Games Like Raptor: Call of The Shadows - 2015 Edition

Originally created by Seibu Kaihatsu, Raiden series comes back with a four-title compilation of these classic scrolling arcade shooter games we enjoyed being challenged with back in the days.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Cult Classic 12.6% ★, Flight 10.1%, Bullet Hell 9.1%, Vehicular Combat 8.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: A definitive collection of classic arcade shooters that matches the top-down intensity and difficulty of Raptor.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Difficult 5%, Retro 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that perfectly captures the spirit and evolving challenge of 90s arcade shooters.

The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...

Why similar: Mechs 28.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Sci-fi 6.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features mech-themed combat and customizable weaponry that feels very similar to the vehicular focus of Raptor.

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 40.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Difficult 9.9%, Arcade 5%, Action 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: An iconic arcade shooter that defines the bullet-hell subgenre with its relentless pace and precision requirements.

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 49.4%, Action 22.8%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Arcade 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an extensive weapon customization system that mirrors the strategic loadout choices found in Raptor.

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 26.1%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Flight 17.6%, Top-Down 9.8%, War 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines modern graphics with a classic top-down shooter structure and a robust upgrade system.

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 39.4%, Action 31.9%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Arcade 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern shooter that emphasizes weapon loadouts and tactical upgrades in a high-speed flight environment.

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%, Difficult 9.2%, Arcade 5.2%, Action 3%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard for bullet-hell design, offering the intense dodging challenges Raptor fans crave.

The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Flight 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Arcade 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique flight physics and arcade-style intensity that prioritizes pure, unadulterated action.

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 31.4%, Bullet Hell 24.6%, 1990's 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Sci-fi 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelike shooter that captures the chaotic, weapon-heavy action of classic arcade titles with a modern twist.

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 46.7%, Bullet Hell 31%, Difficult 6.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%, Arcade 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers fast-paced, high-energy action with a distinct visual style that keeps the player constantly engaged.

Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.

Why similar: Flight 24.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Difficult 12.9%, Sci-fi 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-speed aerial dogfighting and intense boss battles that feel like a modern evolution of Raptor's combat.

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: Mechs 22.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Difficult 10.4%, 1990's 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell that rewards aggressive playstyles, making it a perfect match for fans of intense action.

The shareware legend DemonStar comes soaring back with new game modes and revised gameplay. Originally published in 1997, DemonStar has earned the Computer Gaming World's "Shareware Game of the Year 1999" award..

Why similar: Flight 33.5%, Bullet Hell 27%, Top-Down 10.7%, 1990's 8.6%, Old School 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A direct spiritual successor to the Raptor style, focusing on classic top-down flight and weapon progression.

Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%, Bullet Hell 31.3%, Difficult 9.6%, Arcade 3.5%, Pixel Graphics 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully polished vertical shooter that features a unique setting and satisfying cooperative play.

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: Bullet Hell 40.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Action 6.1%, Arcade 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A highly accessible yet deeply challenging bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes fluid movement and pattern recognition.

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 39.1%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Difficult 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%, Arcade 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful homage to classic arcade shooters that delivers satisfying, straightforward action.

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 22.3%, Bullet Hell 21%, Difficult 16.6%, Old School 7.7%, Sci-fi 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, arcade-style shooter that strips the genre down to its most addictive, high-difficulty core.

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 32%, Bullet Hell 28.8%, Difficult 20.5%, Sci-fi 6.6%, Arcade 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A cinematic flight shooter that introduces unique time-based mechanics while maintaining a classic arcade feel.

Furious Angels is a brutal score attack shooter with different waves each day. Compete on the leaderboards, transform into a flying tank and shred the skies to pieces!

Why similar: Jet 24.8% ★, Mechs 17.8% ★, Flight 16.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Bullet Hell 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that emphasizes destruction and score-attack mechanics for players who enjoy high-intensity gameplay.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Arcade 11.8%, Retro 11.5%, 2D 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers intense twin-stick arcade action that captures the same 'one more run' addictive quality as Raptor.

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: Mechs 29.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Retro 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished horizontal shooter that blends retro sensibilities with modern visual effects and smooth controls.

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 44.1%, Bullet Hell 39.1%, Arcade 5.4%, Difficult 5.1%, Sci-fi 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary shooter that introduces a color-switching mechanic, offering a more strategic take on the bullet-hell genre.

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 32.4%, Bullet Hell 29%, Difficult 9.3%, Retro 7.1%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired bullet-hell that honors the 90s era with its pixel art and challenging boss encounters.

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 32.4%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%, Top-Down 8%, Retro 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features historical mech-themed combat that aligns well with the vehicular-combat focus of Raptor.

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: Mechs 26.5% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, 1990's 8.5%, Sci-fi 6.4%

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 24.3%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, 1990's 10.5%, Top-Down 10.3%, Old School 7.3%

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 76.3%, Action 23.7%

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

Become a mercenary of the future and pilot the super-tech Raptor. Embark on interplanetary missions to knock off top competitors of MegaCorp, battle against hordes of relentless enemies and spend the bounty to expand your devastating arsenal, which can be upgraded with 14 hardcore weapons!

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

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 34.7%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Top-Down 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%, Sci-fi 5.7%

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 46.1%, Bullet Hell 31.8%, Retro 6.3%, Arcade 5.4%, Action 5.2%

Fly through danger filled procedurally generated tunnels, avoiding thousands of enemies, on this throwback to the golden age of arcade games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Difficult 13.8%, Top-Down 10.3%, Retro 6.9%

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 26.1%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Top-Down 9.8%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Old School 6.8%

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 21.2%, Mechs 20% ★, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Difficult 9.4%, 1990's 6.9%

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: Mechs 21.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, War 7.4%, 1990's 6.7%

Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, War 11.2%, Top-Down 9.2%, Old School 7.3%

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 30.7%, Bullet Hell 26%, Old School 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%, Arcade 5.8%

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 52.1%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Action 11.8%, Casual 7.9%, Arcade 5.4%

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 35.7%, Difficult 15.1%, Pixel Graphics 12.3%, Retro 12.2%, 2D 7.1%

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: Jet 28.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%, Bullet Hell 15%, Top-Down 7.6%, 1990's 7.1%

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.

Why similar: Difficult 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Retro 14.7%, Action 13.1%, 2D 9.5%

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 24.4%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Difficult 17.6%, Old School 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%

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 32.1%, Difficult 21.5%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Arcade 6.2%

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 36%, 1990's 14.6%, Top-Down 13.7%, Old School 10.8%, Action 9.7%

Your daily dose of air combat. Super easy to pick up, minimum requirements and vibrant visuals. Setup your aircraft and jump into action!

Why similar: Jet 35.9% ★, Flight 24.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.6%, Difficult 10.5%, Sci-fi 4.9%

Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 77.8%, Action 22.2%

Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware.

Why similar: Retro 49.5%, Action 16%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Casual 4.5%

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 47.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Action 4.2%, Arcade 3.3%

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 43.4%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Difficult 7.2%, Arcade 5.4%

CLEARED HOT is a nostalgic helicopter shooter with satisfying physics and light tactical elements. Shoot, dodge, move your squad around the battlefield, and pick up almost anything with your rope and magnet.

Why similar: Flight 37.7%, Vehicular Combat 35.6% ★, War 9%, Top-Down 8.2%, Retro 4.9%

A retro shooter inspired by classics like Wolfenstein and Doom. Think of it as a tribute, a love letter to the games that defined a generation, with a few modern touches of my own. It’s tough, fast, and demands skill, just the way those old-school shooters did.

Why similar: Retro 49.5%, Action 44%, Singleplayer 6.5%

An inferno roars over a destroyed secret military base. Then, from the flaming rubble...an invincible super robot is reborn! Mechs born of advanced science and modern weaponry battle in heavy weight Run 'n Gun mech shooter!!

Why similar: Mechs 27.9% ★, Bullet Hell 19%, War 10.7%, 1990's 10.4%, Old School 8.4%

Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Vehicular Combat 17.6% ★, Difficult 12.3%, Retro 6.2%

The HUNT Returns... AGAIN! Play the original Cult Classic '90s FPS remastered in 4K Ultrawide with UNLIMITED frame rates, RESTORED content, NEW episodes, a LEVEL EDITOR, online MULTIPLAYER, LUDICROUS gameplay options and MORE. Make 'em EAT LEAD or they'll bury you in a lunchbox!

Why similar: War 47.8%, Old School 24.9%, Retro 14%, Action 11.2%, Singleplayer 2%

3D Realms, creators of Duke Nukem 3D, Prey, and Max Payne, team up with Voidpoint to bring back the legendary Build Engine, famous for classic shooters like Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, and Blood. Fast-paced FPS combat across huge, secret-packed levels. Ion Fury is the real deal!

Why similar: 1990's 21.8%, Old School 21.5%, Sci-fi 18%, Retro 17.2%, Pixel Graphics 12.7%