Games Like Project Root

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: Shoot 'Em Up 48.8%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Action 8%, Shooter 5.7%, Indie 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a polished, high-energy bullet-hell experience that fits perfectly with the arcade roots of the seed game.

Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Action 9.8%, Arcade 8.9%, Shooter 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the mission-based structure and open-feeling environments that make Project Root's gameplay so engaging.

Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.7%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 10.6%, Action 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: An evolution of the previous title, offering more depth and polish in its arcade-style combat.

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 45.9%, Bullet Hell 21%, Shooter 15.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning side-scrolling shooter that matches the cinematic quality and intensity of Project Root.

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 54.9%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Arcade 10%, Shooter 5%, Action 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational masterpiece of the genre that demands the same level of precision and pattern recognition as Project Root.

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 56.6%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Arcade 7.7%, Action 7.3%, Indie 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, modern arcade shooter that emphasizes high-octane action and satisfying combat mechanics.

Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.2%, Action 22.5%, Indie 14.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features similar 3D-style shooter mechanics and a focus on maneuvering through complex enemy patterns.

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 47.1%, Action 24.2%, Indie 16.4%, Arcade 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that captures the same arcade intensity and chaotic action as Project Root.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 51.9%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Arcade 10.3%, Action 6.9%, Shooter 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered a gold standard for bullet-hell games, it offers the ultimate test of skill and reaction time.

Project Starship is an arcade bullet-hell with random mechanics. No match will ever be the same. Who will you be? Garret or Gwen? Will you save the world from the mighty cthulhu?

Why similar: Indie 74%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.8%, Action 7.8%, Bullet Hell 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic and fun bullet-hell shooter that focuses on arcade-style scoring and quick sessions.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.9%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Action 9.3%, Arcade 7.3%, Indie 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that blends classic shmup mechanics with innovative design and intense boss encounters.

Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.8%, Action 28.8%, Indie 17.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled shmup that delivers high-octane action and challenging bullet patterns.

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 42.1%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Shooter 16.7%, Arcade 11.6%, Action 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell title that delivers the extreme density and speed found in the most challenging parts of Project Root.

The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Action 12.4%, Arcade 11.7%, Indie 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade shooter that offers 360-degree freedom of movement, similar to the open-scenario feel of the seed game.

AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.3%, Bullet Hell 23.5%, Shooter 23.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter with great visuals and fast-paced gameplay that feels right at home in this list.

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 41.1%, Action 29.2%, Indie 16.8%, Arcade 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique twist on the arcade shooter formula with its multi-directional gameplay mechanics.

A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.4%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Shooter 12.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It rewards players for taking risks near enemy fire, a mechanic that complements the skill-based gameplay of Project Root.

A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.4%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Action 9.8%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D-style arcade shooter that focuses on mission-based combat and satisfying destruction.

"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 47.2%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Shooter 11%, Action 9%, Arcade 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet deeply challenging bullet-hell experience that is perfect for fans of the genre.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist but incredibly challenging arcade game that tests your timing and reflexes.

Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.6%, Action 20.6%, Indie 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes weapon progression and intense boss battles.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Bullet Hell 20%, Action 19.6%, Indie 11%, Arcade 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, neon-drenched arcade shooter that focuses on pure skill and high scores.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 12.3%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines classic shmup action with roguelike elements, providing endless replayability for fans of the genre.

Razor2: Hidden Skies Razor2: Hidden Skies is a top view shooter. The game has the style of successful classic arcade games, while using the latest technology to create great visuals and effects. An old-school game with all new technology.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.7%, Action 19.5%, Indie 12%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Arcade 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style side-scrolling shooter that provides a nostalgic and challenging experience.

Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Action 16.9%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Arcade 13%, Indie 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-style arcade shooter that emphasizes fast movement and classic combat loops.

A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.9%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Action 12.9%, Shooter 12.6%, Indie 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired shooter that focuses on side-scrolling action and classic power-up mechanics.

Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Action 28.2%, Indie 18.6%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, arcade-style shooter that provides quick and satisfying action.

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.9%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Action 8.2%, Arcade 7.2%, Shooter 6.5%

Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Action 17.2%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Indie 11%, Shooter 10.9%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.2%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Action 15%, Arcade 11.5%, Indie 10.2%

Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Action 26.8%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Indie 15.4%

C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.5%, Action 13.6%, Shooter 10.9%, Indie 10.2%, Arcade 6.8%

Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?

Why similar: Action 41.5%, Arcade 29.9%, Indie 28.5%

Hyper Bounce Blast is a stomach-churning retro shooter blended with classic platforming action. Bounce, shoot and dodge to survive the ever-increasing enemy attack. Bring it on!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.7%, Action 25.7%, Indie 16%, Arcade 12.7%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 34.9%, Action 33.5%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Shooter 12.5%, Indie 4.8%

Qualia 3 is a 2D shoot-’em-up game that brings a few unique elements to the classic genre. In the unknown expanse of the deep sea, survival of the fittest is taken to a whole new level. The weak and slow perish while the strong survive.

Why similar: Action 61.7%, Indie 38.3%

A classic style vertical scrolling-shooter. Includes 10 levels and 10 boss enemies. You will have several power-ups for weapon modification. Within each level, you will face different enemies, among which will vary from low to extreme levels of threat!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.4%, Indie 28.3%, Action 19.3%

Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Action 24.1%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Indie 15.9%, Shooter 12.9%

Drifting Lands is an hybrid of classical horizontal shoot'em'up with a lot of strong gameplay elements coming straight from the action-RPG genre. If you want an original diablo-like game or you want a different kind of shoot'em'up, you're in the right place!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Action 18.6%, Indie 13.5%, Bullet Hell 12.9%

"Aeve:Zero Gravity" is an arcade space shooter about battles in open space. In a classic mode "Shoot'em'all"

Why similar: Action 60.3%, Indie 39.7%

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 50.6%, Action 23.9%, Indie 15.3%, Arcade 10.2%

Some say you’re only as old as you feel. Shmups Skill Test says you’re only as old as you shoot! Shmups Skill Test is a clever way to evaluate your shmup skills in the form of a "gamer age". Challenge and unlock shoot-’em-up-based minigames in a gauntlet of shmup nostalgia goodness.

Why similar: Action 100%

Close Order is an arcade shooter with one simple goal: become a badass armada! In this mashup of genres, defeat enemies for parts to build up an armada of ships around you. Fight from a distance, charge headfirst into battle, or create a mix of anything and everything. You decide how to play!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Action 21.5%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Indie 14.2%

Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Action 15%, Shooter 11%, Indie 9.6%

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 44.3%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 10.8%, Action 7.8%

'Things will explode, things will die, you will dodge, you will do maths...Yes maths!' Super Killer Hornet Resurrection is an intense vertical shooter with a brain train twist. Through the chaos and explosion try to answer the falling math problems to increase your multiplier and power up your ship.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Indie 23.2%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Arcade 5.6%

Dive in Project Tower, a third-person shooter mixing intense bullet hell combat with a unique morphing ability. Imprisoned by the "Hiks", fight to the top of their deadly tower for freedom. Will you outsmart them and make your way out ?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.3%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Shooter 18.3%, Action 12.9%

Red Death is a vertical shooter, Prologue of the series Project Starship!

Why similar: Action 52.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Bullet Hell 12%, Indie 9.6%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Action 22.8%, Indie 14.6%

Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Bullet Hell 19%, Shooter 16.2%, Arcade 11.5%, Action 9.5%

Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.2%, Action 34.8%

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 37%, Bullet Hell 17%, Shooter 14.1%, Action 13.9%, Arcade 10.3%

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 39.9%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Shooter 15.5%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 9.3%

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 44.3%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Arcade 12.3%, Action 9.6%, Shooter 7.2%

Nemo Dungeon is a rogue-like game which you can control skillful characters with 4 unique skills. Kill your enemies, dodge their bullets, and gather various items which make you stronger.

Why similar: Action 39.7%, Bullet Hell 32.9%, Indie 27.4%

Bullet Candy is a fast paced, action packed arena shooter. There are a variety of combo systems and many secret techniques that you can employ to get the best score and weapon upgrades possible. Viewed from a top-down perspective, Bullet Candy allows for a true 360° shoot-em-up experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.4%, Indie 24.3%, Arcade 17.3%

The ultra-hardcore, authentic vertical scrolling shooter game comes back to life in the modern age. Dodge, shoot, and destroy. Conquer all six stages and experience the real thrill of vertical scrolling shooter.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.9%, Action 26.3%, Shooter 25.4%, Arcade 19.5%