- #1 DoDonPachi Resurrection
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 36.1%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Arcade 10.6%, Difficult 8.7%, Shooter 4.9%
- #2 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
96% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 48.8%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Arcade 14.7%, Space 6%, Shooter 4.4%
- #3 Bit Blaster XL
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Bit Blaster XL is a fast-paced, retro arcade shoot 'em up (shmup) inspired by the classic quarter-munchers of the ‘80s. Easy to pick up, hard to put down, boost, dodge, shoot, and chase high scores in this addictive, old-school action game!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.8%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Difficult 10.7%, Score Attack 8.4%, Space 7.6%
- #4 Ikaruga
95% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 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 39%, Bullet Hell 33.2%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 4.4%, Difficult 4.4%
- #5 PAC-MAN™ Championship Edition DX+
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,111 reviews2013
Dev: Mine Loader Software Co., Ltd.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 56%
It's time to gear up!Get ready for more ghost chain gobbling and frantic action in PAC-MAN® CE-DX+! The award-winning chomping game makes a shattering debut on Steam with even more content and a refined user-interface to compare high scores with your friends!
Why similar: Arcade 36.3%, Score Attack 21.1%, Retro 19.9%, Old School 9.2%, Action 5.1%
- #6 BULLET SOUL
94% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.5%, Bullet Hell 33.6%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Action 9.6%
- #7 R-Type Dimensions EX
93% matchVery Positive87% of 323 reviews2018
Dev: Tozai Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 38%
R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.9%, Arcade 16.2%, Difficult 8.9%, Action 8.9%, Shooter 6.3%
- #8 ESCHATOS
91% matchVery Positive97% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 52.5%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Action 11.5%, Arcade 10.6%
- #9 PAWARUMI
91% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2018
Dev: Manufacture 43
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 18.2%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Score Attack 12%, Difficult 10.9%, Arcade 10.1%
- #10 Sophstar
89% matchVery Positive100% of 102 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 16.5%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Score Attack 7.3%, Space 7.1%, Shooter 6.5%
- #11 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Score Attack 15%, Shooter 11.5%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #12 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
90% matchVery Positive84% of 602 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 28.7%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Arcade 8.4%, Difficult 8%, Retro 7.5%
- #13 Beat Invaders
89% matchVery Positive96% of 201 reviews2022
Dev: Raffaele Picca
Windows · Linux
Beat Invaders is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up Roguelite - Fight your way through enemy fleets, unlock skills, items, ships, and upgrade them in the next run. Enjoy the smooth neon visuals matching the pushing EDM soundtrack - The perfect game to unwind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Space 12.6%, Shooter 9.2%, Arcade 8.7%
- #14 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
87% matchVery Positive97% of 357 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 8.0 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 29.8%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 13.6%, Shooter 11.4%, Top-Down 6.6%
- #15 BLUE REVOLVER
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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 43.8%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Arcade 9.4%, Difficult 5.7%, Pixel Graphics 4.3%
- #16 Danmaku Unlimited 2
86% matchVery Positive93% of 481 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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: Bullet Hell 41.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Arcade 7.2%, Shooter 6%, Action 4.5%
- #17 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
85% matchVery Positive81% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Bullet Hell 28.2%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 11.7%, Action 8.6%
- #18 Space War: Infinity
84% matchVery Positive90% of 124 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
A semi-procedural shoot-'em-up that will test your skills. Level up your ship, unlock amazing weapons, and defeat 5 formidable bosses. Challenge the infinite by facing real-time waves of enemies after completing all missions. Become the intergalactic hero now!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15%, Score Attack 11.7%, Space 9.1%, Arcade 7.9%
- #19 Super Bit Blaster XL
82% matchVery Positive94% of 878 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 21.5%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Score Attack 10.4%, Arcade 9.8%, Space 9.4%
- #20 R-Type Final 2
83% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 36.5%, Shooter 15.3%, Arcade 14.2%, Space 11.3%, Sci-fi 7.6%
- #21 Grav Blazer
84% matchMixed48% of 157 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 12%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Space 10.2%, Shooter 9.6%
- #22 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
82% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 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 31%, Bullet Hell 24.5%, Arcade 18.9%, Action 7.7%, Difficult 5.8%
- #23 Sky Force Reloaded
79% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 24.8%, Bullet Hell 19%, Score Attack 10.7%, Arcade 10.4%, Top-Down 8.7%
- #24 Phoenix 2
79% matchMixed67% of 211 reviews2025
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 19.8%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Score Attack 10.4%, Space 8.9%, Arcade 8.7%
- #25 BULLET SOUL INFINITE BURST
81% matchMostly Positive74% of 92 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Bullet Soul Infinite Burst is a vertically scrolling shooting game crossing old-school gameplay with a bullet hell twist. It adds numerous gameplay enhancements over its predecessor, Bullet Soul, not least of which is Burst Mode. The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, now with more destruction, more coins and more tunes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Bullet Hell 31.1%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Action 11.6%
- #26 Super Star Path
81% matchVery Positive81% of 414 reviews2015
Dev: DYA Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 18.5%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Difficult 12.2%, Shooter 8.2%, Arcade 7.5%
- #27 Sky Force Anniversary
78% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 36.5%, Bullet Hell 24.2%, Arcade 10.2%, Score Attack 8.8%, Shooter 6.7%
- #28 Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade
76% matchVery Positive95% of 150 reviews2021
Dev: TAITO CORP.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Darius is one of the pioneers of the side-scrolling shoot 'em genre, and the Steam version replicates the multi-screen arcade experience with 4 different titles and 7 versions filled with aquatic-lifeform-themed bosses and epic, Zuntata-composed soundscapes!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Score Attack 17%, Aliens 10.6%, Arcade 10.6%, Shooter 10.4%
- #29 Grav Blazer Squared
80% matchMixed40% of 85 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 9.1%, Space 9.1%
- #30 Rigid Force Alpha
77% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 20.8%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, Score Attack 14.1%, Shooter 10.1%, Space 9.2%
- #31 ARCADE GAME SERIES: GALAGA
76% matchVery Positive91% of 912 reviews2016
Dev: BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc.Pub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Arcade 20.2%, Retro 12.4%, Action 7.1%, Space 5.5%
- #32 Asteroids: Recharged
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 104 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 22%, Shooter 11%, Score Attack 10.5%, Space 9.9%, Arcade 9.8%
- #33 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
77% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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 39.9%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Arcade 14.4%, Shooter 14.3%, Action 6.9%
- #34 Danmaku Unlimited 3
75% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 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 36.6%, Bullet Hell 36%, Arcade 11.5%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Action 6.5%
- #35 Mushihimesama
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 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: Bullet Hell 37.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 35.9%, Arcade 11.4%, Difficult 8.3%, Action 3.3%
- #36 Vostok 2061
74% 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 19.3%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Space 10.2%, Shooter 9%, Arcade 7.9%
- #37 Hellsinker.
73% matchVery Positive90% of 267 reviews2019
Dev: Ruminant’s WhimperPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
A legendary SHMUP influential to the best makers in the genre, Hellsinker is now available on steam in its most advanced form! Gameplay, story, graphics, and even music all united into one cohesive and highly dimensional Shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Difficult 11.2%, Arcade 9.8%, Score Attack 8.3%
- #38 XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 729 reviews2024
Dev: WIZNWARPub: FLARB LLC
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 56%
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN!! XENOTILT, the sequel to the cult hit, DEMON'S TILT. Get ready for another PINBALL FANTASY. XENOTILT shreds the envelope with face-melting gameplay & graphics.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Difficult 16%, Arcade 9.6%, Top-Down 9.1%
- #39 Space Moth DX
74% matchVery Positive81% of 133 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.1%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Difficult 12.5%, Arcade 11.7%, Action 7.8%
- #40 Star Saviors
73% matchVery Positive82% of 1,683 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.4%, Bullet Hell 25%, Space 9.8%, Difficult 5.5%, Arcade 5.3%
- #41 Schildmaid MX
71% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 24.4%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 8.9%, Score Attack 8.6%
- #42 Rez Infinite
71% matchVery Positive92% of 1,241 reviews2017
Dev: Monstars Inc.Pub: Enhance
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
The legendary action-shooter finally comes to PC, and in style! Blast your way through mind-melting visuals and amazing beats, all in your quest through cyberspace to save a world on the verge of collapse. Playable on your desktop or in fully immersive VR.
Why similar: Psychedelic 30.7%, Shooter 21.9%, Arcade 19.4%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Action 8.1%
- #43 Space Elite Force II
72% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
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 18.1%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Score Attack 12.6%, Space 8.6%, Arcade 8.1%
- #44 Space Elite Force
72% matchVery Positive89% of 185 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 56%
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 19.6%, Bullet Hell 17%, Score Attack 9.4%, Space 8.9%, Arcade 8.5%
- #45 Truxton
69% matchVery Positive94% of 108 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 29.6%, Arcade 14.5%, Old School 14.2%, Score Attack 9.8%, Top-Down 9.1%
- #46 Alien Death Mob
70% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2021
Dev: Pug Fugly GamesPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
Aliens have invaded Earth! Towns, cities, deserts, they're everywhere! Take on the role of Earth's last super soldier and confront the alien menace in this intense twin stick shooter!
Why similar: Score Attack 19.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Arcade 11.7%, Shooter 10.9%, Aliens 8.6%
- #47 DEMON'S TILT
68% matchVery Positive95% of 982 reviews2019
Dev: WIZNWARPub: FLARB LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
TURBO CHARGED PINBALL RETURNS! Now with bigger sprites, more baddies, more secrets & MORE BULLETS! Demon's Tilt pushes the limits of the Video Pinball genre with SHMUP & Hack N' Slash elements.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.1%, Difficult 20.8%, Arcade 17.1%, Score Attack 12.7%, Top-Down 6.9%
- #48 Syder Arcade
70% 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 32.7%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Arcade 9.6%, Shooter 8.4%, Space 8%
- #49 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
71% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 16%, Difficult 12.8%, Score Attack 9.6%, Space 9.2%
- #50 Shoot 1UP DX
70% matchVery Positive80% of 152 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Score Attack 12.8%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 8.6%
- #51 Void Invaders
69% matchVery Positive85% of 406 reviews2015
Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.6%, Arcade 22.5%, Retro 15.4%, Action 10.6%
- #52 Radiant Silvergun
65% matchVery Positive93% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Live Wire
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
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 22.9%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Difficult 14.5%, Shooter 10.2%, Arcade 9.1%
- #53 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
69% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.9%, Arcade 19%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Retro 9.2%, Shooter 8.6%
- #54 Pewt 'em Up!
66% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Shooter 12.1%, Aliens 11.6%, Arcade 11.2%, Space 8.3%
- #55 Super Hydorah
68% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 36.5%, Arcade 13.7%, Difficult 13.4%, Retro 9.5%, Bullet Hell 8.1%
- #56 Undercroft Warriors
65% matchMostly Positive79% of 459 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 18.3%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Difficult 12.4%, Score Attack 8.5%, Shooter 8.2%
- #57 Akka Arrh
66% matchVery Positive84% of 64 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 17.6%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Shooter 8.6%, Arcade 7.8%, Top-Down 7.2%
- #58 Astral Gunners
63% matchVery Positive100% of 57 reviews2024
Dev: Sati Bros
Windows
Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Difficult 13.2%, Score Attack 8.9%, Shooter 5.9%