 Hyper Shapes
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 22 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 66.4% ★, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Arcade 8.7%, Action 2.6%, 2D 2.2%
- #36 Glorkian Warrior: The Trials Of Glork
75% matchVery Positive90% of 373 reviews2015
Dev: PixeljamPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
A retro mashup of a Galaga-style shoot-em-up and simple platforming action. Made in collaboration with Eisner-award-winning James Kochalka, based on his graphic novel series for kids.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Difficult 9.5%, 2D Platformer 8.4%
- #37 Shield Knight
74% matchMixed63% of 16 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 54.5% ★, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Difficult 12.5%, Platformer 8.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%
- #38 A Whole Wolfrush
71% matchVery Positive96% of 210 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 49.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Arcade 6.9%, Sci-fi 4.6%
- #39 Animal Kostume
73% 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 18.9%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Difficult 13.4%, 2D Platformer 12%, Platformer 8.9%
- #40 Hell is Other Demons
72% matchVery Positive93% of 338 reviews2019
Dev: Cuddle Monster Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 4.0 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 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.3%, Difficult 11.1%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Fast-Paced 10.7%
- #41 Rise of the Penguins GB
71% matchPositive88% of 17 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 19.4%, Boss Rush 17.9% ★, 2D Platformer 13.8%, Platformer 12%, Shoot 'Em Up 6.7%
- #42 MEGALITH
73% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: fosterPub: LEAFEGG LLC
Windows
MEGALITH is a difficult Bullet-Hell Boss-Rush where you fight against megalithic machines in a tiny spaceship.
Why similar: Boss Rush 50.6% ★, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Difficult 10.8%, Arcade 8%, Pixel Graphics 4.1%
- #43 Cannonpistol
73% 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 40.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Difficult 8.9%
- #44 Vulture Strike
72% 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 28.2%, Bullet Hell 18%, Difficult 13.9%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Arcade 8.8%
- #45 The 7th Sign Project
69% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 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 17.6%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Side Scroller 13.8%, 2D Platformer 12.4%, Platformer 11.6%
- #46 Fallen Leaf
68% matchVery Positive91% of 293 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 23.8%, Platformer 17.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, 2D Platformer 11.9%, Old School 11.3%
- #47 Syder Arcade
70% matchVery Positive83% of 695 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 35%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Side Scroller 9.9%, Arcade 8.7%, Shooter 8.2%
- #48 Fairy Fire - Defender of the Fairies
70% 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 16.5%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Fast-Paced 10.3%, Shooter 9.4%
- #49 Is It Wrong to Try to Shoot 'em Up Girls in a Dungeon?
68% matchVery Positive92% of 253 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: PQube
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 8.6 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 21.4%, Side Scroller 18%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, 2D Platformer 11%, Shooter 8.3%
- #50 Pedro Land DX
69% match8 user reviews88% of 8 reviews2022
Dev: FGMS
Windows
An intense, retro run-and-gun platformer western game!
Why similar: Boss Rush 38.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Platformer 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, 2D Platformer 4.5%
- #51 The X-Type
71% 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. 7 complete levels with its own epic boss and weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, 2D Platformer 10.5%, Shooter 8.7%
- #52 The Void Rains Upon Her Heart
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,994 reviews2018
Dev: Veyeral GamesPub: The Hidden Levels
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 21.6 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 40.8% ★, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Difficult 6.4%, Side Scroller 4.3%
- #53 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 19.2%, Side Scroller 15.3%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Platformer 10.2%, Shooter 10.1%
- #54 Infernal Elements
67% 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 54.5% ★, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Difficult 10.9%, Fast-Paced 6.6%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%
- #55 BULLETnico
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Difficult 13.1%, Shooter 7.3%, Arcade 7.2%
- #56 Feeble Light
68% matchPositive80% of 10 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 29.8%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 9%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%
- #57 RYZY NYIL
66% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2025
Dev: SB_Games_Public
Windows
Vertical-scrolling 2D shooting game with three types of weapons
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 11.5%
- #58 War In Heaven
69% 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 45.1% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Arcade 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%
- #59 Blazing Chrome
66% matchVery Positive87% of 1,972 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 22.1%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Difficult 8.3%, Retro 8.2%