- #1 Battle Crust
97% matchPositive89% of 36 reviews2016
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
"Battle Crust" is a 80's-90's arcade-style shooter. You make full use of "Charge shot" that is available by obtaining the item, And let's Complete all of the 6 stage!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.1%, Action 28.9%, Indie 20.9%
- #2 Redux: Dark Matters
96% matchMixed55% of 38 reviews2014
Dev: KTX SoftwarePub: Signo & Arte
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Redux: Dark Matters is a fast-paced space shooting game with fresh scoring elements - a bastard-hard shooter and definitely a must have for every shmup fan!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.4%, Action 29%, Indie 20.5%
- #3 Velocity®Ultra
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 273 reviews2013
Dev: Curve StudiosPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 49.7%, Action 29.5%, Indie 20.8%
- #4 Jet Buster
94% matchVery Positive92% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.1%, Action 29.8%, Indie 22%
- #5 Drive to Hell
95% matchMostly Positive77% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Ghost Crab Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Drive to Hell is an action-packed shooter where you'll take a ride through an army of monsters to exact revenge on the Demon King for destroying your favorite dive bar. Enemies assault from all sides, each with its own special personality and attack style.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.1%, Action 29.3%, Indie 22.6%
- #6 Endless Wave
94% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: Snowdrop Lab
Windows
Endless Wave is wave style stg. 9 kinds of waves and 3 bosses are waiting for you. Manipulate fighter planes to defeat enemies approaching ! ・Endless wave style ・Neon style(Bullet) ・Minimum price
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.9%, Action 29.5%, Indie 22.7%
- #7 LIGHT
93% matchMixed60% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Indie Light
Windows
Not known what year it is, and in which galaxy everything happens. But one thing is known-you must to clear the space of dirty pirates, and their technique. For this, you will have to open the nearest space systems, improve your ship, and of course to shoot a pirate ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.9%, Action 29.5%, Indie 22.7%
- #8 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
91% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.4%, Action 29.9%, Indie 23.7%
- #9 Humans Must Answer
92% matchMixed62% of 63 reviews2014
Dev: Sumom Games
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dodge, shoot and explode across the Solar System as a crew of intelligent and dangerous chickens. As the pilot of The Golden Eagle, it's your duty to keep Colonel Ram and Professor Bez safe as they squabble about ethics and who last used the toilet. Wage war against humanity as you battle your way towards the Sun to complete your mission.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.1%, Action 28.1%, Indie 23.8%
- #10 Fire Arrow Plus
90% matchVery Positive89% of 54 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Fire Arrow and Fire Arrow X are time attack style shooters with a heavy emphasis on scoring. Otherwisely, you can call them coffee break shmups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Action 31.5%, Indie 21.5%
- #11 The Blue Flamingo
91% matchMixed45% of 635 reviews2014
Dev: Might and Delight
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
You are ready to challenge pilots from all around the world. Shoot your way through intense levels with swiftly increasing difficulty in a game world completely built with handcrafted models. Invest your score in upgrades or save it to gain interest with the risk of losing it all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.4%, Action 30.6%, Indie 23%
- #12 Zenodyne R
89% matchVery Positive83% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.6%, Action 31.3%, Indie 22.1%
- #13 Crush
87% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: VIS-GamesPub: SilentFuture
Windows
Crush is an old-school-styled shoot´em up. The game leads you through 7 challenging levels filled with action and great soundtracks. A must for all old-school shoot´em up fans!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.7%, Action 32.4%, Indie 23.9%
- #14 Astro Tripper
89% matchMixed57% of 68 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 20%
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 45%, Action 31.1%, Indie 23.9%
- #15 Solar Shifter EX
88% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 56.2%, Action 25.2%, Indie 18.6%
- #16 A Shooty Bit
86% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: FROGPub: Gameland Studios
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Postsoviet shoot 'em up borne from and reflective of the listlessness that modern, hyperconnected society injects into our selves
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.4%, Action 32.6%, Indie 25.1%
- #17 SHOOTING CHICKEN BRUTAL SUCKERS
83% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: KoheiGallery
Windows
Makoto Yonekura, a new waitress, is a bright girl in Noh weather.Contrary to its appearance, it is a survival game girl who uses powerful weapons!She will do her best to crush the rampaging chickens for the beloved chief!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.6%, Action 35.3%, Indie 27.1%
- #18 Iridescence
84% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2018
Dev: Polarity Bear
Windows
Iridescence is a Shoot 'Em Up with a color-changing mechanic, where you dodge and absorb many different colored bullets. It features a painted watercolor theme & features an inventive chaining system. Play through 5 main levels and 30 varied challenge levels!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Action 34.1%, Indie 26.2%
- #19 cloudphobia
85% matchMostly Positive78% of 27 reviews2016
Dev: MarsboundPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
In this pulse-pounding arcade style shoot 'em up, players control giant armored robots, loaded with hi-tech weaponry. Chose from two types of mechs: the PLG-90, armed with a high-tech laser rifle or the NúllPunktur with the Vibroblade!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.1%, Action 33.9%, Indie 24%
- #20 Risk System
82% matchPositive95% of 39 reviews2019
Dev: Newt Industries, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
High speed kinetic action. Danger is the best offense!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.8%, Action 29.2%, Indie 23.1%
- #21 Starship Annihilator
84% matchMixed64% of 354 reviews2016
Dev: IR Studio
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 28.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A classic style vertical scrolling-shooter. Includes 10 levels and 10 boss enemies. You will have several power-ups for weapon modification. Within each level, you will face different enemies, among which will vary from low to extreme levels of threat!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Indie 35.1%, Action 20.6%
- #22 Gamma Bros
80% matchVery Positive91% of 164 reviews2018
Dev: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The original 8-bit twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love, available to play for free.
Why similar: Action 38.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 33%, Indie 28.7%
- #23 Voxel Interceptor
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: NewAtlantisGameStudio
Windows
Now you can select your control style in 3 different ways!. 6 different upgradeable space interceptors, 9 different weapons. You can supply in your carrier and upgrade her defenses. Shoot enemies down. That's all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Action 34.8%, Indie 26.8%
- #24 Zenodeath
77% matchPositive92% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Zenodeath is the final entry in the Zeno series, the final evolution, featuring a modern OST by HeavyViper and two gameplay types.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Action 36%, Indie 27.7%
- #25 tri.Attack();
78% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2019
Dev: Demmy Mangusso
Windows
In this 2D arcade game, your body is the weapon. Shoot the tri out of yourself and recall it back to you to take out a constant onslaught of rogue polygons. Unlock all the tri modifiers and get as high of a score as possible!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Action 36.1%, Indie 27.8%
- #26 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.3%, Action 31.6%, Indie 24.1%
- #27 Zeit²
81% matchPositive83% of 42 reviews2011
Dev: Brightside GamesPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zeit² brings a new twist to the traditional side-scrolling, 2D, shoot-’em-up game sporting a unique time travel feature never seen before in this genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.6%, Action 23.4%, Indie 18%
- #28 Infinos Gaiden
76% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58%, Action 24.3%, Indie 17.7%
- #29 Horizon Shift
79% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 40.2%, Action 35.8%, Indie 24%
- #30 Procyon
78% matchVery Positive91% of 131 reviews2014
Dev: Deadly Red Cube
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
It's the future! And humanity is, predictably, under attack by extraterrestrial forces. Lucky for us we have an experimental ship that's never before been flown that will surely...uh, possibly...well, implausibly be able to win the war! All we need now is a pilot or two.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67.2%, Action 18.6%, Indie 14.3%
- #31 DECONSTRUCTION
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lazy Knight
Windows
DECONSTRUCTION is a fast-paced, hardcore, shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.9%, Action 29.5%, Indie 22.7%
- #32 Hallo Spaceboy
76% match8 user reviews88% of 8 reviews2018
Dev: Zolden Games
Windows · Mac
Retro space shoot'em up with nice AI, physics, story and RPG elements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.9%, Action 37.1%
- #33 Uriel's Chasm 2: את
79% matchMostly Negative34% of 373 reviews2015
Dev: Rail Slave GamesPub: KPL
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
את is an allegorical, multi-genre Love story and exploration of the Biblical themes of paradise and sacrifice vs offering.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.8%, Action 25.5%, Indie 24.7%
- #34 Dungeon Rustlers
75% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2018
Dev: Zimventures, LLC
Windows
Collect loot. Kill Monsters. Do it Quickly. Oh...and DON'T DIE! Quickly navigate your character through a series of levels filled with monsters trying to take you down. Unlock class-specific power-ups, minions, and other bonuses to help you on your quest.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.9%, Action 38.1%
- #35 Hangeki
77% matchPositive88% of 40 reviews2014
Dev: Pentavera
Windows
Hangeki is an arcade style shooter that emphasizes the use of over 50 spectacular weapons. Formulate new strategies and take on the alien invasion in this reimagining of the classic shoot em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.1%, Action 29.5%, Indie 23.4%
- #36 Valiant Gears
64% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Gaze Interactive
Windows
Valiant Gears is a 3D old school shoot 'em up game. Hop on your Valiant Gear, a ferocious battle machine and defend the planet by fighting the alien robots!
Why similar: Action 44.7%, Indie 34.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%
- #37 Beast Modon
73% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2018
Dev: Jeshawn Chrite
Windows · Mac
In this arcade style shoot em up that lets you earn more punishing difficulties, you are Sylvester, a hero pilot in his glory days turned space janitor on a space station. After an attack on said post, it is up to him to retrieve the fabled Fang Shards. Turn your Beast Mode on, you're going to need it.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50%, Action 28.2%, Indie 21.7%
- #38 Lucid Aether
63% matchNo user reviews
Dev: FAL Works
Windows · Mac
Lucid Aether is a new kind of bullet hell shoot 'em up game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Action 34.8%, Indie 26.8%
- #39 Don'Yoku
75% matchMixed53% of 36 reviews2015
Dev: Dark-Spot Studio
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
If you love shoot ‘em up and you love ‘em hard, with glorious music, with screen filling bullet patterns and huge token cancels, then Don’yoku is just for you!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.9%, Action 27.8%, Indie 21.4%
- #40 Boiling Bolt
72% matchMixed63% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: Persistant StudiosPub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Use your powers and find your playstyle to survive in Boiling Bolt, an immersive and explosive shoot-em-up! Slow down the time to make combos and enjoy the stunning 3D graphics. Help June to save the world alone or with a friend.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.8%, Action 29.7%, Indie 21.5%
- #41 Platypus II
74% matchMixed60% of 593 reviews2014
Dev: IdigiconPub: Claymatic Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.5%, Action 38.5%
- #42 Zenohell
73% matchMostly Positive71% of 85 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.8%, Action 40.2%
- #43 Major Stryker
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 59 reviews2014
Dev: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 23%
In the not-so-distant future, the calamity of World War III led to eventual world peace. But, it didn't last. Earth was invaded by alien marauders - the Kretons. Earth's united military force, still depleted after the mighty onslaught of WWIII, was not nearly sufficient to repel the numerous Kreton attacks.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60%, Action 40%
- #44 JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
71% matchVery Positive96% of 93 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Two classic Wonderswan games, now on PC! Battle the mysterious Judges in Judgement Silversword. Cardinal Sins is a score trial marathon, based on the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Will you face Judgement?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.1%, Action 43.9%
- #45 AstroGenesis
69% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: GraphprojectPub: StavroGames
Windows
Dynamic game in the genre of Bullet hell. Destroy your enemies dodging the hail of bullets!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.4%, Action 33.7%, Indie 25.9%
- #46 AWA
70% matchVery Positive80% of 115 reviews2016
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 71.6%, Action 16%, Indie 12.3%
- #47 Fatal Wings
67% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2020
Dev: Brain Lab Studio
Windows
Fatal wings is a classic top down space shoot ‘em. Playing as the last resistance fighters from the similian colony in planet Lithios against a brutal attack led by vernor’s forces
Why similar: Action 40.4%, Indie 31.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%
- #48 Flight of the Paladin
72% matchMixed52% of 401 reviews2015
Dev: Grizzly Wolf Games LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Flight of the Paladin is a fast-paced top-down shooter where you play as a knight of valor and light vanquishing the nightmarish creatures of darkness. Featuring multiple game modes, Steam Achievements and Leaderboards!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.4%, Action 27.6%, Indie 18%
- #49 Reign of Bullets
69% matchVery Positive81% of 100 reviews2015
Dev: Critical Bit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 58.7%, Action 23.1%, Indie 18.2%
- #50 Singularity Strike
52% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: RUOKPub: MBC Entertainment
Windows
Are you ready to aid Era-bus in its relentless quest for vengeance and consume everything in your path? Defeat the Hu-bon empire in this unique SHMUP/STG experience!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.6%, Action 22.7%, Indie 13.7%
- #51 Tiamat X
71% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
Dev: BBQ Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.6%, Action 28.6%, Indie 18.8%
- #52 Happy STG
66% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Tomoyuki Mizuma
Windows
Vertical scroll shooting game. Please avoid the bullets and defeat the enemies and clear the stage. You can set different types of bullets for "Main" and "Sub". You can also use skills. Skills include skills that make powerful attacks and skills that can eliminate bullets fired by enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.4%, Action 32.6%, Indie 25.1%
- #53 Zeroptian Invasion
65% matchPositive96% of 28 reviews2018
Dev: Josyan
Windows
Zeroptian Invasion is a classic shoot 'em up with mechanics from other arcades of the 80’s. Travel back in time with this unique pixilated experience with an incredible soundtrack in chiptune.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Action 32.3%, Indie 25.7%
- #54 Infinite Shooter
69% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2016
Dev: Minion Productions Inc.
Windows
Infinite Shooter is a top down arcade shooting game, also known as a "Shmup", with the emphasis squarely on the action. With no story in the way of your fun, simply choose an opponent and take them down to earn powerful weapons, upgrades, ships, and power-ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54%, Action 25.5%, Indie 20.5%
- #55 DRAINUS
56% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,100 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: Shoot 'Em Up 63.4%, Action 22.6%, Indie 14%
- #56 Echoes III
66% matchMostly Positive73% of 22 reviews2018
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Echoes is back with a bang and in 3D! More intense and eye bleeding than before, with the action coming at you from the sides, above and below.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60%, Action 22.9%, Indie 17.1%
- #57 Tastrion
53% matchPositive94% of 17 reviews2024
Dev: Remorasoft
Windows
Pilot the all-powerful cell destroying Desolazor gunship and eradicate the mutagenic genotoxic pathogen before it consumes the entire galaxy. Soar through waves of threatening enemies and bosses beyond 6 stages packed with action, explosions, and lasers!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 66.5%, Action 25.4%, Indie 8.1%