Games Like RIVE

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 43.4%, Platformer 17.3%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 10.5%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on high-octane, acrobatic platforming and shooting that feels just as fast and responsive as 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 25.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Side Scroller 15.9%, 2D Platformer 11.7%, Platformer 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It combines side-scrolling platforming with intense bullet-hell shooting sections that require quick reflexes.

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 28.5%, Side Scroller 18.1%, 2D Platformer 13.2%, Platformer 10.5%, Shooter 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced platformer that emphasizes fluid movement and twin-stick combat in a sci-fi setting.

"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: Platformer 25.8%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Shooter 13.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.9%, Action 10%

Why You'll Like It: This physics-based platformer shooter features explosive combat and intense boss battles that feel very similar to RIVE's design.

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 49.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 6.3%, Sci-fi 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: While strictly a twin-stick shooter, it provides the same level of arcade intensity and visual spectacle found in RIVE's combat.

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 32.6%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Shooter 9.3%, Score Attack 9.1%, Arcade 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique shooter that uses perspective-shifting mechanics to create a complex, bullet-hell-infused combat experience.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Shooter 12.3%, Platformer 9.9%, 2D Platformer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, arcade-style run-and-gun game that captures the explosive, high-intensity feel of classic action titles.

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 26.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Platformer 9.5%, Shooter 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling roguelite shooter that blends platforming with intense, multi-directional combat.

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 26.8%, 2D Platformer 22.3%, Platformer 19.2%, Shooter 17.6%, Action 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced platformer shooter that rewards aggressive play and offers a similar level of chaotic, screen-filling action.

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 30.6%, Side Scroller 27.1%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Sci-fi 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A high-quality side-scrolling shooter that features a distinct visual style and challenging, time-based mechanics.

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 31.7%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 11.2%, Space 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling shooter that provides the deep, tactical combat mechanics expected by fans of the genre.

Super Time Force Ultra is an insane platformer filled with robots and dinosaurs and fun and time travel... sometimes all at the same time!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 21.3%, 2D Platformer 15.6%, Platformer 12.3%, Shooter 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, explosive side-scrolling action game that features unique time-manipulation mechanics and frantic 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 21.7%, Platformer 20.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Metroidvania 10.9%, Action 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A heavy metal-infused platformer shooter that demands precision and offers intense, challenging combat encounters.

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 45.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Arcade 15.7%, Shooter 7.6%, Score Attack 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for twin-stick arcade shooters, offering the same pure, addictive combat loop found in RIVE.

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 35.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Shooter 11.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Sci-fi 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: An incredibly fast-paced twin-stick shooter that emphasizes constant movement and high-score chasing.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Score Attack 15.1%, Shooter 10.3%, Space 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the classic side-scrolling shooter genre with polished visuals and challenging boss fights.

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 29.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade shooter that emphasizes movement and precision in its bullet-hell encounters.

“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: Arcade 30.1%, Side Scroller 30%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.9%, Shooter 10.7%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive arcade run-and-gun experience that defined the explosive side-scrolling genre RIVE pays homage to.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Twin Stick Shooter 22.6%, Space 14%, Side Scroller 10.1%, Shooter 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: An indie shooter that offers a wide variety of gameplay modes and intense, screen-filling bullet patterns.

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 48.3%, Arcade 14.9%, Shooter 11%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Action 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter that focuses on high-intensity action and complex patterns.

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 53.3%, Arcade 24.3%, Action 12%, Indie 6.1%, Bullet Hell 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that captures the fast, frantic pace of 80s and 90s action games.

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 37.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Arcade 10.1%, Shooter 8.1%, Score Attack 7.7%

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 62.5%, Score Attack 19.9%, Action 9.9%, Indie 5%, Bullet Hell 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that encourages aggressive play and features unique, branching level structures.

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 25.9%, Platformer 25.3%, Shooter 16.9%, 2D 10.1%, Action 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An explosive, side-scrolling run-and-gun game that thrives on chaotic, over-the-top action.

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 30.5%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Space 11.3%, Shooter 10.3%, Score Attack 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes retro aesthetics and straightforward, challenging gameplay.

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 44.9%, Shooter 15.7%, Arcade 15.1%, Action 10%, 2D 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled bullet-hell shooter that focuses on fast-paced action and high-score competition.

Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Platformer 11.1%, 2D Platformer 9.7%

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 55.2%, Space 13.5%, Arcade 6.7%, Shooter 5.2%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: A space-themed arcade shooter that offers a mix of classic mechanics and modern visual flair.

Cycle 28 is an intense momentum-based space shooter driven by a cinematic orchestral soundtrack. A game where the physics, the music, and the fight to survive combine to pull you into a place where nothing else exists... just you, your ship, and the need to do better.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Score Attack 14.5%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 9%

Why You'll Like It: A short, intense arcade combat game that focuses on mastering movement and shooting in a confined space.

Tesla vs Lovecraft is an intense top-down twin stick arena shooter from the creators of Crimsonland and Neon Chrome. Play as the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla harnessing the static energy to power up Tesla-Mech and give the lovecraftian nightmares a lesson in horror!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 30.9%, Destruction 21.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.5%, Shooter 12.3%, Sci-fi 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic twin-stick shooter that features intense combat and a variety of powerful weapons to clear the screen.

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 45.1%, Arcade 17%, Space 13.7%, Shooter 9.6%, Action 7%

Why You'll Like It: A 360-degree arcade shooter that provides a unique sense of freedom and high-speed combat.

Become the all-powerful Gunboat God in this fluid shoot 'em up. Carve the waves as you stylishly fight hordes of monsters in hundreds of quick-fire missions. Transform your Gunboat and upgrade your weapons, skills and abilities to take on giant, challenging, multi-stage bosses!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Score Attack 9%, Shooter 8.6%

Fly through the sky! Rain down fire on the enemy forces from above! Enjoy solid combat and simple non-linear exploration in this high flying side-scrolling action shooter!

Why similar: Metroidvania 28.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Side Scroller 17%, Platformer 10.7%, Shooter 8.3%

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 33.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Shooter 12.4%, Arcade 11.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%

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 29.2%, Score Attack 18.5%, 2D Platformer 14.5%, Shooter 13.5%, Sci-fi 8.9%

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 46.4%, Arcade 18.3%, Sci-fi 12.3%, 2D 10.2%, Action 7.4%

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Arcade 12.9%, Action 6.2%, Indie 4.9%

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 39.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Arcade 13%, Sci-fi 7.2%, Shooter 6.4%

A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!

Why similar: 2D Platformer 26.3%, Shooter 18.4%, Platformer 14.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Arcade 7.4%

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Metroidvania 63.2%, Platformer 13%, Sci-fi 7.9%, Side Scroller 5.2%, 2D 3.8%

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 55.6%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Arcade 10.2%, Shooter 7.6%, Action 4.5%

a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46.3%, Score Attack 17.1%, Arcade 12.3%, Shooter 8%, Space 7.2%

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Shooter 9.8%, Score Attack 9.2%, Space 8.3%

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 42.6%, Score Attack 18.2%, Arcade 16.1%, Shooter 11.9%, Action 4.3%

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 33.5%, Platformer 28.7%, Action 19.3%, Indie 9.7%, 2D 8.8%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 13.2%, Space 9.9%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Platformer 13.9%, 2D Platformer 11.8%, Arcade 7.7%

Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Space 15.3%, Platformer 13.2%, Shooter 13.1%, Sci-fi 7.9%

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 41.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Arcade 14.1%, Action 7.1%, Indie 3.9%

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 34.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Score Attack 11.4%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 9%

ChAIR’s fresh twist on classic side-scrolling design with modern gameplay is amplified in Shadow Complex Remastered. 10+ hrs of exploration and fast-paced combat from award-winning original game, updated with graphical enhancements, dynamic melee take-downs, and new Master Challenges.

Why similar: Metroidvania 47.3%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Platformer 15.3%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Shooter 5.7%

A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Score Attack 13.3%, Space 12.7%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 10.7%

Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.9%, Arcade 16.1%, Action 10.3%, 2D 6.4%, Indie 5.1%

Xion revives the arcade and shoot ’em ups of the 1990’s in a refreshing and unique way with a fully destructible voxel landscape setting and your very own spaceship that you design and upgrade in an infinite number of ways.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Shooter 16.3%, Action 14.7%, Arcade 14%, Sci-fi 13.9%

A huge hand-crafted world packed with 13 unique bosses, a gripping story, and tons of enemies, Spaceport Hope is the ultimate test of gaming prowess.

Why similar: Metroidvania 33.4%, Platformer 19.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Space 7.3%, Sci-fi 6.3%

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 67%, Action 16.7%, 2D 10.9%, Singleplayer 2.8%, Indie 2.6%

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 41.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Space 10.8%, Shooter 5.3%, Arcade 4.6%

Tear across the desert, obliterating wave after wave with your nuclear missile powered dual-wielding hover tank. A tight, punchy wave survival sandbox with ludicrous weaponry, exhilarating rocket-tank combat, and daily leaderboards!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46.9%, Shooter 15.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Sci-fi 8.1%, Robots 5.7%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.7%, Space 15.9%, Arcade 13.6%, Action 12.5%, Indie 5.4%