- #1 Mushihimesama
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 45.8%, Bullet Hell 34.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Arcade 4.3%, Action 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet hell title that perfectly matches the intense, pattern-heavy gameplay found in Star Saviors.
- #2 DoDonPachi Resurrection
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 47.8%, Bullet Hell 34.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Arcade 4.2%, Action 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard of the genre, offering the same level of tactical depth and high-speed action.
- #3 Ikaruga
95% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 51%, Bullet Hell 32%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Arcade 4.4%, Action 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: Introduces a unique polarity-switching mechanic that adds a layer of strategy similar to the tactical requirements of Star Saviors.
- #4 Danmaku Unlimited 3
94% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.5%, Bullet Hell 31.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Action 5.2%, Arcade 4%
Why You'll Like It: A modern indie masterpiece that excels at blending accessible controls with overwhelming, beautiful bullet patterns.
- #5 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
94% matchVery Positive82% of 813 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.8%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Arcade 5.2%, Space 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive, cinematic arcade experience with deep tactical options and a wide variety of stages.
- #6 BLUE REVOLVER
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 858 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 53.3%, Bullet Hell 25%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Arcade 3.4%, Action 3.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a polished, high-energy arcade experience with tight controls and a fantastic soundtrack.
- #7 ZeroRanger
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.3%, Bullet Hell 23.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Action 3.8%, Indie 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant, innovative shooter that constantly evolves its mechanics, providing a fresh challenge throughout the campaign.
- #8 Deathsmiles
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 609 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.4%, Bullet Hell 32.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Arcade 4%, Action 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic-themed bullet hell that offers a unique side-scrolling perspective while maintaining intense, screen-filling action.
- #9 Akai Katana Shin
89% matchVery Positive96% of 106 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.5%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Arcade 6.9%, Action 6.5%, Shooter 5%
Why You'll Like It: Features complex scoring mechanics and distinct ship styles that reward players who master the game's systems.
- #10 Graze Counter GM
89% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.4%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Arcade 5.5%, Action 5.1%, Difficult 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on a high-risk, high-reward mechanic where grazing bullets is essential for building power and scoring.
- #11 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
91% matchVery Positive84% of 602 reviews2015
Dev: SynsetPub: New Blood Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.2%, Bullet Hell 28%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%, Action 4.9%, Arcade 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern take on classic arcade shooters that balances intense action with a retro aesthetic.
- #12 Sky Force Anniversary
90% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legendary shoot-'em-up makes its way on the PCs! Abundant explosions, truly epic boss fights and beautifully crafted 3D environments are here to keep you entertained. Sky Force Anniversary offers single player experience and local cooperative mode for 2 players.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Action 4.9%, Arcade 4.6%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a highly polished, visually impressive experience with a satisfying progression system.
- #13 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
88% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.2%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Action 6.7%, Arcade 6.1%, Shooter 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: A modernized classic that maintains the series' signature difficulty while introducing new tactical elements.
- #14 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
87% matchVery Positive90% of 398 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 46.5%, Bullet Hell 24.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%, Action 4.2%, Arcade 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique perspective-shifting mechanic that forces you to think about bullet patterns in three dimensions.
- #15 Bullet Heaven 2
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 520 reviews2015
Dev: Matt Roszak
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.9%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Action 4.9%, Indie 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet challenging entry that captures the pure joy of navigating dense bullet patterns.
- #16 Revolution Ace
86% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,880 reviews2014
Dev: Laser Guided Games, LLC
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 62.6%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Action 5.1%, Indie 3.9%, Arcade 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, action-packed shooter that delivers a classic arcade experience without unnecessary complexity.
- #17 Danmaku Unlimited 2
85% matchVery Positive93% of 481 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Classic Japanese style vertical manic shooting action! Shoot, dodge and explode your way through the second entry in the critically acclaimed Danmaku Unlimited series. Battle through nail-biting bullet patterns and compete for dominance on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Bullet Hell 35.8%, Great Soundtrack 7%, Action 3.5%, Indie 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: The predecessor to the third entry, offering a similarly polished and intense bullet hell experience.
- #18 Jets'n'Guns 2
82% matchVery Positive90% of 1,284 reviews2020
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 61%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Action 7.7%, Indie 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep ship customization and a chaotic, high-energy soundtrack that keeps the action moving.
- #19 Sisters Royale: Five Sisters Under Fire
83% matchVery Positive90% of 58 reviews2020
Dev: AlfaSystem Co.,Ltd.Pub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Sparks flare around the man all five sisters wish to claim. Introducing the new vertical scrolling shooter game!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 51.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Arcade 8.1%, Action 7.5%, Indie 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, modern bullet hell that emphasizes speed and aggressive playstyles.
- #20 Ghost Blade HD
84% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Bullet Hell 31.6%, Action 8.6%, Indie 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A tight, responsive shooter that focuses on pure arcade mechanics and high-score chasing.
- #21 Super Hydorah
82% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 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 54.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Bullet Hell 8.9%, Action 6.4%, Arcade 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic retro shooters that provides a long, challenging campaign with varied level design.
- #22 VASARA Collection
81% matchVery Positive82% of 145 reviews2019
Dev: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.3%, Bullet Hell 31.9%, Arcade 5.8%, Action 5.1%, Shooter 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique melee-focused combat system that forces players to engage with enemies in close quarters.
- #23 The Bug Butcher
80% matchVery Positive90% of 1,201 reviews2016
Dev: Awfully Nice Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.7%, Bullet Hell 19%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Action 7.2%, Indie 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade shooter that focuses on screen-clearing action and reflex-based gameplay.
- #24 Sine Mora EX
81% matchMixed65% of 678 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 46.9%, Bullet Hell 29.9%, Difficult 6.2%, Arcade 5.3%, Shooter 4%
Why You'll Like It: Utilizes a unique time-based health system that adds a layer of urgency to every encounter.
- #25 Reflex
79% matchVery Positive86% of 1,133 reviews2017
Dev: Easy gamePub: Game for people
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 63%
A simple puzzle game. Simple graphics and nice music. Try your mind in more than 70+ levels. They are waiting for you.
Why similar: Action 53.5%, Indie 46.5%
Why You'll Like It: A tactical shooter that emphasizes defensive maneuvers and precise timing to overcome difficult bosses.
- #26 Pixel Galaxy
79% matchVery Positive86% of 189 reviews2015
Dev: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A non-shooting shoot 'em up where you must grow, make friends, and survive together.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.5%, Bullet Hell 32%, Great Soundtrack 16.9%, Arcade 3.5%, Action 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: A unique twist on the genre where you must protect your core by building a ship out of defeated enemies.
- #27 Echoes+
78% 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 43%, Bullet Hell 29.2%, Action 9.4%, Space 7.8%, Indie 6%
- #28 Astral Gunners
71% 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 42.3%, Bullet Hell 28.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Difficult 5%, Action 4.3%
- #29 Steel Vampire
76% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.2%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%, Action 6.9%, Indie 5.1%
- #30 BULLET SOUL
77% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.1%, Bullet Hell 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Action 7.1%, Sci-fi 2.8%
- #31 Sun Blast: Star Fighter
78% matchMixed66% of 782 reviews2015
Dev: OBLONE SoftwarePub: Senpai Industrial Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sun Blast is the best 3d space shooter on Steam. Earn upgrades as you fight your way through a huge seleciton of levels. Full gamepad support!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.2%, Space 10%, Action 8.4%, Indie 5.3%, Arcade 5.2%
- #32 Vector Strain
77% matchMostly Positive76% of 70 reviews2015
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.7%, Bullet Hell 28.3%, Action 7.3%, Arcade 5%, Indie 4.9%
- #33 Waveform
76% matchVery Positive83% of 2,137 reviews2012
Dev: Eden Industries
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Navigate the beauty and hazards of the solar system while riding a wave of light through 100+ levels in this innovative action-puzzle game!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 24.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Space 15%, Indie 14.5%, Arcade 6.3%
- #34 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
75% matchVery Positive81% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Bullet Hell 25.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Action 7.2%, Indie 5.2%
- #35 Jets'n'Guns Gold
74% matchVery Positive87% of 1,517 reviews2014
Dev: Rake in Grass
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Jets'n'Guns is a heavy piece of ground shaking rock blasting action with graphics and special effects that will blow you eyes out! Enjoy yourself in almost-insane action adventure of saving the universe from the deadly threat of more than 270 unique monsters in the campaign of 43 levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.2%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Space 4.8%, Action 3.6%
- #36 Dark Old Sun
74% matchVery Positive92% of 51 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 37.3%, Bullet Hell 21.2%, Action 16.3%, Space 9.3%, Difficult 3.9%
- #37 Sine Mora
75% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Action 4.1%, Arcade 3.8%, Indie 3.4%
- #38 Polarity
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 4,680 reviews2016
Dev: Bluebutton Games
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Polarity takes it to the next level, demanding all of your wits and reflexes. Full-featured local co-op campaign.
Why similar: Indie 27.7%, Great Soundtrack 21.3%, Action 20.2%, Strategy 14.6%, Sci-fi 11%
- #39 Nova Drift
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Bullet Hell 25.3%, Space 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%, Arcade 5.1%
- #40 Really Big Sky
73% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Space 11.6%, Indie 9.2%, Action 6.7%
- #41 Wish Project
73% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2016
Dev: Andrew Willman
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.6%, Bullet Hell 27.8%, Action 9.1%, Indie 6.7%, Difficult 4.4%
- #42 RefleX
72% matchVery Positive90% of 230 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
The second chapter in one of the most loved and respected Japanese shooting game series ever:The Tale of ALLTYNEX by Japanese indie developer SITER SKAIN. Carefully crafted play experiences, destructive fun, and absorbing gameplay have made the ALLTYNEX trilogy renowned in shooting game communities.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.7%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Action 4.5%, Indie 3.6%
- #43 Bullet Hell Monday
67% matchVery Positive95% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
Beginner Welcome Bullet Hell Shooter. "Chapter Mode", which is starting from a simple stage and gradually becoming more difficult, is recommended for beginners. Once you get used to bullet hell, let's experience full-scale bullet hell in "Challenge Mode".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.4%, Bullet Hell 30.3%, Arcade 5.1%, Great Soundtrack 5%, Shooter 4.2%
- #44 Syder Arcade
72% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.6%, Bullet Hell 18%, Space 6.4%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, Arcade 4.4%
- #45 Ginga Force
69% matchVery Positive80% of 222 reviews2020
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.5%, Action 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Bullet Hell 14%, Arcade 5.3%
- #46 RefRain - prism memories -
70% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2016
Dev: RebRankPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.6%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Action 10%, Indie 7.8%
- #47 Galacide
71% matchVery Positive86% of 95 reviews2015
Dev: Puny Human
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 49.7%, Space 13.9%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Action 8.8%, Indie 6.5%
- #48 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
64% matchVery Positive95% of 84 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 49.5%, Bullet Hell 30%, Difficult 5.3%, Action 4.3%, Arcade 3.8%
- #49 Polygon Attack
69% matchVery Positive88% of 268 reviews2016
Dev: Magnolia Art
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Break through unlimited waves of enemies and fight unpredictable bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Space 12.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Indie 5.7%
- #50 Bleed 2
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 895 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.8%, Bullet Hell 27.7%, Action 8.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Indie 5.9%
- #51 SUGURI
70% matchVery Positive83% of 222 reviews2014
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Rockin' Android
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Experience the rush of battle with the fan acclaimed Bullet-Hell shooter "SUGURI". You're equipped with an automatic lock-on targeting system and a unique arsenal of hyper weapons, power shields, and more. Sure, she may look cute, but when it's time to fight, it's all business.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Bullet Hell 35.5%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Action 5.3%, Indie 3.4%
- #52 Batsugun
62% matchVery Positive97% of 105 reviews2024
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.8%, Bullet Hell 32.4%, Arcade 6.9%, Action 5%, 2D 2.5%
- #53 Xenoraid: The First Space War
69% matchVery Positive87% of 140 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 39.1%, Bullet Hell 16%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Space 10.1%, Arcade 5.3%
- #54 LUFTRAUSERS
67% matchVery Positive91% of 4,487 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Bullet Hell 28.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Arcade 6.1%, Action 4.8%
- #55 Shmadow
68% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Bullet Hell 30.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Action 6%, Difficult 5.2%
- #56 Galaxy Highways
58% matchVery Positive98% of 54 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 50.8%, Space 12.9%, Difficult 11.4%, Action 7.4%, Shooter 6.8%