Games Like Solar Shifter EX

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 68.9%, Action 19.5%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece of the genre featuring an energy absorption mechanic that rewards aggressive play.

Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.4%, Action 16.8%, Indie 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike that offers deep ship customization and intense bullet-hell survival gameplay.

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 91%, Action 7.1%, Indie 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a core polarity-shifting mechanic that perfectly mirrors the tactical depth found in Solar Shifter EX.

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 87%, Action 13%

Why You'll Like It: Utilizes a unique time-manipulation mechanic that provides a similar strategic feel to shifting in combat.

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 88.2%, Action 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive bullet-hell experience for players who enjoy overwhelming enemy fire and precise dodging.

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 88.1%, Action 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary title that delivers the high-octane, screen-filling intensity expected of top-tier bullet-hell games.

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 70.4%, Action 17%, Indie 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers fast-paced, retro-inspired action with a focus on intense bullet-hell patterns.

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 80.7%, Action 10.4%, Indie 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features rhythmic, fast-paced bullet-hell action with a focus on high-score chasing and precise movement.

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.1%, Action 13.3%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern classic that innovates on traditional shmup mechanics with clever design and intense boss encounters.

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 68.9%, Action 18.1%, Indie 13%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished bullet-hell shooter that captures the visual spectacle and challenge of the genre.

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 78.6%, Action 21.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern bullet-hell shooter that incorporates unique teleportation mechanics into its core gameplay loop.

Bladestar is a sci-fi cinematic action shooter featuring visually rich worlds with potentially endless enemies on each level. Defend the galaxy flying a Manta Starfighter through asteroid, mine, and debris fields while battling pirates, rebels, and aliens.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.8%, Action 26.2%, Indie 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi arcade shooter that focuses on fast movement and classic dogfighting mechanics.

Velocity®Ultra is an award-winning top down shooter that puts you in control of the galaxy’s only Quarp Jet, an advanced spacecraft with the ability to teleport at will. Tasked with rescuing survivors from a collapsed black hole, you’ll need to use both firepower and quick-wits to catapult the Quarp Jet through 50 levels of sci-fi action.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.9%, Action 26.3%, Indie 17.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-speed traversal and teleportation, making it a great companion to the shifting mechanics of the seed game.

Satellite Rush is a sci-fi top-down shooter with pixel art graphics and Roguelike elements. Take control of an abducted office worker and blast through Satellite Moebius, a space gladitorial arena where you'll have to please the audience to get new itens and survive!

Why similar: Action 60.4%, Indie 39.6%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that emphasizes intense combat and survival against waves of enemies.

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 76.8%, Action 15%, Indie 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, highly accessible take on the genre with beautiful visuals and satisfying upgrade 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 79.1%, Action 13.6%, Indie 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features customizable ships and chaotic, action-packed gameplay that feels great to play.

Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.3%, Action 23.3%, Indie 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features dynamic gameplay where you can shift into different ship forms on the fly to adapt to combat.

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 77.5%, Action 13.8%, Indie 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Challenging arcade action that requires precise movement and mastery of unique character abilities.

An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.6%, Action 24.4%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its unique movement mechanics and fast-paced, cinematic approach to the vertical shooter.

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 82.5%, Indie 9.3%, Action 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully crafted co-op friendly shooter that captures the spirit of classic arcade titles.

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 79.4%, Action 20.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides deep ship customization and the methodical, challenging side-scrolling combat the series is known for.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 83.9%, Indie 8.3%, Action 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist but incredibly intense score-attack game that focuses on singular, high-stakes mechanics.

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 46.2%, Action 32.7%, Indie 21.1%

Take on the role of the Lieutenant Commander, ace fighter pilot, as you search for a new home, battle a mysterious enemy, and rescue humanity from a fiery end.

Why similar: Action 55.6%, Indie 44.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a cinematic space combat experience with a focus on large-scale battles and mission-based objectives.

Configure the weaponry on your ship to blast away enemies as you navigate through swarms of bullets and space battles. Each ship has unique customization options and playstyles.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 83%, Action 17%

Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.2%, Action 28.1%, Indie 20.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides fast-paced, arcade-style action that is easy to pick up but difficult to master.

Amaranthine - is a dynamic horizontal scrolling shooter with elements of procedural generation. Travel through warp to the distant frozen planet that sent a distress signal.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.6%, Action 22%, Indie 13.4%

Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 77.3%, Action 16.4%, Indie 6.4%

In ION ASSAULT players wield thousands of Ion Particles to blast, fry and disrupt anything on screen as you see fit! GAMEPLAY WITH A TWIST: By centering its gameplay around its unique fluid and particle physics system, ION ASSAULT adds a twist to arcade style space shooters!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.1%, Action 32.9%, Indie 22.9%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.1%, Action 21.5%, Indie 16.4%

Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.2%, Action 25.7%, Indie 24.2%

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 65.6%, Action 20.8%, Indie 13.6%

Duke of Alpha Centuri is a space shooter with amazing graphics. The main goal of our game is to have a lot of fun while blowing up hordes of different types of enemies. Engage in boss fights, upgrade your ship and ship systems until you are able to show off in an endless mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.4%, Action 36.1%, Indie 23.5%

ShipLord is a space avoid-er mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another lvl.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Indie 33%, Action 27.4%

Command a starship in Void Resurgence, a retro-futuristic space roguelite. Battle through colorful cosmic fields, collect upgrades, and build your ultimate ship. Dodge intense bullet-hell patterns and fight for survival. Every run offers new challenges and permanent progress.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 86.9%, Action 13.1%

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 82.1%, Action 17.9%

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 70.1%, Action 17.3%, Indie 12.5%

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 47.3%, Action 45.4%, Indie 7.3%

Space Elite Force II is a frenetic space-shooter with weapon customization and insane bosses battles. Embark in your ship and fight for the survival of the human race!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 81%, Action 19%

An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.

Why similar: Action 100%

Control an advanced hovertank, packed with the most advanced and sophisticated weapons as you fight against extraterrestrial invaders.

Why similar: Action 53.7%, Indie 46.3%

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 83.9%, Action 16.1%

Star Drifter is a super hard and hectic space shooter, inspired by classics such as R Type, Xenon, Galaxian, Moon Cresta and Gradius.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Indie 38.8%, Action 20.2%

Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 84.4%, Action 15.6%

Ellipsis is an action-packed Avoid ’Em Up with minimalistic, yet powerful neon styled visuals. Guide your ship through a mysterious universe while deftly avoiding hordes of roaming enemies, spikes, lasers and more.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.5%, Action 29.6%, Indie 20.9%

Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.3%, Action 26%, Indie 18.7%

A game with a futuristic anti-utopian story — a hardcore space shooter with RPG elements.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 81.1%, Action 18.9%

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 68.4%, Action 18.9%, Indie 12.7%

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 52.2%, Action 27.5%, Indie 20.3%

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 58.9%, Action 23.7%, Indie 17.5%

Sun Blast is the best 3d space shooter on Steam. Earn upgrades as you fight your way through a huge seleciton of levels. Full gamepad support!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.6%, Action 19.4%, Indie 12%

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 72%, Action 19.8%, Indie 8.2%

Shape Shifter: Formations is an action twin-stick shooter with rogue-lite elements, where you must destroy hordes of geometric enemies alone or with a friend. Select your ship and combine a large variety of weapons, abilities and infinitely stacking upgrades to craft your own unique build.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.7%, Action 24.3%

Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.6%, Action 20.2%, Indie 15.3%

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 72.1%, Action 15.6%, Indie 12.4%

Choose your pilot and build your own custom mecha with 17+ weapons and 55+ attachments, then jump to the battlefield against hundreds of enemies to save spacetime itself in this thrilling sci-fi bullet heaven!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 80.4%, Action 19.6%

Dive into the symphonic chaos of geometric warfare! Unleash futuristic weaponry, customize your hovering platform, conquer relentless foes and dance to victory in this mesmerizing reverse bullet hell shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 83.4%, Action 16.6%