- #1 Galaxy Dreamer
97% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: Annet ValentivePub: Galaxy Games
Windows
Galaxy Dreamer is an 2D old-school vertical space shooter that will remind you of your childhood.Сontrol a spaceship and shoot your opponents alone or with a friend! You can choose from a dozen spaceships and weapons to destroy a variety of enemies and BOSSES!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Action 21.4%, Space 20.8%, Arcade 20%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #2 Tiamat X
96% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
Dev: BBQ Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.3%, Action 27%, Arcade 25.7%
- #3 MNOZ - My Nuclear Octopus 2
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Tea Monster Games
Windows
Everyone's favourite nuclear octopus is back to save the world once again, in MNOZ, the explosive sequel to the hit game My Nuclear Octopus. MNOZ is a psychedelic retro arcade game for fans of pure out-and-out arcade blasters - an overload of sight and sound. Chase those high scores!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Action 22.1%, Arcade 20.9%, Space 12.6%, VR 9.9%
- #4 Levitar 3D
95% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Les Bird
Windows · Mac
A 3D gravity shooter with infinite procedurally generated levels and hints of Thrust, Gravitar and Lunar Lander.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Action 25.4%, Arcade 22.8%, 3D 8.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #5 Stargunner
94% matchVery Positive81% of 154 reviews2014
Dev: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 18 minMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 32%
In the far distant future, an epic war for survival takes place... Deep within the Andromeda galaxy, the people of Zile grow restless and greedy. The Zilions secretly prepare for a massive strike against the nearby planet Ytima. Fearing such an attack, the Ytimians train an elite squad of "Stargunners.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.8%, Action 29.1%, Arcade 16%
- #6 Skygrave
93% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Forever61
Windows
Skygrave is an action based arcade style shoot 'em up game (shmup) where you must face the wicked panda-humanoid race called the Xiph, who are hell bent on invading and destroying your world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Action 28.2%, Arcade 25%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #7 Space Hamster in Turmoil
92% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: SypherZent
Windows · Mac · Linux
Space Hamster in Turmoil is a shoot 'em up featuring a customizable ship, optional & unorthodox mechanics, 7 interesting bosses, and a short story that takes place one year after the extinction of our species.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Action 35%, Space 24.9%
- #8 Ping Pong Attack: Return of the Pong
91% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Tedesen Games
Windows
Pilot a rocket-powered ping-pong bat through 105 arcade levels across seven planets. Blast alien fleets, smash multi-ship bosses, chase high scores solo, or share the campaign in two-player local and Remote Play Together co-op.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Action 21.8%, Space 20.6%, Arcade 20%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #9 Space & Pixels
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Basil Masil
Windows
Space & Pixels is a top-down space shooter with classic gameplay. Battle through each level, blast lots of enemies, upgrade your ship's firepower, and uncover the truth behind your dangerous mission.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Action 24.2%, Arcade 22.2%, Space 15.5%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #10 Prism Panic
90% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Stephanie Tanzar
Windows · Mac
A fast-paced arcade shooter where you blast through waves of baddies, collect power-ups, survive curses, and chase the high score. Easy to pick up, hard to put down.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37%, Action 24.2%, Arcade 20.6%, Space 17%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #11 Sun Blast: Star Fighter
89% matchMixed66% of 786 reviews2015
Dev: OBLONE SoftwarePub: Senpai Industrial Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sun Blast is the best 3d space shooter on Steam. Earn upgrades as you fight your way through a huge seleciton of levels. Full gamepad support!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Action 18.9%, Space 15.9%, Arcade 14.7%
- #12 AWA
89% matchVery Positive80% of 121 reviews2016
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67.1%, Arcade 17.2%, Action 15.7%
- #13 Space Demon Combat Tactics III
87% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Matt Kuhn
Windows
Join the High Commander as the eternally loyal Green in an epic journey to save the Blues from the menace of the Greys and their evil Red Gems!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.1%, Action 23%, Arcade 21.5%, Space 17%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #14 NIGHTSTAR: Alliance
86% matchVery Positive84% of 63 reviews2019
Dev: Tiny Leviathan Studios
Windows
A modern twist on arcade shooters realized in VR. SHOOT. DESTROY. EQUIP. REPEAT. Command a heavily armed battlecruiser as you forge a fleet capable of stopping the enemy A.I. that has decimated mankind. Only with this alliance can you hope to bring humanity back from the brink.
Why similar: Action 29.3%, VR 26.8%, Space 25%, Arcade 18.8%
- #15 Demon Protocol
84% match4 user reviews50% of 4 reviews2026
Dev: Pete PotosPub: ThryveLabs
Windows
Lock On. Light Up. Lay Waste. Demon Protocol is a retro arcade space shooter with 25 waves of relentless enemies, 4 brutal bosses, and power-ups to keep you fighting. Choose your difficulty and see how far you can push before the demons win.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Action 23.7%, Arcade 17.4%, Space 16.1%, Singleplayer 2.6%
- #16 Space Saber
86% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Virtuelconcept
Windows
Space Saber is a virtual reality game where you launch yourself into space to intercept explosive mines with your lightsaber.
Why similar: Arcade 32.1%, Space 28%, Action 25%, 3D 12.8%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #17 Super Chain Crusher Horizon
85% matchMixed56% of 41 reviews2014
Dev: Mindware
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Super Chain Crusher Horizon is the largest, longest, most incredible PC shooting game in history with a two-player mode that is revolutionary. And, it’s loaded with game modes that solve the problems had by most shoot ‘em ups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.3%, Arcade 27.5%, Action 15.2%
- #18 Anthea's Justice
82% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Karl_SpencerPub: ITNC Games
Windows
The year is 2248. You play as Anthea, a pilot for the Spacing Guild. She's battling a pirate fleet. During the game, you'll need to destroy four leader ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.6%, Action 17.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Space 11.1%, Singleplayer 2%
- #19 Kromaia
84% matchMostly Positive76% of 119 reviews2014
Dev: Kraken Empire
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 45.5%, Arcade 20.6%, Action 16.7%, Space 15.9%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #20 Beast Modon
83% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: Jeshawn Chrite
Windows · Mac
In this arcade style shoot em up that lets you earn more punishing difficulties, you are Sylvester, a hero pilot in his glory days turned space janitor on a space station. After an attack on said post, it is up to him to retrieve the fabled Fang Shards. Turn your Beast Mode on, you're going to need it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.5%, Action 28.7%, Arcade 22.8%
- #21 Barback
81% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: Scott LinkenheldPub: Savage Squirrel Games
Windows
Barback is a 1980s arcade action run and gun game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.9%, Action 28.1%, Arcade 25%, Singleplayer 2%
- #22 HORGIHUGH (ホーギーヒュー)
82% matchMixed67% of 18 reviews2019
Dev: PiXELPub: LionWing Publishing
Windows
HORGIHUGH is a horizontal side-scrolling shoot 'em up from Japanese developer PiXEL featuring vibrant retro graphics, intense boss battles, a unique power-up system, and an adorable roster of anthropomorphic characters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48%, Action 31.5%, Arcade 20.5%
- #23 Horizon Shift
81% 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 40.4%, Action 37.7%, Arcade 21.9%
- #24 Hallo Spaceboy
79% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2018
Dev: Zolden Games
Windows · Mac
Retro space shoot'em up with nice AI, physics, story and RPG elements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.7%, Action 38.3%
- #25 Dungeon Rustlers
79% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2018
Dev: Zimventures, LLC
Windows
Collect loot. Kill Monsters. Do it Quickly. Oh...and DON'T DIE! Quickly navigate your character through a series of levels filled with monsters trying to take you down. Unlock class-specific power-ups, minions, and other bonuses to help you on your quest.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.8%, Action 39.2%
- #26 VR Blasteroids
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: IGA Flux LLC
Windows
Classic arcade action reimagined for virtual reality! Dodge, blast, and survive as you pilot your ship through swarms of asteroids and enemy drones in fully immersive 360° space battles.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, VR 24.3%, Space 21.2%, Action 13.2%, Arcade 10%
- #27 Platypus II
78% matchMixed60% of 596 reviews2014
Dev: IdigiconPub: Claymatic Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.4%, Action 39.6%
- #28 R-Type Final 2
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 826 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 45.8%, Arcade 19%, Space 15%, Action 14.9%, 3D 4.1%
- #29 Shooty
76% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: RiceyCode Studios
Windows
A space arcade shooter with light rogue-like elements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.7%, Arcade 19%, Action 18%, Space 14.9%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #30 MeteoStorm
77% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: DarkMatter Software
Windows · Mac
MeteoStorm is an action packed retro shoot-em-up. MeteoStorm offers up to 25 challenging waves of exciting shoot-em-up action with 3 different difficulty levels!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Action 22.9%, Arcade 21.4%, Space 15.6%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #31 Space Pizza Express
75% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Codesorcerer Games
Windows · Mac
A funny arcade space-action game about delivering pizza across the galaxy, where the perks include zero-gravity working conditions and unlimited cheese snacks, and the risks include stolen pizzas, flying hazards, and unhappy intergalactic customers.
Why similar: Space 26%, Arcade 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Action 20.2%, 3D 7.7%
- #32 Flying Shark
74% matchPositive89% of 47 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience Toaplan's arcade shooter Flying Shark (AKA Sky Shark) on PC with the latest quality-of-life features. Ride through the skies as they burn in a rain of armor-piercing bullets! You have been chosen for the mission. Because you are the best pilot there is!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Action 26.1%, Arcade 26%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #33 Major Stryker
76% matchMostly Positive79% of 61 reviews2014
Dev: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 24%
In the not-so-distant future, the calamity of World War III led to eventual world peace. But, it didn't last. Earth was invaded by alien marauders - the Kretons. Earth's united military force, still depleted after the mighty onslaught of WWIII, was not nearly sufficient to repel the numerous Kreton attacks.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.8%, Action 41.2%
- #34 Galencia
74% matchPositive100% of 25 reviews2018
Dev: Jason Aldred
Windows
The 2017 Commodore 64 Game of the Year now available on Steam!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Action 34.5%, Space 25.2%
- #35 Zenohell
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 89 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 29%
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 58.7%, Action 41.3%
- #36 Echoes+
73% matchVery Positive92% of 858 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Action 26.4%, Space 15.5%, Arcade 14.6%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #37 JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
73% matchVery Positive95% of 97 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Two classic Wonderswan games, now on PC! Battle the mysterious Judges in Judgement Silversword. Cardinal Sins is a score trial marathon, based on the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Will you face Judgement?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.9%, Action 44.1%
- #38 Galactic Sentinels
71% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Lordoomer
Windows
Galactic Sentinels is a high-octane bullet-hell shmup packed with old-school arcade soul and modern polish. Choose from 16 unique ships, 30 weapons, 20 drone types and various power ups. Master innovative MegaWarp mechanic, and survive intense boss battles. multiple modes and difficulties.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Space 20.9%, Action 20.8%, Arcade 18.4%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #39 Slap Fight
72% matchPositive83% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Artificial intelligence threatens the galaxy. Buckle up and fight computing power with the only power that counts: FIREPOWER! Experience Toaplan's brain-melting Slap Fight (AKA Alcon) with its gauge-based power-ups and strategic gameplay. Now on PC with the latest features!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.8%, Action 26.6%, Arcade 25.8%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #40 System Critical 3
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Old Formulas
Windows
Step into the fast-paced, high-energy world of System Critical 3, the ultimate VR platformer-shooter designed exclusively for VR.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Action 21.9%, Arcade 20.1%, VR 20%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #41 Alpha Squadron
71% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Ender's WorkshopPub: Ender Toone
Windows
Classic Arcade Style Side Scrolling Shoot'Em Up. Dodge the enemy bullets as you fight your way through 13 levels of increasingly intense action. Play in various levels of difficulty and challenge the high score tables. Co-op up to 4 players, one survives the level, then you all start the next level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Arcade 20.1%, Space 17.1%, Action 16.7%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #42 SHOCK TROOPERS
72% matchVery Positive83% of 288 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 41%
“SHOCK TROOPERS ”, the fan favorite 2D top-down view action shooting game released exclusively on NEOGEO MVS in 1997, returns to the battlefield on Steam!Progress through the battlefield, choosing the best routes and strategy!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Action 30.8%, Arcade 30.7%
- #43 Space Aliens Invaders
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Pix Arts
Windows · Mac
modernized old time classic alien shooter game
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Space 24%, Arcade 17.1%, Action 14.5%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #44 Habroxia 2
69% matchVery Positive92% of 63 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 39.2%, Action 23.2%, Arcade 21.6%, Space 14.7%, Singleplayer 1.4%
- #45 Infinite Shooter
70% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2016
Dev: Minion Productions Inc.
Windows
Infinite Shooter is a top down arcade shooting game, also known as a "Shmup", with the emphasis squarely on the action. With no story in the way of your fun, simply choose an opponent and take them down to earn powerful weapons, upgrades, ships, and power-ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.5%, Action 26.5%, Arcade 20%
- #46 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Action 33.3%, Arcade 22.2%
- #47 Invasion From Space
68% matchPositive100% of 27 reviews2022
Dev: Jean Tampon
Windows
Simple remake of Space Invaders adding destructions and physics
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.4%, Action 22.5%, Arcade 22.1%, Space 14%, Singleplayer 1%
- #48 Andromeda Wing
70% matchMixed62% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Codebusters
Windows
An action-packed retro arcade shoot 'em up featuring organic and bio-mechanical alien life, including ammonites, centipedes and spiders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Action 27.4%, Space 18.3%, Arcade 15.1%
- #49 Lunyatic Invaders
66% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2026
Dev: kanajalab
Windows
What is that... a cat!? A mysterious enemy has invaded from outer space. Break through a storm of bullets in your super fighter in this unique full-scale shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Action 28.2%, Arcade 25%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #50 Amaranthine
69% matchVery Positive92% of 108 reviews2016
Dev: Roman Kozhukhov
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 51.7%, Space 25.1%, Action 23.3%
- #51 Castle of Shikigami
68% matchMixed60% of 123 reviews2017
Dev: Cosmo MachiaPub: Cosmo Machia inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 49%, Action 36.2%, Arcade 14.8%
- #52 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
66% matchVery Positive90% of 100 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 46.8%, Arcade 26.2%, Action 25%, Singleplayer 2%
- #53 Zero Wrath Vendetta
68% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Incandescent Workshop LLC
Windows
Dodge enemy beams with your space fighter, kill huge bosses, and sing along to seven distinct songs in this unique rock opera videogame.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.5%, Action 20%, Arcade 18.8%, Space 12.8%, Singleplayer 0.9%
- #54 Star'Shoot
67% matchPositive94% of 18 reviews2018
Dev: Space Maker Studio
Windows
In this space shooter avenge the Earth destruction and destroy dozens of procedurally generated enemy waves ! Each death will make you stronger. Can you reach the top of the leaderboard ?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.5%, Space 28.5%, Action 22.9%
- #55 Voxel Interceptor
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: NewAtlantisGameStudio
Windows
Now you can select your control style in 3 different ways!. 6 different upgradeable space interceptors, 9 different weapons. You can supply in your carrier and upgrade her defenses. Shoot enemies down. That's all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Action 38.7%, Arcade 20.8%
- #56 Deadline
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: GFDS Inc.
Windows
Step into the future with Deadline, a VR corridor shooter that pits you against relentless robotic enemies. Arm yourself with a variety of weapons, master lethal combos, and navigate through challenging levels. Can you survive the robotic onslaught and unlock the secrets of the future?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Action 23.3%, Arcade 21.6%, VR 14.8%, 3D 6.3%