- #1 Zero Wing
97% matchVery Positive88% of 80 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 25%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Arcade 8.6%, 1990's 8.3%, Space 7.3%
- #2 COTTOn Boomerang - Saturn Tribute
96% matchMixed63% of 19 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
COTTOn Boomerang, the explosive and timeless witch girl shooting game, is finally back! There are team battles this time! Take full advantage of all the amplified action and push forward!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Shooter 12.3%, 1990's 12.3%, Arcade 9.9%
- #3 Contra: Operation Galuga
95% matchVery Positive88% of 936 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 23.1%, Side Scroller 17.2%, 1990's 11.4%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 8.9%
- #4 MissileDancer
96% matchPositive85% of 20 reviews2018
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Vertical Scroll Shooting Game with Lock-on Missile
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Shooter 16%, Score Attack 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Retro 9.6%
- #5 GRADIUS ORIGINS
94% matchVery Positive93% of 269 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
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 25%, Arcade 16.1%, Shooter 15.9%, 1990's 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 8%
- #6 RagingBlasters
94% matchVery Positive99% of 124 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Shooter 14%, Score Attack 10.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Retro 8.6%
- #7 Earthion
92% matchVery Positive96% of 484 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, 1990's 13%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Shooter 9.3%, Space 8.8%
- #8 Guardian Force - Saturn Tribute
93% matchMostly Positive79% of 19 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
The Guardians, a secret society wielding the power of the Force, have readied their tanks and intend on crushing the aspirations of the Hammerbolt Empire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Shooter 14.4%, 1990's 14%, Arcade 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%
- #9 Monkey King: Master of the Clouds | 中華大仙
91% matchMixed70% of 23 reviews2018
Dev: Starfish-SD Inc.Pub: Retroism
Windows
Join Micheal Chang, the Monkey King, on his journey through famous landmarks of ancient China and fight off mythical creatures and legends in this classic arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Action 15.1%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 13.7%, Retro 12.9%
- #10 R-Type Dimensions EX
91% matchVery Positive87% of 326 reviews2018
Dev: Tozai Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 38%
R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.9%, Side Scroller 22%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 8%, Retro 5.8%
- #11 Tiger Heli
90% matchMixed65% of 23 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Take off on a classic arcade journey with Tiger-Heli, Toaplan's pioneering vertical shooter that set the stage for an entire genre. Now available on PC with a host of modern upgrades!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.4%, Arcade 15.6%, Score Attack 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.9%, Retro 7.4%
- #12 Iron Meat
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,069 reviews2024
Dev: Ivan Valeryevich SuvorovPub: Retroware
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Shooter 11.4%, 1990's 9.7%, Arcade 8.5%
- #13 AquaNimble
89% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2016
Dev: DrinkingNails, LLC
Windows
AquaNimble is about crazy intense shooter action with big quirky guns against underwater snake dragons, cybernetic sharks, swirling skeletons, submarines and so much more. It's a dynamic game that makes every play through different and lets you set your own challenge beyond a difficulty setting.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Shooter 12.3%, Action 11.4%, Score Attack 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%
- #14 COTTOn 2 - Saturn Tribute
89% matchMixed68% of 34 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Set in the Pumpkin Kingdom which has lost its national treasure—the "Bluewater Willow," this brain-stimulating action-shooter follows Cotton, a witch with the biggest appetite in the universe, and Appli, the most tomboyish girl in the royal family.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Side Scroller 19.5%, 1990's 12.3%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 9.8%
- #15 Gates of Zendocon
86% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Epyx, Inc.Pub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Retro 10.4%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 7.3%
- #16 G-Darius HD
85% matchVery Positive94% of 162 reviews2022
Dev: TAITO CORP.
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 27.1%, Side Scroller 21%, Shooter 11.9%, 1990's 9.2%, Arcade 9%
- #17 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
86% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: leimonyaPub: leimonya
Windows
Super simple 2D shooter game! Use the two types of shots to push forward.Kick out the swarming zakos and take on the powerful bosses.7 crazy worlds are waiting for your cat!?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Side Scroller 19%, Shooter 12.2%, 1990's 9.8%, Arcade 9.8%
- #18 Thunder Tiger
87% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Incredibly Moot Studio
Windows
Thunder Tiger is a fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up, blending 1980s arcade style with futuristic flair. Blast enemies, grab power-ups, and chase high scores in intense 2D stages. Classic retro vibe meets modern gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Arcade 8.4%, 1990's 8.1%, Shooter 8%
- #19 Habroxia 2
84% matchVery Positive92% of 62 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Side Scroller 18%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10.4%, 1990's 8.9%
- #20 Habroxia
84% matchPositive97% of 32 reviews2023
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives, and untold surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.6%, 1990's 8.5%
- #21 Spacewing War
83% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2022
Dev: Pneuma GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Side Scroller 24.4%, Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 8.6%, 1990's 8.4%
- #22 VERZEUS
82% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Shooter 9.3%, Retro 8.9%, Arcade 8%
- #23 SPACEMAN
81% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Colton Crawford
Windows · Mac
SPACEMAN is a short, nostalgic, retro Shoot-Em-Up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Side Scroller 12.9%, 1990's 10.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Retro 8%
- #24 Stellar Raid
81% match8 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Berry Patch Games
Windows
Stellar Raid is a side-scrolling run and gun game inspired by the greatest classic games of the genre! With a variety of weapon upgrades at your disposal (including a support drone) you’ll charge through hordes of enemy mercenaries to take down one of the Universe’s most notorious space terrorists!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Side Scroller 26.6%, Arcade 9.8%, Retro 8.6%, 1990's 6.9%
- #25 Suicide Runners
80% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Arcade 9.2%, Retro 8.6%, Shooter 8.1%
- #26 Icarus
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Denis EvansPub: Japster's Cavern
Windows
Icarus, a classic side-scrolling space shoot-em-up tribute! - Thumping soundtrack, Bosses, Multiples, Power-ups, Secrets, BIG levels... ...Give the (free) work in progress / teaser demo a try!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Side Scroller 21.2%, Retro 8.3%, 1990's 7.4%, Aliens 7.3%
- #27 Slordax: The Unknown Enemy
79% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: SoftdiskPub: Ziggurat
Windows
In this classic top-down shoot 'em up, fly the deadliest ship in the galaxy on a dangerous first-strike mission to annihilate an alien threat before they become too powerful to stop. Pick up upgrades from fallen enemies along the way and become an unstoppable force!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Retro 12%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Aliens 9%, 1990's 7.9%
- #28 R-Type Final 2
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 820 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 35.3%, Side Scroller 23.9%, Shooter 13.1%, Arcade 10.3%, Space 6.8%
- #29 REMOTE LIFE
78% matchVery Positive91% of 222 reviews2019
Dev: Next Game Level
Windows
Remote Life is a 2D Side scrolling space shooter (shmup) for PC. Experience a fast paced action game with insane scary graphics, and hyper jump into a brutal-frenetic-techno-alien world. Free the world from this dreadful nightmare before its nauseating breath of horror destroys mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Space 11%, Shooter 10.9%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Aliens 9.2%
- #30 Schildmaid MX
77% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Shooter 8.8%, Retro 7.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%
- #31 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
79% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Shooter 10.2%, 1990's 9.2%, Retro 9%
- #32 Terra Flame
76% matchPositive97% of 30 reviews2022
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Terra Flame is a horizontal shmup inspired by the 90's. The feature is that you can switch between three types of weapons in real time.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Shooter 13.5%, Score Attack 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%, Retro 8.1%
- #33 Asteroids: Recharged
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 108 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 10.2%, Space 8.6%, Score Attack 8.3%
- #34 Moon Dancer
75% matchPositive95% of 40 reviews2022
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Moon Dancer is a vertically scrolling shmup featuring an exhilarating lock-on laser.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Shooter 15.5%, Score Attack 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Retro 10%
- #35 Thundering Skies
77% matchMostly Positive71% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Flat Voxel
Windows
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Side Scroller 18%, Arcade 9%, Shooter 8.2%, Retro 7%
- #36 Chromacell
74% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: 171Dev
Windows
In this sideways scrolling shmup, take control of your spaceship and navigate through vibrant pixelated environments filled with hordes of enemy spacecraft. Upgrade your ship and weapons, dodge enemy fire while blasting through each stage. Emerge victorious as the ultimate space pilot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 8.4%, Space 6.1%
- #37 Beekyr Reloaded
73% matchVery Positive87% of 98 reviews2017
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The giant hornets have destroyed your hive and taken the pollen. Fight the swarms alone or with a friend and destroy the dangerous hornet queen! The insect world is very dangerous but... what are you waiting for to get your revenge?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Side Scroller 21.7%, Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 8.6%, Score Attack 7.1%
- #38 INNBC STARFIGHTER
70% match8 user reviews63% of 8 reviews2026
Dev: Jonathan Fior Pub: Innovative Bioresearch
Windows
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Shooter 10.8%, 1990's 8.5%, Arcade 8.1%
- #39 Cosmic Cruiser
72% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: ImaginePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this unique shooter from 1984. take on the role of a pilot of an out-dated Cosmic Cruiser, fighting to rescue the crew of a distant space station that had been captured by a raiding party from the sinister Rallom Empire.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Shooter 16%, Retro 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.9%, Arcade 9.5%
- #40 DRUNKEN BARON
75% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Florian Schäfer
Windows
DRUNKEN BARON is a fast-paced 2D arcade shooter inspired by classic flappy-style games. Keep your plane in the air by tapping the button, fly through chaotic corridors, shoot invading aliens, drop bombs, and survive as long as you can!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 10.6%, 1990's 10.5%
- #41 Hyper-5
71% matchPositive89% of 19 reviews2022
Dev: Hyper Productions
Windows
Hyper-5 is a cinematic shmup inspired by classics from the “golden era” of the 90’s. Responding to a distress beacon, deep space scout ship Hyper-5 is drawn into a terrifying battle with an unknown enemy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Shooter 11.5%, Arcade 9.2%, Aliens 7.2%
- #42 R-Type Dimensions III
71% matchMostly Negative24% of 49 reviews2026
Dev: KRITZELKRATZ 3000Pub: ININ
Windows
Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds, expanded gameplay modes, and a range of new features designed to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 11.6%, 1990's 6.8%, Space 5.2%
- #43 Space Warpster
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: AMAMiZU games
Windows · Linux
A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Arcade 9.1%, Retro 8.1%, Shooter 7.9%
- #44 The Rush
69% matchPositive91% of 32 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 9%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%
- #45 Imminence
73% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Bob WarrenPub: Augmented Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A brutal 16-bit sci-fi shoot-’em-up inspired by the golden age of the Sega Genesis. Fight across multiple worlds, upgrade your ship, and confront the forces behind the Augmentation Program.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Side Scroller 21%, 1990's 11.3%, Space 9.6%, Shooter 7.7%
- #46 Space Dragons
67% matchPositive87% of 39 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Choose your spaceship and defeat the alien threat that comes from the Moon. Blast your way crushing, ripping apart and exploding hostile aliens that are taking control of powerful weapons and military technology from Earth. Find the entity that controls the threat and make it explode into blood.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Side Scroller 15.1%, 1990's 9.4%, Shooter 9.1%, Aliens 8.3%
- #47 FORTRESS DEFENDER
70% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: opmregisters
Windows
This game, "FORTRESS DEFENDER", is a side-scrolling power-up shooting game with an 80's flavor. Defeat the enemies that appear one after another, dodge their attacks, and aim for the boss that lurks in the depths of the stage. There are a total of eight stages with various tricks and bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Shooter 10.3%, 1990's 9.3%, Retro 8.7%
- #48 SATAZIUS
70% 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 26.4%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%
- #49 Invaders from the Lost Sectors
68% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: The Lost Sectors
Windows
Invaders from the Lost Sectors is classic arcade action. Aliens descend with increasing speed towards your base. Shoot them all before they land. Player controlled settings like guided missiles, rate of fire, enemy speed and more help you customize exactly the game experience that you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 10.8%, Space 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #50 Spacewing War 2
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Alcalico
Windows
Jump into this new battle in this new side-scrolling shoot’em-up, face enemies and obstacles from every corner of the Milkdromeda Galaxy and encounter strange fun transformations that change the way the game plays.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Side Scroller 17.7%, 1990's 12.1%, Shooter 8.7%, Retro 8.5%
- #51 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
67% matchVery Positive90% of 97 reviews2023
Dev: Studio SaizensenPub: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
The original beautiful girl side-scrolling shooter is back! This work commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Cotton series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.4%, Shooter 21.1%, Arcade 17.9%, Action 12.8%, Singleplayer 0.8%
- #52 Kanamono
69% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Karai
Windows
Destroy your enemies and use the scraps that come out to destroy them even more! Side-scrolling space fantasy shooting game, that is "Kanamono".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Side Scroller 31.5%, Shooter 14%, Action 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%
- #53 STURMWIND EX
68% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 8.8%, Space 8.6%
- #54 Power-Up
71% matchMixed58% of 266 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 31.9%, Side Scroller 19.9%, Shooter 9.9%, Retro 8.7%, Space 7.5%
- #55 ImageStriker
66% matchVery Positive93% of 94 reviews2019
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Image Striker is a 2D vertical scroll shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Shooter 14.4%, Score Attack 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Retro 8.8%
- #56 Escape 2 Space
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10%, Space 7.5%
- #57 Gray Goo
64% match6 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Glitch Nomads
Windows
Gray goo is a short retro arcade shooter with lots of upgrades. This game is about destroying goo in space and saving the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Retro 10.6%, Space 10.4%, Shooter 9.3%
- #58 Enemy Mind
66% matchVery Positive85% of 798 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 28%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 12%, Space 10%, Arcade 7.9%
- #59 Spectacular Sparky
65% matchVery Positive87% of 168 reviews2021
Dev: FreakZone GamesPub: Nicalis, Inc.
Windows
A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Side Scroller 20%, Shooter 11.8%, Space 9.9%, Retro 8.8%