- #1 DRAINUS
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,121 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 69%
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.5%, Shooter 15.3%, Action 8.6%, Side Scroller 7.5%, 2D 4.4%
- #2 Rigid Force Alpha
96% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 22.2%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Score Attack 10%, Retro 9.5%, Shooter 8.3%
- #3 Power-Up
96% matchMixed58% of 266 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 28.7%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Retro 10.6%, Space 9%, Shooter 7.9%
- #4 Enemy Mind
95% matchVery Positive85% of 798 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 15%, Space 11.7%, Shooter 9.4%, Retro 9%
- #5 PAWARUMI
94% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Score Attack 12.7%, Arcade 12.6%, Shooter 10.9%, Space 10.1%
- #6 Shoot 1UP DX
94% matchVery Positive80% of 153 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Score Attack 9.8%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 7.7%
- #7 Space Elite Force
93% matchVery Positive89% of 186 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Space 8.9%, Arcade 8.1%, Score Attack 7.6%
- #8 Space Elite Force II
92% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Score Attack 9.5%, Space 8%, Arcade 7.2%
- #9 ESCHATOS
91% matchVery Positive97% of 301 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 70%
An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Space 10%, Shooter 9.4%, Arcade 8.2%, Score Attack 8%
- #10 Switch 'N' Shoot
91% matchVery Positive96% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Score Attack 13%, Retro 10.3%, Arcade 9.7%, Shooter 9%
- #11 Railgunners
90% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Retro 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.6%, Arcade 8.6%, Shooter 8.3%
- #12 Sophstar
89% matchVery Positive100% of 103 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
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 27%, Retro 10.5%, Space 9.6%, Arcade 8.3%, Shooter 8.3%
- #13 CometStriker DX
89% matchVery Positive98% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Shooter 8.6%, Arcade 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%
- #14 Pewt 'em Up!
87% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, Shooter 12.3%, Arcade 11.6%, Retro 9.6%, Space 9%
- #15 Space Invaders Extreme
86% matchVery Positive87% of 265 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Space 9.8%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 8.8%, Score Attack 8.5%
- #16 Solar Shifter EX
88% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 77.6%, Action 16.1%, Indie 6.3%
- #17 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 813 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 30.4%, Score Attack 12.8%, Shooter 11.4%, Retro 11.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%
- #18 Offendron Warrior
86% matchVery Positive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Space 9.8%, Shooter 8.8%, Retro 8.5%
- #19 Habroxia 2
84% matchVery Positive92% of 62 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 29%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 11.5%, Space 8.4%
- #20 XIIZEAL
85% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Shooter 10.1%, Score Attack 9%, Space 9%, Arcade 8.8%
- #21 Grand Brix Shooter
83% matchVery Positive93% of 84 reviews2019
Dev: Intragames
Windows
Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Space 12.7%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 9.3%
- #22 Super Glitter Rush
82% matchVery Positive95% of 113 reviews2021
Dev: tiny cactus studio
Windows
Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Shooter 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, Bullet Hell 7.3%, Retro 6.5%
- #23 Steredenn: Binary Stars
81% matchVery Positive88% of 959 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 68.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Score Attack 10.4%, Arcade 9.1%, Shooter 8.9%
- #24 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
81% matchVery Positive84% of 605 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Retro 14%, Arcade 8.9%, Bullet Hell 8.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #25 Astral Gunners
78% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2024
Dev: Sati Bros
Windows
Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Retro 9.1%, Score Attack 9.1%, Bullet Hell 8.5%
- #26 Gunboat God
77% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2026
Dev: Janson RADPub: Fireshine Games
Windows
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: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Retro 10.9%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 8.3%
- #27 C-RUSH
84% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 17%
C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.6%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 8.2%, Action 7.7%
- #28 Space Smash
79% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
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: Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Space 14.7%, Score Attack 13.2%, Arcade 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 10%
- #29 Space Codex
79% matchVery Positive81% of 413 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Retro 26.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Bullet Hell 8.3%
- #30 BLUE REVOLVER
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 870 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Fight, fly, flourish! BLUE REVOLVER is a manic arcade-style shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. Powerful special weapons cut through tough areas, while an adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you evade and counter a maniac environmental force!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.5%, Arcade 10.1%, Bullet Hell 10%, Pixel Graphics 8%, Action 4.5%
- #31 Ikaruga
76% matchVery Positive95% of 2,317 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.7%, Arcade 13.3%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Shooter 5.2%, Sci-fi 3.2%
- #32 Grav Blazer Squared
80% matchMixed41% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 10.7%, Arcade 10.2%, Retro 8.8%
- #33 Bit Blaster XL
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,145 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 25%, Space 10.6%, Shooter 9.8%, Score Attack 9.5%, Arcade 8.8%
- #34 in Space
78% matchVery Positive81% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: Ed Curtis-SivessPub: Ysty Games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 59%
in Space is a procedural sidescrolling shooter that values precision and strategy over reflex or memorization. Fight through tons of enemies in three different modes, unlock new ships and new weapons. Become the best at shooting two dimensional shapes!
Why similar: Action 72%, Indie 28%
- #35 Graze Counter
76% matchVery Positive96% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, Sci-fi 9%, Bullet Hell 8.2%
- #36 RagingBlasters
75% matchVery Positive99% of 124 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Shooter 11.9%, Score Attack 11.5%, Retro 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%
- #37 Hyper Echelon
75% matchVery Positive89% of 66 reviews2021
Dev: GangoGames LLC
Windows · Mac
The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Space 10.6%, Shooter 9.8%, Arcade 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%
- #38 Gunvein
73% matchVery Positive97% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
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 46.2%, Arcade 12.3%, Shooter 8.6%, Bullet Hell 8.3%, Sci-fi 6.9%
- #39 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
73% matchVery Positive97% of 367 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 10.2%, Sci-fi 8.8%, Score Attack 8.6%
- #40 Symmodance
73% matchVery Positive84% of 75 reviews2023
Dev: Mehmet Melih Solt
Windows
Dive into the symphonic chaos of geometric warfare! Unleash futuristic weaponry, customize your hovering platform, conquer relentless foes and dance to victory in this mesmerizing reverse bullet hell shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Score Attack 15.6%, Space 14.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%, Bullet Hell 8.6%
- #41 Galaxy Highways
70% matchVery Positive97% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.
Why similar: Shooter 15.3%, Retro 14%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Space 12.1%, Sci-fi 11.3%
- #42 Zero Wing
72% matchVery Positive88% of 80 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Side Scroller 19.5%, Space 9.5%, Arcade 8.9%, Score Attack 8.2%
- #43 Super Hydorah
72% matchVery Positive87% of 316 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Retro 16%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 6.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.8%
- #44 ShipLord
74% matchMixed62% of 844 reviews2015
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Space 23.7%, Action 15.5%, Bullet Hell 12.1%, Indie 10.3%
- #45 Super Star Path
71% matchVery Positive81% of 415 reviews2015
Dev: DYA Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 9.6%, Space 9.5%, Score Attack 7.7%
- #46 Sine Mora
71% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 55.5%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Arcade 8.8%, Bullet Hell 7.2%, Shooter 6.2%
- #47 Void Scrappers
68% matchVery Positive89% of 617 reviews2022
Dev: 8BitSkull
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Score Attack 12.8%, Space 12.1%, Shooter 10.3%, Retro 7.6%
- #48 Eigengrau
68% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Score Attack 13%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 11%, Sci-fi 8.4%
- #49 Space War: Infinity
70% matchVery Positive90% of 126 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Vertical semi-procedural shmup with upgrades, real-time enemy waves, and infinite replayability. Level up your ship, unlock 20+ weapons, defeat 5 bosses, and survive endless bullet-hell combat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Score Attack 11.6%, Space 11.2%, Retro 9.5%, Arcade 9.2%
- #50 GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION
69% matchVery Positive90% of 147 reviews2022
Dev: ES4 / Eternal Sphere 4Pub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
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 36.4%, Space 13.8%, Shooter 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%, Colorful 7.5%
- #51 Space Moth DX
71% matchVery Positive81% of 134 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Arcade 12.6%, Retro 10.4%, Action 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #52 Nebula
68% matchVery Positive87% of 186 reviews2023
Dev: JuTek Pixel
Windows
Survive in the deep void of the galaxy against thousands of invaders! Nebula is a challenging bullet hell, twin stick shooter where you have to face endless waves of space enemies. Additional map resources and space drones can provide you a support but be wary, they can as well become a deadly trap.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Space 19.2%, Arcade 11.6%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #53 Void Source
70% matchMostly Positive78% of 114 reviews2020
Dev: Xitilon
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 98%
Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Space 9.5%, Shooter 8.5%, Retro 8.4%
- #54 Neptunia Shooter
67% matchVery Positive88% of 740 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 66.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Pixel Graphics 12.8%, Retro 11.8%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, Side Scroller 7.2%
- #55 Galacide
69% matchVery Positive86% of 95 reviews2015
Dev: Puny Human
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Space 18.4%, Shooter 12.8%, Action 9.4%, Sci-fi 8%
- #56 Interstellar Sentinel
66% matchVery Positive98% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Uplifting Goat LLC.
Windows
ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Shooter 9.4%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Fantasy 6.4%
- #57 Asteroid Bounty Hunter
69% matchMixed65% of 804 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.4%, Space 18.9%, Action 15.4%, Indie 8%, Bullet Hell 6.3%
- #58 Earthion
63% matchVery Positive96% of 484 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Space 11.8%, Retro 11.7%, Shooter 8.3%
- #59 Power of Ten
66% matchVery Positive80% of 250 reviews2023
Dev: Pew Times Three
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 37%
Fly a star-fighter against a bloodthirsty armada. Gather weapons, resources, and upgrades to help you push back the relentless assault while protecting the galaxies' civilians!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Space 20.9%, Retro 14.3%, Sci-fi 12.9%, Pixel Graphics 12.4%
- #60 Beat Invaders
65% matchVery Positive96% of 206 reviews2022
Dev: Raffaele Picca
Windows · Linux
Beat Invaders is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up Roguelite - Fight your way through enemy fleets, unlock skills, items, ships, and upgrade them in the next run. Enjoy the smooth neon visuals matching the pushing EDM soundtrack - The perfect game to unwind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Space 15.1%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 10%, Sci-fi 8%