- #1 Alpha Warrior
96% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Smobile
Windows
Alpha Warrior is a retro, space shooter where the player engages in flight combat with enemy terrestrials and arcade style bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Arcade 18.4%, Casual 18.4%, Shooter 16.5%, Old School 11.8%
- #2 Valentine Candy Break
97% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: Smobile
Windows
Valentine Candy Break is a retro arcade game with animated characters, powerups and custom music. Collect bonuses and powerups and blast your way thru the 30 Levels into the New Year. Simple controls and retro arcade action. Collect all the powerups to stack powerups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Arcade 16.8%, Casual 16.8%, Shooter 13.8%, Puzzle 11.3%
- #3 Guardian: Planet Defense
95% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Eager Lemur
Windows
Take command of an orbiting defense satellite in this action-packed planetary defense shooter. Blast away at waves of incoming asteroids and crafty aliens before they destroy your planet. Scavenge powerful weapons from vanquished alien ships and turn them against your foes. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.8%, Shooter 17.8%, Arcade 17%, Casual 12.6%, Old School 10.6%
- #4 New Year Break
96% matchNo user reviews2023
Dev: Smobile
Windows
New Year Break is retro arcade game with animated characters, powerups and custom music. Collect bonuses and powerups and blast your way thru the 30 Levels into the New Year. Simple controls and retro arcade action. Collect all the powerups to stack powerups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Shooter 14%, Arcade 13.3%, Puzzle 11.4%, Casual 10.7%
- #5 Call Sign is Magic Liner
94% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2023
Dev: Brushing Software
Windows
Call Sign is Magic Liner is an old school Shmup with a new twist. You can strategically draw lines and defeat your enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Casual 22.1%, Arcade 20.2%, Shooter 17.9%, Old School 12.2%
- #6 ELAPSE
94% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Az3
Windows
An endless game about avoiding asteroids, designed to pass the time, accompanied by calm music.
Why similar: Casual 32.1%, Arcade 30.5%, Shooter 21.9%, 2D 8.1%, Indie 4.7%
- #7 Intergalactic Bubbles
93% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,192 reviews2015
Dev: Hellscape Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Blast your way through space in this innovative 3D bubble puzzler! Bounce, bobble, swing, and explode bubbles across the universe. Intergalactic Bubbles advances the classic match-3 genre into the 21st century with stellar graphics, 3D action, and upgrades.
Why similar: Casual 29.1%, Puzzle 23.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Arcade 15.1%, Indie 9.3%
- #8 Galaxy Bricks
91% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: Emerald Knight Interactive LLC
Windows
Two classic games collide to create one amazing experience you can always just pick up and play. Enjoy Endless levels and see how high of a score you can get.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Casual 22%, Arcade 19.5%, Old School 12.7%, Indie 6.5%
- #9 The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis
89% matchVery Positive92% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: Minimum Wage MediaPub: holo Indie
Windows
The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis is a vertical shoot 'em up game where you control Ninomae Ina'nis from Hololive Myth and her companion AO-chan.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Casual 23.2%, Arcade 22%, Shooter 19.6%, 2D 4.4%
- #10 Drawz
91% match8 user reviews38% of 8 reviews2019
Dev: Cheezy Freak
Windows
As a digitalized version of the chalk and black chalkboard that we knew from our old school years, Drawz is an oldskool puzzle game with 45 levels!
Why similar: Casual 28.4%, Arcade 22.3%, Physics 18.8%, Puzzle 17.9%, Indie 12.6%
- #11 Brix Infinite
92% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: SupaFloof Games
Windows
Welcome to Brix Infinite, where the timeless brick-breaker game enters the modern age!
Why similar: Arcade 31.6%, Casual 27.9%, Puzzle 26.1%, 2D 6.7%, Indie 4.8%
- #12 Blinky
90% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: QuickBobber
Windows
You play as a small-eyed creature who needs to shoot bacteria falling on the island.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.6%, Casual 28.1%, Arcade 25.4%, 2D 6.1%, Indie 4.1%
- #13 Horizon Shift '81
89% matchPositive94% of 18 reviews2019
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows · Mac
An explosive wave based shooter (shmups) with a real Retro feel to it. You can even play the game in Tate screen mode! "...if you have the itch for some old-school arcade blast-em-up fun, Horizon Shift '81 is a great way to feed that craving." - 8/10 - The Sixth Axis
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Arcade 20%, Shooter 19.3%, Indie 15.1%, Casual 11%
- #14 Kite Hunter
87% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: WhiteClockGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Aim for the skies and shoot down the kites. Witness the vivid skyline in rugged weather and lighting that challenge your aiming skills. Discover relics and upgrade munition in a race against time.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Arcade 21.8%, Shooter 20.2%, Casual 13.8%, Physics 7.3%
- #15 Heavy Weapon Deluxe
88% matchVery Positive86% of 422 reviews2006
Dev: PopCap Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 36%
It's shoot-'em-up arcade action at its best! Use an incredible assortment of heavy artillery to blast away enemy tanks and planes, and fight your way to victory. What are you waiting for? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get into the action!
Why similar: Casual 41.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Arcade 28.7%
- #16 Chicken Invaders 1
83% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2025
Dev: InterAction studios
Windows
Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Arcade 20.1%, Casual 17.9%, Shooter 17.7%, Old School 9.4%
- #17 Spiral Splatter
86% matchMostly Positive71% of 99 reviews2017
Dev: Neonchimp GamesPub: Sometimes You
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 31%
Spiral Splatter is a brain-bending arcade puzzle game that will push your hand-eye coordination to the limit with nonstop, mind-boggling puzzles!
Why similar: Arcade 32.9%, Casual 31.8%, Puzzle 22.4%, Indie 12.9%
- #18 Super Psy Penguin
84% matchPositive100% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: SHOKIZM INTERACTIVE
Windows
Super Psy Penguin is a Cyber Penguin Hero Simulator in which you play a realistic Cyber Penguin, giving you the power to save the galaxy! The game is inspired by Parodius and Xenon-II and many other Shmups from our childhoods.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Shooter 23.8%, Arcade 23.1%, Indie 5.3%, Singleplayer 2.4%
- #19 TetriMatch
82% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: Emerald Knight Interactive LLC
Windows
TetriMatch is a matchup of two popular games combined to make something new and challenging. Test your skill in this combination of Tetris and Match 3!
Why similar: Arcade 27.1%, Casual 26.8%, Puzzle 18.3%, Old School 16.2%, 2D 6.7%
- #20 Boing
82% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Crazy Retro Games
Windows
"Boing" redefines retro space shooters with its potent weaponry. Defend, attack, and level up as you twist through challenges. Endless fun for all!
Why similar: Arcade 28.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Casual 20.2%, Old School 12.9%, 2D 7.6%
- #21 RIP - Trilogy™
84% matchMixed61% of 387 reviews2007
Dev: Elephant Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 21%
With the completion of the third title in the RIP series, the RIP games have become an instant classic in the arcade-shooter genre. RIP Trilogy brings all three RIP titles into one exciting and heart-pounding pack.RIPNot afraid of Death? What if he is accompanied by Halloween and Rock-N-Roll?
Why similar: Casual 32%, Arcade 24.3%, Shooter 23.5%, Indie 15.7%, 2D 4.6%
- #22 BoomCrash
81% matchMixed55% of 20 reviews2022
Dev: Enoops
Windows
BoomCrash is a small physics-based game aimed at destroying buildings and other architectural structures using explosives.
Why similar: Casual 30.3%, Arcade 29.7%, Puzzle 19.9%, Physics 13.8%, Indie 4.4%
- #23 Barback
78% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2024
Dev: Scott LinkenheldPub: Savage Squirrel Games
Windows
Barback is a 1980s arcade action run and gun game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Arcade 27.1%, Old School 20.9%, 2D 6.6%, Indie 4.1%
- #24 Danju
76% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: SpicyTrain Games
Windows
Danju is a pachinko game with unique ticket upgrades and quirky levels. Bet coins to collect trophies with increasing stakes and earn enough trophies to complete more and more challenging levels! Try out an endless run in Arcade mode to see how far you can get on the leaderboard!
Why similar: Casual 34.7%, Arcade 32.9%, Physics 20.9%, 2D 8.7%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #25 Space Intervention
79% match3 user reviews33% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: RandomSpin
Windows
Save our galaxy from the invasion of an alien race.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Arcade 26.5%, Casual 26.4%, 2D 6.5%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #26 Tempest 4000
80% matchMixed68% of 191 reviews2018
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Tempest 4000™ is a visually stunning, action-packed tube shooter based on the classic hit arcade game, Tempest™.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40%, Arcade 31.4%, Casual 28.5%
- #27 Stars of Strife
81% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Sicur54
Windows
Shoot, dodge, and survive your way through unique bosses and swarms of enemies in this Galaga inspired arcade shooter where the fate of a galaxy rests in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.5%, Arcade 21.8%, Casual 20.8%, Shooter 19.5%, 2D 4.4%
- #28 Zero Wrath Vendetta
78% 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 40.2%, Arcade 19.6%, Shooter 17.1%, Puzzle 15.3%, 2D 4.3%
- #29 Doubles Hard
77% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2020
Dev: Red Dev StudioPub: Ultimate Games
Windows
Three-dimensional arcade & puzzle game, inspired by the legendary game of collecting diamonds.
Why similar: Casual 39%, Arcade 22.2%, Puzzle 19.1%, Indie 17.3%, Singleplayer 2.5%
- #30 A Blast From The Past
74% matchPositive100% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: Happy Cactus Games Limited
Windows · Mac
A Blast from the Past is a stunning, classic arcade shooter. Includes gameplay modes for the casual gamer through to "Tournament Mode" for Hi-Score hunters! With 4K/360Hz+ support, experience smooth as silk gameplay in this dazzling arcade blaster with something for every arcade-going fan!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Shooter 19.4%, Arcade 19.2%, Casual 12.6%, Old School 8.3%
- #31 Nemo_D.O
76% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2017
Dev: GGHF
Windows · Mac · Linux
Nemo_D.O is a puzzle action game. Player should control the two robots simultaneously to achieve the goal.
Why similar: Casual 41.1%, Arcade 23.3%, Puzzle 18.5%, Indie 17.1%
- #32 Invaders from the Lost Sectors
72% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2024
Dev: The Lost Sectors
Windows
Invaders from the Lost Sectors is classic arcade action. Aliens descend with increasing speed towards your base. Shoot them all before they land. Player controlled settings like guided missiles, rate of fire, enemy speed and more help you customize exactly the game experience that you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.8%, Arcade 20.5%, Shooter 20.3%, Casual 11.7%, 2D 5.7%
- #33 Infinite Shooter
75% 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 46.2%, Arcade 21.3%, Shooter 20.6%, Indie 11.9%
- #34 DRUNKEN BARON
77% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Florian Schäfer
Windows
DRUNKEN BARON is a fast-paced 2D arcade shooter inspired by classic flappy-style games. Keep your plane in the air by tapping the button, fly through chaotic corridors, shoot invading aliens, drop bombs, and survive as long as you can!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Arcade 21.2%, Shooter 19%, Casual 13.7%, Old School 12.4%
- #35 Toward aliens and beyond
71% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: TommyMic
Windows
Toward aliens and beyond is a shoot'em up game where you make your way through wave of aliens. Destroy, get experience, upgrade and repeat. Can you resist 20 minutes?
Why similar: Arcade 26.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Shooter 20.8%, Casual 20.7%, 2D 4%
- #36 Attack of the Mechadonk - The ultimate donkey
72% match9 user reviews80% of 10 reviews2020
Dev: Mechadonk Media
Windows
Old school side scrolling shoot'em up. Blast through exciting different locations. Defeating waves of defenders until the final boss battle. Attack of the Mechadonk is a indie game developed for fun and learning for the creator.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Arcade 21.6%, Casual 20.4%, Shooter 19.9%, 2D 4.1%
- #37 Zomb Bomb
70% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: 5th Wheel Games
Windows
A fast pace retro arcade shooter. Fight waves of zombies and dragons with a great gun collection. Battle five wild bosses all while trying to keep the high score.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Arcade 21.9%, Casual 20.8%, Shooter 19.6%, 2D 4.1%
- #38 Ophidian
73% matchPositive93% of 14 reviews2017
Dev: ManBeardGames
Windows · Mac
Ophidian is an arcade puzzle game inspired by a great classic. In Ophidian, players navigate the play area to consume food blocks, while avoiding any obstacles set in the way. Multiple game modes included for players to enjoy.
Why similar: Casual 40.7%, Arcade 23.9%, Indie 18%, Puzzle 17.4%
- #39 M.A.C.E.
75% matchMixed51% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 98%
MACE is a classic space shoot ’em up, inspired by the legendary Amiga games of this genre. Handdrawn 2D graphics in HD resolutions, parallax scrolling, explosion effects and optimized games mechanics, combined with the proven gameplay are transporting the “Spirit of Amiga” in today’s Age.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Casual 24.7%, Arcade 16.6%, Shooter 14.8%, Indie 11.3%
- #40 Fortix 2
71% matchVery Positive91% of 588 reviews2011
Dev: Nemesys Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Fortix 2 is best described as a reverse turret defense game. As Sir Fortix, the knight, you must conquer castles while dodging tower turrets and evil monsters. Fight your way across the shires of the island Artalom, storming from castle to castle.
Why similar: Casual 37.8%, Puzzle 23.6%, Indie 18.3%, Arcade 18%, Singleplayer 2.3%
- #41 Invaliens
73% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Galactic Droids Ltd
Windows
Retro arcade classic, Defeat a million invaders from another dimension in this side scrolling shoot'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Shooter 16.6%, Casual 16.3%, Arcade 15.8%, Old School 8.3%
- #42 Brother Wings
74% matchMixed64% of 187 reviews2017
Dev: BrogamesPub: HandMade Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Brother Wings is a shoot up jet fighter game with vertical scrolling. In this game the player can choose between controlling Marko or Guida, brothers and pilots. The game has two forms, infinity and time attack, both with several ships and types of villains to face.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Arcade 16.7%, Shooter 14.9%, Casual 13.9%, Puzzle 13.5%
- #43 WOLFLAME
70% matchVery Positive85% of 116 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Arcade 20.8%, Shooter 18.5%, Casual 8%, Indie 5.7%
- #44 Asteroids
67% matchPositive96% of 26 reviews2022
Dev: Play Asteroids
Windows
Another version of the classic Asteroids game
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Arcade 22.9%, Shooter 20.8%, Old School 12.9%, Physics 5.4%
- #45 Crazy Invader ShootEm Down
69% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Crazy Retro Games
Windows
Enjoy fast paced action in this retro inspired arcade ShootEm Up Style game
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.2%, Arcade 25.6%, Casual 16.8%, Old School 12.2%, Indie 5.5%
- #46 Beekyr
69% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2019
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Beekyr is a shooter game where you will lead a bee-fighter through 23 amazing levels in fields, dark forests, rivers and dangerous caves to avenge his queen and hive from the evil wasp queens and their soldiers… The vengeance will be served! Beekyr (Vanilla Edition)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Shooter 18.7%, Arcade 17.7%, Indie 13.4%, Casual 10.7%
- #47 Super Marble Drop Deluxe
73% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Mecha Rhino
Windows
In Super Marble Drop Deluxe, drop colorful, swirly marbles into a container. Combine two of the same marble to create a larger one and earn points. Keep merging marbles to increase your score without hitting the top line. How high can you go?
Why similar: Arcade 29.6%, Puzzle 24.8%, Casual 20.1%, Physics 11.9%, 2D 7.9%
- #48 Cannon Block Ball
67% matchMostly Positive75% of 12 reviews2023
Dev: NanningsGames
Windows · Linux
Knock down blocks from the platform using balls in this physics-based game. Encounter various block types, from explosive bombs to rotating and growing blocks, adding challenge and strategy to the gameplay.
Why similar: Casual 30.5%, Shooter 26.6%, Puzzle 21.7%, Physics 12.9%, 2D 6.6%
- #49 Karous
63% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Slash, shoot, guard, grow! Karous, a Dreamcast shoot 'em up originally released back in 2007, is now soaring onto PC. Play as Karous, a girl who lost her parents in a great war with humans. Driven by her father's dying words, she descends to Earth in search of the Sanguis Dei.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Arcade 23.7%, Shooter 23.6%, 2D 6.4%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #50 Planet Cracker
68% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: Nemoto Keisuke
Windows
Planet Cracker is a 2D shooting game features physics engine and 3D environment. You must protect a space station from space debris trying to surpass the line of defence. Destroy all debris, and accomplish the most important mission: SURVIVE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Casual 24.7%, Shooter 23.9%, Physics 10.9%, Indie 3.5%
- #51 Blamcon Shooting Gallery
64% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2025
Dev: Craig GulliverPub: Props3D
Windows · Linux
This game is only properly experienced when using an Infrared Light Gun. Each consecutive hit gives you bonus points. You can reload as many times as you like but keep an eye on that ammo, 6 shots doesn't last!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Arcade 20.8%, Shooter 18.6%, Casual 15.5%, Old School 12.6%
- #52 Soobmarinno
67% matchPositive80% of 20 reviews2021
Dev: Soobmarinno GamesPub: HandMade Games
Windows
Explore the depths of the ocean filled with dangerous inhabitants. Encounter monstrous creatures, collect the ancient gold, travel through this amazing lost world and find out its secrets.
Why similar: Arcade 28.5%, Puzzle 21.1%, Casual 19.6%, Physics 16.1%, 2D 7.6%
- #53 Operation: A.S.S. Takedown
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Brian Heier
Windows
Operation: A.S.S. Takedown is a cozy 2D side scrolling roguelike cute em up. You take on the role of an intern at Weather & Air Productions(WAP) as you attempt to take down weather balloons set up by rival company Atmospheric System Services(ASS).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36%, Arcade 17.9%, Casual 16.3%, Shooter 13.9%, Old School 8.4%
- #54 Squad Killer
68% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: WANZUNGDEV
Windows
You are the Squad Killer! Blast through this retro arcade experience guns blazing! Hope you brought your reflexes because this pixel art massacre offers some good old hard core button mashing fun!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Arcade 21.6%, Casual 20.2%, Shooter 18%, Old School 10%
- #55 Bullets in the Space
68% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2018
Dev: UB Art Games
Windows
Casual game with four different modes, unlockables, fun times and moderate difficulty.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.9%, Casual 35.4%, Indie 15.7%
- #56 Super Chain Crusher Horizon
69% matchMixed56% of 39 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 53.2%, Arcade 31.3%, 2D 8.5%, Indie 7%
- #57 I.F.O
66% matchPositive100% of 36 reviews2017
Dev: Total BatteryPub: Turtle Cream
Windows · Mac
I.F.O is an old school LCD-style shoot'em up game. You have to shoot UFOs using a classic aircraft and save the animals which kidnapped by the aliens. Let's save the Earth from the aliens! You are the last hero of the world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, Shooter 20.1%, Casual 19.9%, Old School 10.2%, Indie 8.2%