Games Like Sky Force Anniversary

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 29.2%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Top-Down Shooter 11.6%, Local Co-Op 11.4%, Arcade 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct sequel, it features the same refined upgrade mechanics, stunning 3D environments, and addictive mission-based gameplay.

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 38.6%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Arcade 8.9%, Local Co-Op 7.8%, 2.5D 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the high-fidelity 3D visual style and accessible gameplay loop while introducing unique time-manipulation mechanics.

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 44.1%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Local Co-Op 14%, Arcade 5.3%, Retro 3%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a similar focus on local co-op and polished, modern progression systems within a classic top-down framework.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Bullet Hell 23.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Arcade 6.2%, Retro 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that balances accessible entry points with deep, evolving mechanics that feel fresh and exciting.

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 44.7%, Bullet Hell 34.8%, Arcade 8.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%, Classic 3.5% ★

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard for bullet-hell accessibility, it offers a smooth difficulty curve that welcomes players of all skill levels.

Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Bullet Hell 33.1%, Arcade 8.7%, Action 6.3%, Great Soundtrack 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished modern bullet-hell that emphasizes visual clarity and fluid movement, much like the Sky Force series.

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 51.1%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 7.1%, Shooter 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modernized take on a classic arcade series that provides the same level of visual spectacle and arcade-style progression.

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 34.9%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Local Co-Op 13.8%, Arcade 9.2%, Score Attack 9%

Why You'll Like It: It combines intense arcade shooting with roguelike elements, offering a high-replayability factor similar to mission-based shooters.

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 44.1%, Bullet Hell 28.1%, Classic 9.2% ★, Arcade 7.8%, Great Soundtrack 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: While more challenging, it is the definitive puzzle-shooter experience that every fan of the genre should play for its unique mechanics.

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 43.1%, Bullet Hell 29.5%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 6.3%, Action 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features modern, high-action bullet-hell mechanics that are easy to pick up but offer significant depth for high-score chasers.

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 26.1%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Top-Down Shooter 13.6%, Local Co-Op 9.3%, Arcade 7%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential bullet-hell experience that defines the genre with its intense patterns and high-stakes action.

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 53.8%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Arcade 7.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.7%, Action 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: An energetic indie shooter that captures the spirit of classic arcade titles while feeling completely modern and responsive.

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 50.6%, Arcade 11.6%, Retro 10.3%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Action 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a retro-inspired experience with modern polish, focusing on diverse level design and satisfying weapon upgrades.

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 61.9%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Action 9.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%, Indie 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game leans heavily into the upgrade and customization aspect, allowing for chaotic and highly personalized combat experiences.

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 56.3%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Arcade 10.4%, Local Co-Op 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features epic scale, massive boss encounters, and a unique branching path system that keeps the gameplay feeling fresh.

Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.3%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Action 4.9%, Arcade 4.5%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on fast-paced space combat with a variety of weapons and enemies that mirror the arcade intensity of Sky Force.

AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.5%, Bullet Hell 34%, Shooter 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A modern indie shooter that utilizes character-based abilities to add strategic depth to its arcade-style combat.

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 51%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Arcade 5.9%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: A 3D arcade shooter that utilizes a mission-based structure and upgrade paths similar to the Sky Force experience.

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 28.7%, Bullet Hell 20%, Top-Down Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 7.2%, Local Co-Op 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers intense, focused arcade gameplay that rewards quick reflexes and mastery of the screen space.

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 40.9%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Retro 8.3%, Arcade 7.2%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible and modern take on classic space shooters that feels great to play for both casual and hardcore fans.

Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.4%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Local Co-Op 8%, Arcade 7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a tight, retro-styled arcade experience that emphasizes precision and classic top-down shooter mechanics.

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 51%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Arcade 9.2%, Action 5.3%, Retro 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic arcade feel with modern visual polish and a focus on varied mission objectives.

Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Bullet Hell 22.5%, Top-Down Shooter 18%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Arcade 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic top-down shooter that provides a pure, unadulterated arcade experience with high-quality sprite work.

Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.8%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.1%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A refined version of a classic arcade shooter that offers tight controls and a great soundtrack to accompany the action.

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Local Co-Op 10.7%, Score Attack 8%, Classic 7.9% ★

Why You'll Like It: Introduces squad-based mechanics and ship upgrades that provide a tactical layer to the standard shooter formula.

Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Bullet Hell 38.1%, Local Co-Op 7.1%, Action 5.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted and fun bullet-hell that focuses on accessibility and a great soundtrack to keep the energy high.

R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.5%, Classic 14.4% ★, Arcade 11.3%, Action 8.2%, Retro 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines classic side-scrolling action with modern visual options, making it a great bridge between old and new school shooters.

Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, Top-Down Shooter 8.1%, Retro 7.9%

The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Bullet Hell 28%, Retro 7.9%, Arcade 7.6%, Shooter 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a customizable mecha shooter experience with a distinct retro charm and satisfying weapon variety.

A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Local Co-Op 9.9%, Arcade 9.4%, Score Attack 7.3%

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 46.5%, Bullet Hell 35.9%, Arcade 5%, Action 4.1%, Great Soundtrack 3.4%

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%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.9%, Local Co-Op 8.7%, Arcade 7.9%

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 30.6%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Arcade 7.1%

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 32.2%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Arcade 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%, Addictive 5.6% ★

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 28.8%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Local Co-Op 8%, Arcade 7.7%, Score Attack 7.6%

“METAL SLUG X”, one of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Classic 18% ★, Arcade 13.7%, Local Co-Op 8.4%, Retro 8.2%

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 42.8%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Arcade 6.9%, 2.5D 6.1%, Score Attack 5.3%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.1%, Bullet Hell 29.8%, Arcade 11.6%, Action 8.5%, Indie 5%

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 44.2%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 6.7%, Retro 5.5%

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 32.1%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Top-Down Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 7.7%, Retro 7.1%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Bullet Hell 28.7%, Action 10.8%, Arcade 8.1%, Retro 5.6%

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 49.3%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Action 8.5%, Indie 4.2%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 37.5%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Arcade 13.9%, Action 7.6%, Local Co-Op 7.2%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Indie 8.3%, Action 8.1%, Arcade 5.7%

Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, Top-Down Shooter 13.4%, Arcade 8.7%, 2.5D 7.5%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.3%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 9%, Action 8.3%, Indie 4.6%

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 35.1%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Top-Down Shooter 15.9%, Arcade 7.6%, Score Attack 6.3%

“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Classic 15.7% ★, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 8.8%, Local Co-Op 8.8%

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 52.3%, Bullet Hell 31.6%, Action 10.2%, Indie 5.9%

Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.1%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Arcade 9.9%, Local Co-Op 8.5%, Score Attack 6.7%

Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.6%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%, Arcade 4.9%, Action 4.8%

Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Local Co-Op 17.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.1%, Retro 5.5%

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.9%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Score Attack 9.4%, Bullet Hell 8.2%, Retro 7.7%

Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55%, Bullet Hell 29.8%, Action 9.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%

Blast bugs and chase high scores in this glorious revival of an old-school classic, all while jamming to a heart-pounding original score by Megan McDuffee. Play solo or tag in a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17.4%, Arcade 10.8%, Retro 9.9%, Score Attack 7%

“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Arcade 17.1%, Classic 14.1% ★, Action 12.9%, Local Co-Op 11.3%