Games Like Really Big Sky

Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Indie 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers the same frantic, high-octane twin-stick arcade experience with a focus on modern visuals and intense score-chasing.

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 36.4%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Shooter 9.8%, Local Co-Op 8%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the procedural, side-scrolling chaos and high-intensity combat found in Really Big Sky.

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: Twin Stick Shooter 32.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Action 9.1%, Arcade 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive twin-stick shooter that matches the vibrant, bullet-hell intensity and arcade-style progression of the seed game.

Scoregasm is an incredible, variety rich shooter with a non-linear, branching paths style galaxy to explore. It's pretty, accessible, fun and really rather good! Blast your way through the galaxy's many varied levels and use your skills to change your route, find new levels, new enemies, unlock bonus challenge stages and fight the bosses...

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 39.5%, Indie 24.4%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Action 17.3%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that focuses heavily on score-attack mechanics and branching paths, much like the arcade roots of Really Big Sky.

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 36.1%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Shooter 9.7%, Arcade 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling shooter features a unique time-based mechanic and high-speed action that mirrors the frantic pace of Really Big Sky.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Indie 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Action 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A masterfully crafted side-scrolling shooter that delivers intense bullet-hell patterns and a high-energy arcade atmosphere.

Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Twin Stick Shooter 25.3%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Space 11.8%, Indie 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It uses music-based procedural generation to create a chaotic, twin-stick bullet-hell experience that feels very similar in spirit.

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.1%, Indie 16.1%, Action 12.5%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic side-scrolling shooter with massive weapon variety and high-energy action that aligns well with the seed game's vibe.

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 37.6%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Indie 13.4%, Action 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, high-speed bullet-hell experience that emphasizes reflex-based gameplay and arcade mastery.

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 35.1%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Indie 11.8%, Action 8.4%, Space 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern side-scrolling shooter that captures the retro-arcade aesthetic while delivering intense, fast-paced bullet-hell action.

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 47%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Side Scroller 7.9%, Arcade 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive, high-scale side-scrolling shooter experience with incredible boss battles and arcade-style intensity.

CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Twin Stick Shooter 21.3%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Shooter 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game blends side-scrolling action with twin-stick mechanics, making it a strong mechanical match for Really Big Sky.

Explosive twin stick shooter. Lots of upgrades. Full controller support. Awesome soundtrack.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Indie 24.3%, Action 11%, Arcade 7%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that emphasizes chaotic, arcade-style combat and high-speed movement.

A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Indie 18.5%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Action 11.6%, Local Co-Op 8%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling arcade shooter features fast-paced, reflex-heavy action that feels like a spiritual cousin to the seed game.

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 28.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 26.6%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 6%

Why You'll Like It: This twin-stick shooter features high-intensity combat and a focus on maintaining momentum, similar to the gameplay loop of Really Big Sky.

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 47.4%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Indie 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: A high-energy bullet-hell shooter that excels in providing the same frantic, reflex-testing gameplay as the seed game.

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 25.5%, Twin Stick Shooter 25.1%, Indie 24.9%, Action 18.7%, Arcade 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a fast-paced, twin-stick arcade experience with a focus on clearing screens of enemies.

Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Indie 15.9%, Action 10.7%, Arcade 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style twin-stick shooter that emphasizes arcade scoring and fast-paced, wave-based 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: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Indie 11.4%, Action 9.3%, Shooter 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game rewards risky play near enemy bullets, creating a high-intensity, high-reward loop similar to Really Big Sky.

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 37.7%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Indie 9%, Local Co-Op 8.3%, Arcade 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, visually polished arcade shooter that focuses on addictive progression and intense side-scrolling action.

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 46.4%, Bullet Hell 15%, Indie 11.6%, Action 8.2%, Shooter 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, high-intensity side-scrolling shooter that focuses on arcade-style action and bullet-hell challenges.

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 41%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Indie 20.9%, Action 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, responsive bullet-hell shooter that focuses on arcade-style scoring and high-speed, side-scrolling action.

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 37.1%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Indie 10.2%, Side Scroller 7.6%, Action 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It introduces a unique perspective-shifting mechanic to the bullet-hell genre, offering a fresh take on the intensity of the seed game.

Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Indie 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced shooter that blends twin-stick controls with bullet-hell mechanics for a frantic arcade experience.

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 41.7%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Space 11.6%, Indie 9.2%, Action 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the space-themed, bullet-hell intensity that fans of Really Big Sky will find familiar.

Bezier is a dual stick blaster set inside a vast computer built deep underground. The story traces the principal's escape from this "Noah's Ark" gone wrong. A simple shooter on the surface, the deeper narrative pulls in his relationship between evolution and god, family and love.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Bullet Hell 12%, Space 11%, Indie 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that combines bullet-hell elements with a unique, minimalist aesthetic.

Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Indie 17%, Action 14.1%, Space 11.6%

Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.6%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Indie 16.2%, Action 13%, Arcade 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a classic arcade shooter experience with a focus on bullet-hell patterns and high-speed action.

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 41.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Side Scroller 9.5%, Bullet Hell 8.6%, Space 8%

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 42%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Indie 8.5%, Action 8.1%, Arcade 5.8%

Amaranthine - is a dynamic horizontal scrolling shooter with elements of procedural generation. Travel through warp to the distant frozen planet that sent a distress signal.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Space 20.3%, Indie 15.7%, Action 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%

Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Indie 17.4%, Action 13.7%, Arcade 5.9%

A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Indie 13.3%, Space 12.5%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Side Scroller 9.3%

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 40.9%, Bullet Hell 30.1%, Indie 9.6%, Action 6.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%

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 47.4%, Bullet Hell 28.8%, Arcade 6.7%, Great Soundtrack 4.9%, Action 3.6%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Indie 18.6%, Action 12.7%, Arcade 7.7%

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 27.2%, Action 25.7%, Bullet Hell 15%, Space 14.4%, Indie 7.9%

Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!

Why similar: Indie 22.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Space 17.4%, Action 16%

A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Space 17%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Shooter 8.3%, Side Scroller 8%

A face-melting, pixel-pumping arcade shoot 'em up featuring awesome power-ups, epic boss battles and spectacular effects at a blistering 60fps. Blast into battle against giant space destroyers in Arcade Mode, tackle endless waves of enemies in Survival Mode and face off against epic level guardians in Boss Run mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Indie 19.4%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Action 13.7%, Arcade 8.5%

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Space 15.1%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Indie 10.3%, Shooter 8.6%

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 53.3%, Indie 23.4%, Action 17.5%, Arcade 4.1%, 2D 1.8%

Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Indie 16.4%, Action 12%, Great Soundtrack 6%

It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through overwhelming enemy fleets! Liberate planets, build colonies, research tech and skills, craft items, or even play 2p co-op in this unique new indie game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Bullet Hell 15%, Space 12.3%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Indie 9.4%

Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. A game where the high-adrenaline gameplay, visuals, and music come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Twin Stick Shooter 29.4%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Arcade 6.9%, Shooter 6.8%

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 26.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 22.3%, Indie 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Action 10.6%

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Action 14.7%, Space 13%, Side Scroller 11%, Shooter 11%

Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Bullet Hell 29.6%, Indie 12.1%, Action 9.2%, Great Soundtrack 9%

Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.6%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Local Co-Op 16.7%, Shooter 11.2%, Action 11%

The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Indie 13.6%, Space 12.1%, Action 9.7%

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Action 7.9%, Side Scroller 6.8%

Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Indie 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Action 12%, Arcade 8.7%

A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Space 16.8%, Arcade 7.7%, Action 7.6%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Shooter 11.1%, Space 10.6%, Indie 8.6%, Action 7.8%

Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Indie 23.4%, Space 18.3%, Action 16.5%, Local Co-Op 5.6%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.7%, Indie 30.7%, Action 22.6%

Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Space 19.5%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Action 9.6%, Arcade 6.3%

Fast Pace Shooter

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Indie 22%, Action 16.9%, Shooter 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%