Games Like Raptor: Call of the Shadows (1994 Classic Edition)

In the not-so-distant future, the calamity of World War III led to eventual world peace. But, it didn't last. Earth was invaded by alien marauders - the Kretons. Earth's united military force, still depleted after the mighty onslaught of WWIII, was not nearly sufficient to repel the numerous Kreton attacks.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67.7%, Action 32.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fellow 90s Apogee classic that captures the exact same retro arcade feel and top-down vertical gameplay.

In the far distant future, an epic war for survival takes place... Deep within the Andromeda galaxy, the people of Zile grow restless and greedy. The Zilions secretly prepare for a massive strike against the nearby planet Ytima. Fearing such an attack, the Ytimians train an elite squad of "Stargunners.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 73.1%, Action 26.9%

Why You'll Like It: Another 90s-era vertical shooter that mirrors the classic aesthetic and arcade-style intensity of Raptor.

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 71.8%, Classic 15.6% ★, Action 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: This modern title excels at the weapon upgrade and ship customization loop that made the original Raptor so addictive.

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 67.6%, Action 32.4%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art vertical shooter that perfectly captures the aesthetic and difficulty curve of 90s arcade cabinets.

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 77.5%, Action 22.5%

Why You'll Like It: A premier vertical shoot-'em-up that offers the refined, high-intensity arcade action fans of the genre crave.

Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 88.4%, Action 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features an incredibly deep weapon and ship upgrade system paired with chaotic, high-octane destruction.

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 80.3%, Action 19.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern vertical shooter that balances accessible mechanics with the deep, satisfying gameplay of 90s classics.

The great action-crazed, guns blazing, shoot ‘em up game comes back straight out of the ‘90s. Raptor: Call of the Shadows and its futuristic world are ready to challenge your flying skills.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 84.3%, Action 15.7%

Why You'll Like It: The updated version of the seed game, providing the same classic experience with better compatibility for modern systems.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 86.2%, Action 13.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that pays homage to classic shooters while introducing innovative mechanics and intense boss encounters.

Pilot the Megacopter, a sentient weapon that gains power by feeding on the blood of its enemies. Play through the campaign featuring seek and destroy, boss, rescue, and defense missions against the evil reptoid army. Upgrade Megacopter with the fabled AZ-TECH: ancient weaponry and armor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 85.6%, Action 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern top-down shooter that blends classic arcade action with a unique helicopter-based movement style.

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 81.8%, Action 9.9%, Classic 8.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the bullet-hell genre, offering the ultimate test of reflexes for shooter fans.

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 81.2%, Action 9.8%, Classic 9% ★

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful and challenging vertical shooter that captures the essence of classic arcade-style bullet-hell gameplay.

Cosmonator is an 'RPG-em-up': a hybrid of classic fast-paced top-down shoot-em-up action infused with deep character building elements. Build up your own unique alien-killing machine to avenge the destruction of planet Earth!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.3%, Action 24.7%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that incorporates RPG elements and upgrade systems similar to the progression in Raptor.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 80.9%, Action 19.1%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes fluid movement and high-energy combat.

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 75.8%, Action 24.2%

Why You'll Like It: A vertical shooter that introduces a shifting mechanic, allowing players to dodge intense patterns more effectively.

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 53.7%, Action 46.3%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward 2D vertical shooter that captures the nostalgic feel of 90s arcade action.

Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 84.3%, Action 15.7%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful and intense bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes screen-filling action and high-score chasing.

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 78%, Action 22%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on weapon customization and loot, mirroring the upgrade-focused gameplay of the seed game.

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 67.6%, Action 32.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired bullet-hell shooter that focuses on challenging patterns and classic arcade sensibilities.

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 83.7%, Action 16.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features retro-style vertical action with a unique historical-sci-fi aesthetic that feels right at home with 90s classics.

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 88.1%, Action 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: Combines gorgeous visuals with a unique time-based mechanic that adds a fresh layer to the traditional shooter formula.

A semi-procedural shoot-'em-up that will test your skills. Level up your ship, unlock amazing weapons, and defeat 5 formidable bosses. Challenge the infinite by facing real-time waves of enemies after completing all missions. Become the intergalactic hero now!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 83.1%, Action 16.9%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that provides a modern take on the classic vertical-scrolling formula.

The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 85.6%, Action 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art vertical shooter that emphasizes arcade-style scoring and challenging enemy patterns.

The Apogee Throwback Pack is a collection of four classic Apogee Software titles all in one kick ass package. Blast your way across the galaxy as British Special Agent Blake Stone in "Aliens of Gold" and "Planet Strike", then take on an ancient evil menace as the H.U.N.T in "Rise of the Triad".

Why similar: Action 100%

You start out from the bottom of the ranking list. Your objective: earn money in the fast-paced battle races. Fight hard for each precious championship point. Fellow competitors are showering you in a constant hail of bullets. Each race is deadly contest - a matter of life or death.

Why similar: Classic 76.8% ★, Action 23.2%

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 87.2%, Action 12.8%

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 75.7%, Action 24.3%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that offers more open-ended movement while maintaining the classic arcade-style combat loop.

In the far future, armadas from surrounding systems have suddenly waged war on Earth. You are a pilot from the Ares Squadron, flying the fastest, most dangerous crafts ever made. You're outgunned, outmanned, and strapped into a flying coffin.

Why similar: Action 100%

Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 81.9%, Action 18.1%

Pilot a mech to hunt down and destroy the oppressive government of a cyberpunk autocracy. In this fast-paced, top-down shooter, use overwhelming firepower to destroy columns of tanks and level buildings. Unlock up to 56 unique vehicles and 40 weapons.

Why similar: Action 100%

A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.8%, Action 42.2%

Lt Blitz has the city sieged, and it's your job to destroy his troops. Shoot, dodge and upgrade your jet and and try to take on this challenge! Burning Skies is a free, endless retro shmup, that will take you right back to the era of arcade machines, with modernized graphics and gameplay!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 78.5%, Action 21.5%

Contract Rush DX is a hand-animated 2D Shoot 'Em Up, with multiple playable characters. Explore the world, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 84.1%, Action 15.9%

Movement is your weapon. A sci-fi action roguelike and shmup combined, in Gunlocked 2 you'll pilot and upgrade a state-of-the-art warship against endless waves of deadly aliens. Deep customization, branching paths, and tons of unlockables offer endless replayability!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 82.1%, Action 17.9%

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 82.8%, Action 17.2%

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 75.1%, Action 24.9%

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 83.4%, Action 16.6%

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 82.7%, Action 17.3%

G WARRIOR is a retro hardcore action shooting game. Pick up the gun and destroy all robots and aliens. Fight in colorful scenes such as snowy mountains, caves, seas of fire, alien lairs, etc.! !

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 78%, Action 22%

In this twin stick roguelite shooter, you play as one of the galactic mercenaries, explore a mysterious scientific complex and uncover the secret of the REPLIKATOR project.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 100%

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 73.1%, Action 26.9%

Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 82%, Action 18%

Isometric action shooter with light RPG elements. Brutally kill tons of alien monsters, find over a dozen powerful weapons, skill up your hero & stop the blood thirsty invaders in a classic handcrafted campaign. Never ending waves await you in horde-mode!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.8%, Action 27.2%

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 73.6%, Action 16.1%, Classic 10.3% ★

Kickback is a top-down shooter with roguelike elements, where shooting is the only way to move. Repel waves of mutants, create combinations of weapons and upgrades to survive at all costs on your own or with a friend in a local co-op mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 78.9%, Action 21.1%

Prepare for the dark world of The Chaos Engine, a steampunk Victorian age in which one or two players must fight the hostile creations of the Chaos Engine across four dynamic landscapes and take part in the ultimate battle.Choose from six hard-nailed mercenaries each with their own unique weapons and skills.

Why similar: Action 62.9%, Classic 37.1% ★

The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 80.2%, Action 19.8%

Wolfenstein 3D took you into the past, thrusting you into a world at war. Blake rockets you into the future where a sinister madman, using genetics to create an army of bizarre creatures, is waging war on Earth. Blake has more of everything!

Why similar: Action 100%

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 80.9%, Action 19.1%

Take control of a cyberdragon and annihilate swarms of rocket propelled chainsaws either online or via LAN in this high speed, high skill 8 player co-op twinstick shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.6%, Action 43.4%

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: Action 100%

Lock and Load! It's time to Kick-Ass. Grab your machine gun, flamethrower, rocket launcher, and grenades. Assault the enemy base and free commandos to join your team while you destroy everything in sight. Make your way through enemy bunkers to rescue your comrades, and kill everyone you encounter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70%, Action 30%

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 85.3%, Action 14.7%

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 86.4%, Action 13.6%