- #1 DRAINUS
96% 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 65.1%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Action 7.5%, Shooter 7.4%, Indie 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A modern horizontal shooter with high production values and a unique energy-absorption mechanic that rewards aggressive play.
- #2 Sine Mora EX
97% matchMixed64% of 681 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 45.9%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Side Scroller 14.6%, Arcade 7.8%, Shooter 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive, expanded version of the seed game, featuring enhanced visuals and refined gameplay mechanics.
- #3 Ikaruga
95% 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%, Bullet Hell 29.3%, Arcade 7.6%, Shooter 2%, Action 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for mechanical depth in the genre, requiring players to master color-switching to survive complex patterns.
- #4 ZeroRanger
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,161 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.4%, Bullet Hell 24%, Arcade 5.9%, Action 4.3%, Indie 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of modern shmup design that evolves from a classic shooter into a complex, multi-layered experience.
- #5 BLUE REVOLVER
94% 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 62.3%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Arcade 6%, Action 3.2%, Indie 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, stylish bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes precision and high-octane arcade action.
- #6 Deathsmiles
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 617 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.7%, Bullet Hell 28.3%, Arcade 6.6%, Side Scroller 3.6%, Action 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling bullet-hell game that shares the dark, gothic aesthetic and cinematic feel of Sine Mora.
- #7 Mushihimesama
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,541 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Bullet Hell 33.4%, Arcade 7.7%, Action 3%, Shooter 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: The quintessential bullet-hell experience, known for its beautiful patterns and challenging, high-stakes gameplay.
- #8 Danmaku Unlimited 2
91% matchVery Positive93% of 482 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.1%, Bullet Hell 32.7%, Arcade 4.3%, Action 3.6%, Indie 3%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet deeply challenging bullet-hell shooter that excels at providing a smooth, modern gameplay loop.
- #9 R-Type Final 2
90% matchMostly Positive75% of 820 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 56%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Arcade 9.7%, Shooter 7%, Bullet Hell 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A high-fidelity horizontal shooter that offers deep ship customization and a modern take on a classic franchise.
- #10 Graze Counter GM
89% matchVery Positive97% of 191 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Bullet Hell 26.3%, Arcade 9.7%, Shooter 5.5%, Action 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on a risk-reward 'grazing' mechanic that mirrors the tension and strategic depth of Sine Mora's time system.
- #11 ETHER VAPOR Remaster
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 318 reviews2012
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.3%, Bullet Hell 10.8%, Action 4.4%, Shooter 4.2%, Arcade 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: Uses dynamic camera angles and high-octane horizontal action to create a visually striking shooter experience.
- #12 Super Hydorah
89% 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 67.2%, Arcade 11.3%, Bullet Hell 8.7%, Action 7%, Indie 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic horizontal shooters that provides a polished, challenging, and retro-inspired experience.
- #13 Nex Machina
88% matchVery Positive87% of 2,177 reviews2017
Dev: Housemarque
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Bullet Hell 32.8%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 6.3%, Shooter 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: While a twin-stick shooter, it captures the high-intensity, arcade-perfect feel and visual flair of top-tier shmups.
- #14 Jets'n'Guns 2
86% matchVery Positive90% of 1,290 reviews2020
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 66.4%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Side Scroller 8%, Action 7.6%, Indie 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features heavy customization, a unique art style, and chaotic side-scrolling action that feels very cinematic.
- #15 DoDonPachi Resurrection
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,062 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.8%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 7.5%, Action 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary title that defines the bullet-hell subgenre with its overwhelming screen-filling projectiles and intense difficulty.
- #16 Rolling Gunner
85% matchVery Positive91% of 67 reviews2022
Dev: Project Rolling GunnerPub: mebius.
Windows
March 18th, 2061 - "Operation Downfall" Commences With its reliance on BAC, humanity had forgotten how to operate even basic transportation, let alone weapons. After the attacks from BAC and the subsequent social chaos, the human population was reduced by half.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 71.8%, Shooter 11%, Bullet Hell 10.1%, Action 3.7%, Indie 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A precision-based bullet-hell game that emphasizes tactical positioning and modern, polished visuals.
- #17 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
87% matchVery Positive91% of 402 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 51.7%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Arcade 6.1%, Shooter 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features innovative perspective-shifting mechanics that force players to think about spatial awareness in a new way.
- #18 Steel Empire
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 110 reviews2018
Dev: mebius.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 81%, Action 14.5%, Indie 3.7%, Singleplayer 0.7%
Why You'll Like It: A steampunk-themed side-scrolling shooter that matches the atmospheric, narrative-driven tone of Sine Mora.
- #19 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
84% matchMixed56% of 529 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.8%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 6.2%, Action 6%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique cinematic presentation and a wide-screen format that feels like a modern evolution of the genre.
- #20 Ghost Blade HD
82% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.5%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Action 8.3%, Indie 7%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern take on the classic arcade bullet-hell with a focus on tight controls and visual clarity.
- #21 Syder Arcade
82% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 57.5%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Arcade 7.6%, Side Scroller 5.9%, Action 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style side-scrolling shooter that focuses on intense combat and varied mission objectives.
- #22 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 48.6%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Integrates roguelike elements into the side-scrolling format, ensuring that every run feels fresh and unpredictable.
- #23 Horizon Shift
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.4%, Action 16.7%, Arcade 12.9%, Indie 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: Utilizes unique lane-based mechanics that keep the action fast, unpredictable, and highly challenging.
- #24 VASARA Collection
79% matchVery Positive82% of 146 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 72%
For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Arcade 9.2%, Shooter 5.2%, Action 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: Combines historical Japanese themes with intense, modern bullet-hell action for a unique aesthetic experience.
- #25 Hyper Sentinel
78% matchVery Positive84% of 69 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 21%
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 50.9%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Action 8.3%, Indie 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced, retro-inspired action that emphasizes speed and high-score competition in a vibrant, modern package.
- #26 Gunvein
74% 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 57.5%, Bullet Hell 23.8%, Arcade 8.7%, Action 5.7%, Shooter 4.1%
- #27 Super Killer Hornet: Resurrection
79% matchMixed62% of 814 reviews2014
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
'Things will explode, things will die, you will dodge, you will do maths...Yes maths!' Super Killer Hornet Resurrection is an intense vertical shooter with a brain train twist. Through the chaos and explosion try to answer the falling math problems to increase your multiplier and power up your ship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.1%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Indie 13.1%, Arcade 4.5%, Singleplayer 0.2%
Why You'll Like It: A solid arcade-style bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes singleplayer progression and score-chasing.
- #28 Project Root
80% matchMixed50% of 115 reviews2014
Dev: OPQAMPub: Reverb Triple XP
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.9%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Action 8.2%, Arcade 7.2%, Shooter 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: An open-area shooter that focuses on massive destruction and cinematic pacing across diverse environments.
- #29 Jamestown
77% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.9%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Arcade 5.4%, Indie 3.1%, Action 2.5%
- #30 Star Saviors
77% matchVery Positive82% of 1,684 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 63.3%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Action 4.2%, Arcade 3.8%, Indie 3.3%
- #31 Vector Strain
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 70 reviews2015
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Arcade 8.2%, Action 7.1%, Indie 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist but highly challenging bullet-hell game that focuses on pure mechanical skill and reaction time.
- #32 LUFTRAUSERS
76% matchVery Positive91% of 4,499 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.1%, Bullet Hell 28.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Action 5.3%, Indie 4.8%
- #33 Waves
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,557 reviews2011
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 50.3%, Bullet Hell 27.6%, Arcade 10%, Shooter 7.4%, Action 4.3%
- #34 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
70% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.2%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Arcade 6.4%, Shooter 4.8%, Action 4.2%
- #35 Revolution Ace
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,886 reviews2014
Dev: Laser Guided Games, LLC
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.4%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Arcade 5.5%, Action 4.7%, Shooter 4.3%
- #36 Wish Project
74% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2016
Dev: Andrew Willman
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.3%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Action 9%, Indie 7.1%, Arcade 6.6%
- #37 Power-Up
76% 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 49.6%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Action 5.7%, Indie 5.3%
- #38 Dark Old Sun
73% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.7%, Bullet Hell 22%, Action 18.9%, Shooter 6.5%, Indie 3.4%
- #39 Sophstar
69% 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 51.6%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Arcade 9.1%, Shooter 6.1%, Action 5.7%
- #40 Strike Suit Infinity
73% matchVery Positive82% of 621 reviews2013
Dev: Born Ready Games Ltd.Pub: Born Ready Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Strike Suit Infinity is a frantic high score chaser set in the Strike Suit Zero universe. Your skill is the only thing that matters and whatever combat experience you've had so far is irrelevant. There is no end to the enemies you'll face. There is no winning. There is only the fight for survival.
Why similar: Action 31.5%, Arcade 30.2%, Indie 20.5%, Shooter 16.8%, Singleplayer 0.9%
- #41 Echoes+
71% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.6%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Action 9.6%, Arcade 7.1%, Indie 6.7%
- #42 Bleed 2
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 898 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 50.7%, Bullet Hell 25.5%, Action 8.8%, Arcade 8.5%, Indie 6.5%
- #43 Super reaKtor
63% matchVery Positive100% of 58 reviews2025
Dev: SuperSAZ StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Super reaKtor is a bullet hell focused on difficulty with a twist: original controls and 2 differents weak points to manage. Collect green energy pellets, and avoid or absorb the various threats.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 61.2%, Arcade 23.2%, Action 10.8%, Indie 4%, Singleplayer 0.9%
- #44 Cube Gothic
71% matchMixed61% of 51 reviews2020
Dev: Arkhouse TelegraphPub: Arkhouse Telegnosis
Windows
Cube Gothic is a Story-driven Shoot 'em up Adventure. Shooting enemies and dodging projectiles while solving simple puzzles and trying to comprehend the surreal plot - these are the challenges you'll be facing in Cube Gothic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.6%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Side Scroller 12.1%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 5.7%
- #45 Switch 'N' Shoot
71% 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 53.2%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Arcade 10.3%, Shooter 6.4%, Indie 2.4%
- #46 Assault Android Cactus+
69% matchVery Positive94% of 2,002 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 50.5%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 7.3%, Action 4.3%
- #47 BIRDCAGE
60% matchVery Positive97% of 208 reviews2025
Dev: POLYGON BIRD
Windows
Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.3%, Bullet Hell 26.3%, Arcade 9.5%, Shooter 7.4%, Action 4.1%
- #48 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
70% matchVery Positive82% of 816 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.1%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Arcade 8.6%, Side Scroller 8.5%, Action 3.3%
- #49 Nowhere Patrol
68% matchVery Positive98% of 224 reviews2018
Dev: Slugsoft
Windows
Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.4%, Bullet Hell 31.3%, Action 11.3%, Indie 9%
- #50 TYPECAST
64% matchVery Positive91% of 195 reviews2023
Dev: Gutter Arcade
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 75%
TYPECAST is a bullet hell where you type to shoot. Get swarmed by enemies, manage the chaos, and climb the leaderboards in this unique arcade experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.1%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Arcade 9%, Shooter 7.1%, Action 3%
- #51 Graze Counter
68% 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 52.6%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Arcade 8.8%, Action 5.5%, Shooter 3.9%
- #52 BULLETHELL
64% matchVery Positive89% of 91 reviews2024
Dev: Walter Machado
Windows
BULLETHELL is an experimental, retro-hardcore, barely playable, ultra-fast-paced arena top-down shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 59.2%, Action 20%, Indie 11.3%, Arcade 6.3%, Singleplayer 3.2%
- #53 Bullet Hell Monday
65% matchVery Positive95% of 62 reviews2022
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.4%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Arcade 8.4%, Shooter 6.8%, Action 3.4%
- #54 Solar Shifter EX
72% 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 79.6%, Action 11.4%, Indie 9%
- #55 C-RUSH
73% 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 70.2%, Action 6.6%, Side Scroller 6.4%, Indie 6.1%, Arcade 5.8%
- #56 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
69% 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 54%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Arcade 7%, Action 5.3%, Indie 4.3%
- #57 Eigengrau
63% 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 51.2%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Arcade 10%, Shooter 6.6%, Action 4.8%