Games Like Ray’z Arcade Chronology

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 32.9%, 2.5D 16.1%, Shooter 13.7%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Sci-fi 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: As a fellow Taito classic, this title shares the same arcade DNA and high-production sci-fi aesthetic found in the Ray series.

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 75.6%, Local Co-Op 7%, Action 6.6%, Shooter 5.7%, Arcade 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers an expansive, modern take on the classic side-scrolling arcade shooter experience with incredible boss encounters.

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 76%, Shooter 7.2%, Sci-fi 4.6%, Arcade 4.4%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by Treasure, this game is an essential play for any fan of precise, high-stakes arcade shooting mechanics.

Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44%, 2.5D 18.9%, Shooter 16.4%, Sci-fi 9.2%, Action 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of the genre that shares the deep, strategic scoring systems and intense action found in the Ray series.

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 75.5%, Female Protagonist 8.8%, Action 6.9%, Arcade 4.8%, Shooter 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: This definitive bullet-hell experience offers the same level of intense, pattern-based challenge that arcade enthusiasts crave.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 66.6%, Action 8.1%, Shooter 7.4%, Sci-fi 6.5%, Female Protagonist 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that pays homage to classic shmups while introducing its own brilliant, evolving gameplay mechanics.

Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.7%, Shooter 19.4%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Action 9.1%, Arcade 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers deep, multi-layered mechanics and a distinct arcade pedigree that aligns perfectly with the Ray series.

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 57.5%, Shooter 18.3%, Action 11.2%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: This modern side-scroller features a unique energy-absorption mechanic that rewards aggressive play, much like the lock-on systems in Ray.

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 79.1%, Shooter 9%, Action 7.3%, Arcade 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the pinnacle of the bullet-hell genre, it provides the ultimate test of reflexes and scoring mastery.

Japanese boutique game studio G.rev makes its long-awaited debut on Steam with Strania!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 78.8%, Action 18%, Arcade 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures the specific aesthetic and mechanical feel of the Ray series with its polished, fast-paced side-scrolling action.

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 68.9%, Sci-fi 14.4%, Action 12.4%, Arcade 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a polished, modern bullet-hell experience that is both visually stunning and mechanically tight.

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 54.7%, Shooter 19.2%, Action 9.7%, Sci-fi 9.2%, Arcade 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern iteration of a legendary side-scrolling series that focuses on ship customization and tactical positioning.

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 72.3%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Action 7.9%, Shooter 6.1%, Arcade 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shooter that offers a unique gothic aesthetic and accessible yet deep gameplay.

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.1%, Shooter 16.8%, Female Protagonist 14%, Local Co-Op 11.7%, Action 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, arcade-style shooter that perfectly captures the nostalgic feel of 90s-era action games.

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 63.1%, Local Co-Op 9.7%, Action 9%, Local Multiplayer 7%, Arcade 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: As the game that essentially defined the bullet-hell genre, it is a foundational experience for any fan of the Ray series.

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 78.6%, Action 7%, Female Protagonist 6.8%, Shooter 4.3%, Arcade 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish and fast-paced shooter that captures the energy and replayability of 90s arcade legends.

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 51.6%, Local Co-Op 14.2%, Shooter 14%, Action 7.7%, Local Multiplayer 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This collection offers top-down arcade action with a unique historical setting and challenging gameplay.

March 18th, 2061 - "Operation Downfall" Commences With its reliance on BAC, humanity had forgotten how to operate even basic transportation, let alone weapons. After the attacks from BAC and the subsequent social chaos, the human population was reduced by half.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.4%, Shooter 23.5%, Sci-fi 15.8%, Action 4.8%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: An excellent modern take on the classic formula that balances accessibility with a high skill ceiling.

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 33.4%, Shooter 13.6%, Female Protagonist 11.9%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Local Co-Op 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This fast-paced twin-stick shooter captures the intensity and arcade sensibilities of the genre in a modern package.

My steed rides, a celestial iron cavalryman soaring through the heavens. The swirling assault shooting that shakes the battlefield returns once more.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Shooter 18.8%, Female Protagonist 9.1%, Action 9.1%, Local Multiplayer 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This unique helicopter-based shooter offers a distinct perspective and physics-based movement that stands out in the genre.

Game Tengoku CrusinMix is a vertically scrolling shooting game mixing cute characters, a game world parodying a wide range of gaming tropes and history, tight controls, refined mechanics and eggplants?!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.7%, Shooter 16.7%, Local Co-Op 13.5%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fun and quirky arcade shooter that features deep mechanics and a charming, anime-inspired aesthetic.

“TWINKLE STAR SPRITES ”, a competitive 2D top-down view scrolling shooter released on NEOGEO MVS in 1996, departs for new adventures on the Steam gaming platform!Master your shots, and aim for the magical Twinkle Star”!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.9%, Female Protagonist 14.6%, Action 10.4%, Local Multiplayer 8%, Arcade 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a unique competitive shmup experience that blends traditional shooting with puzzle-like mechanics.

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 79.3%, Action 17.5%, Arcade 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features fast-paced, arcade-style action with a unique camera system that keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and dynamic.

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 48.6%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Shooter 10%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: The game centers on the high-risk, high-reward mechanic of grazing enemy bullets, which is a core skill for advanced shmup players.

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 55.8%, Sci-fi 17.2%, Action 9.2%, Local Co-Op 6.7%, Arcade 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade side-scroller that remains a significant piece of gaming history for its challenging gameplay and iconic status.

Darius is one of the pioneers of the side-scrolling shoot 'em genre, and the Steam version replicates the multi-screen arcade experience with 4 different titles and 7 versions filled with aquatic-lifeform-themed bosses and epic, Zuntata-composed soundscapes!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.4%, Shooter 15.9%, Sci-fi 12.6%, Multiplayer 7.6%, Female Protagonist 7.4%

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 40.4%, 2.5D 19.8%, Shooter 16.3%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Action 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A solid, modern side-scrolling shooter that provides a satisfying and polished experience for fans of the genre.

Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Shooter 19.8%, Local Multiplayer 14.5%, Action 13%, Local Co-Op 6.6%

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 43.7%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, 2.5D 11.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Local Multiplayer 10.3%

R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 74.1%, Action 13.3%, Shooter 7.8%, Arcade 4.8%

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 64.7%, Shooter 19.3%, Action 11.3%, Arcade 4.6%

Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.4%, Shooter 29.2%, Action 14.7%, Arcade 8.3%, Singleplayer 1.4%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, 2.5D 21.8%, Shooter 12.8%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Sci-fi 9.1%

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 59.6%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, 2.5D 9.5%, Shooter 9.2%, Action 8%

【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 54.1%, Female Protagonist 12.6%, Shooter 10%, Action 9.7%, Sci-fi 9.7%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 65.1%, Action 34.9%

A fast-paced low-poly 3D rail shooter heavily inspired by classics of the early 90's. Join protagonist Kyuu as she fights to free the worlds of the Sanzaru Star System, overrun by the intergalactic terrorist organization known as Zodiac.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.7%, Shooter 19.9%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Action 7%, Arcade 4.3%

Relive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle! This comprehensive collection includes seven classic titles, each with various multiplayer options and online capabilities!

Why similar: Action 42.5%, Arcade 23%, Local Co-Op 21.2%, Multiplayer 13.4%

The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Shooter 20.1%, Sci-fi 14.6%, Action 9%, Female Protagonist 8%

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 48.7%, Shooter 15.6%, Local Co-Op 14.2%, Action 9.7%, Female Protagonist 7%

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 49.1%, Action 46.9%, Arcade 4%

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 72%, Action 14.9%, Sci-fi 13%

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 54.1%, Shooter 17.2%, Action 11.5%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Arcade 4.9%

The original cute and hardcore shrine maiden shooter is now available on Steam! Completely new game, a sequel to the home original "Pocky&Rocky" (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)! The adventures of Pocky&Rocky begin once again.

Why similar: Shooter 31.2%, Action 22.6%, Local Co-Op 19.8%, Local Multiplayer 15.6%, Multiplayer 7.9%

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 62.8%, Shooter 11.7%, Local Co-Op 10.2%, Action 7.7%, Multiplayer 4.1%

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 70.8%, Action 24.9%, Arcade 4.3%

Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.9%, Action 14.2%, Local Co-Op 8.7%, Arcade 6.9%, Shooter 6.8%

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 62.6%, Action 11.8%, Local Co-Op 9.4%, Local Multiplayer 6.7%, Arcade 6.1%

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 43.7%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Shooter 13.8%, Action 7.8%

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 47.5%, Local Co-Op 16.8%, Local Multiplayer 12.3%, Multiplayer 8.5%, Action 8%

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 39.4%, 2.5D 14.9%, Shooter 13.9%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Sci-fi 7.9%

A high-speed 3D rail shooter inspired by legendary arcade classics. Control the humanoid combat weapon ASURA and battle overwhelming waves of invaders using Energy Shot, Shining Knuckle, and the time-bending Lightning Over Drive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Shooter 18.2%, Female Protagonist 14.7%, Sci-fi 10.5%, Action 5.1%

The next installment in the high-speed 2D action Gunvolt series is finally here with Azure Striker Gunvolt 3. Balancing both an involving story and satisfying gameplay, Gunvolt 3 is the most extravagant entry in the series yet!

Why similar: Action 40.5%, Female Protagonist 29.6%, Sci-fi 26.4%, Singleplayer 3.4%

Classic arcade nostalgia and modern-indie design collide in this shooting-gallery boss battler! Play as a one-man army in offline solo OR bring a friend in online co-op/versus mode! Supports Mouse AND Lightgun play!

Why similar: Shooter 36%, Female Protagonist 27.8%, Action 15.2%, Multiplayer 7.6%, Arcade 7.2%