Games Like 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 27.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Side Scroller 12.1%, 2D Platformer 11.3%, Arcade 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly mirrors the blend of 2D platforming and intense bullet-hell shooting found in 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 48.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Arcade 11.7%, Bullet Hell 8.6%, Shooter 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: While it lacks platforming, it is the gold standard for the explosive, high-intensity arcade shooting that defines RIVE's combat.

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 26.2%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 10.1%, 2D Platformer 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling run-and-gun captures the same intense, high-octane action and platforming hybrid feel as 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 41.4%, Arcade 15.1%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Platformer 12.4%, Action 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game features extremely fast-paced movement and shooting mechanics that reward the same twitch-reflex gameplay as 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 34.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Arcade 9.6%, Robots 8.6%, Shooter 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This twin-stick shooter provides the same chaotic, screen-filling destruction and arcade-style challenge.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Platformer 19.7%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Action 11.1%, Sci-fi 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a heavy-metal aesthetic with brutal side-scrolling combat and platforming that feels like a spiritual cousin to 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 35.8%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Arcade 13.1%, Shooter 10.8%, Space 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This classic-style side-scrolling shooter provides the intense bullet-dodging and tactical positioning required in RIVE.

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 31.1%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Arcade 11.4%, Bullet Hell 9.5%, Shooter 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished side-scrolling shooter that offers the same level of visual spectacle and challenging boss encounters.

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 28.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Arcade 8.2%, Platformer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It blends side-scrolling platforming with twin-stick shooting mechanics in a chaotic, action-heavy environment.

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 15.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, Bullet Hell 6.8%, Shooter 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is a quintessential arcade shooter that captures the pure, addictive intensity of RIVE's combat segments.

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: Platformer 21.8%, Side Scroller 21.4%, Shooter 14.6%, 2D 11.4%, Arcade 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on environmental destruction and chaotic, high-speed platforming makes it a great match for RIVE fans.

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 31.9%, Destruction 11.3%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Arcade 8.1%, Bullet Hell 8%

Why You'll Like It: Its unique mechanic of shifting between 2D and 3D planes adds a layer of depth similar to the hacking and movement mechanics in RIVE.

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: 2D Platformer 25.4%, Side Scroller 23.8%, Platformer 17.8%, Shooter 16.2%, Action 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines platforming and shooting with a comic-book aesthetic that keeps the action moving at a breakneck pace.

My Friend Pedro is a violent ballet about friendship, imagination, and one man’s struggle to obliterate anyone in his path at the behest of a sentient banana.

Why similar: Side Scroller 27.7%, Shooter 27.2%, Platformer 17.5%, Action 14.8%, 2D 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes acrobatic shooting and stylish destruction that aligns well with the 'dance of destruction' feel of RIVE.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: 2D Platformer 34.3%, Platformer 26.3%, Action 10.8%, 2D 9.1%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: While more melee-focused, its fast-paced, high-stakes combat and platforming require the same precision and rhythm as RIVE.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Twin Stick Shooter 23.6%, Space 11.6%, Side Scroller 7.4%, Shooter 6%

Why You'll Like It: A frantic, high-energy arcade shooter that matches the explosive visual style of RIVE.

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 29.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Arcade 8%, Bullet Hell 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a tight, side-scrolling arcade experience with a focus on dodging and precise shooting.

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 23%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Score Attack 11.6%, Arcade 9.6%, Space 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern side-scrolling shooter that focuses on score-attack mechanics and intense, rhythmic combat.

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: 2D Platformer 24.3%, Arcade 19.8%, Platformer 18.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, 2D 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique, fast-paced vertical descent that blends platforming and shooting in a highly satisfying way.

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 52.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Arcade 13.6%, Action 5.8%, Indie 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: This arcade shooter focuses on relentless, screen-clearing action that will feel familiar to any RIVE player.

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 37.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Arcade 12.9%, Robots 6%, Sci-fi 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes fast movement and constant combat pressure.

“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 33.8%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.6%, Shooter 8.5%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive run-and-gun experience that inspired many of the side-scrolling shooter mechanics seen in modern titles like RIVE.

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 36.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Arcade 10.2%, Destruction 10.2%, Bullet Hell 6.2%

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 35.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Robots 11.1%, Arcade 6.6%, Bullet Hell 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It uses twin-stick shooting mechanics in a procedural environment that rewards quick thinking and movement.

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 44.5%, Arcade 21.7%, Bullet Hell 11.9%, Action 9.6%, Retro 8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-styled arcade shooter that prioritizes constant action and movement.

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 44.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Arcade 12.3%, Action 8.4%, Indie 4%

Why You'll Like It: A solid twin-stick shooter that focuses on arcade-style scoring and intense enemy waves.

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 62.8%, Score Attack 14.5%, Action 9.3%, Bullet Hell 9.1%, Indie 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game encourages aggressive, high-speed play to maximize scores, mirroring the arcade spirit of RIVE.

Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era!

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 31.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 9.8%, Sci-fi 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This action-platformer features shooting elements and a fast pace that fits the RIVE aesthetic.

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 23.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Arcade 10.4%, Platformer 9.8%, Side Scroller 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging 2D platformer that focuses on fast-paced combat and arcade-style progression.

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 26.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Arcade 8.2%, Score Attack 6.8%

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 33.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Shooter 9.1%, Robots 7.1%

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 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Arcade 9.2%, Score Attack 8.2%, Shooter 7.7%

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 43.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 11%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique take on the arcade shooter genre with a focus on swarm-based combat.

a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 47.9%, Arcade 13.3%, Score Attack 12.9%, Shooter 6.1%, Space 6%

Bullet Candy is a fast paced, action packed arena shooter. There are a variety of combo systems and many secret techniques that you can employ to get the best score and weapon upgrades possible. Viewed from a top-down perspective, Bullet Candy allows for a true 360° shoot-em-up experience.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Arcade 13.6%, Indie 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-feeling twin-stick shooter that provides a straightforward, high-intensity arcade experience.

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 55.2%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Arcade 10.8%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Shooter 5.7%

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 29.7%, Score Attack 14%, 2D Platformer 13.7%, Shooter 10.3%, Sci-fi 7.5%

A retro-inspired, action packed, twin-stick shooter full of bullets, blood and explosions. Collect and manage your guns to exterminate jungle zombies, swarming bugs, heavy robots, slimy monsters and even space ghosts.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 27.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Destruction 16.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 7.3%

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 41%, Arcade 16.4%, Score Attack 13%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Shooter 8.6%

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

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Arcade 8.2%, Shooter 7.2%, Score Attack 6.7%

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 31.8%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Space 9.6%, Shooter 8%, Arcade 7.3%

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 46.1%, Arcade 15.1%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Shooter 7.9%, Sci-fi 6.8%

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 39.6%, Arcade 16.7%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Sci-fi 8.8%, 2D 8.6%

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 25.5%, Shooter 14.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 13%, Platformer 11.7%, Arcade 8.2%

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 31.1%, Side Scroller 13.9%, 2D Platformer 13.1%, Arcade 8.8%, Platformer 8.5%

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 43.9%, Arcade 17.6%, Space 10.9%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Shooter 7%

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 37%, Platformer 23.9%, Action 20.2%, 2D 9.6%, Indie 9.3%

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 37.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Bullet Hell 7.4%, Action 6%

Chip destructible bosses apart pixel-by-pixel in this twin-stick bullet-hell shooter.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Destruction 14.1%, Score Attack 8%, Arcade 7.5%

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 25.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Score Attack 10.2%, Arcade 9.5%

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 27.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Side Scroller 12%, Arcade 7.8%, Space 7.6%

"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 23%, Side Scroller 13%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.9%, Shooter 11.6%, Action 11.2%

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 46.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Arcade 13.4%, Bullet Hell 6.3%, Action 4.5%

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 42.5%, Arcade 15.3%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Shooter 11.2%, Action 8.9%

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 26.9%, Side Scroller 16.5%, 2D Platformer 11%, Platformer 10.6%, Bullet Hell 8.4%

Shoot from affar or get nibble away up-close and personal in a boss-rush, bullet-dodging revival of the 1982 Atari classic title, Yars' Revenge. Take on 60 unique enemy encounters alone or with a friend in local co-op.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 8.2%, Robots 7.6%

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: Twin Stick Shooter 33.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Arcade 10%, Score Attack 9.6%, Shooter 8.3%

Fast-paced retro shmup where space keeps shrinking. Collect energy orbs, avoid danger, unlock ships, and chase the highest score in this addictive arcade shooter.

Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 34%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Score Attack 10.1%, Arcade 9.9%, Space 9.7%

A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Space 11.5%, 2D Platformer 11.2%, Platformer 9.5%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Arcade 15.8%, Shooter 12%, Space 9.1%