- #1 Sky Force Reloaded
97% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 51.6%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 10.2%, Indie 7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a modern, highly polished take on the top-down shooter genre with similar upgrade mechanics and visual flair.
- #2 Sine Mora
96% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
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 60.9%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Action 9.6%, Indie 7.5%, Arcade 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: It features high production values and intense vertical-scrolling action with unique time-based mechanics.
- #3 Danmaku Unlimited 2
96% matchVery Positive93% of 481 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 52.2%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Action 9.3%, Indie 7%, Arcade 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, high-energy bullet-hell experience that focuses on dodging complex patterns just like the seed game.
- #4 Ghost Blade HD
94% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.2%, Bullet Hell 19%, Action 18.8%, Indie 14%
Why You'll Like It: A modern homage to classic arcade shooters that captures the same arcade-style intensity and visual style.
- #5 Raptor: Call of The Shadows - 2015 Edition
94% matchMostly Positive72% of 595 reviews2015
Dev: Scott HostPub: Apogee Entertainment
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 34%
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 52.1%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Action 11.8%, Casual 7.9%, Arcade 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A nostalgic vertical shooter that provides the same classic arcade feel and upgrade-focused progression.
- #6 Zenodyne R
92% matchVery Positive83% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
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 50.7%, Action 29.6%, Indie 19.7%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the retro-styled vertical shooter aesthetic perfectly with challenging bullet-hell patterns.
- #7 M.A.C.E.
91% matchMixed51% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 98%
MACE is a classic space shoot ’em up, inspired by the legendary Amiga games of this genre. Handdrawn 2D graphics in HD resolutions, parallax scrolling, explosion effects and optimized games mechanics, combined with the proven gameplay are transporting the “Spirit of Amiga” in today’s Age.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Action 21.9%, Casual 16.4%, Indie 15.8%, Arcade 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, classic arcade vertical shooter that feels very similar to the core experience of Razor2.
- #8 AngerForce: Reloaded
90% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 71%, Bullet Hell 29%
Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that incorporates roguelite elements to keep the classic formula feeling fresh.
- #9 Mushihimesama
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 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 54.7%, Bullet Hell 27.7%, Arcade 9.5%, Action 8%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the bullet-hell genre, offering deep, challenging gameplay.
- #10 BLUE REVOLVER
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 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 59.2%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Action 8.4%, Indie 7%, Arcade 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-energy bullet-hell shooter with modern mechanics and a great aesthetic.
- #11 DoDonPachi Resurrection
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 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: Shoot 'Em Up 56%, Bullet Hell 26.7%, Arcade 9%, Action 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary arcade shooter that provides the ultimate test of reflexes for fans of the genre.
- #12 Graze Counter GM
84% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
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 42.5%, Bullet Hell 19%, Action 12.2%, Arcade 10.2%, Casual 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: It features a modern risk-reward system that encourages players to get close to bullets for power.
- #13 BULLET SOUL
87% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 56.3%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Action 18.7%, Casual 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: A high-energy bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action and a great soundtrack.
- #14 Infinos Gaiden
86% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
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 58.8%, Action 21.5%, Indie 14.7%, Arcade 5%
Why You'll Like It: A polished 2D vertical shooter that focuses on classic mechanics and tight controls.
- #15 ZeroRanger
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Action 10.7%, Indie 9.1%, Arcade 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece of the genre that evolves the classic vertical shooter formula with brilliant design.
- #16 Zenohell
86% matchMostly Positive71% of 85 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
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 63.1%, Action 36.9%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging bullet-hell shooter that provides the same level of difficulty and pattern-based gameplay.
- #17 Ikaruga
83% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 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 59.4%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Arcade 9.4%, Action 5.1%, Indie 1.3%
Why You'll Like It: A tactical vertical shooter that introduces a unique polarity mechanic to the classic bullet-hell formula.
- #18 Project Root
85% matchMixed50% of 115 reviews2014
Dev: OPQAMPub: Reverb Triple XP
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
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 49.5%, Action 19.3%, Indie 12.2%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Arcade 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that shares similar mechanics and an arcade-focused progression system.
- #19 VASARA Collection
81% matchVery Positive82% of 145 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 53.7%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Action 12.8%, Arcade 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: A collection of classic arcade shooters that provides authentic, fast-paced action.
- #20 Horizon Shift
82% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Action 30.6%, Indie 19.3%, Arcade 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that blends classic mechanics with modern, vibrant visuals.
- #21 Sky Mercenaries
82% matchMixed69% of 125 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Action 16.3%, Indie 12.2%, Arcade 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: An action-packed vertical shooter that focuses on intense combat and arcade-style scoring.
- #22 ARMED SEVEN
81% matchVery Positive91% of 78 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 48.8%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Action 12.7%, Indie 8.8%, Arcade 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A customizable mech shooter that offers a similar feel to classic arcade vertical shooters.
- #23 Burning Skies Arcade
75% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2024
Dev: NukGames
Windows
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 49.2%, Bullet Hell 22%, Action 16.4%, Casual 12.4%
- #24 RefRain - prism memories -
79% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: RebRankPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Action 22.9%, Indie 17.1%, Bullet Hell 15.4%
Why You'll Like It: A high-speed bullet-hell shooter that offers deep mechanics and intense visual effects.
- #25 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
79% matchVery Positive82% of 813 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 68.1%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic arcade shooter series that provides a massive, high-quality experience for fans of the genre.
- #26 SATAZIUS
80% matchVery Positive85% of 324 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.8%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Action 11.3%, Arcade 9.8%, Indie 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic arcade-style shooter aesthetic with a focus on weapon customization.
- #27 GIGANTIC ARMY
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 365 reviews2014
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Side-scrolling mech-shooting bad-assery is BACK!GIGANTIC ARMY is a heartfelt homage to 16-bit era mech shooters such as Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Metal Warriors, and Front Mission: Gun Hazard, developed by the studio behind the acclaimed shooter SATAZIUS.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.7%, Action 17.3%, Arcade 13.9%, Indie 12.2%, Casual 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A mech-based action shooter that provides a similar weight and feel to classic arcade combat.
- #28 Razerwire:Nanowars
76% matchVery Positive86% of 109 reviews2018
Dev: Hammer & Ravens
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 32%
A modern revisitation of the 80s arcades. Use your Razerwire to cut through waves of nanobugs with a rogue-like inspired progression.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Arcade 11.8%, Action 10%, Casual 7.4%
- #29 Cloud Cutter
73% matchVery Positive87% of 127 reviews2021
Dev: Just Two ltd.
Windows
Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.1%, Action 21%, Arcade 17.1%, Indie 1.8%
- #30 Ion Assault
77% matchMixed69% of 181 reviews2010
Dev: CoreplayPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
In ION ASSAULT players wield thousands of Ion Particles to blast, fry and disrupt anything on screen as you see fit! GAMEPLAY WITH A TWIST: By centering its gameplay around its unique fluid and particle physics system, ION ASSAULT adds a twist to arcade style space shooters!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Action 25.8%, Indie 17.6%, Casual 17%, Arcade 8.1%
- #31 Stellar 2D
77% matchMixed41% of 975 reviews2015
Dev: quad gamesPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Stellar 2D is a retro style space arcade game, it's a 2D game in a 3D world. With an addictive, fast paced, casual game-play style.
Why similar: Indie 39.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Action 18.7%, Casual 14.9%
- #32 Bullet Candy
78% matchMixed52% of 87 reviews2007
Dev: R C Knight
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Bullet Candy is a fast paced, action packed arena shooter. There are a variety of combo systems and many secret techniques that you can employ to get the best score and weapon upgrades possible. Viewed from a top-down perspective, Bullet Candy allows for a true 360° shoot-em-up experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Indie 22.5%, Casual 20.5%, Arcade 11.6%
- #33 Ruzh Delta Z
75% matchMixed62% of 506 reviews2015
Dev: Pribuni
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Action 23.8%, Casual 15.4%, Indie 15%, Bullet Hell 13%
- #34 ETHER VAPOR Remaster
74% matchMostly Positive77% of 316 reviews2012
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.1%, Action 11.4%, Bullet Hell 8.8%, Arcade 4.2%, Indie 3.5%
- #35 C-RUSH
76% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 17%
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 63.9%, Action 16.3%, Indie 13.3%, Arcade 6.5%
- #36 Really Big Sky
73% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,890 reviews2012
Dev: Boss BaddiePub: Ripstone
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.2%, Indie 22%, Action 16.6%, Bullet Hell 13%, Arcade 5.2%
- #37 Syder Arcade
72% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 56.8%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Action 11.9%, Arcade 9.2%, Indie 8.8%
- #38 Jet Buster
71% matchVery Positive92% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.3%, Action 28.2%, Indie 19.5%
- #39 Galactic Arms Race
74% matchMixed47% of 86 reviews2014
Dev: Evolutionary Games
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Top-down 2.5D action that combines old-school shooters like Star Control, action-RPGs like Diablo, with a system that evolves unique weapons to player preferences. Single-player and 32-player online coop and PVP.
Why similar: Action 41.1%, Indie 29.7%, Casual 29.2%
- #40 Sky Force Anniversary
70% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 55.3%, Bullet Hell 18%, Action 11.8%, Arcade 8.5%, Indie 6.4%
- #41 Wings Of Bluestar
69% matchVery Positive84% of 64 reviews2020
Dev: Shinu Real Arts
Windows · Linux
This is an arcade horizontal shoot'em up, that combines solid arcade controls with modern elements like bullet hell phases, tiny hitboxes, different types of gameplay and scoring, collectibles, trophies and many other features, which makes Wings Of Bluestar a fun shmup for both casuals and regulars.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.5%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Action 12.6%, Arcade 11.3%, Indie 9.1%
- #42 Astro Tripper
73% matchMixed57% of 68 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Action 29.5%, Indie 21.3%
- #43 ShipLord
71% matchMixed62% of 844 reviews2015
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Indie 23.1%, Action 19.7%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Casual 15.5%
- #44 Cyberhunt
68% matchVery Positive85% of 2,639 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 42.9%, Bullet Hell 15%, Action 12.6%, Arcade 10.7%, Casual 9.5%
- #45 Asteroid Bounty Hunter
71% matchMixed65% of 803 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Action 20.7%, Indie 19%, Casual 14.7%, Bullet Hell 8.8%
- #46 Grav Blazer Squared
72% matchMixed40% of 85 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.1%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 10.4%, Casual 7.8%
- #47 Z-Exemplar
70% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 50.3%, Action 29.3%, Indie 20.4%
- #48 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
60% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 56.7%, Bullet Hell 19%, Action 14.3%, Indie 5.1%, Arcade 4.9%
- #49 Bit Blaster XL
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 46.9%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Action 11.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Casual 9%
- #50 Sophstar
64% matchVery Positive100% of 102 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 51.3%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Action 15.3%, Arcade 10.9%
- #51 Tachyon Project
69% matchMostly Positive76% of 74 reviews2015
Dev: Eclipse GamesPub: SA Industry
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Tachyon Project is a dual stick shooter heavily inspired by classic shoot'em ups. We’ve combined many unique enemy types, a large variety of weapons and power-ups with innovative gameplay to ensure a long lasting challenge and discovery at every new level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Action 25.5%, Indie 18.9%, Arcade 10.3%
- #52 Planes, Bullets and Vodka
66% matchVery Positive86% of 2,589 reviews2016
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 46.4%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Action 13.1%, Arcade 11.1%, Casual 10.4%
- #53 Who's That Flying?!
70% matchMostly Positive70% of 170 reviews2011
Dev: MediatonicPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 34%
As the mysterious and powerful "Guardian of Earth" your steely eye and HYPER-POWERED LASER ARM have kept the citizens of Earth safe for generations.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Action 26.4%, Casual 17.5%, Indie 17.1%
- #54 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
68% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Arcade 20%, Casual 11.3%, Indie 6.5%
- #55 Geometry Arena 2
55% matchVery Positive89% of 429 reviews2026
Dev: 011 Games
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Geometry Arena 2 distills RPG depth and Roguelite elements into a unique loop of [ Meta-Progression + Endless Challenges ]. Mix and match Weapons, Bodies, Modules, and Pets to craft your game-breaking builds! Minimalist lines, vibrant colors!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 43.1%, Arcade 23.4%, Action 19.7%, Casual 13.8%
- #56 Drifting Lands
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 271 reviews2017
Dev: Alkemi
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Drifting Lands is an hybrid of classical horizontal shoot'em'up with a lot of strong gameplay elements coming straight from the action-RPG genre. If you want an original diablo-like game or you want a different kind of shoot'em'up, you're in the right place!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Action 19.7%, Indie 15.6%, Bullet Hell 11.5%