- #1 Shmup Arena
97% matchPositive100% of 20 reviews2020
Dev: Revox Games
Windows
Take on intense challenges and waves of enemies in this frenetic arena shooter that demands quick reflexes and nonstop action. Survive the onslaught and defeat powerful bosses while staying in motion, mastering arenas designed for those who crave adrenaline and intense combat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Difficult 13.1%, Arena Shooter 11.9%, 2.5D 10.5%, Bullet Hell 9.5%
- #2 Super Space Club
96% matchVery Positive82% of 51 reviews2023
Dev: GrahamOfLegend
Windows
Super Space Club is a lo-fi arcade space shooter to chill to. Defend a vibrant galaxy as a club of misfit heroes and battle endless waves of spacecrafts to the tune of atmospheric beats. Outlast your enemies and vibe to the rhythm of the stars.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Top-Down Shooter 11.3%, Arena Shooter 10.2%, Space 10%
- #3 Psyvariar 3
96% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Banana BytesPub: Red Art Games
Windows
Play as one of 7 pilots in this thrilling sequel to a SHMUP classic. The time has come for a new generation of Psyvariars to rise… and save humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 16%, 2.5D 10.5%, Arcade 7.2%
- #4 Cosmo Chaser
95% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Choi Jaewook
Windows
Cosmo Chaser is space fighter action game which presents restless shooting battle. It demonstrates new style of vertical scroll shooter by presenting classic arcade action in 3D space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Space 11.9%, Retro 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.6%
- #5 Princess Khalifa: Legacy of Wrath
94% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Cag
Windows
Move like a predator — dash through chaos, slow time, and take control of overwhelming enemy swarms.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Top-Down Shooter 14%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Arena Shooter 12.3%, Difficult 10.2%
- #6 The Core Message
94% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: Freedom Software
Windows
Combining retro puzzles and a arcade space shooter. You and your crew found strange materials in the galaxy core to upgrade your ship to the most powerful. While collecting core materials you came across something unbelievable ... The Core Message. The Core Message changes everything.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Space 14%, Retro 11.1%, Arcade 9.7%
- #7 Phoenix Force
93% matchVery Positive84% of 952 reviews2014
Dev: Awoker Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Phoenix Force is a shoot 'em up about a group of phoenixes that fight big and strong mythological creatures in over 100 levels. It takes the boss battle as the foundation for every level, creating engaging and challenging fast battles that will require your best strategies and reflexes.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 16.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Class-Based 14.6%, Top-Down Shooter 13.7%, Difficult 13.5%
- #8 Star Jet Alpha
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Valles Games
Windows · Mac
Star Jet Alpha is a top-down space shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Progress through each stage by blowing up enemy space stations while avoiding or destroying enemy missiles, space mines and asteroids. Unlock Star Jet capabilities by completing stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Space 14.2%, Arcade 9.2%
- #9 Radiant Silvergun
91% matchVery Positive93% of 214 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Set on the earth and in space on July 14, 2520 A.D., the film explores the mystery of mankind's extinction. Various terrains become battlefields. Enemies attack from all directions. There are 23 bosses in total. Aim for a high score by making full use of score bonuses and level-up weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Difficult 12.7%, 2.5D 11.4%
- #10 Kalzor: 2000
91% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2017
Dev: Roley Games
Windows
Shoot different types of spaceships while avoiding getting shot yourself. Kill 10 minutes at a time with this affordable colourful timewaster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Space 12.4%, Top-Down Shooter 11.7%, Difficult 11.4%
- #11 Laser Droplets
90% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Kikashi Online
Windows · Mac
Laser Droplets is a mixture of shoot ‘em up, bullet-hell, arcade styled, 2D game. It consists of 16 mini stages, each with a unique stage boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Bullet Hell 22%, Top-Down Shooter 13.5%, Arcade 12.7%, Space 7.4%
- #12 Exphelius: Arena
89% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Pharazen Studios
Windows · Mac
Prove yourself and earn your wings in the Exphelius Championships - a reckless bloodsport of vehicular mayhem across the galaxy Exphelius. Win matches across multiple game modes to earn cash and new parts, upgrade your ships or buy new ones, and claim your way to the top.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16.3%, Arena Shooter 16.3%, Space 9.3%
- #13 ionAXXIA
89% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Software Geezers
Windows
ionAXXIA introduces the ‘big brained shooter’ genre with a tactical arcade space shooter. Classic 90's inspired sci-fi action adds a whiff of Dark Souls to its varied-weaponry combat, pairing a need for quick reactions and gaming skills with patience, timing, and smart decision.
Why similar: Souls-like 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 13.6%, Space 12.9%, Arena Shooter 10.6%
- #14 Nephenthesys
88% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: Let's Dev StudiosPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off on a treacherous mission to recover an unidentified energy source amidst an alien onslaught! Nephenthesys is a vertical scrolling shoot’em up presented in widescreen top-down 3D style.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Top-Down Shooter 19.4%, 2.5D 13.9%, Arcade 8.7%, Space 8.3%
- #15 1x! Space Adventure
87% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2020
Dev: Lunar Madcap
Windows
1x! Space Adventure is an arcade top-down shump with gradually increasing difficulty.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 9.3%
- #16 Starlight: Eye of the Storm
86% matchPositive93% of 27 reviews2021
Dev: Strides Interactive Game Studio
Windows
SHOOT 'EM UP!Starlight: Eye of The Storm is a 2D Vertical SHMUP set in a 3D background. Unleash your special powers, upgrade your weapons! Take on 10 Arcade stages or 15 Campaign missions! Drift (auto-pivot mode) behind your enemies and take them on with style!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Top-Down Shooter 15.9%, Space 11.4%, Arcade 7.9%
- #17 XIIZEAL
86% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 15.6%, Difficult 13.6%, Space 8.2%
- #18 Arcade Forever
84% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: KOD7
Windows
Arcade Forever is a 3D vertical space shooter. This is an action game in which many enemies, obstacles and different weapons guarantee great fun. If you like fast space action, this is the game for you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Top-Down Shooter 17.5%, Space 11.6%, Shooter 8.5%
- #19 TRIZEAL Remix
85% matchPositive81% of 37 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Transform or die. TRIZEAL Remix has classic shoot-’em-up style with a refined depth just below the surface. Strategically transform your ship to switch between and upgrade three distinct weapons: a wide shot, a narrow laser, and guided missiles. Shoot with intelligence!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Top-Down Shooter 17.9%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Difficult 14.1%, Arcade 7.6%
- #20 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
83% matchVery Positive95% of 84 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 25.9%, Bullet Hell 21%, Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Difficult 13.9%, Arcade 6.4%
- #21 Crush The Rebellion!
84% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: GameBeast Productions
Windows · Linux
The galactic empire is under siege from the rebel scum in all directions! Fight through endless waves of rebel ships using all of the weapons and resources at your disposal as you execute your sole orders: to Crush The Rebellion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Top-Down Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 9.2%, Space 8.9%
- #22 Ark Odyssey
82% matchNo user reviews
Dev: BinaryStella
Windows
Ark Odyssey is a top-down arcade shooter that lets you command an army of starships to fight against the force of void! Gather your fleet into formations, and build your team of evolving synergistic compositions. Order your army of Starforce through space and protect the cosmos!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Arena Shooter 14.3%, Top-Down Shooter 14.3%, Space 11.2%
- #23 ESCHATOS
82% matchVery Positive97% of 301 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 18%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Top-Down Shooter 15.3%, Space 10%, Arcade 7.4%
- #24 Resurrection Core
81% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: ramen_keitto
Windows
Resurrection Core is vertically scrolling Bullet Hell Shoot ´Em Up game. It honors the arcade classics but also adds modern touch and unique game-play mechanics to the genre. Master the unique weapon systems and resurrect enemy cores to become the ultimate fighting machine!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14%, 2.5D 10.7%, Arcade 9.3%
- #25 Endline
81% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Miniced
Windows · Linux
Endline is a 2.5D psychedelic bullet hell experience, combining rhythm and bright colours.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Top-Down Shooter 17.2%, 2.5D 11.6%, Arcade 7.7%
- #26 Akka Arrh
79% matchVery Positive85% of 66 reviews2023
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Akka Arrh is a modern take on a scrapped project from the 1980s, providing players with a fast-paced, addictive, arcade shooter experience and psychedelic visuals. Protect your life rings as you chain together combos and go for a high score!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Top-Down Shooter 16.7%, Arcade 8.3%, Space 8%
- #27 PAWARUMI
80% matchVery Positive92% of 79 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 17.8%, 2.5D 17.2%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Difficult 11.3%, Arcade 9.5%
- #28 Astro Fighters
77% matchPositive94% of 31 reviews2025
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
A score-driven vertical STG built around aggressive grazing, medal chaining, and risk-reward survival mechanics. Dodge impossible bullet patterns, manipulate time itself, and push for the ultimate 1CC.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Bullet Hell 18.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13.1%, Space 9.1%, Arcade 8.7%
- #29 DELTAZEAL
79% matchMostly Positive76% of 80 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 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 21.7%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Difficult 8.3%, Arcade 7%
- #30 Numina: Construct
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ScoutSpark
Windows
Dodge, defend, and destroy! Engage in a frenetic shoot 'em up, facing relentless bullet streams that test your reflexes. Experience dynamic shifts between vertical and horizontal views as you fend off endless enemy waves. Use polarity shields for defense and strike back fiercely. Conquer the chaos!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Difficult 15.1%, Space 14.4%, Arcade 8.2%
- #31 Rheum
78% matchPositive81% of 27 reviews2018
Dev: SpaceMyFriend
Windows
Jump down the esophagus of a body plagued by viruses and big bad bosses in this reverse vertical scrolling shoot'em up! Collect eye crusties, upgrade your pupils, and clear the screen of bullets with your cornea crushing eye blasts!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Top-Down Shooter 17.8%, Difficult 15.5%, Arcade 8.4%
- #32 Space Invaders Extreme
77% matchVery Positive87% of 265 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Difficult 12.9%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 8%
- #33 SUPER FLAIL
76% matchVery Positive93% of 159 reviews2018
Dev: CryptMadePub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 43%
SUPER FLAIL is a fast-paced arcade score attack game of flail-swinging rampage. Swing your flail to destroy everything until you die. Compare your score with other players and get on the top of the leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Top-Down Shooter 17.1%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Difficult 14.3%, Arcade 7.7%
- #34 The Art Of Flight
75% matchPositive93% of 14 reviews2025
Dev: Et Al GamesPub: Page To Pixel Publishing LLC
Windows
Play solo or with your friends in this fast-paced space shooter. Pilot multiple ships at the same time while taking on waves of enemies, finding power-ups, and gaining additional episodes along the way. Who will make it to the top of the leaderboard?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15.8%, Difficult 13%, Arcade 9.3%
- #35 Danmaku Unlimited 4 WYVER ULTRA
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Arise Wyver and fly against overwhelming odds in this modern labor of love tribute to classic shoot'em ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Space 11.1%, Difficult 10.8%, Arcade 8.7%
- #36 Syder Arcade
75% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 34.4%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Arcade 9.7%, Space 9.4%, Shooter 6.5%
- #37 Accelerate
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Vycten
Windows
Sci-fi survival horror, an unstoppable disease is killing the only alien alive, you will travel to a black hole stretching its last moments into centuries. Manage your resources and movements until a cure is developed.
Why similar: Souls-like 19.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Difficult 14.1%, Space 9.4%
- #38 Shotgun Witch
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,098 reviews2020
Dev: Asephy
Windows
Only armed with a double barrel shotgun, go through waves of hell spawns to get your book back! A bullet hell arena shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Top-Down Shooter 16.8%, Arena Shooter 16.5%, Difficult 13.9%
- #39 Last Meow Standing
74% matchPositive94% of 16 reviews2022
Dev: Twinfox Interactive
Windows
This lightning fast arena shooter brings you right back to the highscore hunts of the arcade era. Use your arsenal of deadly weapons wisely against the increasingly ferocious monster hordes to survive as long as you can.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Arena Shooter 16.6%, Top-Down Shooter 16.5%, Arcade 8.2%
- #40 Lobstar: Arcade Version
73% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Team Lobstar
Windows · Mac · Linux
Punch through the cosmos! An arcade-inspired shoot-em-up where you play as an immortal lobster speeding through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Top-Down Shooter 15.6%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 8.1%
- #41 MechsNBugs
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Purple Tortoise
Windows
Two Mechs. One player. And an arena filled with alien bugs. Survive five rounds in the arena to become the new champion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16.6%, Arena Shooter 16.5%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Difficult 12.7%
- #42 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
71% matchVery Positive97% of 367 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 52%
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 19.2%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Difficult 10.5%, Arcade 8.3%
- #43 CoreShot
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: MoonWindowStudioPub: Nigel Purcell
Windows
CoreShot is a classic arcade style space shooter, where you pilot the spacecraft HonestWing to destroy the cores of evil. As you soar through enemy spacecraft, psychic pyramids, and grim castles, you will be tested against enemies with a variety of attack styles and epic boss battles. Blast away
Why similar: Space 16.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, 2.5D 14.7%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Arcade 12.1%
- #44 The Pacifist
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Taillis, Inc
Windows
The Pacifist is a retro sci-fi top-down action game with unique mechanics that blends elements of the Arcade and Rhythm genres on a gorgeous, minimalist battlefield. Only in The Pacifist can you fight without fighting.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Top-Down Shooter 17.4%, 2.5D 14.6%, Arcade 8.8%, Space 8%
- #45 Ozone Guardian
73% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: Paraverse Games
Windows
A new twist on the classic arcade shooter, with a variety of character choices and an upgrade system. Control your spaceship with your mouse & shoot with click - the only limitation is your hand speed! Face waves of creative enemy ships and stimulating bosses, and protect the ozone, Ozone Guardian.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Top-Down Shooter 16.1%, Arena Shooter 16%, Arcade 6.7%
- #46 Warp Commander
71% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: AngrySodaCan
Windows
A top-down 2D arena shooter in the style of a retro arcade game. The player fights against waves of enemy spaceships to defend space as we know it.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.9%, Arcade 12.7%, Space 11.4%
- #47 HiveCorp
69% matchMostly Positive71% of 48 reviews2025
Dev: Counterspell
Windows
Join the HiveCorp mercenaries in their fight against an onslaught of enemies in this action rogue-lite auto-shooter. Avoid enemies, level up and combine powerful weapons and equipment to survive.
Why similar: Difficult 16.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Stylized 8.4%
- #48 Heliocide
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: HorrorScope
Windows
Heliocide is a relentless top-down scrolling action! Arm your shields, lasers, guns, bombs and missiles to defend the solar system from a massive invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Top-Down Shooter 16.8%, Space 9.1%, Arcade 8.3%
- #49 Nova Strike
69% matchMixed65% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: Sanuk GamesPub: Nacon
Windows
Fire up your blaster cannons and take on waves of enemies in this retro shoot'em up with procedural levels. Come back stronger with each attempt and beat the high score!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Top-Down Shooter 14%, Space 10.9%, Arcade 9.2%
- #50 STARR RINGER
70% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Sterling McKay
Windows
Grab the fate of all life in your hands. Blast your way through the cosmos, destroying monstrous cosmic beasts and the space cultists summoning them, on your path to stopping your mother from unleashing the chaos realm upon the universe, in this sci-fi cosmic horror bullet-hell, STARR RINGER.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 9.7%, Sci-fi 9%
- #51 Son of Scoregasm
70% matchPositive86% of 28 reviews2017
Dev: R C KnightPub: Charlie's Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Blast your way through 28 varied levels full of enemies, traps, lasers and bosses in this explosive Twin Stick Shmup! Test your skills, find new paths, master the score mechanics and become bullet hell. Tight score attack play, fast combat and online Leaderboards leave you needing just one more go!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Arena Shooter 15.1%, Difficult 12.1%, Arcade 9.1%
- #52 Asteroidia
67% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2025
Dev: Duk Studios
Windows
A simple and fun space shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Top-Down Shooter 18.9%, Arcade 7.1%, Shooter 7.1%
- #53 THUNDER STRIKER
68% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast your way through enemy territory and level up your versatile arsenal of high-tech weapons in this handheld game style retro shmup!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Top-Down Shooter 19.1%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Retro 11.6%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #54 Exo-Calibre
67% matchPositive86% of 21 reviews2025
Dev: Vampixel GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Take to the skies as a team of cute pilots and fight for peace in vertical scrolling bullet hell style!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%, Bullet Hell 21%, Top-Down Shooter 19.5%, Shooter 7.9%, Space 6.9%
- #55 Solaroids
69% matchVery Positive96% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Chad YatesPub: DynF/X Digital LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Classic Asteroids® updated with modern gameplay and perfected controls. Explore hazardous environments and sneak around asteroids to surprise attack giant bosses. Upgrade your ship to use additional power-ups. Single player or fight with up to 3 friends with intense local coop.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Top-Down Shooter 13.7%, Arena Shooter 13.5%, Space 9.2%
- #56 2 Many Pixels
68% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Alex Le Mesurier
Windows
2 Many Pixels is an endless & fast-paced 2D minimal shooter. Blast enemies & unlock upgrades to help you survive for as long as possible!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Arena Shooter 16.7%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Top-Down Shooter 15.6%, Difficult 11.6%
- #57 Vostok 2061
67% matchMostly Positive67% of 57 reviews2022
Dev: DYV's Game
Windows
Vostok 2061 is a modern-graphics vertical scroll shooter. Gorgeous alien worlds, spaceships, and bosses. Explore mysteries as you listen to a great soundtrack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Top-Down Shooter 15%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Space 10.7%, 2.5D 7.5%
- #58 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
68% matchVery Positive84% of 605 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 29.8%, Bullet Hell 25.2%, Retro 11.2%, Difficult 8.8%, Arcade 8.3%
- #59 Time Wasters
65% matchVery Positive88% of 2,592 reviews2023
Dev: Proton Studio
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Time Wasters is a space shooter bullet heaven roguelite. Equip and upgrade weapons, destroy swarms of enemies, and collect Time & Space Cubes to bend the timeline to your advantage.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Top-Down Shooter 15.9%, Arena Shooter 14.9%, Space 6.3%
- #60 Exorush
67% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Thrashmodule
Windows
A 2D vertical shoot 'em up that lets you upgrade your ship with an insane amount of options. From missiles and pods to specials and shields, you can upgrade every bit of your ship from guns to thrusters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.9%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 8.8%