- #1 Thunder Tiger
97% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Incredibly Moot Studio
Windows
Thunder Tiger is a fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up, blending 1980s arcade style with futuristic flair. Blast enemies, grab power-ups, and chase high scores in intense 2D stages. Classic retro vibe meets modern gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 19.1%, 1980s 9.8%, Arcade 7.9%, 1990's 7.8%
- #2 Spacewing War
96% matchPositive92% of 13 reviews2022
Dev: Pneuma GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 23.2%, Shooter 10.6%, 1990's 7.8%, Arcade 7.8%
- #3 Electric Crust: Galactic Pizza Delivery
96% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Swamp City LLC
Windows
Fifteen stages of side-scrolling arcade shooting, wrapped around the worst pizza delivery route in the galaxy. Bullet patterns, boss tiers, CRT scanlines, and a rank ladder Ace never asked for. One-time purchase. No ads. No IAP. No data collection.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Female Protagonist 8%, Arcade 8%, Shooter 7.4%
- #4 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
95% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: leimonyaPub: leimonya
Windows
Super simple 2D shooter game! Use the two types of shots to push forward.Kick out the swarming zakos and take on the powerful bosses.7 crazy worlds are waiting for your cat!?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Shooter 11.9%, 1990's 9.7%, Arcade 9.4%
- #5 INNBC STARFIGHTER
94% matchMostly Positive64% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Jonathan Fior Pub: Innovative Bioresearch
Windows
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Side Scroller 18.6%, 1980s 9.7%, Shooter 9.4%, 1990's 7.4%
- #6 UfoPilot : The Phadt Menace - Steam Edition
94% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2021
Dev: nornware AB
Windows
A sci-fi retro side-scrolling shoot-em-up / rescue game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Side Scroller 15.5%, 1980s 10.6%, Shooter 9.4%, 1990's 7.8%
- #7 COTTOn Boomerang - Saturn Tribute
93% matchMixed67% of 21 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
COTTOn Boomerang, the explosive and timeless witch girl shooting game, is finally back! There are team battles this time! Take full advantage of all the amplified action and push forward!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 17.4%, 1990's 10.7%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 8.5%
- #8 Kamikaze Empire
91% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2026
Dev: Kamikaze KoboPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Carve the path to victory with kamikaze attacks! Blow away enemies with outlandish weapons, then become your own projectile and take the rest out in a blaze of explosive glory! A self destructive shmup where you devastate everything in your wake. "Squadron, charge~!"
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Side Scroller 16.9%, Multiple Endings 10.2%, Female Protagonist 8%, Shooter 7.4%
- #9 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
92% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 15.4%, 1980s 11.2%, Shooter 9.6%, 1990's 8.8%
- #10 COTTOn 2 - Saturn Tribute
91% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Set in the Pumpkin Kingdom which has lost its national treasure—the "Bluewater Willow," this brain-stimulating action-shooter follows Cotton, a witch with the biggest appetite in the universe, and Appli, the most tomboyish girl in the royal family.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 17.5%, 1990's 10.7%, Shooter 10.6%, Arcade 8.4%
- #11 Habroxia 2
90% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 10.3%, Action 9.5%
- #12 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
89% matchPositive84% of 32 reviews2025
Dev: Limited Run GamesPub: Ziggurat
Windows
You are the Rendering Ranger, a special forces soldier defending Earth from a devastating alien invasion through nine levels of action platforming as well as blisteringly fast horizontal shooter stages. Originally developed for Super Famicom by Manfred Trenz, creator of the Turrican series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Shooter 10.5%, 1990's 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%
- #13 Icarus
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Denis EvansPub: Japster's Cavern
Windows
Icarus, a classic side-scrolling space shoot-em-up tribute! - Thumping soundtrack, Bosses, Multiples, Power-ups, Secrets, BIG levels... ...Give the (free) work in progress / teaser demo a try!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Side Scroller 21.3%, 1980s 10%, 1990's 7.3%, Shooter 6.8%
- #14 Zero Wing
87% matchVery Positive88% of 86 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 24.4%, Side Scroller 19.1%, 1980s 11.3%, Arcade 8.2%, 1990's 8%
- #15 Project NEUNLEBEN Alpha Defence Force
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Fail Round Games
Windows
An attack by an alien species, emerging from a dimensional rift, has begun! Shoot 'em up your way through 11 levels with the help of the "Alpha Defence Force", consisting of three cybernetically enhanced cats, and defeat screen-sized bosses in this retro 16-bit-inspired Shmup.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Arcade 8.3%, 1990's 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #16 Habroxia
86% matchPositive97% of 33 reviews2023
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives, and untold surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.5%, 1990's 8.6%
- #17 Thundering Skies
86% matchMostly Positive71% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Flat Voxel
Windows
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Old School 8.9%, Arcade 8.5%, Shooter 7.8%
- #18 SPACEMAN
84% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Colton Crawford
Windows · Mac
SPACEMAN is a short, nostalgic, retro Shoot-Em-Up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Side Scroller 13.3%, 1990's 10.1%, 1980s 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%
- #19 Xenmega
85% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: iMWCode Gaming
Windows
A retro arcade space shooter where you blast alien fleets, dodge bomb swarms, collect power-ups, and fight solo or in local co-op to liberate occupied planets from the mind-controlling energy force code-named Xenmega.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Side Scroller 25.3%, Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 8.6%, Cute 6.1%
- #20 Space Warpster
82% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: AMAMiZU games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Arcade 8.6%, 1980s 7.8%, Shooter 7.5%
- #21 Jezebel: Givin' Love a Shot
84% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Voodoo Games
Windows
An old-school horizontal shoot 'em up, heavily inspired by the arcade classics of the 90's!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 8.1%
- #22 FORTRESS DEFENDER
82% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: opmregisters
Windows
This game, "FORTRESS DEFENDER", is a side-scrolling power-up shooting game with an 80's flavor. Defeat the enemies that appear one after another, dodge their attacks, and aim for the boss that lurks in the depths of the stage. There are a total of eight stages with various tricks and bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Side Scroller 19.3%, 1980s 12%, Shooter 9.4%, 1990's 8.6%
- #23 ZURD HUNT
83% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: DVPub: David Vecchione
Windows
In the year 2,000,000,009, a team of bounty hunters infiltrates a massive facility swarming with hostile AI. Can they find Zurd?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Side Scroller 18.4%, 1980s 9.4%, Action 8.8%, Arcade 8.7%
- #24 Gates of Zendocon
81% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Epyx, Inc.Pub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Side Scroller 22.1%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 7.7%, Retro 7.6%
- #25 STROIDZ!
78% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Knuckle Dragger Games
Windows
Clear the asteroid field before the Corpos hunt you down with their AI weaponry!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, 1980s 13.7%, Shooter 12.4%, 1990's 10.3%, Action 8%
- #26 Kanamono
80% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2021
Dev: Karai
Windows
Destroy your enemies and use the scraps that come out to destroy them even more! Side-scrolling space fantasy shooting game, that is "Kanamono".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.5%, Side Scroller 30%, Shooter 12.9%, Action 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 7%
- #27 Chaos Moon : 1CC Edition
79% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: SNOWBALL EFFECT GAMES
Windows
A classic style SHMUP in the tradition of 80's and 90's vertical scrolling shooters. Maximize your run and get to the top of the High-score Leaderboard. Can you achieve the rank of Fleet Admiral? It's a challenge. Visit our website for a free playable browser demo of the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.4%, Shooter 12.8%, 1980s 12%, Arcade 9.3%, 1990's 8.9%
- #28 Portalén
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Recuncho Gamer
Windows
2D horizontal Shoot’em up with Rhythm Game elements. You're María Soliña from Galicia in the XVII Century. Find the three magic objects that will free Galician people from the doom of Noitum, The Night Lord.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Shooter 12.4%, Action 9.2%, Arcade 8.9%
- #29 Contra: Operation Galuga
77% matchVery Positive87% of 979 reviews2024
Dev: WayForwardPub: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Side Scroller 15.9%, 1980s 13.3%, 1990's 10.2%, Shooter 9.9%
- #30 Nyan-Nyan Punch!
77% matchPositive100% of 44 reviews2023
Dev: NomaryPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
냥냥펀치(Nyan-Nyan Punch!)는 귀여운 동물귀 소녀들이 공중에서 1대 1 싸움을 벌이는 액션 게임입니다. 언뜻 보면 슈팅 게임처럼 보이지만 펀치를 날려 시원한 근접 공격으로 싸워야 합니다!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Side Scroller 22%, Female Protagonist 13.2%, Shooter 11.4%, Arcade 8.4%
- #31 Blitloop
79% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Bitbebop
Windows · Mac
A fast-paced, side-scrolling retro shooter where you play as “Blit" on a mission to rescue orb pods. Blast enemy swarms and face off against bosses in this bullet-hell shoot 'em up. Earn power-ups and get ready for fluid arcade action in a stylish world with an 80s synthwave soundtrack.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 18.3%, 1980s 15.3%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Old School 7%
- #32 DRAINUS
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,170 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 44.1%, Shooter 13.7%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Action 9.1%, Side Scroller 6.7%
- #33 SATAZIUS
78% matchVery Positive84% of 326 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Shooter 8.4%, 1980s 7.6%, Arcade 7.1%
- #34 COTTOn RockWithYou -ORIENTAL NIGHT DREAMS-
73% matchPositive96% of 27 reviews2026
Dev: Studio SaizensenPub: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
Cotton, the magical girl shoot-'em-up heroine, is back once again! This time, the adventure leaves the Magical Kingdom behind and heads to Japan!? The original cute-girl side-scrolling shooter is back, bigger and better than ever!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Shooter 13.2%, Arcade 11.1%, Action 9.3%
- #35 Absolute Blue
76% matchMostly Positive72% of 57 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 21.7%, Side Scroller 18%, 1980s 11.9%, 1990's 9.3%, Shooter 9.1%
- #36 GRADIUS ORIGINS
71% matchVery Positive93% of 297 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, 1980s 14.6%, Shooter 14.2%, Arcade 14.2%, 1990's 10.6%
- #37 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
75% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: Pixel Bones Studio
Windows
Pig Ship and the Giant Wolf is a classic Shoot'em Up with a 8btis monochrome aesthetic. Cross the 6 worlds full of enemies and defeat the Giant Wolf to save your brothers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 15.6%, 1980s 12.3%, 1990's 9.4%, Shooter 9.2%
- #38 VERZEUS
73% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Side Scroller 19.8%, 1980s 10.5%, Shooter 8.8%, Arcade 7.4%
- #39 The Last Sideran
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: PixelDoGames, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Dive into Zenia's story in a stylized 2D arcade shoot 'em up with 3D elements and adjustable difficulty. Dodge relentless Spikes, gather star essence, unlock unique ships, and chase high scores through escalating runs.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Side Scroller 15.4%, Female Protagonist 11.8%, Shooter 9.9%, 1980s 8.8%
- #40 Stellar Raid
74% match8 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Berry Patch Games
Windows
Stellar Raid is a side-scrolling run and gun game inspired by the greatest classic games of the genre! With a variety of weapon upgrades at your disposal (including a support drone) you’ll charge through hordes of enemy mercenaries to take down one of the Universe’s most notorious space terrorists!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.9%, Side Scroller 28.8%, Arcade 10.2%, 1990's 7.3%, Shooter 6.8%
- #41 Armored Lab Force VULVEHICLES
72% matchPositive100% of 41 reviews2022
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Raze the road less traveled with your Vulvehicle, the ultimate all-purpose armored combat machine! Whether flying through the sky, or burrowing deep underground, these gals stop at nothing to blast through terrain and enemies alike in this comical action STG!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Side Scroller 16.6%, 1980s 11.5%, Shooter 10.3%, 1990's 8.6%
- #42 Halloween Forever
73% matchVery Positive91% of 181 reviews2016
Dev: Imaginary MonstersPub: Poppy Works
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Something mysterious is happening in the pumpkin patch this Halloween! You control Pumpkin Man, a humanoid pumpkin thing animated by occult forces on a quest to discover why things are so creepy. And you vomit candy corn.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 18.3%, Multiple Endings 10.5%, Shooter 9.1%, 1980s 9%
- #43 Frutz
71% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Broken Walls Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Dodge, dash, and blast through five handcrafted worlds in a fast pixel-art arcade shooter built for score chasing, boss fights, and perfect runs. Free demo available.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Shooter 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 9%, Arcade 8.9%
- #44 Battle for Asciion
70% matchPositive88% of 17 reviews2026
Dev: Relevo
Windows
Battle for Asciion is a classic horizontal shoot ’em up built entirely from real text characters. No sprites. No pixels. No images. Just pure ASCII action, massive bosses, weapon upgrades and retro arcade challenge.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Shooter 10.8%, 1980s 10%, Arcade 8.8%
- #45 Cosmic Destroyer
74% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Turn the incoming swarm of deadly bullets into your own weapon of chaos in this precision STG bullet hell. Grab and toss enemies, dodge and deflect torrents of bullets, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Side Scroller 23%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 7.7%, 1980s 7.2%
- #46 The Rush
69% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle WhoPub: Team Hornbuckle
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 11.6%, Arcade 8.6%, 1980s 8.4%
- #47 Celestia
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Devon Meyer
Windows
Celestia is a solo-developed indie game. An angelic bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you defeat enemies throughout the skies, and relax on a floating island with your companions.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Side Scroller 26.5%, Shooter 11.4%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Arcade 8%
- #48 Asteroid Blasters
71% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Blast through endless waves of asteroids, unlock powerful ships, collect devastating upgrades, and survive the ultimate retro-inspired arcade space shooter alone or with a friend.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, 1980s 15.7%, 1990's 12%, Shooter 11.3%, Arcade 8.9%
- #49 Gundroid
67% matchVery Positive97% of 68 reviews2025
Dev: Kitogoru Games
Windows
Protect the Earth from an alien invasion in this Run N’ Gun action spectacle. Take control of G.U.N.N.R. and battle your way through a blast from the pixelated past.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Arcade 8.1%, 1980s 8.1%, 1990's 7.5%
- #50 BorderCollie Blaster
69% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2022
Dev: CanisGames
Windows
Kira is back! In this arcade style shoot ´em up you´ll encounter different foes, defeat big alien bosses and collect power-ups and new weapons to fight your way through 12 exciting stages and find the holy bone Kira (the star of the game) is looking for.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Shooter 10.7%, Cute 6.6%
- #51 Imminence
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Bob WarrenPub: Augmented Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A brutal 16-bit sci-fi shoot-’em-up inspired by the golden age of the Sega Genesis. Fight across multiple worlds, upgrade your ship, and confront the forces behind the Augmentation Program.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Side Scroller 21.9%, 1990's 11.5%, Shooter 7.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #52 BIO-SUBMARINER DX
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Leech Games
Windows
BIO-SUBMARINER DX is a horizontally-scrolling Shoot 'Em Up, Chomp 'Em Up developed for Game Boy Color! Set sail, devour your enemies from surface to sea floor and destroy the enemy CORE! Get into the BIO-SUB, Captain.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.8%, Shooter 13.6%, Multiple Endings 11.8%, Arcade 9.7%, Action 6.3%
- #53 RagingBlasters
66% matchVery Positive99% of 126 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Shooter 12.2%, 1980s 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
- #54 Deathsmiles I・II
65% matchVery Positive95% of 126 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Angels swooping across a disastrous sky! The shoot 'em up of gothic horrors is back
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 8.8%, Multiple Endings 7.7%
- #55 Truxton
65% matchVery Positive94% of 117 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 24.4%, Side Scroller 17.5%, 1980s 13.4%, 1990's 10.1%, Arcade 8.7%
- #56 ASTROXION
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Branec Games
Windows
Pilot a powerful starfighter through an endless alien invasion. Rescue the Cubes, survive relentless alien waves, and chase the ultimate high score in this fast-paced arcade space shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Side Scroller 22.9%, Arcade 12.3%, Sci-fi 8.1%, Old School 7.2%
- #57 Feeble Light
66% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 9.3%, 1990's 8%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #58 Promethium
68% matchMixed67% of 24 reviews2017
Dev: Xiotex Studios LtdPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Inspired by classic Commodore 64 and arcade games, Promethium is a hard-as-nails retro inspired side-scrolling shoot-em-up that takes place over numerous levels that get harder and harder. If you’re after a nice calm casual game this isn’t it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Shooter 11.6%, Action 8.9%, Arcade 8.9%
- #59 Record Store Nightmare
68% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2017
Dev: Hot Seat, Ltd
Windows
Zombies are attacking your record store! Throw classic albums and compact discs at the approaching horde. But hey, you're still on the clock, so get those records put away!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, 1980s 14%, Shooter 13.9%, Arcade 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #60 Star Hunter DX
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 32 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Betrayed by her cut-throat crew, Luna Starr - former Space Pirate Captain turned bounty hunter - has a score to settle. As Luna, travel to 5 exotic planets to track down your mutinous mates, and face them in Bullet Hell dogfights to the death!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Action 7.5%, Sci-fi 7.2%