- #1 Zenodeath
97% 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: Action 41%, Indie 31.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Bullet Hell 10.7%
- #2 Cosmotic Blast
96% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: ThetaREZ
Windows
Cosmotic Blast is an asteroid game in an immersive experience. Stand amongst a swirling cluster of asteroids in space as you pilot a ship. Blast and destroy wave after wave of asteroids and collect the Cosmotic energy to enhance your ship, making it faster, stronger and more resilient.
Why similar: Action 45.4%, Indie 34.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.2%, Space 9.5%
- #3 Fatal Wings
95% 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 44.6%, Indie 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Bullet Hell 8.3%
- #4 Blasteron
96% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: Bunny on Caffeine LLC
Windows · Linux
Dash attack and blast swarms of enemy ships in this boss fight centered insane bullet hell frenzy. Combined with a heavy metal sound track and a hardcore difficulty curve, this twin stick arcade space shooter will definitely bring out the Shoot 'em Up beast in you.
Why similar: Action 31.4%, Indie 24.2%, Twin Stick Shooter 18.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.3%, Space 10.8%
- #5 Lifeless Vanguard
94% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: Zeus Game Studio
Windows
Shoot, dodge, get more powerful, defeat a massive fleet of enemies, take part in the toughest boss fights you've probably ever been in in this twin-stick/bullet-hell shooter. Do you have what it takes to survive and win?
Why similar: Action 32.3%, Indie 23.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 19.8%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Space 11.8%
- #6 Flatshot
94% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2017
Dev: TurupawnPub: Rosalila
Windows · Linux
Flatshot is a free as in freedom shooting game with flat and minimalist aesthetics. Shoot, dodge, parry and charge to defeat +50 enemy bosses. Sharpen your skills in this easy to learn hard to master Bullet Hell.
Why similar: Indie 34.9%, Action 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Bullet Hell 14%
- #7 Sweezy Gunner
93% matchVery Positive83% of 243 reviews2014
Dev: Windybeard
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Sweezy Gunner is an eye melting, brain bending, mouse squeezing 2D Shoot em up. destroy everything in your path, Upgrade the Sweezy Gunner ship. A Large open World! Travel through the lush green fields, frozen tundra and arid desert. Explore the depths of the many dungeons, caves and temples and collect that tasty loot!
Why similar: Action 33.3%, Indie 25.7%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Space 13.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%
- #8 AstroGenesis
91% 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: Action 38%, Indie 29.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Bullet Hell 14.3%
- #9 Red Ruin
92% matchNo user reviews2019
Dev: David Seifers
Windows
Red Ruin is a Space-Arcade-Shooter, in which you control two ships. Each ship has unique properties and they can switch position with each other. Using the advantages of both ships strategically will bring you victory.
Why similar: Action 24.4%, Indie 18.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Space 14.2%, Bullet Hell 12.9%
- #10 Lucid Aether
85% matchNo user reviews
Dev: FAL Works
Windows · Mac
Lucid Aether is a new kind of bullet hell shoot 'em up game.
Why similar: Action 39.1%, Indie 30.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Bullet Hell 13.4%
- #11 Diadra Empty
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 90 reviews2015
Dev: Frozen OrbPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Diadra Empty is a free-roaming shoot-'em-up on a grand scale. Take the role of Nyalra and her faithful dragon Minimi in a fantastical quest to save her missing sister, and battle legions of monsters and menacing bosses.
Why similar: Action 37.6%, Indie 28.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Bullet Hell 14.6%
- #12 Sniper Fodder
89% matchMixed62% of 21 reviews2018
Dev: War game studioPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Inspired by the classic Amiga 500, you take on the role of a sniper, eliminating all the enemies without showing you.
Why similar: Action 46.5%, Indie 35.8%, Twin Stick Shooter 17.7%
- #13 Sector Assault
87% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2020
Dev: Brian Crandell
Windows
In this arcade space shooter, combine weapons and equipment to create the perfect loadouts. Battle an enemy fleet as diverse as your own arsenal, dodging cruise missiles, phasing through lasers, and ramming targets as you fight to reclaim the sector!
Why similar: Action 48%, Indie 36.9%, Space 7.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.5%
- #14 Really Big Sky
90% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,890 reviews2012
Dev: Boss BaddiePub: Ripstone
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Why similar: Indie 27.2%, Action 19.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Twin Stick Shooter 13.7%, Space 12.6%
- #15 GROOD
88% matchPositive87% of 46 reviews2018
Dev: CC ARTS
Windows · Mac
GROOD is an indie 2.5D Shoot 'em up made with spare robot parts and Heavy Metal🤘🏻. The gameplay blends classic Shoot 'em up mechanics with modern low poly graphics, particles, shaders, and a hardcore soundtrack. Annihilate an army of machines, and afterward, annihilate their bosses—go all the way to confirm that your battle paid off.
Why similar: Action 33%, Indie 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 12%, Difficult 11.7%
- #16 TAOTH - The Adventures of the Herkulez
89% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2017
Dev: Andreas Ammer
Windows · Linux
A mouse controlled vertical scroller/shooter (with bonus mazes)
Why similar: Action 33.8%, Indie 26%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Space 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10.6%
- #17 Iridescence
86% 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: Action 44.6%, Indie 34.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%
- #18 Valiant Gears
79% 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 51%, Indie 39.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.7%
- #19 Highway to the Moon
86% matchMixed69% of 26 reviews2016
Dev: Vernacular Games
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Highway to the Moon is a fast-paced scrolling arcade shooter where you take control of Jacob Helaway, stunt man and thrill-seeker extraordinaire, as he makes his way to the Moon in pursuit of the interstellar criminal known only as the Moon Man.
Why similar: Action 32.5%, Twin Stick Shooter 23.2%, Indie 22.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%
- #20 Happy STG
81% 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: Action 37.4%, Indie 28.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 14%
- #21 Hangeki
84% 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: Action 35.4%, Indie 28%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 13.7%
- #22 XenoRaptor
78% matchVery Positive82% of 173 reviews2019
Dev: Peter ClearyPub: -
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Take control of a cyberdragon and annihilate swarms of rocket propelled chainsaws either online or via LAN in this high speed, high skill 8 player co-op twinstick shooter.
Why similar: Action 24%, Twin Stick Shooter 20.7%, Indie 17.6%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Space 14.1%
- #23 Star'Shoot
80% matchPositive94% of 18 reviews2018
Dev: Space Maker Studio
Windows
In this space shooter avenge the Earth destruction and destroy dozens of procedurally generated enemy waves ! Each death will make you stronger. Can you reach the top of the leaderboard ?
Why similar: Action 25.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Indie 21.6%, Space 16.9%, Difficult 12.7%
- #24 cloudphobia
82% 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: Action 45.2%, Indie 32%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%
- #25 A Shooty Bit
81% 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: Action 43.5%, Indie 33.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 23%
- #26 SHOOTING CHICKEN BRUTAL SUCKERS
77% 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: Action 45.4%, Indie 34.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%
- #27 Terra Feminarum
79% matchVery Positive86% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: Polar Night Games
Windows
Terra Feminarum is a Finnish mythology themed Japanese style danmaku shoot ’em up.
Why similar: Action 38.4%, Indie 29.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.8%, Bullet Hell 14.3%
- #28 Gamma Bros
76% 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 47.7%, Indie 35.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.7%
- #29 Aeternum
78% matchMostly Positive77% of 22 reviews2017
Dev: Creaky Lantern Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Welcome to the premiere school of magic and technology throughout the multiverse, Aeternum Academy! You'll learn to dodge bullets, solve mysteries and make friends in this side-scrolling bullet hell shoot-em-up full of magic teacup cats and corgis piloting spaceships.
Why similar: Action 33.2%, Indie 24.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Difficult 8.7%
- #30 Crush
77% 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: Action 43.8%, Indie 32.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 24%
- #31 Super Shoot Owl
76% matchMixed63% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: Shazard G Bansraj
Windows
Owly has been kidnapped by the treacherous Tala. Fight your way through hordes of evil llamas in a quest of liberation and vengeance.
Why similar: Action 48.3%, Indie 37.1%, Bullet Hell 14.6%
- #32 The Real Laser Ball
75% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2018
Dev: Holmsario Games
Windows
A physics based, arcade, high score chaser with a progression system and a fetish for the 80’s. In The Real Laser Ball you’re a ball… with a laser.
Why similar: Action 50.1%, Indie 38.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.3%
- #33 Devastation - Annihilate the Alien Race
73% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Myke WillsPub: Enfenyx Games
Windows
Devastation - Annihilate the Alien Race, is a 2D, dual stick shoot em' up, bullet hell, arcade game. Tear up hordes of aliens with skill based game play, bombs & upgrades to obliterate everything!. Gun down 11 massive bosses, bank insane score on the leaderboards & overcome clouds of enemy fire.
Why similar: Action 34.5%, Indie 26.5%, Twin Stick Shooter 11.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.5%, Bullet Hell 8.6%
- #34 HEXTERMINATE
71% matchMixed69% of 39 reviews2020
Dev: Wings of Steel
Windows · Linux
HEXTERMINATE is a top-down shooter which puts you in the role of an Imperial Captain. Your mission is to reclaim a galaxy shattered by centuries of in-fighting. Customise your ship with dozens of different modules, fight side by side with allied fleets and reunite the galaxy under Imperial rule.
Why similar: Action 37.6%, Indie 29.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Space 16.3%
- #35 FatCat with Hat - Reload the Powergun
73% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Mathias Neubert
Windows
FatCat's life is relaxed. But one day his great love Mrs.Cat is kidnapped by the nasty FatDog. FatCat immediately sets out to save his beloved, but the cunning FatDog is prepared. He sends his henchmen to take out the unloved adversary.
Why similar: Action 53.3%, Indie 40.5%, Difficult 6.2%
- #36 GRAY GROFA
64% matchNo user reviews
Dev: TPM.CO SOFT WORKS
Windows
GRAY GROFA is an unparalleled side-scrolling shooter puzzle game developed for the 8-bit MSX computer. 2 years have been spent hand-tuning the game's visuals, movements and puzzles in a tireless pursuit for aesthetic perfection.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #37 DECEIVER
63% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Helvetica Scenario
Windows · Mac · Linux
Launch your spider drone at walls, ceilings, and enemy heads in this indie multiplayer shooter where "move" and "attack" are synonymous.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #38 Pure Metal: Feature 1
74% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: Limpid LiaisonPub: Limpid
Windows
Old school shooter fun. Can you save Pure Metal from the clutches of evil? Kill the hoards of enemies and rain righteous fury on the bosses and save the planet!
Why similar: Action 39%, Indie 30%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Difficult 12%
- #39 Buzz Kill Zero (OLD VERSION)
71% matchNo user reviews100% of 1 reviews2019
Dev: Kaleb ParhamPub: KaPa ENT
Windows
Buzz Kill™ Zero takes gameplay influenced from retro 80's arcades & blends it with elements of modern bullet-hells. Use your ship's weapons & abilities to conquer the 5 Missions... & everyone else's scores on the leaderboards!
Why similar: Action 34.1%, Indie 25.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Difficult 10.2%
- #40 Text Wormhole
72% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Elknight
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Text Wormhole is a dodge game of bullet hell generated by the roguelike way dynamically based on the theme of letters, which adopts the minimalist design style. The unprecedented visual spectacle will give you an extraordinary game experience.
Why similar: Action 39.2%, Indie 29.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Bullet Hell 13.1%
- #41 Close Order
74% matchMixed50% of 76 reviews2016
Dev: Raconteur Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Close Order is an arcade shooter with one simple goal: become a badass armada! In this mashup of genres, defeat enemies for parts to build up an armada of ships around you. Fight from a distance, charge headfirst into battle, or create a mix of anything and everything. You decide how to play!
Why similar: Action 34%, Indie 26.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 17.3%
- #42 Kyber Knights
60% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Portaalin Pojat Oy
Windows
A multiplayer VR game by an Arcade for Arcades. Kyber Knights is a fun and easy multiplayer game developed exclusively for VR Arcades. Simple controls and an easy to control Operator View make this fast paced shooter a great choice for Arcades. CURRENTLY ONLY IN LAN.
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #43 Zero Strain
68% matchPositive83% of 24 reviews2019
Dev: Kaio Meris
Windows
Move, shoot, and dodge in this hyper-fast top-down shooter. Descend into the depths of uncharted dimensions and destroy everything in your path!
Why similar: Action 39.6%, Indie 30.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Bullet Hell 12.5%
- #44 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
70% 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: Action 41.3%, Indie 32.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 26%
- #45 Astro Tripper
75% 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: Action 42.4%, Indie 32.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%
- #46 Dantes Bullet Inferno
67% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2020
Dev: Red Pentagram Studios
Windows
Dantes Bullet Inferno is a shoot-em-up where the player fights against hell as Dante. This top down shooter includes a speedrun mode called time-dilation.
Why similar: Action 51.1%, Indie 39.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.5%
- #47 VainPlanet
71% matchNo user reviews2020
Dev: Yamagisi
Windows
VainPlanet is a VR shooting game aiming for high score by attacking enemies while avoiding or preventing attacks from drones.
Why similar: Action 45.4%, Indie 34.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.2%, Space 9.5%
- #48 方解夢異聞 ~ Avant-Garde Discerning Paralleler (東方二次創作STG)
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 14 reviews2019
Dev: 遊色高楼
Windows
幻想郷で急速に進み始めた近代化現象の謎に、あの息ぴったりの式神コンビと、異色の邪仙&山彦コンビが挑む! 全16ステージ+αの、ステージ選択制東方二次創作縦スクロールSTG!ステージ選択制ならではのバラエティに富んだ弾幕の数々を、君は攻略することができるか!?
Why similar: Action 48.7%, Indie 33.1%, Bullet Hell 18.2%
- #49 Don'Yoku
72% 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: Action 33.8%, Indie 26%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Bullet Hell 14.9%
- #50 Fire Arrow Plus
69% 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: Action 43.7%, Indie 29.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%
- #51 Zenodyne R
70% 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: Action 43.2%, Indie 30.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%
- #52 Red Death
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 124 reviews2017
Dev: Panda Indie Studio
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Red Death is a vertical shooter, Prologue of the series Project Starship!
Why similar: Action 67.1%, Indie 14.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.6%, Bullet Hell 8.1%
- #53 HVRGUN
52% matchMixed59% of 17 reviews2024
Dev: Jonathan Bartram
Windows
Welcome to HVRGUN, the worlds best Assault Pilot Training program. Where you'll be placed directly into a virtual battlefield and test your ability to dodge, shoot, and destroy an endless onslaught of enemies!
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #54 Saint George | The Tree Of Secrets
57% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Obscure Cloud
Windows
Embark on a new breed of medieval-fantasy arcade plaformer and explore extensive worlds packed with loots, creatures and humongous boss
Why similar: Action 56.5%, Indie 43.5%
- #55 tri.Attack();
65% 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: Action 46%, Indie 35.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%
- #56 LIGHT
67% 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: Action 41.2%, Indie 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%