- #1 Steel Vampire
97% 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 49%, Action 20%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, 2D 5.8%, Casual 5.1%
- #2 Super Hydorah
96% 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 46.3%, Retro 15.5%, Action 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 14%, 2D 5.8%
- #3 Tragedy of Prince Rupert
96% matchVery Positive87% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Spytihněv
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Tragedy of Prince Rupert is a fast-paced 2D action shooter with a historical hot air balloon (Montgolfiere).
Why similar: Steampunk 41.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 22.8%, Action 13%, Retro 9.4%, Atmospheric 4.3%
- #4 Steam and Metal
95% matchMixed70% of 83 reviews2015
Dev: Maltakreuz
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Welcome to helm! Steam and Metal — scroll shooter in the steampunk world. Hordes of steam enemies and huge bosses are waiting to be destroyed. Spectacular levels of handcrafted pixels waiting for someone to pass through them. When there are too many enemies — just shoot 'em all up!
Why similar: Steampunk 62.6% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 33.1%, Indie 4.2%
- #5 BULLET SOUL
94% 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 56.8%, Action 21.3%, Great Soundtrack 19.7%, Casual 2.2%
- #6 Wild Guns Reloaded
94% matchVery Positive87% of 477 reviews2017
Dev: NatsumeAtariPub: Natsume Inc.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Wild Guns Reloaded is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter, mixing the Wild West with steampunk. Play as Clint, Annie, Doris, or Bullet the dog with his sentry drone. Grab some friends and play together for some four player action!
Why similar: Classic 26.9% ★, Steampunk 22.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Action 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%
- #7 1917 - The Alien Invasion DX
93% matchMostly Positive76% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Andrade GamesPub: OtakuMaker.com
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
1917 - The Alien Invasions is a bullet hell memorization shooter. Dr. Brunhild Stahlmüller upgrades an WW1 Triplane with superior alien technology to attack the invaders. She will avenge mankind and take the battle into the darkness of space until she reach an ancient alien world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.3%, Action 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Retro 9.7%, 2D 4.5%
- #8 Sky Force Anniversary
92% 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 51.7%, Classic 17.2% ★, Action 12.5%, Retro 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.5%
- #9 AngerForce: Reloaded
91% matchVery Positive91% of 382 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
AngerForce: Reloaded is an action-packed vertically scrolling shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades. This high octane experience is set against the backdrop of a 19th century human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 100%
- #10 Danmaku Unlimited 2
91% 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 67.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Action 13.7%, Indie 3.5%
- #11 Sine Mora
90% 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 81%, Action 14.5%, Indie 3.8%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #12 Tower 57
89% matchMixed64% of 814 reviews2017
Dev: PixwerkPub: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Tower 57 is a fast-paced neo-retro shooter where cooperation is as important as your ammo capacity. As a member of an extraordinary task force fight your way through a dieselpunk megatower and uncover its hidden secrets.
Why similar: Steampunk 40.4% ★, Action 36.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Indie 8%, 2D 3.5%
- #13 BLUE REVOLVER
88% 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 65.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Action 10.6%, 2D 3.4%, Indie 3%
- #14 Operation STEEL
86% matchVery Positive93% of 85 reviews2022
Dev: Undermog Games
Windows · Linux
Operation STEEL is a roguelike shoot-em-up rendered in hand-drawn art. Blow up loads of enemies, destroy huge bosses, find weapons, and upgrade your load-out between levels. Combat the electronic legion across 20+ procedurally generated levels!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 77.9%, 2D 10.1%, Action 8.8%, Singleplayer 3.2%
- #15 Ginga Force
87% 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 41%, Action 40.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.4%
- #16 Wells
89% matchMostly Positive76% of 97 reviews2017
Dev: Tower Up Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Play as Wells, a steampunk hero ready to find an amazing variety of weapons, each unique in design and functionality, and get ready to face a plethora of enemies and challenges.
Why similar: Steampunk 50.7% ★, Action 20.2%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Atmospheric 3.8%, Indie 3.7%
- #17 Echoes+
86% 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 50.5%, Action 29.9%, Retro 11.3%, Indie 6.2%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #18 LUFTRAUSERS
85% 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 38.7%, Great Soundtrack 23%, Action 14.1%, Retro 10.2%, 2D 7.7%
- #19 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.6%, Retro 17.3%, Action 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 8%, 2D 5.8%
- #20 Z-Exemplar
84% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.1%, Action 27.8%, Retro 17.4%, Indie 6.5%, 2D 6.3%
- #21 Danmaku Unlimited 3
83% 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 58%, Action 19%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Indie 4.5%
- #22 The Chaos Engine
84% matchMixed68% of 442 reviews2013
Dev: Abstraction GamesPub: Rebellion
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Prepare for the dark world of The Chaos Engine, a steampunk Victorian age in which one or two players must fight the hostile creations of the Chaos Engine across four dynamic landscapes and take part in the ultimate battle.Choose from six hard-nailed mercenaries each with their own unique weapons and skills.
Why similar: Steampunk 37.1% ★, Action 28.5%, Classic 18.5% ★, Retro 15.9%
- #23 Ikaruga
82% 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 56.4%, Classic 25.5% ★, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Action 5.4%, Retro 1.4%
- #24 Zenodyne R
82% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 55.2%, Action 36.6%, Indie 8.2%
- #25 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Action 22.4%, Great Soundtrack 21.9%, 2D 7%, Indie 5.5%
- #26 Void Invaders
81% matchVery Positive85% of 406 reviews2015
Dev: VoidDevPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.8%, Great Soundtrack 26.3%, Retro 15.3%, Action 14.9%, Indie 3.7%
- #27 Jets'n'Guns 2
78% 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 57.6%, Action 19.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Indie 4.4%, 2D 2.9%
- #28 Guns of Fury
71% matchVery Positive88% of 848 reviews2025
Dev: Gelato Games Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.5%, Retro 25.1%, Action 12.3%, 2D 7.6%, Indie 3.6%
- #29 Dark Old Sun
79% 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: Action 48%, Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, 2D 6.8%, Indie 2.5%, Singleplayer 2.5%
- #30 Retro/Grade
79% matchVery Positive84% of 396 reviews2013
Dev: 24 Caret Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Play a classic Shoot 'Em Up... in reverse!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.7%, Action 37.8%, Retro 13.6%, Indie 9.8%
- #31 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
78% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 55.7%, Action 35.4%, Indie 8.9%
- #32 Vostok 2061
75% matchMostly Positive67% of 57 reviews2022
Dev: DYV's Game
Windows
Vostok 2061 is a modern-graphics vertical scroll shooter. Gorgeous alien worlds, spaceships, and bosses. Explore mysteries as you listen to a great soundtrack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.8%, Retro 17.9%, Action 16.5%, Atmospheric 7.1%, Singleplayer 2.9%
- #33 GUNFIELD
70% matchVery Positive96% of 250 reviews2024
Dev: Shiv
Windows
GUNFIELD – A game that combines the genres: shoot 'em up, roguelite. Choose the perfect weapon combinations and upgrade your ship to destroy hordes of enemies and giant bosses, using strategy and a powerful arsenal.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Retro 15.5%, Action 12%, 2D 7.4%
- #34 Flight of the Paladin
80% matchMixed52% of 401 reviews2015
Dev: Grizzly Wolf Games LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Flight of the Paladin is a fast-paced top-down shooter where you play as a knight of valor and light vanquishing the nightmarish creatures of darkness. Featuring multiple game modes, Steam Achievements and Leaderboards!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59%, Action 29.5%, Indie 6.1%, Casual 5.4%
- #35 Arcade Mayhem Juanito
77% matchVery Positive94% of 362 reviews2017
Dev: Game Ever Studio
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 27.8%, Classic 21.1% ★, Action 20%, Retro 13.5%, Casual 5.6%
- #36 Graze Counter
76% matchVery Positive96% of 313 reviews2017
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!!An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.2%, Action 19.5%, 2D 8.9%, Casual 4.8%, Indie 3.3%
- #37 Earth Atlantis
77% matchMixed55% of 89 reviews2019
Dev: Pixel PerfexPub: Headup
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 35%
Earth Atlantis is a side-scrolling shooter with an original "Monster-Hunting" gameplay. Search and hunt down dreadful sea monsters and explore the post-apocalyptic underwater world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Action 15.9%, Retro 12.1%, Atmospheric 5.6%
- #38 Jets'n'Guns Gold
75% 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 55.1%, Great Soundtrack 25.6%, Action 10%, Retro 3.3%, 2D 3.2%
- #39 Airships: Lost Flotilla
65% matchVery Positive93% of 297 reviews2025
Dev: David Stark
Windows · Linux
Airships: Lost Flotilla is a steampunk autoshooter where you fight your way through waves of enemies on your way to a safe harbour. Destroy your foes, harvest wreckage, and upgrade your ship.
Why similar: Steampunk 72.8% ★, Action 12.8%, 2D 7.3%, Casual 3.7%, Singleplayer 3.5%
- #40 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
74% 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 57.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Action 14.2%, Atmospheric 4%, Indie 3.4%
- #41 Blazing Chrome
71% matchVery Positive87% of 1,924 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.9%, Retro 21.8%, Action 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, 2D 7.9%
- #42 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
74% 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 45.4%, Retro 15.2%, Action 13.7%, Classic 9.7% ★, Great Soundtrack 8.4%
- #43 Last Vanguard
64% matchVery Positive86% of 91 reviews2025
Dev: Cool Tapir Studios
Windows
Explore a stunning hand-crafted world ravaged by war and ruled by a evil tyrant. Face a wide variety of enemies as you customize your strategy, switch weapons, and unlock powerful abilities
Why similar: Steampunk 52.3% ★, Action 26.4%, 2D 14.3%, Indie 4.3%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #44 Jamestown
73% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.4%, Steampunk 34.1% ★, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Action 5.4%, Retro 4.9%
- #45 Ghost Blade HD
73% 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 64.4%, Action 28.5%, Indie 7.1%
- #46 Jet Lancer
69% matchVery Positive93% of 1,187 reviews2020
Dev: Code WakersPub: Armor Games Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Jet Lancer is a high-velocity aerial combat shooter where you duel enemy aviators, hunt giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as you evolve from an unknown rookie aviator into a once-in-a-generation ACE pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Great Soundtrack 22.5%, Action 15.8%, Retro 11.8%, 2D 7%
- #47 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
72% matchVery Positive88% of 1,617 reviews2014
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Climb into the cockpit of an otherworldly war machine and fly into battle against a horrifying alien race bent on eradicating humanity to preserve their own civilization.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.4%, Action 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Singleplayer 3.1%, Indie 2.6%
- #48 Star Saviors
71% matchVery Positive82% of 1,683 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Saviors brings the best bullet hell experience you can find on Steam. Play through 18 challenging stages in this ultimate test of tactics and reflexes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.6%, Great Soundtrack 15%, Action 13.1%, Indie 3.1%, 2D 3%
- #49 Nova Drift
59% 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 43.3%, Retro 16.1%, Action 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, 2D 7.8%
- #50 Space Pressure 3D: Prelude
64% matchVery Positive85% of 130 reviews2023
Dev: Maze TeamPub: Tinaynox
Windows
Immerse yourself in the story of two brave space amazons who dare to challenge the irresponsible aristocratic system. Overcome all the obstacles that appear on your way - hordes of space scavengers, armies of General Admiral and get to the main villain - Evil Moneybag!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.6%, Action 17.4%, Retro 16.8%, 2D 8.1%, Indie 3.6%
- #51 Gorescript
70% matchVery Positive90% of 86 reviews2017
Dev: Sergiu Bucur
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Gorescript is a classic first person shooter game, inspired by the great old FPS games that defined the genre. Fight your way through 18 handcrafted levels of frantic action paced gameplay, from easy to hardcore levels of difficulty.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.6%, Retro 31%, Action 22.9%, Singleplayer 4.8%, Indie 4.7%
- #52 The Bug Butcher
69% 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 48.3%, Action 21.7%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Indie 5.9%, 2D 3.8%
- #53 Solar Shifter EX
72% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.7%, Action 28.6%, Indie 6.7%
- #54 Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
60% matchVery Positive80% of 2,037 reviews2024
Dev: Metamorphosis GamesPub: Fireshine Games
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Inspired by 16 and 32-bit classics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder fuses tight 2D platforming and exhilarating combat with an engrossing, twist-laden narrative in a stunningly handcrafted steampunk world.
Why similar: Steampunk 68.7% ★, Action 12.5%, 2D 7.2%, Atmospheric 5.8%, Singleplayer 3.1%
- #55 Interstellar Sentinel
62% matchVery Positive98% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Uplifting Goat LLC.
Windows
ADHD core loop weapon system will keep you on your toes in this thrilling sci-fi fantasy shmup / shoot'em up with epic boss battles and a vast arsenal of futuristic weapons! Battle legions of demonic entities, restore the cosmic balance, and save the universe! Experience FLOW STATE gaming!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.9%, Action 21%, 2D 13.4%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #56 Gun Crazy
68% matchMostly Positive71% of 150 reviews2019
Dev: Ritual GamesPub: GrabTheGames
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Gun Crazy is a fast paced and hectic arcade style action shoot em’ up sporting old school pixel art and a retro sound track.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.6%, Retro 20.4%, Action 17.1%, 2D 9.1%, Atmospheric 6.5%
- #57 Zenohell
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 85 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.1%, Action 39.9%
- #58 Steel Assault
65% matchMostly Positive77% of 435 reviews2021
Dev: Zenovia InteractivePub: Tribute Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.
Why similar: Retro 42%, Action 32.6%, 2D 14.4%, Singleplayer 5.5%, Indie 5.5%
- #59 Hyper Sentinel
68% matchVery Positive84% of 68 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 21%
A face-melting, pixel-pumping arcade shoot 'em up featuring awesome power-ups, epic boss battles and spectacular effects at a blistering 60fps. Blast into battle against giant space destroyers in Arcade Mode, tackle endless waves of enemies in Survival Mode and face off against epic level guardians in Boss Run mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.1%, Action 24.5%, Retro 20.4%, Indie 6%