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 28.8%, Bullet Hell 17%, Top-Down Shooter 11.4%, Local Co-Op 11.4%, Arcade 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct sequel, it refines every mechanic from the original with even more depth, customization, and stunning visual flair.

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 43.8%, Bullet Hell 28.8%, Classic 8.9% ★, Arcade 7.9%, Great Soundtrack 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the genre, it provides the same level of polish and satisfying challenge for score-chasers.

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 44%, Bullet Hell 33.3%, Arcade 8.6%, Action 6.3%, Great Soundtrack 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title perfectly balances modern accessibility with the intense bullet-hell patterns that fans of the genre crave.

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 38.1%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Arcade 9%, 2.5D 7.9%, Local Co-Op 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the high-production value and cinematic 3D environments that make Sky Force feel like a modern blockbuster.

Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Arcade 10.4%, 2.5D 10.4%, Shooter 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a breathtaking blend of 2D and 3D perspectives that mirrors the cinematic intensity found in Sky Force.

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 50.7%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Arcade 11.4%, Action 7.1%, Shooter 7%

Why You'll Like It: A modernized classic that brings the legendary Raiden series into the current era with polished visuals and accessible mechanics.

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 44.4%, Bullet Hell 35.4%, Arcade 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%, Classic 3.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: This is a quintessential bullet-hell experience that offers the same high-stakes arcade intensity found in the most difficult Sky Force levels.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Arcade 6.3%, Retro 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in modern shoot-'em-up design that offers a deep, rewarding experience with a unique sense of progression.

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 45.6%, Bullet Hell 34.2%, Arcade 8.3%, Action 3.4%, Classic 3.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: A legendary title that defines the bullet-hell subgenre with its intense patterns and high-score focus.

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 14.6%, Arcade 10.5%, Local Co-Op 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: The massive scale of the bosses and the incredible soundtrack provide the same epic feeling as the boss fights in Sky Force.

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 43.8%, Bullet Hell 24%, Local Co-Op 14%, Arcade 5.4%, Retro 3%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes local co-op and a polished, retro-inspired aesthetic that feels right at home for fans of Sky Force.

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 34.5%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, Score Attack 9.3%, Arcade 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its roguelike structure provides a fresh, replayable challenge that complements the upgrade-heavy loop of Sky Force.

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 54.1%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Arcade 7.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.4%, Action 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A high-energy, modern indie shooter that captures the frantic excitement of arcade-style gameplay.

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%, Bullet Hell 34.7%, Shooter 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends modern indie sensibilities with classic shooter mechanics, resulting in a very accessible and fun experience.

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 42.8%, Bullet Hell 30.1%, Arcade 11.7%, Shooter 6.2%, Action 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features modern mechanics that reward players for flying dangerously close to projectiles, creating a thrilling risk-reward loop.

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 50.5%, Arcade 11.8%, Retro 10.2%, Bullet Hell 8.6%, Action 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic shooters that is incredibly polished and offers a wide variety of stages and challenges.

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 50.7%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Arcade 6%, Action 5%

Why You'll Like It: Its 3D environment and focus on military-style aerial combat make it a thematic cousin to the Sky Force series.

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 48.5%, Bullet Hell 33.1%, Arcade 8%, Action 4.2%, Great Soundtrack 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique horizontal shooter that offers a distinct gothic aesthetic while maintaining the intense bullet-hell gameplay fans expect.

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 61.8%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Action 9.4%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Indie 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: The heavy emphasis on weapon upgrades and chaotic, destructive combat makes it a great follow-up for fans of the Sky Force upgrade system.

A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Local Co-Op 16.1%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: While it features a different perspective, its arcade-style local co-op and fast-paced action feel very similar to Sky Force.

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 38.7%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Arcade 10.6%, Local Co-Op 7.5%, Score Attack 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: As one of the pioneers of the bullet-hell genre, it offers a historical look at the mechanics that modern shooters like Sky Force have built upon.

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 58.5%, Score Attack 13.5%, Shooter 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, modern bullet-hell experience with a focus on precision and strategic movement.

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 32.1%, Bullet Hell 27%, Arcade 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Addictive 5.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the addictive, high-score-chasing nature of arcade shooters with a unique physics-based twist.

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 30.3%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, Arcade 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The historical setting and intense, screen-filling action provide a distinct flavor of the classic top-down shooter.

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 40.7%, Bullet Hell 27%, Retro 8.2%, Arcade 7.3%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible, modern shooter that is designed to be easy to pick up and play for newcomers to the genre.

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%, Bullet Hell 36.6%, Arcade 5.1%, Action 4.1%, Great Soundtrack 3.1%

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 50.8%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Arcade 9.3%, Action 5.3%, Retro 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A fun, arcade-style shooter that focuses on accessibility and provides a straightforward, enjoyable experience.

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 35.9%, Bullet Hell 18%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, Top-Down Shooter 8.1%, Retro 7.8%

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 33.5%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Local Co-Op 9.8%, Arcade 9.4%, Score Attack 7.5%

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 27.7%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Local Co-Op 10.7%, Score Attack 8.3%, Arcade 7.8%

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%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Action 4.9%, Arcade 4.6%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%

“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 32.8%, Classic 17.5% ★, Arcade 13.9%, Local Co-Op 8.5%, Retro 8.2%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.7%, Classic 14.1% ★, Arcade 11.6%, Action 8.3%, Retro 5.5%

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 32.1%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Local Co-Op 8%, Arcade 7.1%

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 28.5%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Score Attack 7.9%, Local Co-Op 7.9%, Arcade 7.7%

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 60.5%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Arcade 5.1%, Action 4.8%

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 41.1%, Bullet Hell 37%, Local Co-Op 7.6%, Action 5.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%

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 42.4%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Arcade 6.9%, 2.5D 6.3%, Score Attack 5.5%

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 43.9%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 6.6%, Action 5.4%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Indie 8.5%, Action 8.1%, Arcade 5.8%

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 38.9%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Arcade 11%, Top-Down Shooter 10.6%, Action 6.6%

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%, Bullet Hell 29.3%, Action 10.7%, Arcade 8.2%, Retro 5.5%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46%, Bullet Hell 28%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 8.3%, Indie 4.7%

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 37.2%, Bullet Hell 22.6%, Arcade 14.1%, Action 7.4%, Local Co-Op 7.2%

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 48.7%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Action 8.5%, Indie 4.3%

“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 32.8%, Classic 15.3% ★, Arcade 15.1%, Local Co-Op 9%, Retro 8.7%

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 34.6%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Top-Down Shooter 16%, Arcade 7.8%, Score Attack 6.6%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.5%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Arcade 11.7%, Action 8.4%, Indie 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 31.9%, Bullet Hell 22%, Top-Down Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 7.7%, Retro 6.9%

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%, Local Co-Op 13.8%, Top-Down Shooter 13.5%, Arcade 8.8%, 2.5D 7.8%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Score Attack 9.8%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Retro 7.6%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.5%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Local Co-Op 17.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.2%, Retro 5.4%

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 51.7%, Bullet Hell 32.2%, Action 10.1%, Indie 6%

“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 29.4%, Arcade 17.9%, Classic 14% ★, Action 13.3%, Local Co-Op 11%

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 33.1%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Score Attack 9.7%, Arcade 8.7%, Local Co-Op 8.2%