Games Like Project X: Light Years

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 29.6%, Side Scroller 23.2%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern continuation of a legendary horizontal shooter series that demands the same tactical precision as Project X.

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 47.5%, Arcade 17.5%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Action 7.7%, 2D 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant homage to 90s arcade shooters that balances fair difficulty with deep, rewarding mechanics.

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 35.3%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Shooter 11.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Linear 8%

Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel to a 90s classic that maintains the authentic feel and high-octane action of the original era.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Arcade 8.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Shooter 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of retro-style design that perfectly captures the escalating challenge and mastery-focused gameplay of classic shooters.

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 35.3%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Arcade 10.2%, Shooter 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic Amiga-style shooters that emphasizes fast-paced action and retro-inspired visuals.

DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.8%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Bullet Hell 15%, Arcade 12.6%, Space 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive horizontal shooter experience that offers massive scale and the intense arcade challenge you crave.

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 12.3%, 1990's 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A polished side-scrolling shooter that offers a modern take on classic arcade progression and boss fights.

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 58.4%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Action 12.2%, Arcade 9%, 2D 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, uncompromising tribute to 90s-style horizontal shooters with tight controls and challenging boss encounters.

Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Action 22.1%, Bullet Hell 18%, Arcade 15.8%

Why You'll Like It: This story-driven horizontal shooter offers a deep weapon customization system that rewards careful planning and skill.

New dramatic horizontal shoot ’em up that takes place in the same setting as Ginga Force. An immersive story that follows protagonist Natsuki. Discover the story of her past as a rookie pilot up to present day with events that are parallel to those in Ginga Force.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Action 30.9%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Arcade 14.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern horizontal shooter that features a unique trajectory-tracking system and high-stakes arcade gameplay.

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 41.1%, Bullet Hell 36.5%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 4.9%, Sci-fi 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for pattern-based mastery, requiring players to switch polarities to survive intense bullet patterns.

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 74.9%, Action 25.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired horizontal shooter that focuses on pure arcade action and reflex-based gameplay.

Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Arcade 10.5%, Score Attack 9.2%, Space 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential 90s horizontal arcade shooter that remains a benchmark for the genre's history.

Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Shooter 9.3%, Linear 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging side-scrolling shooter that tests your ability to navigate complex bullet patterns.

Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Bullet Hell 12.1%, Score Attack 8.6%, Shooter 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful recreation of 90s horizontal shmup design, capturing the exact feel of the era's arcade cabinets.

Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 8%, Space 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern horizontal shooter that respects the difficulty and mechanics of the 90s arcade golden age.

Cotton Reboot! is a completely remastered version of Cotton.Fantastic Night Dreams, the originator of the witchy shooting game released 30 years ago, with new features and the latest visual design.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 21.4%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Shooter 13.5%, Arcade 12.1%, Hand-drawn 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade horizontal shooter that combines a unique aesthetic with challenging, high-score-chasing gameplay.

22 years after its first appearance, the iconic Platypus is coming back, featuring updated gameplay, new weapons and additional content. Get ready to dive into the heart-pounding action of this fast, frantic, and incredibly fun arcade-style shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Shooter 12.2%, Arcade 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique claymation-style side-scrolling shooter that offers a fresh visual take on classic arcade mechanics.

Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.6%, Action 19%, Pixel Graphics 15.4%, 2D 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled horizontal shooter with a distinct 8-bit aesthetic and challenging level design.

The Rogue-Lite shooter where you CRASH-KILL comical abominations! ​Pilot your spaceship as Swagthulhu in this original and wacky "Lovecraftian Parody"!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Shooter 20.9%, Arcade 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, 2D 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-focused shooter that blends high-intensity action with roguelite elements for endless replayability.

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: Bullet Hell 39.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 5.5%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane arcade shooter that pushes the limits of screen-filling bullet patterns and player precision.

1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.

Why similar: Arcade 18.8%, Bullet Hell 17%, Shooter 16.6%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: A simple, pure arcade-style horizontal shooter that strips the genre down to its most essential, challenging elements.

LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN!! XENOTILT, the sequel to the cult hit, DEMON'S TILT. Get ready for another PINBALL FANTASY. XENOTILT shreds the envelope with face-melting gameplay & graphics.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Bullet Hell 27.5%, Arcade 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%, Sci-fi 6.8%

Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Shooter 8.8%, Space 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that pairs a distinct retro vibe with challenging, fast-paced combat.

Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Arcade 12.1%, Action 3.3%, Shooter 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell shooter that offers the ultimate test of skill for players who enjoy intense, pattern-based challenges.

Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Bullet Hell 35.7%, Arcade 10.1%, Side Scroller 7.5%, Shooter 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling bullet hell with a unique gothic theme and deep, rewarding scoring mechanics.

Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Shooter 16.7%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that emphasizes constant movement and aggressive play.

Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 12%, Colorful 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: High-intensity arcade action that demands absolute precision and rewards players who master its complex patterns.

An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Score Attack 12.7%, Shooter 12.6%, 1990's 8.6%

A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 22%, Arcade 10.2%, Score Attack 8.9%, Space 8.1%

For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Bullet Hell 28%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Classic arcade action with a historical twist, offering fast-paced horizontal shooting that feels right at home in the 90s.

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 20.9%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Shooter 10.9%, Score Attack 9.5%, Arcade 9.2%

A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter with a clever mechanic that allows you to possess enemies, adding a layer of strategy to the action.

The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Shooter 10%, Arcade 8.8%, Score Attack 8.2%

TURBO CHARGED PINBALL RETURNS! Now with bigger sprites, more baddies, more secrets & MORE BULLETS! Demon's Tilt pushes the limits of the Video Pinball genre with SHMUP & Hack N' Slash elements.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 34.3%, Arcade 21.9%, Score Attack 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%, 1990's 8.4%

Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Bullet Hell 30%, Arcade 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%, Action 5.1%

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 23.5%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 9%, Score Attack 8.3%

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 43.8%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Arcade 8.7%, Shooter 6.5%

Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Space 8.7%, Arcade 5.6%, Action 4.4%

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 39.1%, Bullet Hell 27%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 7.5%, Score Attack 7.5%

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%

Get ready to Bark’em Up! Play as Bullet, a C³ class (Cute Cybernetic Corgi) pup on his quest to save his owner, a brilliant scientist kidnapped by an alien race that wants to rule the galaxy. ProtoCorgi is a retro pixel art shoot’em up with a strong arcade feel!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Shooter 10.7%, Arcade 10.7%

Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Shooter 11.4%, Score Attack 9.6%, Space 9.3%

Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Arcade 21.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Action 9.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.8%

Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Bullet Hell 19%, Shooter 12.4%, Arcade 11.6%, Score Attack 6.2%

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 28.6%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Arcade 11.5%, Space 11%, Score Attack 10.3%

Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 42.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Arcade 6.9%, Shooter 6.1%, Action 4.1%

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: Space 44.8%, Arcade 35.4%, Action 19.8%

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 31.2%, Bullet Hell 28.7%, Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 11.4%, Action 7.8%

Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 11.1%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Bullet Hell 33.7%, Arcade 11%, Action 10.5%, Space 9.8%

ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Side Scroller 18%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Hand-drawn 9.6%, Shooter 8.8%

Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Side Scroller 17%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Linear 9.1%, Arcade 7.8%

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 41%, Bullet Hell 35.7%, Shooter 23.3%

Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.5%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Action 8.9%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Casual 1.9%

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 26.1%, Shooter 13.6%, Arcade 11.5%, Score Attack 9.9%, Space 9.6%