Games Like Sky Mercenaries

Drifting Lands is an hybrid of classical horizontal shoot'em'up with a lot of strong gameplay elements coming straight from the action-RPG genre. If you want an original diablo-like game or you want a different kind of shoot'em'up, you're in the right place!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.3%, Bullet Hell 22%, Action 15.8%, Indie 13.9%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the blend of traditional shoot-em-up mechanics with deep action-RPG progression and loot systems.

Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 31.6%, Arcade 15.7%, Action 6.9%, Indie 4%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a similar focus on cooperative play and RPG-like character customization within a chaotic bullet-hell environment.

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 40.2%, Bullet Hell 31.6%, Arcade 15.8%, Action 7.1%, Indie 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features a highly addictive upgrade system and polished arcade shooting that feels like a direct evolution of the Sky Mercenaries experience.

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 37.1%, Bullet Hell 33.2%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 11.2%, Indie 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the high-octane bullet-hell intensity that fans of the genre crave, with deep scoring mechanics.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Indie 18.6%, Action 12.7%, Arcade 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a chaotic, bullet-hell experience with a variety of game modes that keep the action fresh.

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 41.8%, Bullet Hell 37.2%, Arcade 14.9%, Action 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines a unique time-based mechanic with narrative-driven progression and intense shoot-em-up action.

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 62.1%, Action 21.5%, Indie 16.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique ability to shift between planes, adding a tactical layer to its intense shooting action.

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 33.8%, Bullet Hell 29.9%, Action 14.2%, Arcade 11.9%, Indie 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more platform-focused, it shares the fast-paced, high-action intensity and arcade spirit of Sky Mercenaries.

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 46.9%, Bullet Hell 34.3%, Arcade 8.7%, Indie 5.5%, Action 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A fantastic cooperative shoot-em-up that emphasizes team coordination and classic arcade-style progression.

Take control of a cyberdragon and annihilate swarms of rocket propelled chainsaws either online or via LAN in this high speed, high skill 8 player co-op twinstick shooter.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 39.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Action 17.3%, Indie 13.1%, Arcade 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced twin-stick shooter that emphasizes weapon customization and chaotic, screen-filling combat.

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 54.9%, Arcade 20%, Action 13.8%, Bullet Hell 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers extensive ship customization and upgrade paths that appeal to players who enjoy the RPG elements of Sky Mercenaries.

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 42.9%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Action 14.8%, Arcade 11.5%, Indie 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style arcade shooter that focuses on fast movement and destructive power-ups.

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 36%, Bullet Hell 33.7%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 9.1%, Indie 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: The risk-reward mechanics and intense bullet-hell gameplay provide a modern, satisfying challenge for arcade fans.

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 33.8%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Arcade 16%, Action 13.2%, Indie 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade shooter that focuses on speed and high-score chasing.

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 37.5%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Arcade 14.8%, Action 13.1%, Indie 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fun, arcade-style shooter that supports local co-op and focuses on frantic, wave-based survival.

The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.2%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Arcade 15.3%, Action 10.6%, Indie 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This 3D shoot-em-up offers a unique sense of scale and freedom of movement within a bullet-hell framework.

It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through overwhelming enemy fleets! Liberate planets, build colonies, research tech and skills, craft items, or even play 2p co-op in this unique new indie game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.9%, Bullet Hell 30.1%, Arcade 14.4%, Action 9.4%, Indie 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It incorporates RPG elements and side-scrolling action that align well with the core mechanics of Sky Mercenaries.

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 23.8%, Arcade 9.1%, Action 8.9%, Indie 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a straightforward, action-packed arcade experience with plenty of enemy variety.

Cosmonator is an 'RPG-em-up': a hybrid of classic fast-paced top-down shoot-em-up action infused with deep character building elements. Build up your own unique alien-killing machine to avenge the destruction of planet Earth!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.6%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Action 15.8%, Indie 11.5%, Arcade 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter with RPG elements that focuses on ship progression and tactical combat.

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 44.5%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Arcade 11.7%, Action 8.4%, Indie 5%

Why You'll Like It: The predecessor to Reloaded, it offers the same satisfying upgrade loop and accessible arcade gameplay.

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: Bullet Hell 36.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Arcade 10.7%, Action 9.3%, Indie 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in bullet-hell design that focuses on player skill and high-intensity dodging.

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 41.8%, Bullet Hell 38%, Arcade 10.4%, Action 6.4%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed bullet-hell shooter that offers multiple playable characters with distinct playstyles.

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 47.7%, Bullet Hell 31.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 6%, Indie 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A modern shoot-em-up that features excellent controls and a satisfying scoring system.

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: Bullet Hell 42.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Arcade 12%, Action 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered a gold standard for bullet-hell games, it provides an unparalleled challenge for arcade enthusiasts.

Alien Crusader is an action packed, vertical scrolling, space shooter game, similar to classic coin-up arcade and shoot'em up games.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52%, Action 26.7%, Indie 21.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging arcade shooter that emphasizes survival and quick reflexes.

Purge the billionaires' robot army with your Merc squad! Fast-paced twin-stick action, frantic horde survival, tactical squad-building & tons of loot! Exploit game-breaking synergies to beat the M.E.G.A. Corp. bosses in ever-changing operations. Lock, load, and loot, Commander!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57%, Bullet Hell 34.4%, Action 8.7%

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 38.2%, Bullet Hell 29.7%, Arcade 12%, Action 11.8%, Indie 8.3%

Frenetic arcade style twin-stick shooter. Fight your way through hordes of enemies alone or with a friend!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Bullet Hell 34.9%, Action 17.2%, Indie 11.4%

A fast twin-stick shooter where you compete for the top spot in the leaderboards.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37%, Bullet Hell 34.3%, Arcade 15.1%, Action 8.7%, Online Co-Op 3.9%

A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.3%, Arcade 14.4%, Action 11.3%, Indie 9%

An action packed platform shooter mashed-up with roguelike and RPG elements, crazy 3D graphics and co-op multiplayer for one to 4 players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.3%, Arcade 25.1%, Action 11.6%

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 42.9%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Action 11.9%, Indie 10.7%, Arcade 9.6%

A fast-paced arcade shooter breakfast-hell.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.7%, Action 22.8%, Indie 18.8%, Arcade 16.7%

Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Bullet Hell 26.3%, Arcade 15.7%, Action 13.3%, Indie 11.5%

Skybreakers is an action roguelike thriller. Choose from various characters, arm yourself with a vast array of weapons, and create your own unique build by combining artifacts, random talents, abilities, and bonds. Plunge into exhilarating combat and use unique abilities to defeat the evil.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 42%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.7%, Action RPG 14.8%, Action 7.5%

Rhythm Destruction is a rhythm & shoot'em up that aims to combine the best of both genres. Blast and maneuver your way through perilous stages filled with numerous enemies, obstacles and unique boss encounters.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Bullet Hell 28%, Indie 18.3%, Action 17.4%

Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.9%, Bullet Hell 36%, Action 10.5%, Indie 5.6%

A-Gents is the squad of highly trained operatives and bounty hunters. Join Sean and Emma in this dynamic, non-stop-action game. Storm the compounds of contraband dealers and smugglers around the globe, and collect goodies.

Why similar: Action 43.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 22%, Indie 11.5%

Fast, Fluid, Frenetic! Break gods, steal powers, and chain abilities in a hectic combat loop. This 1-4 player co-op action roguelite is built for fast pick-up sessions and endlessly replayable chaos. Experience tough battles and maximum expression where every run feels rewarding!

Why similar: Online Co-Op 51.6%, Action RPG 30.2%, Action 18.1%

CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Bullet Hell 34.6%, Arcade 13.7%, Action 7%, Indie 4.7%

Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Bullet Hell 39.4%, Arcade 7.2%, Action 5.2%, Indie 5.2%

Join the Galactic Tournament in this fast-paced comical action shooter. Level-up your Hero and unlock an arsenal of weapons. Lay waste to your friends and foes in local, LAN and online multiplayer matches, or hone your skills in single player and custom games.

Why similar: Online Co-Op 44.2%, Action 31.1%, Indie 24.8%

Entropy Survivors is a bullet hell roguelike where you simultaneously control a powerful mech and a sharpshooting space frog, featuring outrageously creative abilities and powerful weapon customization. Save the universe in single player or 2-4 player online co-op!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.3%, Online Co-Op 21.1%, Arcade 15.4%, Action RPG 14%, Action 8.2%

Ring Runner combines the fast-paced action of space combat with the rich story and skill variety of an RPG.Trek across the universe in a 30 hour long story-driven campaign based on a companion Sci Fi novel, or challenge 6 scenarios alone, cooperatively, or competitively through local or online multiplayer.

Why similar: Action 57.6%, Indie 42.4%

Top-down 2.5D action that combines old-school shooters like Star Control, action-RPGs like Diablo, with a system that evolves unique weapons to player preferences. Single-player and 32-player online coop and PVP.

Why similar: Action 55.6%, Indie 44.4%

Necrosis is one Indie Arcade FPS Game That Brings The Player One Fast Paced Experience with huge variety of weapons to unlock!

Why similar: Bullet Hell 48.8%, Arcade 19%, Online Co-Op 17.8%, Action 9.4%, Indie 5%

Fast Pace Shooter

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.4%, Action 21.6%, Indie 15.8%, Online Co-Op 15.1%

Loot, level up, and obliterate everything in your path. Astroloot is a sci-fi bullet heaven with deep ARPG systems, featuring a massive skill tree, deterministic crafting, and near-endless build possibilities.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 47.3%, Action RPG 22.2%, Online Co-Op 15.6%, Action 10.5%, Indie 4.4%

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 38%, Action 26.1%, Indie 18.2%, Arcade 17.7%

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 53.8%, Bullet Hell 46.2%

Bullet Candy is a fast paced, action packed arena shooter. There are a variety of combo systems and many secret techniques that you can employ to get the best score and weapon upgrades possible. Viewed from a top-down perspective, Bullet Candy allows for a true 360° shoot-em-up experience.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.9%, Indie 25.3%, Arcade 22.9%

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: Bullet Hell 45.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Action 9.6%, Indie 7.2%

A fast paced multiplayer dogfighting game that focuses on creative weapons and game mechanics that reward skillful flying.

Why similar: Action 63%, Indie 37%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Arcade 11.3%, Action 11.2%, Indie 7%

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: Bullet Hell 36.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Action 17.9%, Indie 13.9%

SKIPCHASER is a story-driven sci-fi fantasy shooter with procedural missions, deep weapon customization and action/adventure elements.

Why similar: Action 42.8%, Indie 36.3%, Action RPG 20.9%