- #1 COTTOn Rock'n'Roll -SUPERLATIVE NIGHT DREAMS-
97% matchVery Positive90% of 97 reviews2023
Dev: Studio SaizensenPub: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
The original beautiful girl side-scrolling shooter is back! This work commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Cotton series.
Why similar: Shooter 29.2%, Arcade 25.8%, Action 25%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Singleplayer 2.9%
- #2 GRADIUS ORIGINS
96% matchVery Positive93% of 282 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.
Why similar: Arcade 27.8%, Shooter 26.5%, Action 16.6%, 2D Platformer 12.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.7%
- #3 Metal Black™ S-Tribute
96% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2023
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Collect NEWALONE to level up your beam, then release energy! The home console version of the incredible side-scrolling shooter Metal Black is back with online rankings. Two players can play together!
Why similar: Shooter 21.8%, Arcade 20.7%, Action 19%, Military 16%, 2D Platformer 12.1%
- #4 Monkey King: Master of the Clouds | 中華大仙
94% matchMixed70% of 23 reviews2018
Dev: Starfish-SD Inc.Pub: Retroism
Windows
Join Micheal Chang, the Monkey King, on his journey through famous landmarks of ancient China and fight off mythical creatures and legends in this classic arcade shooter.
Why similar: Action 34.7%, Arcade 23.4%, Shooter 23.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%
- #5 UNDER DEFEAT
92% matchVery Positive95% of 88 reviews2025
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
My steed rides, a celestial iron cavalryman soaring through the heavens. The swirling assault shooting that shakes the battlefield returns once more.
Why similar: Shooter 25.2%, Arcade 21.3%, Military 21.2%, Action 15.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%
- #6 Akai Katana Shin
91% matchVery Positive96% of 108 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.
Why similar: Shooter 24.7%, Arcade 20.9%, Military 19%, Action 15.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.4%
- #7 The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis
91% matchVery Positive92% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: Minimum Wage MediaPub: holo Indie
Windows
The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis is a vertical shoot 'em up game where you control Ninomae Ina'nis from Hololive Myth and her companion AO-chan.
Why similar: Shooter 28.2%, Action 25.7%, Arcade 24.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%, 2D 4.3%
- #8 Habroxia 2
90% matchVery Positive92% of 62 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shooter 27.8%, Action 25.7%, Arcade 24.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, 2D 4.3%
- #9 Guardian Force - Saturn Tribute
87% matchMostly Positive79% of 19 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
The Guardians, a secret society wielding the power of the Force, have readied their tanks and intend on crushing the aspirations of the Hammerbolt Empire!
Why similar: Shooter 25.8%, Arcade 21.6%, Military 20.3%, Action 16%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%
- #10 Enceladus
86% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2017
Dev: StorybirdPub: Look At My Game
Windows
Enceladus is a shoot'em up inspired by the Playstation & Saturn era.
Why similar: Shooter 28.1%, Action 27.2%, Arcade 24.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%
- #11 SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad
86% matchMixed52% of 159 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 40%
“SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad”, the sequel to the NEOGEO fan favorite 2D top-down view action shooting game, returns to the missions on the Steam battlefield!
Why similar: Action 53.3%, Arcade 37.9%, 2D 8.8%
- #12 Firebird - Steam version
85% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2018
Dev: JimJams Games
Windows
Love retro shooters? Firebird is a blend of some of our teams favourite games from the space invasion genre. Battle aliens, giant space birds, tractor beams, air burst weapons, robot terrorists and massive motherships in a fight for domination.
Why similar: Action 35.6%, Shooter 21.8%, Arcade 21.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, 2D 5.3%
- #13 Rangok Skies
84% matchMostly Positive73% of 40 reviews2021
Dev: Samurai Games
Windows · Mac
War has started! Rangok Skies is a vertically scrolling arcade shooter inspired by the genre classics. Highly replayable with 4 different characters, each with their own unique ship, weapons, and bombs. Includes 2-player local co-op.
Why similar: Shooter 29.3%, Arcade 25.1%, Action 24.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, 2D 4.5%
- #14 TriggerHeart EXELICA
83% matchPositive94% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Cosmo MachiaPub: Cosmo Machia inc.
Windows
"Where courage and conviction dictate, pull the trigger of your heart!"
Why similar: Shooter 30.1%, Arcade 26.7%, Action 22.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Singleplayer 2.6%
- #15 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
84% matchMixed56% of 533 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: Shooter 28.7%, Arcade 25.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Action 21.9%
- #16 DRAINUS
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,135 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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: Shooter 33%, Action 26.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Arcade 5.5%, 2D 4.8%
- #17 Raiden Legacy - Steam Edition
82% matchMixed56% of 360 reviews2015
Dev: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 34%
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: Arcade 27.4%, Shooter 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Action 19.8%, Military 9.2%
- #18 SHOCK TROOPERS
81% matchVery Positive83% of 274 reviews2016
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 41%
“SHOCK TROOPERS ”, the fan favorite 2D top-down view action shooting game released exclusively on NEOGEO MVS in 1997, returns to the battlefield on Steam!Progress through the battlefield, choosing the best routes and strategy!
Why similar: Action 39.1%, Arcade 37.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, 2D 7.8%
- #19 R-Type Delta: HD Boosted
78% matchVery Positive83% of 87 reviews2025
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Your nightmares, now in High Definition! R-Type Delta HD Boosted brings back the dark, iconic shooter with modern enhancements, new music, razor-sharp graphics, and all the intensity you remember.
Why similar: Shooter 31.4%, Action 26.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, 2D Platformer 15.8%, 2D 5%
- #20 R-Type Final 2
79% matchMostly Positive75% of 822 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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: Shooter 31.1%, Arcade 25.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Action 19.6%, Singleplayer 2.3%
- #21 Gamma Blast
80% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Ilias GiouroukisPub:
Windows · Linux
Blast your way through enemy waves. Strike at enemy formations prioritizing targets depending on the situation. Rip them to pieces using an arsenal of powerful and versatile weapons. Put your reflexes to the test dodging a fire storm of enemy projectiles. Destroy challenging Bosses to achieve victory.
Why similar: Action 36.8%, Shooter 24.7%, Arcade 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%
- #22 Airline Glider
79% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: o3 Digital
Windows · Mac
Take to the skies in a classic 2D side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fight through multiple levels, upgrade your plane and race against time to defeat the final boss.
Why similar: Action 31.5%, Shooter 31.2%, Arcade 27.6%, 2D 5.8%, Singleplayer 3.9%
- #23 Mamorukun ReCurse!
77% matchVery Positive97% of 63 reviews2025
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Everyone, gather at the YO-KAI Disco! The cursed shooting party begins! All past game modes, additional characters, and BGM are included at once!
Why similar: Shooter 25.3%, Arcade 23.1%, Action 21.3%, 2D Platformer 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%
- #24 RYZY NYIL
75% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2025
Dev: SB_Games_Public
Windows
Vertical-scrolling 2D shooting game with three types of weapons
Why similar: Shooter 24.5%, Action 21.8%, Arcade 21.2%, 2D Platformer 15.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 12%
- #25 COTTON REBOOT!
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 79 reviews2021
Dev: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.Pub: BEEP
Windows
Cotton Reboot! is a completely remastered version of Cotton.Fantastic Night Dreams, the originator of the witchy shooting game released 30 years ago, with new features and the latest visual design.
Why similar: Shooter 30.1%, Arcade 25.4%, 2D Platformer 20.2%, Action 18.5%, 2D 5.2%
- #26 WOLFLAME
76% matchVery Positive86% of 119 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: Shooter 28.1%, Arcade 24.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Action 17.4%, 2D 4.9%
- #27 Tank Blitz: Underdog Division
75% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: Underdog Division
Windows
Tank Blitz: is a retro-style 2D top-down tank shooter where you engage in intense battles against a variety of enemy tanks, armored trains, and devastating railguns. Utilize the terrain for cover as you outmaneuver and outgun your foes in strategic combat scenarios.
Why similar: Shooter 23.4%, Action 21.1%, Arcade 20.3%, 2D Platformer 15.4%, Military 15.2%
- #28 Mini Island: Aroma
74% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2022
Dev: MACKINN7
Windows
Mini Island: Aroma is a one small hold & Gun, boss Rush mini-game of Casual difficulty!
Why similar: Shooter 28.7%, Action 26.1%, Arcade 21.4%, 2D Platformer 17.8%, 2D 4.1%
- #29 Pato Martinez
73% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2023
Dev: Pepes Games
Windows
History can be thrilling, learn the importance of the air force during the Spanish civil war, the most important air battles, the pilots that fought and the airplanes they used. Fight through the air around the Jarama, Brunete or Ebro. Learn, at the same time you become a flying ace!
Why similar: Shooter 24.2%, Action 22.8%, Arcade 21.1%, Military 17.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.7%
- #30 METAL SLUG XX
74% matchMixed53% of 1,214 reviews2019
Dev: SNK CORPORATION
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 48%
METAL SLUG XX, the most recent installment in the famous run-and-gun action shooting series, returns to the battlefield on Steam with a plethora of brand new features!
Why similar: Shooter 28.9%, Arcade 21.8%, Action 20.5%, Military 19.7%, 2D 6.7%
- #31 Demon Protocol
71% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Pete PotosPub: ThryveLabs
Windows
Lock On. Light Up. Lay Waste. Demon Protocol is a retro arcade space shooter with 25 waves of relentless enemies, 4 brutal bosses, and power-ups to keep you fighting. Choose your difficulty and see how far you can push before the demons win.
Why similar: Shooter 30.4%, Action 26%, Arcade 19.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Singleplayer 4%
- #32 Space & Pixels
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Basil Masil
Windows
Space & Pixels is a top-down space shooter with classic gameplay. Battle through each level, blast lots of enemies, upgrade your ship's firepower, and uncover the truth behind your dangerous mission.
Why similar: Shooter 27.9%, Action 26.3%, Arcade 24.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.7%, 2D 4.8%
- #33 MINUS ZERO
73% matchMixed47% of 17 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Triangle Service’s MINUS ZERO is a shooter that focuses on a tried-and-true shoot-’em-up weapon: the lock-on laser. It’s shoot-’em-up purity: just you, your lock-on laser, and a whole bunch of enemies. As long as you continue to blast away at the waves of enemies, you’ll maintain invincibility, but if you lose track of your position...
Why similar: Action 29.5%, Arcade 22.1%, Shooter 22%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, 2D 5.2%
- #34 Space Ship Infinity
72% matchPositive85% of 20 reviews2021
Dev: Lucas LimaPub: Made In House
Windows
Returning to the classic style of spaceship games in pixel art. Survive in space as many enemy ships and anything else that can destroy your ship, get all the advantages and improvements available to get your best score.
Why similar: Shooter 27.2%, Action 22.5%, Arcade 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, 2D Platformer 11.7%
- #35 OUTL1NED
70% matchPositive88% of 17 reviews2024
Dev: SamWeb
Windows
Fast-paced 1D arcade shooter. The Y and Z axis are overrated, it's time to play a game that pushes X to the limit. OUTL1NED.
Why similar: Shooter 28.9%, Action 27.9%, Arcade 25.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #36 SpiderAttack
71% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Seebacher NorbertPub: indépendant
Windows
You are a spider who must capture insects for food, the goal of the game with your web that you weave and to bring the insects as close as possible to their respective colored web so that it is captured.
Why similar: Action 34%, Arcade 30.6%, 2D Platformer 25.4%, 2D 6.5%, Singleplayer 3.5%
- #37 Virtual Rogue
73% matchMixed61% of 27 reviews2016
Dev: Snowy Productions
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Virtual Rogue is a top-down action roguelike shooter set in a computer controlled by a cruel and merciless User. You play as a text document file named “Note” who, after being accidentally created by the User, is thrown into the Recycle Bin.
Why similar: Action 42.9%, Shooter 30.4%, Arcade 26.7%
- #38 True Galactic Mission
69% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Davila Games
Windows
There are 5 pilots in training, each with unique characteristics. It is the day of the final level and everyone wil l face a test to see who will be able to accept the next challenge, a true galactic mission. Be you one of the selecteds!
Why similar: Action 32.9%, Shooter 32.6%, Arcade 28.7%, 2D 5.9%
- #39 Space Demon Combat Tactics III
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: Matt Kuhn
Windows
Join the High Commander as the eternally loyal Green in an epic journey to save the Blues from the menace of the Greys and their evil Red Gems!
Why similar: Shooter 27.9%, Action 25.7%, Arcade 24.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, 2D 5%
- #40 Guardian: Planet Defense
70% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2023
Dev: Eager Lemur
Windows
Take command of an orbiting defense satellite in this action-packed planetary defense shooter. Blast away at waves of incoming asteroids and crafty aliens before they destroy your planet. Scavenge powerful weapons from vanquished alien ships and turn them against your foes. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Shooter 30%, Arcade 22.4%, Action 20.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, 2D 5.2%
- #41 Physical Layer
69% matchVery Positive91% of 77 reviews2023
Dev: RaStar StudioPub: Phoenixx Inc.
Windows
Physical Layer is a stylish, top-down shooter with cute, gun-toting characters. Utilize three powerful abilities to overcome a total of 240 stages, filled with a variety of enemies and challenges.
Why similar: Shooter 29.1%, Action 24.3%, Military 23.3%, 2D Platformer 18.4%, 2D 3.3%
- #42 Super Psy Penguin
70% matchPositive100% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: SHOKIZM INTERACTIVE
Windows
Super Psy Penguin is a Cyber Penguin Hero Simulator in which you play a realistic Cyber Penguin, giving you the power to save the galaxy! The game is inspired by Parodius and Xenon-II and many other Shmups from our childhoods.
Why similar: Shooter 32.2%, Arcade 24.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Action 17.8%, Singleplayer 4.4%
- #43 Mesh Storm
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Fat Boomer Games
Windows · Linux
Retromodern hi-speed shmup
Why similar: Shooter 32.1%, Action 31.4%, Arcade 28.2%, 2D 5.4%, Singleplayer 2.9%
- #44 CyberBlocker Complete Edition
68% matchPositive96% of 26 reviews2022
Dev: KT.SOFTWARE
Windows
It is a block breaker with a gauge type power-up system. The player's ship can always fire a shot, which, combined with the power-up system, makes it an aggressive block breaker. The difficulty level can be adjusted depending on the ship, so it can be enjoyed by both beginners and experts.
Why similar: Shooter 27.2%, Action 24.9%, Arcade 24.7%, 2D Platformer 16.5%, 2D 4.8%
- #45 BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted
67% matchPositive94% of 49 reviews2023
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
A PIONEER OF THE BULLET HELL GENRE BY TOAPLAN IS BACK!
Why similar: Shooter 25.8%, Arcade 21.2%, 2D Platformer 17.4%, Action 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%
- #46 ACCELERATE ZONE
67% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: mdkgames
Windows
FULL-THROTTLE STG "ACCELERATE ZONE". This is an action shooting game where the faster you go, the better your strategy. It's okay to take your time and go at your own pace.
Why similar: Shooter 26.4%, Arcade 25.6%, Action 25.4%, 2D Platformer 17.3%, 2D 3.9%
- #47 Muchi Muchi Pork! & PinkSweets Boosted
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Hardcore yet cute Danmaku shooting makes a grand comeback!
Why similar: Shooter 25%, Arcade 21.4%, Action 20.6%, 2D Platformer 14.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%
- #48 Machine Crisis (陨星危机)
68% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: 跳跃网络
Windows
Machine Crisis is a sci-fi VR shooter, player fight gigantic bio-mechs with guts and wits
Why similar: Action 52.6%, Shooter 47.4%
- #49 Strike Mission
65% matchMixed56% of 18 reviews2025
Dev: Cube Games
Windows
Strike Mission is a top-down aerial action game where you play as pilot Jake Walker on a mission to stop a global terrorist threat. Face intense battles, daring rescues, and strategic sabotage missions.
Why similar: Military 28.3%, Shooter 27.5%, Arcade 17.5%, Action 14%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.2%
- #50 Natsuki Chronicles
66% matchVery Positive85% of 231 reviews2021
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 48%
New dramatic horizontal shoot ’em up that takes place in the same setting as Ginga Force. An immersive story that follows protagonist Natsuki. Discover the story of her past as a rookie pilot up to present day with events that are parallel to those in Ginga Force.
Why similar: Action 69.1%, Arcade 17.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%
- #51 Mini Island: Cosmos
66% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2022
Dev: MACKINN7
Windows
Mini Island: Cosmos is a one small hold & Gun, boss Rush mini-game of Casual difficulty!
Why similar: Shooter 25.2%, Arcade 19.6%, Military 17.6%, 2D Platformer 17%, Action 15.7%