Games Like Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers

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 55.5%, Retro 20.4%, Arcade 19.3%, Sci-fi 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers an authentic, polished retro experience that perfectly captures the challenging and rewarding nature of classic side-scrolling shmups.

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 29.3%, Side Scroller 23.6%, Space 15.3%, Retro 12.8%, Arcade 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern side-scrolling shooter that combines classic arcade mechanics with impressive 3D visuals and a high-energy soundtrack.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.9%, Side Scroller 31.4%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, Arcade 12.6%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game features high-production cinematic storytelling and a unique time-manipulation mechanic that elevates the side-scrolling shooter experience.

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 26.2%, Side Scroller 22.4%, Aliens 12.5%, Local Co-Op 12.4%, Arcade 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique mechanic where you control multiple ships at once, providing a fresh twist on the traditional side-scrolling arcade formula.

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 36.1%, Local Co-Op 27.2%, Arcade 14%, Old School 13.9%, Retro 7%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a modern, highly accessible take on the arcade shooter genre with beautiful graphics and satisfying progression systems.

Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 36.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Retro 12.9%, Multiplayer 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: While a boss-rush game, it shares the same commitment to a specific historical aesthetic and cinematic presentation that makes Squad 51 stand out.

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Local Co-Op 23.8%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Arcade 12.5%, Sci-fi 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This fast-paced, roguelike shooter delivers intense arcade action with a distinct pixel-art style that feels both retro and modern.

The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Aliens 12.3%, Old School 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic side-scrolling arcade shooter known for its distinct hand-drawn art style and chaotic, high-energy gameplay.

Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Local Co-Op 24.4%, Space 23.1%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Aliens 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game innovatively blends traditional side-scrolling shooting with puzzle-solving elements for a unique gameplay loop.

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 25.2%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Space 14.1%, Local Co-Op 13.9%, Arcade 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A solid, modern side-scrolling shooter that provides a balanced challenge and classic arcade-style progression.

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 68.4%, Arcade 18.3%, Local Co-Op 5%, Sci-fi 3.6%, Space 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered a masterpiece of the genre, its color-switching mechanic provides the deep, strategic gameplay that shmup fans crave.

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: Shoot 'Em Up 76.7%, Arcade 22.4%, Singleplayer 0.9%

Why You'll Like It: An iconic bullet-hell shooter that offers a high-intensity experience for players looking to test their reflexes and pattern recognition.

Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Space 13%, Arcade 10.1%, Old School 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary side-scrolling shooter that remains a fundamental piece of gaming history for fans of the genre.

A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Space 16%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Local Co-Op 13%, Retro 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It introduces a clever body-swapping mechanic that forces players to adapt their strategy constantly during side-scrolling combat.

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75%, Side Scroller 25%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic and humorous side-scrolling shooter that leans into the over-the-top destruction and retro-inspired aesthetic.

Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.8%, Local Co-Op 25.3%, Aliens 14.6%, Arcade 12.6%, Retro 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward and fun arcade-style side-scroller that is easy to pick up and play for quick sessions.

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Local Co-Op 25.7%, Retro 13.7%, Space 11.8%, Arcade 8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired arcade shooter that focuses on pure, unadulterated action and classic scoring.

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 30.2%, Side Scroller 22.8%, Space 14.1%, Retro 12.4%, Arcade 10%

Why You'll Like It: A charming, retro-styled side-scroller that provides a nostalgic experience for fans of 8-bit and 16-bit era shooters.

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 29.3%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Space 13%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Old School 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: An anime-inspired side-scrolling shooter that brings a unique visual flair and fast-paced action to the genre.

If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Local Co-Op 23.1%, Space 18.5%, Arcade 11%, Retro 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, space-themed arcade shooter that pays homage to the earliest days of the genre.

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 27.7%, Local Co-Op 19%, Space 16.5%, Arcade 11.3%, Retro 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive bullet-hell experience that offers the intense, screen-filling action that many shmup enthusiasts seek.

They Came From the Sky is tiny, retro styled, highly-addictive and fast paced arcade game wherein you take the role of one of the Flying Saucers in the 1950s with one and only one Mission: Make a delicious juicy Human Smoothie!

Why similar: Old School 25%, Aliens 23.4%, Retro 20.5%, Arcade 17.1%, Sci-fi 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a fun alien-invasion theme that mirrors the sci-fi premise of Squad 51 in a retro, arcade-style package.

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 34.3%, Side Scroller 29.5%, Arcade 14.1%, Space 13.9%, Old School 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A high-intensity, arcade-style side-scroller that focuses on fast reflexes and challenging, perma-death gameplay.

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 31.2%, Aliens 18.5%, Arcade 14.4%, Space 13.5%, Retro 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game adds roguelite elements to the traditional arcade shooter, ensuring that every run feels fresh and unpredictable.

Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.

Why similar: Retro 42.7%, Side Scroller 25.1%, Aliens 15.3%, Adventure 7.1%, Story Rich 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: While more platform-heavy, it captures the high-energy, retro-styled action and vibrant aesthetic found in many classic arcade games.

Slide, jump and shoot in 8 directions in this explosive Run 'n Gun for up to 3 players! Swap weapons in real time, activate insane specials and take on alien bosses in an action-packed invasion of retro mayhem!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Local Co-Op 16.3%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Aliens 15.2%, Old School 12.6%

Galactic Battles is a complex 2D top-down space shooter in which you have to fight with alien invaders.

Why similar: Retro 52.2%, Adventure 47.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style space shooter that emphasizes retro visuals and simple, effective arcade mechanics.

A flying saucer chases you all over the galaxy. Run away, defeat enemies, and evolve to avoid getting abducted

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.8%, Side Scroller 29.1%, Space 12.9%, Aliens 10.9%, Old School 8%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Arcade 19.9%, Aliens 18.1%, Old School 15.3%, Retro 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A frantic, twin-stick arcade shooter that emphasizes high scores and relentless enemy waves.

BLAST YOUR WAY through the UK's forgotten favourite space adventure: Space Quest 2099!Enjoy combat and movement based on the designs of the Quake 3 engine. Go alone or team up and shoot baddies in cooperative episodes with FULL MOTION VIDEO with SPECIAL EFFECTS!

Why similar: FMV 47.6% ★, Cinematic 18.7%, Aliens 13.6%, Old School 9.7%, Sci-fi 7.7%

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 20.7%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Local Co-Op 11.8%, Space 11.1%, Aliens 9.6%

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 26.9%, Space 16.2%, Aliens 15%, Old School 13.7%, Arcade 11.2%

Lock and load into the Starship Troopers universe and join the Mobile Infantry in the most realistic depiction of war ever made! Experience an original story in this action-packed, first-person retro shooter. Would you like to know more?

Why similar: FMV 54.5% ★, Aliens 10.3%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Space 8.2%, Old School 7.7%

Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 86.2%, Adventure 13.8%

Arcade Mayhem Juanito is a retro experience about arcade-hopping. Teleport into different video games, play with unique mechanics inspired by well-known arcade games, face stunningly animated bosses and join the fight against the clonocell invasion.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Aliens 17.5%, Arcade 14.9%, Retro 14.4%, Adventure 9.8%

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 34.7%, Space 21.1%, Local Co-Op 20.9%, Retro 11.7%, Sci-fi 9%

Explore space and race against the clock in this retro styled adventure game.

Why similar: Noir 23.7%, Racing 19.3%, Space 16.6%, Arcade 11.3%, Physics 8.9%

Aliens Invaded Our Planet is a Multiplayer / CO-OP (Up to 6P) FPS & Arcade Style Action game, the game is about alien invasion in 1900s Richalley Town. Shoot and run for your life against the aliens!

Why similar: Adventure 100%

Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Space 12.9%, Aliens 12.1%, Old School 10.5%

Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 39.9%, Side Scroller 34.9%, Aliens 15.7%, Sci-fi 6.3%, Multiplayer 2.7%

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 32.7%, Space 17.1%, Aliens 15.6%, Arcade 13.5%, Retro 10.1%

Defend Earth's orbital station from alien invaders in SPACE WARS, a fast-paced arcade shooter. Customize your ship, upgrade weapons, and battle through intense levels to save humanity in this action-packed space adventure.

Why similar: Side Scroller 28.9%, Space 28.1%, Aliens 25%, Arcade 15.4%, Singleplayer 2.7%

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 41%, Space 25%, Arcade 15.4%, Retro 9.9%, Sci-fi 4%

The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Space 16.1%, Old School 12.9%, Arcade 11.9%, Aliens 11.5%

1-Bit Roguelite Action Shooter.

Why similar: Side Scroller 23.6%, Aliens 21.6%, Space 14.9%, Retro 11.1%, Sci-fi 10.9%

A deep, tactical shoot'em up. With every takedown, you’ll earn cash and xp to upgrade your ship and unlock new abilities. Online and local co-op. Unique versus mode. Realistic physics and water simulation.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.2%, Local Co-Op 21.2%, Arcade 9.6%, Retro 5.7%, Multiplayer 5.7%

GalaxIverse is a top down fast paced vertical blastathon, Battle Fleets and formations of aliens with the occasional boss thrown in for good luck.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.9%, Arcade 23%, Aliens 8.8%, Sci-fi 8.1%, Singleplayer 1.2%

A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Side Scroller 23.3%, Space 15.4%, Retro 13%, Arcade 7.6%

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Side Scroller 26.8%, Arcade 17.8%, Space 15.6%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Soar through concrete and cosmos in Star Racer, a retro-infused combat racer. Defy gravity, conquer wild Event Races, master the course editor, and crush the competition by any means necessary!

Why similar: Racing 22.3%, Space 19.4%, Old School 17.3%, Retro 16.9%, Arcade 15.3%

Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Space 14.4%, Local Co-Op 13.5%, Old School 12.4%, Arcade 11.7%

Remote Life is a 2D Side scrolling space shooter (shmup) for PC. Experience a fast paced action game with insane scary graphics, and hyper jump into a brutal-frenetic-techno-alien world. Free the world from this dreadful nightmare before its nauseating breath of horror destroys mankind.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Space 19.7%, Aliens 15%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Arcade 9.5%

A platform shooter that brings 90's gaming smashing into your face! Blast and insta-melee your way through hordes of alien soldiers, robots, bosses and loads more. Fight on foot, in a fighter or in a bomber. Take on bosses and ensure that the alien menace won't threaten Earth ever again!

Why similar: Old School 35%, Retro 20.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Arcade 10.9%, Aliens 9.1%

Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.7%, Local Co-Op 24.1%, Space 19.1%, Arcade 13.8%, Sci-fi 10.3%

Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Arcade 20.3%, Old School 14.6%, Space 13.7%, Retro 9.5%

Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Space 11%, Retro 10.1%

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 36.4%, Space 21.3%, Arcade 14.5%, Retro 11.2%, Sci-fi 9%

Planet DOS is under attack by Space Aliens, DOSMan needs to fend them off and defend his home planet!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.9%, Old School 17.3%, Space 11.7%, Retro 11.1%, Adventure 8.4%