Games Like RIVE

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 42.7%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Difficult 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the pinnacle of modern twin-stick arcade action with spectacular visuals and relentless pacing.

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 33.7%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Action 11.8%, Platformer 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines fast-paced platforming with intense 360-degree shooting mechanics that feel remarkably similar to RIVE.

Welcome to Gamearth, a once peaceful planet now threatened by the warmongering Space grunts of Nexgen. In the aftermath of their devastating first strike a child named Rise is forced to take on the sacred gun Shine - and with it the fate of his world.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 24.3%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.6%, Bullet Hell 9.2%, Difficult 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A unique hybrid of platforming and bullet-hell shooting that mirrors the mechanical variety found in RIVE.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.6%, 2D Platformer 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane side-scrolling run-and-gun that matches RIVE's explosive, arcade-style intensity.

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 25.6%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Score Attack 9.7%, Difficult 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique perspective-shifting mechanic that adds a fresh layer to the traditional shooter experience.

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: Twin Stick Shooter 32.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, Difficult 11.5%, Shooter 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, high-energy twin-stick shooter that focuses on constant movement and intense arena combat.

Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind Unity Awards finalist, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole.

Why similar: Side Scroller 25%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Action 12.6%, Difficult 11.4%, Platformer 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a heavy-metal, explosive side-scrolling experience that emphasizes intense combat and platforming precision.

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: Side Scroller 23.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Difficult 12.2%, Shooter 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning side-scrolling shooter that focuses on time-based mechanics and challenging boss encounters.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Side Scroller 30.1%, Shooter 16%, Action 13.1%, Platformer 12.9%, 2D 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides chaotic, explosive side-scrolling action that captures the same destructive spirit as RIVE.

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 28.3%, Side Scroller 25.5%, Arcade 11.5%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern revival of the classic side-scrolling shooter genre with deep customization and challenging levels.

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 44.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Arcade 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10.6%, Action 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential twin-stick shooter that emphasizes high scores and frantic, arcade-style survival.

“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Side Scroller 31.5%, Arcade 29.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.2%, Action 9.2%, Shooter 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive classic run-and-gun experience that inspired the explosive side-scrolling genre.

Shoot your way through the pages of an ever-changing comic book in this fast-paced roguelike. Play solo, in local or online co-op, expand your weaponry, and upgrade your hero with each run. All that to find out why has your creator lost his faith in you and to prove him wrong.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.1%, Difficult 20.4%, 2D Platformer 15.8%, Shooter 14%, Action 9%

Why You'll Like It: Combines platforming and shooting in a fast-paced, roguelite format that rewards aggressive play.

An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 30.6%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Shooter 8.1%, Arcade 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Blends run-and-gun platforming with roguelite elements, offering a similar chaotic combat loop.

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 36.2%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Bullet Hell 7.9%, Difficult 7.4%, Arcade 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic and highly destructive side-scrolling shooter with a massive arsenal of weapons.

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 52.3%, Score Attack 18.4%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Action 9.7%, Indie 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter that emphasizes score-attack mechanics and branching paths for high replayability.

Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!

Why similar: Side Scroller 19%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Score Attack 17.6%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Shooter 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished side-scrolling shooter that pays homage to arcade classics with modern visuals and tight controls.

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Bullet Hell 10%, Space 8.7%

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

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 37.9%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Arcade 20.1%, Action 12.4%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade shooter that focuses on score-chasing and relentless enemy waves.

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Bullet Hell 10.1%, Difficult 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that combines side-scrolling action with challenging, pattern-based combat.

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: Twin Stick Shooter 38.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Score Attack 9%

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 40%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.9%, Arcade 12.4%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Action 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sleek, retro-inspired twin-stick shooter that focuses on arena-based survival and upgrades.

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Difficult 20.7%, 2D Platformer 18.8%, Arcade 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Platformer 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, gravity-defying arcade platformer that demands quick reflexes and precise movement.

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 52.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Arcade 12.3%, Indie 7.6%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced twin-stick shooter that focuses on arcade-style survival and massive enemy counts.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Score Attack 19.9%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Difficult 11.8%, Arcade 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An ultra-minimalist arcade shooter that forces you to master a single-button mechanic for maximum intensity.

Tachyon Project is a dual stick shooter heavily inspired by classic shoot'em ups. We’ve combined many unique enemy types, a large variety of weapons and power-ups with innovative gameplay to ensure a long lasting challenge and discovery at every new level.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 45.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 10.7%, Indie 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick shooter with a unique weapon-customization system and fast-paced arcade gameplay.

Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Score Attack 10.7%, Difficult 10.4%

Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Bullet Hell 16%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Shooter 10.7%, Sci-fi 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired side-scrolling shooter that features intense combat and a vibrant, synth-wave aesthetic.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 42.8%, Arcade 13.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Score Attack 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: The original arcade twin-stick shooter that defined the genre's modern resurgence.

Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Difficult 12.6%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Arcade 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that emphasizes fast action and simple, addictive gameplay.

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 25%, Side Scroller 21%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Shooter 8.5%, Score Attack 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style side-scrolling shooter that focuses on retro aesthetics and challenging boss fights.

a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 47.3%, Score Attack 19.3%, Arcade 11.8%, Shooter 6.6%, Action 5.2%

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 43.5%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 6%

Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 37.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 11.2%, Sci-fi 6.7%

GUNKID 99 is a fast and frantic 2D arena-shooter that will seriously challenge your skills and reflexes. Craft your own unique play-style and develop crazy combos​ with numerous weapons and abilities at your disposal! Lay waste to endless hordes of enemies and get that top score on the Global Leaderboards!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 20.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Side Scroller 11%, Difficult 9.2%, Bullet Hell 8.4%

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 37.1%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Arcade 13.2%, Shooter 8.5%, Sci-fi 7.8%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Side Scroller 23%, Arcade 13.9%, Shooter 13%, Action 9.5%

Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Score Attack 14.5%, Difficult 9%, Bullet Hell 8.5%

Atomik: RunGunJumpGun is a tough as nails game that puts a gravity-defying weapon in your hands. One button lets you fly, the other blasts obstacles out of the way. With a cast of crazed characters, challenging gameplay, and a pulsing musical score, it delivers twitchy platforming goodness.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Difficult 23.9%, Action 19.9%, Indie 13.1%, Platformer 11%

Harness the power of dark energy as you jump, slash, shoot and bombard your way through an army of alien soldiers and killer robots in an arcade style, twin-stick shooter with a slick 80's synthwave soundtrack.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 29.3%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, 2D Platformer 9.8%, Shooter 7.6%

Cycle 28 is a classic arcade space combat game where you have six minutes to beat your high-score. Simple controls, powerful upgrades, and intense dogfights. Perfect for when you just need to switch off and shoot something. See you on the scoreboard!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 27.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Score Attack 11%, Bullet Hell 11%, Difficult 8.3%

A frenetic hand-drawn bullet hell shooter, blending run-and-gun mechanics with classic shmup action in looping arenas. Inspired by drawn-on-film animation of the 1930's - shoot, dash and pound your way through the Animator's creations.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Score Attack 13.9%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Bullet Hell 11.1%

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 23.6%, Score Attack 20.5%, Bullet Hell 12%, Shooter 11%, 2D Platformer 10.6%

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 41.4%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Space 7.8%, Arcade 5.8%, Action 5.5%

"This is some of the most fun I've had with a game so far this year, and it will go down as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time." - 9/10, Destructoid

Why similar: Side Scroller 16.8%, Action 12.9%, Platformer 12.4%, Shooter 11.7%, Sci-fi 10.3%

A self-inflicted bullet hell that combines retro sci-fi with the sounds and sights of the disco era

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 37.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Bullet Hell 11.7%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Shooter 6.9%

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: Twin Stick Shooter 43.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Action 13.8%, Arcade 11.2%, Indie 8.5%

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 31.8%, Score Attack 18.8%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Arcade 14%, Shooter 8.9%

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 32.4%, Bullet Hell 11.7%, Side Scroller 11.3%, Arcade 10%, Shooter 8%

A retro-style, fast-paced, and addictive shoot 'em up. A throwback to the classic arcade games of the 80s. Great for playing while waiting in line for another game. 🎮 (shmup)

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 28.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%, Score Attack 13.4%, Bullet Hell 10.6%, Difficult 10.4%

Rhythm Storm is a roguelike bullet heaven with stunning vector graphics, rhythmic action, and overwhelming swarms of enemies. Your vehicle aims and fires freely while everything else dances and moves to the beat in this spectacular audio-visual experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Arcade 14.8%, Sci-fi 10.2%, 2D 9.1%

Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Score Attack 14.8%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Difficult 12.5%, Shooter 9.1%

Vectorium is a classical, yet intense arcade shooting game. Can you survive those dreadful enemies and barrage of gunfire?

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Score Attack 10.4%, Shooter 8.2%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Arcade 12.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Action 10.4%

Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.9%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, Bullet Hell 9.5%, Shooter 6.9%

Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 13.5%, Difficult 9.9%, 2D Platformer 8%

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 48.8%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Action 11%, Indie 6.5%

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

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Bullet Hell 13%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 9.5%

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: Twin Stick Shooter 40%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Space 6.5%, Arcade 4.2%