- #1 Sky Force Anniversary
97% matchVery Positive92% of 2,173 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.6%, 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 predecessor, it offers the same core mechanics, upgrade systems, and polished arcade feel that fans of the series love.
- #2 AngerForce: Reloaded
96% matchVery Positive91% of 384 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 48.9%, Bullet Hell 35%, Shooter 16.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title mirrors the modern aesthetic and upgrade-focused gameplay loop of Sky Force remarkably well.
- #3 Jamestown
95% matchVery Positive94% of 2,366 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 54 minMean: 2.6 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 36.1%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Local Co-Op 19.9%, Local Multiplayer 8.1%, Arcade 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a fantastic local co-op experience with accessible mechanics and a beautiful, distinct visual style.
- #4 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
96% matchMixed57% of 537 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 45.5%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Arcade 14.7%, Shooter 9.9%, Action 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: This is a highly polished, modern top-down shooter that captures the same sense of scale and visual spectacle.
- #5 Sine Mora EX
94% matchMixed64% of 694 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: THQ Nordic Mobile
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 32.6%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Local Co-Op 11.3%, Arcade 11%, 2.5D 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: It features high-production values and a unique time-based mechanic that adds a fresh layer to the classic shoot 'em up formula.
- #6 Danmaku Unlimited 3
93% matchVery Positive87% of 247 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 42.2%, Bullet Hell 36.4%, Arcade 12.2%, Action 5.5%, Indie 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers refined, modern bullet-hell mechanics that are both challenging and visually stunning.
- #7 Jets'n'Guns 2
92% matchVery Positive90% of 1,296 reviews2020
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 61.4%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Action 8.6%, Indie 5.4%, War 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: The deep ship customization and upgrade system make it a perfect match for players who enjoy building their craft in Sky Force.
- #8 Super Hydorah
91% matchVery Positive86% of 330 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 46.9%, Arcade 15.7%, Local Multiplayer 10.6%, Bullet Hell 8.9%, Retro 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a classic arcade challenge wrapped in modern polish and high-quality pixel art.
- #9 Ikaruga
90% matchVery Positive95% of 2,373 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 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 45.1%, Bullet Hell 32.9%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 3.1%, Local Co-Op 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary classic that shares the top-down intensity and precision-based gameplay found in the best shooters.
- #10 Aces of the Luftwaffe - Squadron
89% matchMostly Positive70% of 155 reviews2018
Dev: HandyGamesPub: THQ Nordic Mobile
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The Aces of the Luftwaffe have returned! Dodge a hail of bullets and face their fearsome war machines in bombastic air battles and boss fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Local Co-Op 15%, Top-Down Shooter 13%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Local Multiplayer 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: A co-op focused arcade shooter that emphasizes team-based play and accessible action.
- #11 DoDonPachi Resurrection
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,081 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 19.6%, Top-Down Shooter 16.6%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Local Co-Op 12%, Local Multiplayer 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive bullet-hell experience for those looking to test their reflexes against massive enemy waves.
- #12 DELTAZEAL
89% matchMostly Positive76% of 84 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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: Top-Down Shooter 22.4%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Arcade 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A solid, traditional top-down shooter that captures the nostalgic feel of classic arcade cabinets.
- #13 Xenoraid: The First Space War
87% matchVery Positive87% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 21.6%, Local Co-Op 14.4%, Score Attack 10.7%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Arcade 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: It introduces interesting squad-based mechanics to the standard top-down shooter formula.
- #14 XIIZEAL
86% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 20.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16.7%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Local Co-Op 8.2%, Score Attack 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward and challenging arcade shooter that focuses on pure, unadulterated action.
- #15 BLUE REVOLVER
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 916 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 52.2%, Bullet Hell 29.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Action 3.2%, Indie 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, modern bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes smooth controls and vibrant visual feedback.
- #16 Steredenn: Binary Stars
85% matchVery Positive88% of 969 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 70.1 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 25.6%, Local Co-Op 17.6%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Score Attack 11.4%, Local Multiplayer 10%
Why You'll Like It: A roguelike shoot 'em up that maintains the fast-paced, arcade intensity of Sky Force with high replayability.
- #17 Crisis Wing
83% matchVery Positive90% of 91 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
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 22.3%, Top-Down Shooter 16.3%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Local Co-Op 9.5%, Arcade 7%
Why You'll Like It: Pixel-art arcade action that feels like a love letter to the classic shooters of the 90s.
- #18 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
82% matchVery Positive90% of 1,607 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 52%
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 30.8%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Arcade 16.9%, Local Co-Op 10.3%, Local Multiplayer 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: While a twin-stick shooter, its fast-paced arcade action and modern aesthetic appeal to the same player base.
- #19 Mushihimesama
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,580 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 43.9%, Bullet Hell 39%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 2.9%, Shooter 1.5%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered a gold standard for the genre, it offers a perfect balance of accessibility for beginners and depth for veterans.
- #20 ZeroRanger
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,251 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Arcade 9.1%, Local Co-Op 4.6%, Retro 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A modern design that rewards player progression and discovery with a deep, satisfying gameplay loop.
- #21 Sophstar
79% matchVery Positive100% of 107 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 22.9%, Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Arcade 8%, Score Attack 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell game with excellent controller support and a focus on fluid, responsive movement.
- #22 Batsugun
78% matchVery Positive98% of 124 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 27.4%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Local Co-Op 10.8%, Arcade 10.6%, Score Attack 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shooter that helped define the bullet-hell subgenre and remains highly playable today.
- #23 VASARA Collection
81% matchVery Positive81% of 150 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 22.9%, Top-Down Shooter 17.6%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Local Co-Op 13.4%, Arcade 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique historical-fantasy aesthetic paired with intense, screen-clearing combat.
- #24 FullBlast
81% matchMostly Positive71% of 87 reviews2016
Dev: UFO Crash Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 21.2%, Local Co-Op 16.2%, Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 8.6%, 2.5D 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A casual and accessible shoot 'em up that is perfect for quick, fun sessions.
- #25 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
78% matchVery Positive97% of 392 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Overwhelming bullet patterns. An exhilarating Break System. Timeless gameplay. The definitive bullet hell shooter that continues to captivate shoot-'em-up fans around the world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Top-Down Shooter 14.7%, Local Co-Op 10.5%, Arcade 8%
- #26 Centipede: Recharged
79% matchVery Positive84% of 174 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24 minMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 33%
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 25.7%, Top-Down Shooter 20.7%, Arcade 11.4%, Top-Down 8.8%, Score Attack 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modernized take on a classic arcade staple that fits perfectly into a collection of arcade-style shooters.
- #27 Truxton Extreme
74% matchVery Positive95% of 105 reviews2026
Dev: TatsujinPub: Clear River Games AB
Windows
Take down hordes of alien invaders with your Power Shot, Truxton Beam, Thunder Laser, Homing Shot, Star‑mine Shot, and more! Don't forget to breathe as you face off against gigantic bosses in the ultimate battle for humanity’s survival!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.3%, Top-Down Shooter 13.7%, Local Co-Op 13.5%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, Score Attack 8.6%
- #28 Eigengrau
76% matchVery Positive100% of 99 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 21.1%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Local Co-Op 10.1%, Score Attack 9.6%, Top-Down Shooter 8.5%
- #29 Danmaku Unlimited 2
76% matchVery Positive92% of 491 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 44.2%, Bullet Hell 38.6%, Arcade 7.1%, Shooter 4.1%, Action 3.5%
- #30 Revolution Ace
77% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,888 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 41.9%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Local Co-Op 14.8%, Arcade 7.1%, Shooter 5.6%
- #31 WOLFLAME
77% matchVery Positive86% of 123 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 35.5%, Bullet Hell 18%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 8.4%, Top-Down 7.3%
- #32 Super Retro Fighter
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 87 reviews2021
Dev: Syndrome interactivePub: Cat God Studio
Windows
Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.8%, Local Co-Op 19.2%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Local Multiplayer 9.9%
- #33 Asteroids: Recharged
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 112 reviews2021
Dev: Adamvision StudiosPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Top-Down Shooter 20.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Score Attack 9.1%, Local Co-Op 7.5%
- #34 Phoenix 2
72% matchMixed65% of 249 reviews2026
Dev: Firi Games
Windows
A fast-paced shoot 'em up where skill matters. Master over 100 ships, unleash powerful special abilities, and blast through waves of Invaders. Play a new mission every day and climb the world-wide leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Top-Down Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 10%, Old School 8.9%
- #35 Space War: Infinity
74% matchVery Positive90% of 132 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 19.5%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Flight 11.4%, Top-Down Shooter 10.3%, Score Attack 10.1%
- #36 Jamestown+
73% matchVery Positive88% of 250 reviews2019
Dev: Final Form GamesPub: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
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 31.7%, Local Co-Op 21.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Top-Down Shooter 11.6%, Retro 5.6%
- #37 Super Bit Blaster XL
72% matchVery Positive94% of 887 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 29%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Local Co-Op 14.6%, Arcade 11.7%, Score Attack 10.7%
- #38 Space Elite Force
73% matchVery Positive89% of 187 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 24.5%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Flight 12.9%, Local Co-Op 12.6%, Arcade 9.4%
- #39 Out Zone
71% matchVery Positive91% of 75 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Top-Down Shooter 16.4%, Local Co-Op 15.1%, Local Multiplayer 9.3%, Arcade 8.6%
- #40 LUFTRAUSERS
70% matchVery Positive91% of 4,527 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 15.7 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 29.5%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 14.9%, Flight 8.9%, Shooter 5.2%
- #41 Truxton
69% matchVery Positive94% of 117 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Top-Down Shooter 19.3%, Arcade 11%, Old School 10%, Local Co-Op 8.3%
- #42 Wild Guns Reloaded
71% matchVery Positive87% of 501 reviews2017
Dev: NatsumeAtariPub: Natsume Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Local Multiplayer 19.7%, Arcade 16.8%, Shooter 10.6%, Local Co-Op 10.6%
- #43 Dark Gravity: Prologue
68% matchVery Positive85% of 102 reviews2023
Dev: KorgorusPub: GamePlanet
Windows
Shoot, destroy, collect, craft and destroy even more! "Dark Gravity" is a fast-paced, low poly vertical shoot'em up game that features non-linear campaign mode with lots of enemies and bosses. Craft new weapons, upgrade your fighter and build an ultimate aerial war machine!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Flight 11.9%, Arcade 9.2%, Local Co-Op 9.1%
- #44 Layer Section™ & Galactic Attack™ S-Tribute
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 52 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Layer Section, the home console port of arcade game RayForce is back with new features and online ranking. Use the new lock-on laser function to defeat multiple enemies at once for a higher score in this gorgeous 2D vertical shooting game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Top-Down Shooter 22.1%, Arcade 12.5%, Top-Down 9.3%, Shooter 9%
- #45 RagingBlasters
68% matchVery Positive99% of 126 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 30.6%, Local Co-Op 18.2%, Score Attack 12.5%, Shooter 8.6%, Bullet Hell 6.9%
- #46 PAWARUMI
70% matchVery Positive93% of 80 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 23.8%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, 2.5D 14%, Score Attack 12.1%, Arcade 11.8%
- #47 Raiden Legacy - Steam Edition
71% matchMixed56% of 365 reviews2015
Dev: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 35%
Originally created by Seibu Kaihatsu, Raiden series comes back with a four-title compilation of these classic scrolling arcade shooter games we enjoyed being challenged with back in the days.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Arcade 15.5%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Flight 8.5%, Shooter 8.1%
- #48 Shooting Game KARI
67% matchVery Positive93% of 74 reviews2022
Dev: SAEKI Soft
Windows
The ultra-hardcore, authentic vertical scrolling shooter game comes back to life in the modern age. Dodge, shoot, and destroy. Conquer all six stages and experience the real thrill of vertical scrolling shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23%, Top-Down Shooter 22.1%, Arcade 13.5%, Shooter 9.5%, Top-Down 8.6%
- #49 Rigid Force Alpha
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 136 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 27.2%, Bullet Hell 17%, Score Attack 14.2%, 2.5D 11.4%, Arcade 10.4%
- #50 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
65% matchVery Positive96% of 91 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 30.1%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Top-Down Shooter 19.6%, Arcade 6.9%, Score Attack 6%
- #51 Bullet Hell Monday
66% matchVery Positive95% of 66 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 26.2%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Top-Down Shooter 19.4%, Arcade 8.3%, Score Attack 8.1%
- #52 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
68% matchVery Positive82% of 822 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 53%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, Arcade 14.2%, Local Co-Op 10.7%, Action 3.3%
- #53 Space Elite Force II
67% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Local Co-Op 18.2%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Score Attack 12.7%, Arcade 9.7%
- #54 Undercroft Warriors
65% matchMostly Positive78% of 586 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Top-Down Shooter 18.6%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Score Attack 8.1%, Arcade 8.1%