Games Like Retro/Grade

The legendary action-shooter finally comes to PC, and in style! Blast your way through mind-melting visuals and amazing beats, all in your quest through cyberspace to save a world on the verge of collapse. Playable on your desktop or in fully immersive VR.

Why similar: Rhythm 54.8%, Music 29.4%, Action 10.1%, Sci-fi 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This iconic rail-shooter perfectly captures the synesthetic blend of electronic music and rhythmic combat found in Retro/Grade.

A mysterious entity is absorbing and corrupting your music before your very eyes. You must battle through your own song collection and fight to reclaim your music!

Why similar: Music 46.1%, Rhythm 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.8%, Action 6%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: This shoot 'em up allows you to use your own music library to generate levels, directly tying the gameplay intensity to your favorite tracks.

Thumper is rhythm violence: classic rhythm-action, blistering speed, and brutal physicality. You are a space beetle. Brave the hellish void and confront a maniacal giant head from the future.

Why similar: Rhythm 60.3%, Music 25.7%, Action 7.6%, Indie 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Known as a rhythm-violence game, it shares the intense, high-speed sensory overload and precise timing requirements of the seed game.

A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!

Why similar: Music 51.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Action 15.6%, Indie 11.2%, Retro 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action game that blends platforming and shooting with a heavy emphasis on rhythm and musical progression.

"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.

Why similar: Rhythm 54.3%, Music 36.1%, Action 4.9%, Indie 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game turns bullet-hell mechanics into a rhythmic dance, requiring players to dodge obstacles in perfect sync with the soundtrack.

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: Rhythm 45.4%, Music 32.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Indie 4%, Action 4%

Why You'll Like It: It transforms your music collection into a chaotic twin-stick shooter where the intensity of the action scales with the song's energy.

Dodge the music and dance through a mesmerizing ballet of choreographed bullets, each synced to music from over a dozen international artists. Push your creativity and skills with the fully-featured Level Editor and never run out of things to dodge.

Why similar: Rhythm 43.4%, Music 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.9%, Indie 7.3%, Action 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is a pure rhythm-based bullet-hell experience where every projectile is choreographed to the beat of the music.

Sayonara Wild Hearts is a dreamy arcade game about riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and breaking hearts at 200 mph.

Why similar: Rhythm 51.2%, Music 37.4%, Action 8.2%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pop-album video game that combines arcade action and rhythm-based movement with a highly stylized, cinematic presentation.

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 50.3%, Action 22%, Indie 17.7%, Sci-fi 10%

Why You'll Like It: This shooter features a unique mechanic where you rotate the entire screen to dodge bullets, offering a similar 'twist' on the traditional shmup formula.

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 75.7%, Action 13%, Sci-fi 5.5%, Indie 3.9%, Retro 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: While not strictly rhythm-based, its reliance on strict pattern memorization and color-switching mechanics mirrors the precision required in Retro/Grade.

Trace ribbons of light to release the energy in the music as you speed through stylised alien worlds. Battle strange enemies and fight epic boss battles all driven by an incredible licensed soundtrack.

Why similar: Rhythm 45.4%, Music 33.8%, Action 11.2%, Indie 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A high-speed on-rails shooter that tasks you with tracing paths and shooting enemies in perfect harmony with the music.

From gameplay to visuals to music and imagination, BIT.TRIP BEAT is inspired by classic games in every way. Get sucked into a whole new world of sight and sound as you juggle beats and ride the vibe in this modern look at the beginning of it all. BIT.

Why similar: Rhythm 51.4%, Music 31.6%, Indie 8%, Action 6.4%, Retro 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational rhythm game that focuses on paddle-based movement and timing, sharing the retro-aesthetic and musical focus of the seed.

Rhythm Destruction is a rhythm & shoot'em up that aims to combine the best of both genres. Blast and maneuver your way through perilous stages filled with numerous enemies, obstacles and unique boss encounters.

Why similar: Rhythm 50.6%, Indie 17.9%, Action 16.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%

Why You'll Like It: A direct hybrid of rhythm and shoot 'em up gameplay that forces players to hit targets on the beat to survive.

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 46.7%, Action 19.7%, Indie 16.3%, Sci-fi 9.5%, Retro 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern love letter to classic side-scrolling shooters that maintains the high-octane action expected from the genre.

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 38.3%, Action 25.6%, Indie 21.3%, Retro 14.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade shooter that captures the retro sci-fi vibe and simple, addictive gameplay loop of classic arcade titles.

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 43.7%, Action 25.4%, Indie 19.9%, Sci-fi 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A polished bullet-hell shooter that excels in visual clarity and rhythmic enemy patterns, appealing to fans of the genre's technical side.

Hurrican-like Bullet Hell. Avoid the rain of bullets to the rhythms of "dubstep". Help the hero to defeat the aliens and to take revenge on the interstellar aggressor!

Why similar: Rhythm 70.3%, Indie 29.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines classic shmup mechanics with a heavy electronic soundtrack where the enemies move and fire in time with the music.

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 44.3%, Action 31.6%, Indie 24.1%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality 2D shooter that focuses on traditional mechanics and pixel-perfect gameplay for fans of the retro style.

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: Action 28%, Indie 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Retro 16%, Sci-fi 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A neon-soaked arcade shooter that feels like a modern evolution of classic twin-stick arcade games.

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

Why similar: Action 35.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Indie 24.2%, Retro 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-intensity bullet-hell game that strips away the fluff to focus on pure survival and pattern mastery.

GRIDD: Retroenhanced is an intense arcade-style cyberpunk hacking shoot 'em up with an incredible soundtrack, procedurally generated elements, and electric visuals.

Why similar: Action 42.3%, Indie 34.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%

Why You'll Like It: This on-rails shooter features a cyberpunk aesthetic and a dynamic soundtrack that drives the player's movement and combat.

Super Hexagon is a minimal action game by Terry Cavanagh, with music by Chipzel.

Why similar: Rhythm 59.3%, Music 20.4%, Indie 14.7%, Action 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist arcade game that is entirely about rhythmic pattern recognition and split-second reactions.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.6%, Retro 16.9%, Indie 11.8%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Action 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A single-button shooter that forces players to master timing and rhythm to control their movement and firing simultaneously.

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 41.7%, Action 21.1%, Retro 14.5%, Sci-fi 14.2%, Indie 8.5%

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 39.2%, Action 24.7%, Indie 22.5%, Retro 13.6%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that leans heavily into the retro aesthetic while providing a challenging and fast-paced experience.

Inspired by an arcade classic, Super Destronaut DX is retro space shooter that pits you against an enemy more dreaded than a UFO, a scoreboard.

Why similar: Action 59.6%, Indie 40.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that offers various modes to test your reflexes and score-chasing abilities.

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 63.7%, Action 21.1%, Sci-fi 15.2%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that uses a unique time-based health mechanic, adding a strategic layer to the standard arcade experience.

Ride your music in more ways than ever before. Audiosurf 2 is the music game for your entire music collection. Hundreds of mods/skins on Workshop. Free demo available.

Why similar: Music 51.2%, Rhythm 42.9%, Indie 5.4%, Action 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title turns any music track into a high-speed arcade experience, focusing on the core concept of playing the music.

Enter the Rhythm Dimension. A homage to classic arcade rhythm games (Guitar Hero, DDR), with a modern aesthetic and soundtrack. Match colours and beats, spin, tap, flick and flow through the juiciest beats in the universe. Supports multiple control styles including MIDI DJ gear on Steam!

Why similar: Rhythm 51.5%, Music 34.9%, Action 7.1%, Indie 6.5%

A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!

Why similar: Indie 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Action 25.5%, Retro 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic and colorful shooter that features a wide variety of gameplay modes and intense, screen-filling action.

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 40.9%, Action 32.3%, Indie 26.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter with a great soundtrack that emphasizes the classic arcade experience of dodging dense bullet patterns.

Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.4%, Action 26.2%, Retro 17.4%

Intake is the new retro-futuristic drugstep arcade shooter from Cipher Prime. In this polychromatic love child of Dr. Mario and Ikaruga, you battle a never-ending barrage of pills, pushing your skill and reflexes to the limit to avoid a lethal dosage.

Why similar: Music 43.9%, Indie 28.3%, Action 27.8%

Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Action 16.2%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Retro 13.1%, Indie 10.8%

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

Why similar: Action 37.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Indie 28.7%

From indie pioneers Zen Studios (makers of Pinball FX2 and CastleStorm) comes KickBeat, an innovative rhythm game with a Kung Fu theme, featuring fully 3D characters and high-energy music! You can use your own music to create custom KickBeat tracks, allowing you ultimate replayability!

Why similar: Rhythm 43.8%, Music 36.3%, Action 11.1%, Indie 8.8%

Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Action 22.9%, Retro 16.7%, Indie 15.9%

Takes the player into unfamiliar territory as they use NES-style controls to blast their way through the barrage of Beats in this rhythm-music adventure.

Why similar: Rhythm 51%, Music 24.7%, Action 12.8%, Indie 11.5%

BYTEPATH is a replayable arcade shooter with a focus on build theorycrafting. Use a massive skill tree, many classes and ships to create your own builds and defeat an ever increasing amount of enemies.

Why similar: Action 35.3%, Indie 25.3%, Retro 19.8%, Sci-fi 19.7%

Beat Invaders is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up Roguelite - Fight your way through enemy fleets, unlock skills, items, ships, and upgrade them in the next run. Enjoy the smooth neon visuals matching the pushing EDM soundtrack - The perfect game to unwind.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Action 25.3%, Sci-fi 18.5%, Retro 10.7%

Dance to the rhythm with your mouse!

Why similar: Rhythm 81.7%, Action 11%, Indie 7.3%

Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.8%, Action 38%, Retro 13.5%, Indie 9.7%

BIT.TRIP VOID is the third installment in the retro-arcade BIT.TRIP saga.BIT.TRIP VOID is a synesthetic exploration of rhythm and music as they pertain to our everyday lives and moods. In a control scheme brand new to the series, yet wholly familiar to gamers, the player is given complete freedom to move about the screen wherever they...

Why similar: Rhythm 40.5%, Music 30.2%, Action 15.7%, Indie 13.6%

Play Droid Assault and experience running blaster battles with hordes of rampaging killer robots! Discover a unique tactical arcade shooter, with the fun addictive gameplay of 8-bit classics. You'll need your wits and the help of your acquired droid squad to stay alive in this fast-paced retro actionfest.

Why similar: Action 42.9%, Indie 31.2%, Retro 14.1%, Sci-fi 11.8%

The beloved indie rhythm game “MUSYNX” returns! Back to classic gameplay roots—bringing you a pure rhythm gaming experience!

Why similar: Rhythm 46.1%, Music 35%, Action 7.8%, Sci-fi 5.7%, Indie 5.4%

Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.

Why similar: Rhythm 44.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Action 19%, Indie 14.9%

🎶 THE VERY FIRST MUSIC ADAPTING FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER IS HERE! 🎵 Always wanted to shoot mobs while listening to your own favorite music tracks? Now you can.

Why similar: Music 44.7%, Rhythm 35.3%, Action 11%, Indie 4.7%, Retro 4.3%

64.0 is a minimal fast-paced arcade game, where you shoot the squares that have the same color as the background.

Why similar: Rhythm 59.9%, Action 11.6%, Indie 10.6%, Music 10.4%, Retro 7.4%

Vertical-scrolling rhythm game inspired by modern Japanese arcade titles, featuring hybrid keyboard and mouse mechanics and music-synced visual effects. Climb the global leaderboards and unlock new content through specialized challenges!

Why similar: Rhythm 45.6%, Music 36%, Action 6.8%, Indie 6.3%, Sci-fi 5.4%

The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!

Why similar: Indie 34.7%, Action 28.1%, Sci-fi 22.3%, Retro 15%

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 33.9%, Action 27.2%, Indie 19.8%, Sci-fi 19.1%

The second chapter in one of the most loved and respected Japanese shooting game series ever:The Tale of ALLTYNEX by Japanese indie developer SITER SKAIN. Carefully crafted play experiences, destructive fun, and absorbing gameplay have made the ALLTYNEX trilogy renowned in shooting game communities.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.9%, Action 22.6%, Indie 18.6%

Neon Drive is a slick retro-futuristic, '80s inspired arcade game that will make your brain melt. You've been warned.From beautiful cityscapes and ocean roads to exploding enemy spaceships, Neon Drive has it all.

Why similar: Rhythm 49.2%, Music 34.1%, Action 8.1%, Retro 5.7%, Indie 3%

AUDICA™ is a VR “rhythm shooter” that combines Harmonix’s award-winning music gameplay with precision shooting mechanics and a 33-song soundtrack, all set in a mesmerizing cosmic arena.

Why similar: Rhythm 52.6%, Music 34.8%, Action 7%, Indie 5.6%

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 55.1%, Action 21.9%, Indie 17.7%, Retro 5.4%

Hyper Simon X is an Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Puzzle game that ingeniously blends SHMUP mechanics with the classic nostalgia of 'Simon Says' memory games. Prepare for a challenge like no other as you destroy the enemies in the exact order displayed!

Why similar: Music 31.2%, Action 23.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Indie 18.2%, Retro 7.3%

Keep your trigger finger on the pulse! In rhythm shooter ROBOBEAT, you'll play as Ace - a bounty hunter on a mission to capture robot-gone-rogue Frazzer in his ever-shifting lair. Wall run, slide, and shoot to your own beat using the in-game custom music editor, blasting through Frazzer's armies!

Why similar: Rhythm 45.1%, Music 32.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14%, Action 8.1%

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 58.9%, Action 19%, Indie 14.3%, Sci-fi 4.3%, Retro 3.5%