- #1 Ikaruga
97% 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 54.8%, Arcade 13.2%, Bullet Hell 12%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%, Difficult 3.5%
- #2 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
96% 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 56.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Arcade 14.1%, Action 5.2%, Bullet Hell 4.9%
- #3 Blazing Chrome
96% 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 32.1%, Retro 16.2%, Arcade 10.1%, Difficult 7.3%, Co-op Campaign 7.3% ★
- #4 Sky Force Anniversary
95% 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 50.5%, Arcade 11.8%, Retro 10.2%, Bullet Hell 8.6%, Action 7.1%
- #5 Sky Force Reloaded
93% matchVery Positive93% of 2,659 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 45.8%, Arcade 16%, Local Multiplayer 10.8%, Bullet Hell 9%, Retro 8%
- #6 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
94% 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 38.8%, Retro 12.6%, Arcade 9.4%, Bullet Hell 8.6%, Action 6.8%
- #7 Aqua Kitty - Milk Mine Defender
92% matchVery Positive86% of 480 reviews2014
Dev: TIKIPOD
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Aqua Kitty is a fast paced retro styled submarine arcade shooter with optional 2 player local Co-op.Blast through hordes of mechanical sea monsters in your kitty sub and defend the deep sea milk mining kittens!THE MILK MUST FLOW!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50%, Retro 11.9%, Action 10.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Indie 8.2%
- #8 ZeroRanger
91% 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 40.4%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Arcade 7.5%, Retro 7.5%, Bullet Hell 7.2%
- #9 Sine Mora
91% 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 67%, Arcade 11.3%, Bullet Hell 8.8%, Action 6.9%, Indie 5.9%
- #10 Steredenn: Binary Stars
90% matchVery Positive88% of 958 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 67.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 41.2%, Arcade 14.9%, Local Multiplayer 8.8%, Bullet Hell 8%, Co-op 7.2%
- #11 The Bug Butcher
89% 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 35%, Arcade 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Action 9.1%, Indie 8.1%
- #12 Jamestown+
89% matchVery Positive88% of 248 reviews2019
Dev: Final Form GamesPub: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Set sail for 17th-century British Colonial Mars in Jamestown+: a cooperative shoot-em-up for 1-4 brave souls, designed to be exciting for players of all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Retro 13.6%, Action 6.7%, Bullet Hell 6.5%
- #13 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
88% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Difficult 12.9%, Arcade 11.4%, Retro 10.1%, Bullet Hell 7.5%
- #14 BLUE REVOLVER
86% 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 52%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Arcade 9.3%, Bullet Hell 8.5%, Action 4.9%
- #15 Revolution Ace
87% 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 61.3%, Arcade 9.8%, Action 7.9%, Bullet Hell 7.2%, Indie 6.3%
- #16 Super Cyborg
86% matchVery Positive86% of 831 reviews2015
Dev: Artur Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Super Cyborg is an old school non-stop hardcore run'n'gun action game! You are an elite battle cyborg who is sent in to investigate a series of anomalies on a mysterious island. The merciless alien known as the 'Xirxul life form' has been awakened by unwitting scientists and now: all humanity is in danger!
Why similar: Retro 26.5%, Action 15.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Difficult 13.2%, Indie 10.8%
- #17 Astral Gunners
81% 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 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Difficult 10.8%, Bullet Hell 8.2%, Retro 7.9%
- #18 Hyper Simon X
85% matchMostly Positive70% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Hyper Simon X is an Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Puzzle game that ingeniously blends SHMUP mechanics with the classic nostalgia of 'Simon Says' memory games. Prepare for a challenge like no other as you destroy the enemies in the exact order displayed!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, GameMaker 18% ★, Action 10.4%, Retro 9.6%, Arcade 9.4%
- #19 Pixel Galaxy
84% 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 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Co-op 10.3%, Arcade 9.3%
- #20 Jet Lancer
82% 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 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Difficult 10.4%, Arcade 9.8%, Retro 8.6%
- #21 Syder Arcade
84% 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 48.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Retro 7.8%, Action 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%
- #22 Danmaku Unlimited 2
83% 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 54.9%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Arcade 8.1%, Action 6.4%
- #23 Star Saviors
82% 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 54.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Bullet Hell 8.9%, Action 6.4%, Arcade 6.1%
- #24 ProtoCorgi
79% matchVery Positive90% of 168 reviews2023
Dev: Kemono GamesPub: Ravenscourt
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Get ready to Bark’em Up! Play as Bullet, a C³ class (Cute Cybernetic Corgi) pup on his quest to save his owner, a brilliant scientist kidnapped by an alien race that wants to rule the galaxy. ProtoCorgi is a retro pixel art shoot’em up with a strong arcade feel!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Retro 14.7%, Arcade 14.5%, Bullet Hell 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%
- #25 Grand Brix Shooter
80% matchVery Positive93% of 82 reviews2019
Dev: Intragames
Windows
Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.4%, Arcade 13.1%, Difficult 13.1%, Local Multiplayer 10.2%, Action 9.5%
- #26 Steel Empire
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 107 reviews2018
Dev: mebius.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.3%, Retro 15.5%, Action 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 14%, 2D 5.8%
- #27 Jamestown
79% 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 46.1%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Arcade 7.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Local Multiplayer 5.7%
- #28 Crisis Wing
78% matchVery Positive90% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Difficult 14%, Arcade 11.7%, Bullet Hell 8.3%, Local Multiplayer 6.4%
- #29 CometStriker DX
78% matchVery Positive98% of 63 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Difficult 12.8%, Arcade 11.8%, Bullet Hell 8.4%, Retro 8%
- #30 Sophstar
76% matchVery Positive100% of 102 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Retro 14.4%, Arcade 13.4%, Bullet Hell 9.4%, Action 8.1%
- #31 Danmaku Unlimited 3
77% 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 45.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Arcade 11.9%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Action 8.6%
- #32 Wild Guns Reloaded
76% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 33.2%, Arcade 17.2%, Local Multiplayer 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Action 11%
- #33 Shmadow
77% 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 33.8%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Difficult 13.2%, Bullet Hell 10%, Action 8.9%
- #34 Super Retro Fighter
75% matchMostly Positive78% of 87 reviews2021
Dev: Syndrome interactivePub: Cat God Studio
Windows
Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45%, Retro 11.6%, Local Multiplayer 11.2%, Bullet Hell 9.5%, Arcade 5.4%
- #35 Super Bit Blaster XL
72% matchVery Positive94% of 878 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
A SUPER throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Super Bit Blaster XL is an (even more) enhanced version of the retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 10.8%, Bullet Hell 9.2%, Action 6.3%
- #36 Assault Android Cactus+
73% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Difficult 14.9%, Arcade 13.6%, Bullet Hell 9.1%, Local Multiplayer 8.4%
- #37 Super Destronaut
75% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2016
Dev: Petite Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Arcade 15.5%, Retro 15.2%, Local Multiplayer 8.7%, Action 7.8%
- #38 Sine Mora EX
74% 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 44.1%, Difficult 15.3%, Arcade 14%, Bullet Hell 9.8%, Co-op 4.8%
- #39 Q-YO Blaster
73% matchVery Positive91% of 195 reviews2018
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 28%
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 59.8%, Action 15.5%, Indie 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Bullet Hell 4.4%
- #40 Hyper Sentinel
73% 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 39.4%, Arcade 16.6%, Retro 15.9%, Action 11.4%, Indie 9%
- #41 Infinos Gaiden
72% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.4%, Action 13.7%, Indie 10.3%, Arcade 7.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%
- #42 Alien Hominid HD
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 582 reviews2023
Dev: The Behemoth
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 49%
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 44.5%, Arcade 18.3%, Action 8.5%, Local Multiplayer 8%, Co-op 6.6%
- #43 Arcade Mayhem Juanito
71% 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 26.4%, Arcade 13%, Retro 12.4%, Action 11%, Difficult 9.8%
- #44 Hyperdrive Massacre
74% matchMixed54% of 388 reviews2015
Dev: 34BigThings srl
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Hyperdrive Massacre is an 80s inspired arcade fragfest in Spacewar sauce designed around local multiplayer, focused on kinestetics, tactical and shooting skills at a frenzied pace.
Why similar: Action 70.1%, Arcade 8.9%, Local Multiplayer 8.9%, Indie 4%, Great Soundtrack 3.4%
- #45 BULLET SOUL
71% 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 56.5%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Action 12.3%, Bullet Hell 10.5%, Sci-fi 3.6%
- #46 Really Big Sky
71% 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 43.7%, Indie 15.9%, Action 11%, Arcade 8%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%
- #47 Bit Blaster XL
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 34.9%, Difficult 14.1%, Arcade 13.1%, Retro 10.6%, Bullet Hell 8.1%
- #48 Echoes+
69% 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 43.5%, Action 14.9%, Arcade 11.6%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Indie 10.1%
- #49 Rigid Force Alpha
70% matchMostly Positive80% of 133 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 45.6%, Retro 17.6%, Arcade 16.4%, Bullet Hell 8.5%, Action 7.3%
- #50 20XX
67% matchVery Positive91% of 4,516 reviews2017
Dev: Batterystaple Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
20XX is a roguelike action platformer that you can play with a friend. Jump and shoot your way through ever-changing levels, collect awesome new powers, and battle mighty bosses in the name of saving the human race maybe!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.9%, Action 16.3%, Local Multiplayer 14.6%, Difficult 13.6%, Co-op 10.5%
- #51 Shoot 1UP DX
70% matchVery Positive80% of 152 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 39.9%, Arcade 14%, Retro 10.4%, Bullet Hell 8.7%, Co-op 6.1%
- #52 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
62% 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 43.2%, Retro 14.4%, Bullet Hell 7.6%, Action 7.1%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%
- #53 Galacide
70% 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 52.7%, Action 14.8%, Indie 11.3%, Difficult 5%, Local Multiplayer 4.7%
- #54 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
69% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.8%, Bullet Hell 9.3%, Arcade 8.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Retro 8.3%
- #55 Trigonarium
68% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2015
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Trigonarium is a hardcore twin-stick shooter for fans of challenging arcade gaming. Fight your way through multitudes of enemy formations in constantly shifting battle arenas to face the colossal level bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.3%, Co-op Campaign 29.2% ★, Arcade 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Difficult 5%
- #56 Xenoraid: The First Space War
67% 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 35.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Arcade 13.6%, Action 7.4%, Local Multiplayer 6.7%
- #57 Galaxy Highways
60% 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: Difficult 28.4%, Retro 20%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Action 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 9.5%
- #58 Alien Crusader
68% matchMixed62% of 101 reviews2018
Dev: Zydrone
Windows
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 41%, Action 15.6%, Difficult 14.6%, Indie 12.3%, Retro 12.2%
- #59 Nex Machina
65% matchVery Positive87% of 2,168 reviews2017
Dev: Housemarque
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Great Soundtrack 19.5%, Arcade 15.7%, Bullet Hell 9.7%, Difficult 9.5%