- #1 連縁无現里 ~ Misremembered Memories
97% matchPositive100% of 28 reviews2023
Dev: Mugenri
Windows
A retro styled Len'en fangame inspired by the Japanese PC-98 Touhou Project games. Enjoy a nostalgic shoot-'em-up experience with faithful graphics and music without the hang-ups of outdated hardware.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, PvE 11.1%, Anime 8.8%, Arcade 8.7%
- #2 Tri-Ger
96% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Jo C. H.Pub: The MIX Games
Windows
TRI-GER is a top-down rouge-like SHMUP with technicolor vector based graphics. Fight endless waves of enemies, and be sure to match your color to get a high score!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, PvE 16.5%, Arcade 16.4%, Action 8.7%
- #3 Shikhondo: Youkai Rampage
96% matchVery Positive85% of 80 reviews2024
Dev: DeerFarmPub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows
Popular vertically scrolling shoot'em up game Shikhondo is back and powered up! One day, the soul-starved Youkai escape from the depths of hell. Now, the story of the Grim Reaper and the girl who has fallen into this land begins!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Arcade 14.7%, Anime 7.6%, PvE 6.6%
- #4 Pamina VS Slimes
95% matchVery Positive97% of 72 reviews2024
Dev: Rune Game Dev
Windows
Pamina VS Slimes is a fast-paced top-down arcade game where you defend your home from endless waves of slimes. Choose from 4 headpattable characters, master elemental strategies, and unleash powerful burst skills across 4 game modes. Get ready for non-stop action!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Arcade 13.1%, Anime 10%, Top-Down 7.8%
- #5 Retro Short Game
94% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: MadMelon999Pub: Hazard Studios LLC
Windows · Mac
Retro Short Game is a simple, 2D, multiplayer roguelike with content for both new and experienced players to enjoy: featuring three distinct weapons to learn and master, a variety of upgrades for the player to mix and match, and enemies with a myriad of attack patterns.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Bullet Hell 22%, PvE 13.7%, Arcade 10.1%, Co-op 10%
- #6 Quad Blaster
94% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: Juritobi
Windows
A small shoot 'em up that combines the charm of retro arcades with innovative gameplay mechanics, delivering a fresh yet familiar experience. A single coin gives you as many attempts as you want to get the world's high score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Bullet Hell 37%, Arcade 20.4%, Action 1.2%
- #7 Warding Witches
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SonorodePub: Headup
Windows · Linux
Warding Witches offers a classic, unapologetic bullet hell shoot ‘em up challenge while also putting defense into players’ hands. Experience an adrenaline-filled flow alternating between attacking, defending and dodging, amplified by an intuitive scoring system that weaves into gameplay seamlessly.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 33.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Arcade 15.1%, Anime 6.2%, Co-op 5.4%
- #8 DoDonPachi Resurrection
91% 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: Bullet Hell 39.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.2%, Arcade 11.7%, Anime 6.4%, Action 3.1%
- #9 Proto Trigger
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Busted Atlas
Windows
An arcade shoot'em up with unique power-infusion gameplay. Face down an unknown army alone or with a friend in online or local co-op. Navigate the cosmos to save the remants of humanity, or join them in extinction!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Co-op 13%, PvE 11.3%, Arcade 8.2%
- #10 Exilus Viper
90% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: polygon workshops
Windows
Awaken as the Nav Shard—one of five A.I. fragments aboard a mysterious fighter-jet. Battle through branching stages in a neon-infused vertical shmup. Combine elemental powers, and fight your way to the Void. No retries. No rewinds. This is Exilus Viper.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Nonlinear 18.9%, Arcade 11.3%, Top-Down 7.4%
- #11 Blazend
89% matchPositive82% of 17 reviews2022
Dev: Rich Games
Windows
Blaze through 7 action packed levels in this sci-fi shoot 'em up made to test even the toughest of shmup veterans. No tricks and no gimmicks; all you have is your raw skill. Board the Phoenix G7, and blast those alien lifeforms to interstellar space!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Arcade 16%, Anime 7.7%, Action 7.6%
- #12 STEEL FORCE: Top Down Shooter
89% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: PolyBuild
Windows
STEEL FORCE is a top-down shooter. Attack robots, use your shield, and push your skills to the limit. Run, dash, and break through waves of armed machines.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, PvE 19.6%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Arcade 12.9%, Top-Down 6.4%
- #13 Endline
88% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Miniced
Windows · Linux
Endline is a 2.5D psychedelic bullet hell experience, combining rhythm and bright colours.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Nonlinear 15.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Top-Down 5.8%
- #14 GALXAGAR
87% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: MoonMuse Entertainment
Windows
"Don't go to GALXAGAR"; a phrase uttered by many who have traversed its rim. Untold treasures, and terrors, await within its blackened depths. Ready your craft, spacefarer, because you're about to enter the most dangerous sector in all the stars. Get ready.. for GALXAGAR!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Bullet Hell 27.1%, PvE 17.2%, Arcade 12.4%, Top-Down 7.8%
- #15 Gunvein
86% matchVery Positive97% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.7%, Bullet Hell 31.5%, Arcade 14.7%, Action 6.1%, Colorful 5.1%
- #16 BLUE REVOLVER
84% 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 45.8%, Bullet Hell 30.4%, Arcade 9.9%, Anime 6.5%, Pixel Graphics 3.9%
- #17 Mushihimesama
83% 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: Bullet Hell 41%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Arcade 12.3%, Anime 5.7%, Action 3%
- #18 Castle of Shikigami
82% matchMixed60% of 120 reviews2017
Dev: Cosmo MachiaPub: Cosmo Machia inc.
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Castle of Shikigami is a dark, supernatural vertically-scrolling shoot-’em-up classic. Summer, 2005: Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Force is investigating an occult serial killer. Specialists have been called in to investigate. The case is called “The Castle of Shikigami Incident”.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Bullet Hell 28%, Action 13.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Anime 7.8%
- #19 Hatters
81% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Moon
Windows · Mac · Linux
Hatters is a cooperative bullet hell roguelike for up to 4 players. Random spells of five elements, magical artifacts, new heroes and a light story with humor. Chaotic battles where magic and laughter fly everywhere.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, PvE 11.5%, Co-op 10.2%, Third Person 8.5%
- #20 Rangok Skies
79% matchMostly Positive73% of 40 reviews2021
Dev: Samurai Games
Windows · Mac
War has started! Rangok Skies is a vertically scrolling arcade shooter inspired by the genre classics. Highly replayable with 4 different characters, each with their own unique ship, weapons, and bombs. Includes 2-player local co-op.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Arcade 15.3%, Anime 7.3%, Action 7.1%
- #21 Deathsmiles
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 609 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 40.6%, Bullet Hell 37.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Anime 7.4%, Action 3.8%
- #22 Magical Blaster
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: reverse snare
Windows
High-speed horizontal shmups in which many fairies fight together!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 35.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Arcade 15.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%, Anime 7.2%
- #23 Asteroidia
77% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Duk Studios
Windows
A simple and fun space shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 30.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, PvE 16%, Arcade 9.5%, Top-Down 5.9%
- #24 Pretty Kitty Fuzzy
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Ninja Gate Studios
Windows
Pretty Kitty Fuzzy is a 2D "bullet-hell" shmup! Help Fuzzy save the universe with the power of love and positivity through nine whimsical stages. There are tons of lore and features in this puuurrr-fect shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Anime 10.9%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 6.1%
- #25 Golgalian
75% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: Atael
Windows
Pilot the tank Golgalian in an endless micro shoot 'em up inspired by arcades old and new. Blast mechs, dodge bullets, and compete on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Arcade 14.7%, PvE 9%, Top-Down 6.6%
- #26 Chromadi
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Kleanup Games
Windows
Mix and match colors and blast your way through waves of Chromies in this fast-paced retro arcade shooter. Play as the Hue-Men to defend the Rainbar and restore color to the fading planet of Chromara!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Bullet Hell 23%, PvE 15%, Arcade 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%
- #27 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
76% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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 46.4%, Bullet Hell 29.6%, Arcade 17%, Action 7%
- #28 Tadpole Tales
74% matchVery Positive90% of 868 reviews2021
Dev: Andrei CretuPub: Pinnical Studio
Windows
A tiny 2D Hand-drawn "Clean 'Em Up" game about a tadpole cleaning rivers and fighting pollution.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.4%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, PvE 13.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Top-Down 6.4%
- #29 Danmaku Unlimited 2
75% 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: Bullet Hell 45.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Arcade 7.6%, Action 4.1%
- #30 Steel Vampire
74% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Bullet Hell 31.6%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 7.4%, Anime 6.1%
- #31 Neptunia Shooter
73% matchVery Positive88% of 738 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 65.1 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Anime 11.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%, Action 5.2%
- #32 Strelitzia
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Sorgintza
Windows · Linux
An arcade style bullet-hell shoot 'em up where you'll have to dodge thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.7%, Bullet Hell 29.8%, Arcade 16.7%, Top-Down 7.1%, Action 5.7%
- #33 Vector Strain
73% matchMostly Positive76% of 70 reviews2015
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 43.2%, Bullet Hell 34.1%, Arcade 14.7%, Action 8%
- #34 Shikhondo(食魂徒) - Soul Eater
72% matchVery Positive83% of 216 reviews2017
Dev: DeerFarm
Windows
Select one of the Grim Reaper or girl. Find escaped yokai from limbo, extricate soul that they absorbed. You must reseal them after
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Bullet Hell 37.7%, Arcade 7.6%, Anime 7.4%, Action 6.3%
- #35 Ikaruga
72% 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 44.5%, Bullet Hell 39.5%, Arcade 13%, Action 2%, Co-op 0.9%
- #36 Karous
69% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Slash, shoot, guard, grow! Karous, a Dreamcast shoot 'em up originally released back in 2007, is now soaring onto PC. Play as Karous, a girl who lost her parents in a great war with humans. Driven by her father's dying words, she descends to Earth in search of the Sanguis Dei.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Bullet Hell 35.7%, Arcade 17%, Action 4.4%
- #37 Witch Thief
71% matchMixed59% of 22 reviews2018
Dev: Cardboard Keep
Windows
Play as the snarky Witch Thief, on her quest to steal all the magic she possibly can! Naturally those who have the magic don't want to give it up so she does what she does best. That is, kicking in the front door and taking it all anyway!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Third Person 10.5%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%, Anime 7%
- #38 Sine Mora
71% 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 54.9%, Bullet Hell 29.2%, Arcade 11.3%, Action 4.6%
- #39 DuckStruck
69% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2025
Dev: Solemn Snail Studios
Windows · Mac
DuckStruck is a fast paced, top down bullet hell pixel art shooter, where you play as... a duck! Battle enemy zombie ducks, and build defences to aid your survival with endless waves of enemies attacking you at every moment!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Bullet Hell 29.4%, Nonlinear 15.2%, Action 7.5%, Top-Down 7.1%
- #40 Psyvariar 3
69% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Banana BytesPub: Red Art Games
Windows
Play as one of 7 pilots in this thrilling sequel to a SHMUP classic. The time has come for a new generation of Psyvariars to rise… and save humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Arcade 11.4%, PvE 9.5%, Top-Down 6.6%
- #41 Rank · Boss · Bullets
70% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: Shadowblue
Windows
An EXTREMELY HARDCORE vertical bullet hell game that only features boss fights. Preview and select between three randomly generated options to choose the boss and every add-on you're going to face, then start a time-based survival trial. Difficulty can be scaled infinitely here.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Arcade 16.6%, Action 4.9%
- #42 Danmaku Unlimited 3
70% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Arcade 12.7%, Action 6.2%
- #43 XIIZEAL
70% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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 47.8%, Bullet Hell 23%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 14.3%
- #44 Compact Plasma Gears
67% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: Pliesnetsov Serhii
Windows
Embark on a retro-shoot-'em-up task to fight space pirates, industrial equipment, archeotech and, probably, space gods. Engage enemies in increasingly cruel levels, fight vile bosses, uncover secrets and pursue the call of ancient technologies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 14.1%, Anime 9.3%, Stylized 5.7%
- #45 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
68% matchVery Positive97% of 357 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
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 36.9%, Bullet Hell 33.5%, Arcade 17%, Action 6.7%, Top-Down 5.9%
- #46 東方眠世界 ~ Wonderful Waking World
67% matchVery Positive98% of 291 reviews2022
Dev: Oligarchomp
Windows
A simplistic, dynamic Touhou fangame bullet hell shmup with a pixel art esthetic. Shoot down your enemies and dodge your way through an incessant barrage of projectiles!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.6%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 4.3%
- #47 Devil Engine
68% matchVery Positive89% of 142 reviews2019
Dev: Protoculture GamesPub: Poppy Works
Windows
A last ditch effort to destroy what was once to be our savior. A final mission to eliminate a disastrous future. A single ship against Earth’s entire military. The Andraste is the only hope to defeat...the Devil Engine.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.7%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Arcade 14.9%, Action 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%
- #48 Zombie Murder 3
67% matchMostly Positive75% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Falco Software
Windows
Take control of a powerful steel mech and smash crowds of zombies to pieces with driving heavy metal! Zombie Murder 3 is a new part of the Top Down Shooter game with a bunch of levels, bosses and upgrades.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, PvE 23.2%, Arcade 14.6%, 3D 10.1%, Third Person 8.8%
- #49 Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke
66% match8 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2025
Dev: Super16bits
Windows · Linux
Beautiful oni-girls battle hordes of yokai in this side-view bullethell SHMUP. Every year yokai take to the streets to celebrate at Hyakki Yagyō, the night parade of the hundred yokai. But this year they didn't invite the oni twins, so they're going to ruin the party!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Bullet Hell 29.1%, Arcade 15.7%, Anime 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%
- #50 Gun Wings
68% matchVery Positive88% of 418 reviews2015
Dev: Mercury StonePub: DigitalEZ
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A mysterious meteorite from deep space was detected approaching the Solar System, before the meteorite is due to hit the Earth, three of the girls who had their bodies modified as weapons are sent, along with all the hopes of humanity, to destroy the meteorite and save mankind...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Bullet Hell 36%, Anime 13.6%, Action 5.8%, Arcade 4.8%
- #51 The Battle of Aurinoxia
65% matchPositive75% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 34.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Arcade 14.2%, Top-Down 7.9%, Action 5.2%