- #1 Dark Old Sun
97% matchVery Positive92% of 53 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 21.2%, Soundtrack 16.4% ★, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Action 15.3%, Difficult 10.9%
- #2 Crome: Before Purgatory
96% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2019
Dev: Stumphead Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Inspired by the heyday of 8-bit arcade gaming, Crome: Before Purgatory is an intense space shoot em' up experience. Play as the Galactic Consul's best star pilot, Crome, and fend off endless the hoards of invaders while competing for the top score on the global leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Difficult 14.7%, Action 10.2%, Retro 9.9%
- #3 Offendron Warrior
96% matchVery Positive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Difficult 14.2%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Space 8.1%
- #4 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
95% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Difficult 15.8%, Soundtrack 15.7% ★, Space 12.5%, Action 8.8%
- #5 Echoes+
94% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Action 11.2%, Space 8.7%, Arcade 8.3%
- #6 Astral Gunners
94% 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 26.4%, Bullet Hell 22.8%, Difficult 15%, Side Scroller 8.4%, Retro 5.6%
- #7 PAWARUMI
93% 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 24.6%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Difficult 15%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 8.5%
- #8 Railgunners
92% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Difficult 13.7%, Retro 8.5%, Arcade 7.8%
- #9 Captain Starshot
91% matchMostly Positive73% of 277 reviews2019
Dev: Double Door Games
Windows
Fight fierce hostile alien space ships to neutralize their defenses before you board their ships and battle intense on-foot encounters. Eliminate their forces and steal their technology to upgrade your squad with different abilities and save the galaxy!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Difficult 19.7%, Space 16%, Action 8.2%
- #10 Schildmaid MX
90% 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 29.5%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Retro 10.1%, Space 9.4%, Arcade 8.7%
- #11 Alien Crusader
91% matchMixed63% of 103 reviews2018
Dev: Zydrone
Windows
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 33%, Difficult 21.6%, Space 13.7%, Action 13.1%, Retro 9.2%
- #12 Pewt 'em Up!
89% 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 35.8%, Arcade 14.8%, Shooter 13.6%, Space 10.6%, Retro 9.8%
- #13 Gun Rocket
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 819 reviews2016
Dev: Space Wedgie, LLC
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Prepare for a challenge. Gun Rocket is a 2D physics arcade game that is not for the feint of heart or the stiff of fingers. In search of adventure, you have been caught by holes in space and time. Can you escape?
Why similar: Difficult 31%, Space 18.6%, Arcade 15.8%, Retro 14.7%, Action 7.3%
- #14 Neptunia Shooter
88% matchVery Positive88% of 745 reviews2019
Dev: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 67.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Armed to the teeth, players begin as Neptune in an unworldly 8-bit space dimension ravaged by creatures who burst endless waves of bullets. Shoot, dodge, and defeat the boss in six unique bullet-hell worlds.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Side Scroller 9.9%, Retro 7.7%, Arcade 6.3%
- #15 One Way Road: Firehunt
86% matchMostly Positive73% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Shabunov LeonidPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 32%
Firehunt is a prologue for the main story One Way Road. Take part in space battles as you travel across the galaxy and fight to save humanity. This cinematic narrative driven action-focused space shooter, will take you on a journey into the near future, and put the destiny of mankind in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 9.8%
- #16 Spaceship Looter
87% matchMostly Positive71% of 234 reviews2017
Dev: Luxorix Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Spaceship Looter is an action roguelike game, where mercenaries of all stripes rob drifting schooner, lost transtport ships and abandoned military cruisers - all what is filled with tons of valuable loot and hidden in the deep space.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Difficult 18.8%, Action 8.8%, 2D 5.2%
- #17 ZeroRanger
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,191 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Bullet Hell 25.9%, Arcade 7.2%, Retro 6.8%, Action 5.2%
- #18 Project Mercury
86% matchMixed58% of 592 reviews2017
Dev: Raxasoft Games
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Make your way on foot, on a hoverbike, up skyscrapers, and down bottomless pits, as you exterminate a threat of unknown origin!
Why similar: Retro 42.1%, Action 28.2%, Indie 16.7%, 2D 11.2%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #19 Ex-Zodiac
82% matchVery Positive94% of 1,064 reviews2022
Dev: MNKYPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 1.1 hrs≥1hr: 36%
A fast-paced low-poly 3D rail shooter heavily inspired by classics of the early 90's. Join protagonist Kyuu as she fights to free the worlds of the Sanzaru Star System, overrun by the intergalactic terrorist organization known as Zodiac.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Arcade 13.4%, Space 13.2%, Shooter 12.7%, Retro 10.7%
- #20 BIRDCAGE
81% matchVery Positive97% of 219 reviews2025
Dev: POLYGON BIRD
Windows
Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Difficult 14.4%, Soundtrack 13% ★, Cyberpunk 9.8%
- #21 Rigid Force Alpha
84% matchMostly Positive80% of 134 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 24.7%, Bullet Hell 17%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Retro 8.9%, Space 8.8%
- #22 Steel Empire
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 112 reviews2018
Dev: mebius.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.9%, Action 17.6%, Retro 16.6%, 2D 7.9%, Indie 3.5%
- #23 Cyberpunk 3776
84% matchMixed51% of 66 reviews2015
Dev: Peter Hann
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Cyberpunk 14.5%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Retro 7.2%
- #24 Space Moth DX
82% matchVery Positive80% of 135 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 31.3%, Bullet Hell 22.9%, Difficult 12.7%, Arcade 9.6%, Action 8.5%
- #25 Galactic Glitch: Prologue
79% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2023
Dev: Crunchy Leaf Games
Windows
Galactic Glitch: Prologue is a stand-alone Action-Roguelike game with physics-based combat mechanics. Fight through bubbles of glitched Spacetime, dodge projectiles, bounce foes off walls and hurl giant rocks in challenging twin-stick combat. Play it for free today!
Why similar: Difficult 25.3%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Space 14.1%, Shooter 11.7%
- #26 BLUE REVOLVER
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 888 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 45.5%, Bullet Hell 28.6%, Arcade 8.3%, Difficult 5.9%, Action 4.3%
- #27 DRAINUS
77% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 46.6%, Shooter 12.5%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Action 9.8%, Side Scroller 5.6%
- #28 Bullshot
80% matchMostly Positive71% of 282 reviews2016
Dev: GATO STUDIO
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Help Frank F. Franky fight the evil cardesians, zombies & robots while setting your arrested friends free. Bullshot is a run 'n gun game that tries to recover the essence of the 90s classics, such as Abuse, Contra or the Metal Slug sagas.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Difficult 16.4%, Space 13.5%, Retro 11.6%, Arcade 10.3%
- #29 Graze Counter
78% matchVery Positive96% of 318 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Difficult 12.5%, 1990's 10.5%, Arcade 8.8%
- #30 Grav Blazer Squared
81% matchMixed41% of 87 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 27.8%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 10.2%, Shooter 10%, Space 9.9%
- #31 Gamma Bros
78% matchVery Positive92% of 166 reviews2018
Dev: PixeljamPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Guide the Gamma Brothers through waves of alien attacks, blasting your way home from work in this frantic twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Space 11.3%, Arcade 11%, Shooter 10.2%
- #32 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
76% matchVery Positive96% of 89 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 33%, Bullet Hell 25.6%, Difficult 17%, Arcade 7.1%, Shooter 6.9%
- #33 Breakout Epilepsia
74% matchVery Positive86% of 203 reviews2025
Dev: CataxisPub: Skull Queens Games
Windows · Linux
A fast-paced Breakout-style arcade with a bold black-and-white aesthetic. Engage in space battles against stunning yet deadly alien foes who are determined to destroy you. Intense visuals, thrilling gameplay, and a challenge that will test your reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Side Scroller 21%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 11%, Space 8.5%
- #34 Perilous Warp
77% matchMostly Positive74% of 382 reviews2020
Dev: Crystice Softworks
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Perilous Warp is a fast-paced indie retro-shooter inspired by the classic 3D-actions. Communication with a distant space colony has been lost, and you bravely step into the teleporter with the desire for glorious adventures. But do not expect to win in a heartbeat!
Why similar: Action 27.8%, Retro 18.1%, Indie 17.5%, Space 16.7%, Shooter 12.1%
- #35 Star Saviors
76% matchVery Positive82% of 1,685 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.7 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 42.2%, Bullet Hell 25.2%, Space 8.5%, Difficult 6%, Action 5.2%
- #36 Blazing Chrome
75% matchVery Positive87% of 1,954 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Retro 12.9%, Difficult 11.3%, Arcade 8.6%
- #37 Galaxy Highways
71% matchVery Positive97% of 61 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
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: Bullet Hell 31.2%, Difficult 26.7%, Shooter 11.5%, Space 9.6%, Retro 9.6%
- #38 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
74% matchVery Positive91% of 404 reviews2014
Dev: Cross EagletPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Difficult 11.4%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Arcade 7%
- #39 Super Space Club
72% 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 25.7%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Difficult 15.9%, Space 12.8%, Arcade 10.7%
- #40 It's time to get out from the solar system
75% matchMostly Negative55% of 128 reviews2015
Dev: WTFOMGames
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A game with a futuristic anti-utopian story — a hardcore space shooter with RPG elements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Space 12.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Retro 9.7%
- #41 A Whole Wolfrush
69% matchVery Positive96% of 208 reviews2025
Dev: uglycoal
Windows
Four friends battle their way across space to claim a once-in-a-lifetime wish. Their lives are in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Bullet Hell 26.4%, Arcade 13.6%, Space 9.6%, Action 6.8%
- #42 Distant Space
71% matchVery Positive82% of 3,372 reviews2016
Dev: PixelMouse
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Space 13.1%, Difficult 11.5%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Arcade 10.5%
- #43 Cosmic Carnage: Prologue
70% matchVery Positive93% of 71 reviews2023
Dev: LionSwordPub: LionSword Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Prepare for an interstellar showdown like no other in a gripping roguelike top-down twin-stick shooter set in the vast depths of space. Pilot your advanced starship, engaging in relentless battles against hordes of alien adversaries. Destroy, Collect, Upgrade, Die, Unlock, Repeat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Bullet Hell 27.8%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 10.9%, Space 7.7%
- #44 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
73% matchMostly Positive75% of 214 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Space 7.4%, Arcade 6.9%, Action 6.6%
- #45 Gravity Badgers
73% matchMixed61% of 450 reviews2013
Dev: Wales Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Step into the space suit of valiant gravity badger Captain T Bayback as he ventures into the deadly depths of deep space to save his friends, family and the universe itself from the threat of the deadly Evil Honey Badgers, aka the Hellsett.
Why similar: Side Scroller 32.3%, Space 27.7%, Shooter 10.8%, Action 8.2%, Comedy 7.6%
- #46 XOL: Space Mech Wars
67% matchVery Positive93% of 80 reviews2025
Dev: Michigames
Windows
Mech FPS game in all directions of space; follow the story and contribute to the fight for your homeland! Survive the space wars as an up-and-coming soldier with the toughest warriors around!
Why similar: Space 44.9%, Shooter 23%, Action 16.6%, 3D 8.5%, Indie 4.3%
- #47 Disputed Space
73% matchMixed65% of 99 reviews2017
Dev: ShilohGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience epic space battles while piloting a small, fast fighter ship as part of a fleet that lashes out against enemy factions across stunning procedurally generated star systems in Disputed Space.
Why similar: Space 22.7%, Action 18.1%, Shooter 17.4%, Arcade 17.3%, Retro 12.4%
- #48 Space Elite Force
71% matchVery Positive89% of 187 reviews2018
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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 26.3%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Space 9.6%, Arcade 9.4%
- #49 Super Hydorah
70% matchVery Positive87% of 320 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 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 38.1%, Difficult 14.2%, Arcade 11.8%, Retro 11.6%, Bullet Hell 7.9%
- #50 Absolute Blue
72% matchMostly Positive71% of 55 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.2%, Soundtrack 12.4% ★, 1990's 9.2%
- #51 Silent Sector
70% matchVery Positive85% of 147 reviews2021
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Oldschool action open-world sci-fi with a unique storyline, frenetic battles, crude humor, loose morals and cows.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 41.4%, Space 29.5%, Action 11.2%, 2D 8.4%, Indie 7.6%
- #52 Earthion
65% matchVery Positive96% of 492 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Soundtrack 17.5% ★, 1990's 11.4%, Bullet Hell 10.9%, Space 8.9%
- #53 ANDARA: RISE FOR REBELLION
69% matchVery Positive80% of 70 reviews2023
Dev: Chivito GamesPub: ESAT
Windows
Ordon’s armies have invaded Hailstone and are plundering their resources. Become Andara, the tyrant’s daughter, in this frenetic third-person shooter. Engage enemy weak points and move fast in a brief yet intense single-player campaign. Rise for rebellion.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 33.1%, Shooter 20.6%, Action 17.6%, Space 13.9%, 3D 7.7%
- #54 MULLET MADJACK
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 9,291 reviews2024
Dev: HAMMER95Pub: Epopeia Games
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
MULLET MADJACK is a HIGH-OCTANE-ACTION SHOOTER that put you directly inside a CLASSIC ANIME. Pick your favorite weapon and reach the last floor; Beat your best time or try again. Haste makes waste… OF YOUR ENEMIES!
Why similar: Cyberpunk 26.6%, Arcade 16.4%, 1990's 13.8%, Shooter 13.5%, Retro 10.6%
- #55 Revolgear Zero
63% matchVery Positive98% of 128 reviews2026
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Space 13.5%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 7.1%
- #56 Interstellar Sentinel
66% matchVery Positive98% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Uplifting Goat LLC.
Windows
ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Bullet Hell 22%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Shooter 9.4%, Action 6.1%
- #57 Diluvian Ultra: Awakening
65% matchMostly Positive73% of 175 reviews2024
Dev: Cresthelm StudiosPub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 32%
Diluvian Ultra: Awakening shows a never-before seen part of Diluvian Ultra's story, preceding the events of the main game. As a young Diluvian Knight, stage a heroic defense against insurmountable odds, in this single-player FPS with a retro aesthetic and fast-paced, strategic combat.
Why similar: Shooter 50.6%, Action 30%, 3D 18.7%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #58 Deep Eclipse: New Space Odyssey
69% matchMixed66% of 258 reviews2014
Dev: Ultravision InteractivePub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Deep Eclipse: New Space Odyssey is the ultimate space thriller in the best tradition of the genre. You're the pilot of a space fighter, accidentally catapulted into a parallel universe populated by hostile alien creatures; and they're not happy to see you! To get out of this hell, do your best, to destroy hordes of enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.7%, Space 19.8%, Arcade 12.8%, Shooter 12%, Action 8.1%
- #59 ProtoCorgi
65% matchVery Positive90% of 173 reviews2023
Dev: Kemono GamesPub: Ravenscourt
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Get ready to Bark’em Up! Play as Bullet, a C³ class (Cute Cybernetic Corgi) pup on his quest to save his owner, a brilliant scientist kidnapped by an alien race that wants to rule the galaxy. ProtoCorgi is a retro pixel art shoot’em up with a strong arcade feel!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Side Scroller 10.2%, Arcade 9.1%, Retro 8.7%