- #1 ESCHATOS
97% matchVery Positive97% of 301 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 70%
An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Top-Down Shooter 18.9%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Shooter 9%, Arcade 7.5%
- #2 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
96% matchVery Positive97% of 367 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 17.1%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Difficult 9.8%, Shooter 8.8%
- #3 BIRDCAGE
95% matchVery Positive97% of 208 reviews2025
Dev: POLYGON BIRD
Windows
Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Difficult 10.6%, Post-apocalyptic 10.2%
- #4 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Top-Down Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 6.6%, Shooter 6.2%
- #5 Mushihimesama
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,541 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 36.8%, Bullet Hell 36.5%, Arcade 10.1%, Difficult 8.1%, Anime 4.3%
- #6 Ikaruga
94% matchVery Positive95% of 2,317 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.1 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 42.1%, Bullet Hell 34.3%, Arcade 10.6%, Difficult 4.6%, Shooter 4.4%
- #7 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
93% matchVery Positive91% of 402 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, 2.5D 11.6%, Difficult 9.6%, Shooter 7.9%
- #8 PAWARUMI
92% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!
Why similar: 2.5D 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Difficult 10%, Arcade 8.5%
- #9 BLUE REVOLVER
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 870 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 46%, Bullet Hell 29.1%, Arcade 8.7%, Difficult 5.7%, Anime 5.1%
- #10 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
91% matchMixed56% of 529 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.7%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 4.9%
- #11 XIIZEAL
90% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Top-Down Shooter 18.6%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Difficult 13.2%, Shooter 8.7%
- #12 Sophstar
89% matchVery Positive100% of 103 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 22.3%, Top-Down Shooter 20.5%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Shooter 8.1%, Arcade 7.7%
- #13 Danmaku Unlimited 2
88% matchVery Positive93% of 482 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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 42.5%, Bullet Hell 42%, Arcade 6.6%, Shooter 5.8%, Action 3.1%
- #14 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 813 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 27.6%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, 2.5D 12.4%, Shooter 12.3%, Score Attack 11.6%
- #15 ALLTYNEX Second
87% matchVery Positive85% of 163 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 27%
The year is 2192AD. 40 years ago, the Stellar-class All-purpose Administrative Computer ALLTYNEX suddenly attempted to enact genocide upon mankind. Commandeering armies of unmanned weapons, ALLTYNEX enacted a massacre so terrible that within only 72 hours of the start of the incident, approximately 85% of the world's population had...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.5%, 2.5D 19.5%, Bullet Hell 17%, Shooter 9.6%, Action 7.3%
- #16 Rigid Force Alpha
86% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, 2.5D 16.7%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Score Attack 10.5%, Shooter 10.3%
- #17 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
86% matchVery Positive82% of 816 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 55.8%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Arcade 14.5%, Shooter 4.6%, Difficult 4%
- #18 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
85% matchVery Positive88% of 1,630 reviews2014
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, 2.5D 16.7%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 8.7%
- #19 DRAINUS
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,121 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 56.3%, Shooter 19.8%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Action 7.1%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #20 Graze Counter
83% matchVery Positive96% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Difficult 11.9%, Arcade 9.4%, Anime 7.5%
- #21 Gunvein
81% matchVery Positive97% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Bullet Hell 27.7%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 9%, Sci-fi 5%
- #22 Angel at Dusk
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,666 reviews2024
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Overwhelmingly bizarre beauty. Shoot, dodge, and destroy! A shmup where an apocalyptic world awakens to primal desires!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.8%, Shooter 21.5%, Post-apocalyptic 16.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.9%, Dark 7.8%
- #23 DELTAZEAL
84% matchMostly Positive76% of 80 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 26.4%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Difficult 8.2%, Arcade 6.9%
- #24 Ginga Force
82% matchVery Positive80% of 228 reviews2020
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 46%
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 43.5%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Action 15.5%, Arcade 13.9%, Anime 9.5%
- #25 Railgunners
81% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Difficult 14.2%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 9.1%
- #26 Space Invaders Extreme
80% matchVery Positive87% of 265 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 23%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Difficult 14.6%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 9%
- #27 Lilac 0
77% matchVery Positive95% of 75 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 33%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Arcade 12.9%, Shooter 12.4%, Futuristic 7.1%
- #28 Star Saviors
79% matchVery Positive82% of 1,684 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 47.8%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Difficult 6.4%, Arcade 5.6%, Shooter 4.3%
- #29 DoDonPachi Resurrection
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,062 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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: Top-Down Shooter 20.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Shooter 9.4%, Arcade 7.9%
- #30 Dark Old Sun
78% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 30.1%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Difficult 14.6%, Action 12.9%, Shooter 12.5%
- #31 Eigengrau
76% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, 2.5D 12.1%, Difficult 11.1%, Top-Down Shooter 9.5%
- #32 Touhou Kinjoukyou ~ Fossilized Wonders.
72% matchVery Positive91% of 821 reviews2025
Dev: 上海アリス幻樂団Pub: Mediascape Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Team Shanghai Alice presents a bullet hell shooter! The 20th installment of the Touhou Project. Utilize the powers you've acquired to overcome new challenges!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Bullet Hell 29.7%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 10.1%, Score Attack 6.8%
- #33 Sine Mora
76% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 53.6%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Arcade 9.5%, Shooter 7.1%, Action 3.4%
- #34 ZeroRanger
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,161 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.6%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 8.1%, Shooter 5.1%, Difficult 5%
- #35 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
75% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 81.4%, Action 18.6%
- #36 Deathsmiles
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 617 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 41.9%, Bullet Hell 35.4%, Arcade 9.9%, Anime 6%, Shooter 3.9%
- #37 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
75% matchVery Positive84% of 605 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 35.5%, Bullet Hell 29.2%, Difficult 9.5%, Arcade 9%, Retro 5.9%
- #38 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 26.3%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Top-Down Shooter 20.2%, Difficult 12.8%, Shooter 7.1%
- #39 GUNFIELD
70% matchVery Positive96% of 257 reviews2024
Dev: Shiv
Windows
GUNFIELD – A game that combines the genres: shoot 'em up, roguelite. Choose the perfect weapon combinations and upgrade your ship to destroy hordes of enemies and giant bosses, using strategy and a powerful arsenal.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.2%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Top-Down Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 9.2%, Anime 5.8%
- #40 Vostok 2061
73% matchMostly Positive67% of 57 reviews2022
Dev: DYV's Game
Windows
Vostok 2061 is a modern-graphics vertical scroll shooter. Gorgeous alien worlds, spaceships, and bosses. Explore mysteries as you listen to a great soundtrack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Top-Down Shooter 19.6%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, 2.5D 9.2%, Shooter 9.2%
- #41 Earthion
68% matchVery Positive96% of 484 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 9.8%, Retro 7.2%
- #42 Neptunia Shooter
71% matchVery Positive88% of 740 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 66.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 36.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Anime 9.4%, Retro 4.7%, Action 4.1%
- #43 Sine Mora EX
73% matchMixed64% of 681 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 24.6%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Difficult 14.8%, 2.5D 13.7%, Shooter 9.5%
- #44 Interstellar Sentinel
70% matchVery Positive98% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Uplifting Goat LLC.
Windows
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 32.1%, Bullet Hell 23.5%, Shooter 12.8%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Anime 7.3%
- #45 Assault Android Cactus+
71% matchVery Positive94% of 2,002 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Difficult 17.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 9.7%
- #46 BULLET SOUL
73% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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%, Bullet Hell 31.8%, Anime 9.8%, Action 6.2%, Sci-fi 6.2%
- #47 Ghost Grab 3000
71% matchVery Positive98% of 50 reviews2019
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Introducing the Grapple Beam! Chain ghosts together then pop them all at once for points in an endless 'bullet hell' arcade apocalypse.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Post-apocalyptic 12.6%, Difficult 11.7%, Score Attack 9.9%
- #48 Void Resurgence
68% matchVery Positive96% of 70 reviews2025
Dev: Puza Games
Windows · Mac
Command a starship in Void Resurgence, a retro-futuristic space roguelite. Battle through colorful cosmic fields, collect upgrades, and build your ultimate ship. Dodge intense bullet-hell patterns and fight for survival. Every run offers new challenges and permanent progress.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Difficult 12.2%, Score Attack 9.4%
- #49 Galaxy Highways
67% matchVery Positive97% of 59 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: Top-Down Shooter 27%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Difficult 19%, Shooter 11.2%, RPG 6%
- #50 KAIKAN
68% matchVery Positive97% of 67 reviews2023
Dev: zakichi
Windows
KAIKAN is a vertical scrolling shooter that focuses on destroying enemies. Destroy enemies with 6 types of aircraft with different performance, clear 5 stages, and aim for a higher score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Top-Down Shooter 22.5%, Bullet Hell 13%, Shooter 13%, Score Attack 9.2%
- #51 Destropolis
69% matchVery Positive87% of 287 reviews2020
Dev: Igrek GamesPub: Games Incubator
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Destropolis is a top-down shooter game with a fully destructible environment, hundreds of enemies and nuclear explosions. Fight a countless swarm of enemies. Tear them to pieces with bullets, lasers and explosions. Destroy as many of them as you can before they overwhelm you...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Top-Down Shooter 22.4%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Difficult 14.8%, Arcade 8.3%
- #52 Outnumbered
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 244 reviews2022
Dev: Amped Horizon
Windows
Outnumbered is a mass-enemy top-down shooter with rogue-lite elements. You may be greatly outnumbered, but not outpowered. Evolve into the ultimate weapon of destruction!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Top-Down Shooter 20.3%, Shooter 9.4%, Arcade 7.7%
- #53 Crisis Wing
70% matchVery Positive90% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Top-Down Shooter 20.2%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Difficult 14.1%, Shooter 8.4%
- #54 Batsugun
67% matchVery Positive97% of 113 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Arcade 14.6%, Score Attack 9%, Retro 3.9%
- #55 Polygon Attack
69% matchVery Positive88% of 271 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 21.4%, Top-Down Shooter 18.3%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Shooter 10.8%, Difficult 10.6%
- #56 Defend Earth: Xenos Survivors
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: ReijaPub: indie.io
Windows
You are Earth's last line of defense in a relentless alien invasion. Experience intense top-down roguelite action across diverse landscapes, fighting invaders with a versatile arsenal. Outsmart, outgun, and survive your foes. Every run increases the challenge - so adapt, evolve, dominate!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 33.7%, Bullet Hell 29.8%, Futuristic 9.3%, Sci-fi 9.1%, RPG 8.8%
- #57 G-Darius HD
66% matchVery Positive94% of 162 reviews2022
Dev: TAITO CORP.
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
You will see the creation of new lives... Capture enemies and fire them back at their allies as enormous beams of energy in this horizontally scrolling shooting game, featuring 5 versions of G-Darius with new features, enhancements, and Steam exclusive extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, 2.5D 20.8%, Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 11.2%, Score Attack 8.4%
- #58 ASTROLANCER
64% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2024
Dev: Studio Hexeye
Windows
ASTROLANCER combines top-down shooter and shoot 'em up gameplay into one action-packed experience! Devise your own playstyle with a huge variety of weapons. Hardcore and casual players alike are welcome!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Top-Down Shooter 32.3%, Retro 6.9%, Anime 6.9%, Shooter 6.7%