- #1 Super Mega Space Blaster Special
97% matchPositive95% of 22 reviews2019
Dev: Bare Knuckle Development
Windows · Mac · Linux
A modern take on the retro arcade shooter. Super Mega Space Blaster Special is a fast-paced frantic blast of a shoot 'em up (shmup). Played alone or in local coop the game is addictive and will keep you coming back to unlock the next ship or beat your high-score.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 13.6%, Local Co-Op 10%, Top-Down Shooter 8.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 7.8%, Arena Shooter 7.7%
- #2 Death Carnival
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Furyion Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Get ready for Death Carnival. Intense Top-Down Shooter with multi-elevation combat. Easy to start, thrilling to watch. Over a dozen characters with unique attacks and story. Adrenaline-fueled combat in singleplayer, online co-op, or competitive PvP.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 19.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.3%, Top-Down Shooter 10.3%, Bullet Hell 10%, Arena Shooter 9.4%
- #3 Really Big Sky
95% 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: Twin Stick Shooter 16.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Indie 12.7%, Space 10.7%, Bullet Hell 10.2%
- #4 COLORNOVA
94% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: Malachite Studios LLC
Windows · Mac
A color matching space shooter about saving your home planet from total destruction!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 19%, Space 12.3%, Local Co-Op 11.4%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Arcade 9.3%
- #5 Never Not Shooting
94% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2017
Dev: Hand Cannon Games
Windows
Grab up to 3 friends and defend the sun from swarms of enemies in this local coop twin stick shooter. Siphon energy from the sun and shoot as many attackers as you can to claim the high score before it explodes! Fight over experience and upgrade your ship to keep up with the ever-mounting pressure.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14%, Twin Stick Shooter 13.8%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, Local Co-Op 11.5%, Local Multiplayer 8.3%
- #6 Iron Fisticle
93% matchVery Positive84% of 513 reviews2014
Dev: Confused PelicanPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A modern take on the classic arcade arena shooter. Taking inspiration from an entire generation of action games, Iron Fisticle builds on classic titles like Gauntlet and Robotron while adding over 100 collectible items, an RPG style upgrade system and local multiplayer.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21.8%, Local Co-Op 18.8%, Arena Shooter 12.3%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.3%
- #7 Nex Machina
92% 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: Twin Stick Shooter 28.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Bullet Hell 12.5%, Local Co-Op 10.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 8.7%
- #8 Ultratron
91% matchVery Positive88% of 694 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.3%, Local Co-Op 15.7%, Retro 11.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 10%, Arcade 8.8%
- #9 Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
91% matchVery Positive90% of 1,577 reviews2014
Dev: Lucid GamesPub: Sierra
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Arcade 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%
- #10 Unexpected Sequence
90% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Breach Studio
Windows
Unexpected Sequence is a game inspired by classic bullet hell titles, aiming to keep the original feel and some of the difficulty. Customize your ship and fight your way back to humanity through hordes of enemies and unique bosses.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 16.6%, Action 13.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Top-Down Shooter 12.9%, Bullet Hell 12%
- #11 Neckbeards: Basement Arena
89% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2017
Dev: Soiree Games
Windows
Based on classic arcade games like Robotron 2084, Neckbeards is non-stop action for one or two players with an epic soundtrack and a taste for psychedelia. NEW in 2023: THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Top-Down Shooter 8.4%, Local Multiplayer 8.3%, Retro 8.3%
- #12 ArchRobo - Robotic Annihilation
89% matchPositive86% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Ameet Sharma
Windows
This is ArchRobo, a top-down shooter. Featuring incredible visuals, 28 intense levels ranging from easy to incredibly challenging, with 5 large Bosses, dozens of enemies, and a plethora of creative weapons such as the Laser Sword, and Juggernaut power-up.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21.8%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Action 12.1%, Top-Down Shooter 11.3%, Indie 9.3%
- #13 Galaxy Champions TV
88% matchVery Positive92% of 121 reviews2018
Dev: aQuadiun
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Galaxy Champions TV is a super intense top-down closed arena shooter game inspired by the classic arcade game Smash TV. Get powerful weapons and power-ups, kill huge amounts of enemies, level up, unlock upgrades and beat all the bosses to become the champion of the most violent TV show of all time!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.3%, Local Co-Op 19%, Top-Down Shooter 14.7%, Action 10.6%, Bullet Hell 9.2%
- #14 Nova Wing II
87% matchMixed67% of 12 reviews2018
Dev: Sub Orbital Software
Windows
You are tasked to destroy the swarms of alien invaders as they attempt to annihilate your race from existence.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 24%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.5%, Local Co-Op 11.6%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Space 7.8%
- #15 Graceful Explosion Machine
86% matchPositive81% of 47 reviews2017
Dev: Vertex Pop
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Skillfully pilot the Graceful Explosion Machine, a fighter ship armed with a ludicrously overpowered quad-weapon array! Lost in deep space, you'll shoot, dash and combo your way through jewel-hued uncharted planets, fighting an alien armada to find a way home.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Action 13.1%, Indie 10.4%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Arena Shooter 9.8%
- #16 Bezier
85% matchMostly Positive77% of 110 reviews2016
Dev: Philip BakPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Bezier is a dual stick blaster set inside a vast computer built deep underground. The story traces the principal's escape from this "Noah's Ark" gone wrong. A simple shooter on the surface, the deeper narrative pulls in his relationship between evolution and god, family and love.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 28.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, Space 8.1%
- #17 Storm Mined
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Hémisphère gauche
Windows · Linux
Minestorm reimagined with modern gameplay! Blast through waves of deadly mines, gear up with powerful upgrades between levels, and dive into intense rhythm-based stages set to an original soundtrack !
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, 1980s 8.5%
- #18 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
82% matchVery Positive100% of 67 reviews2025
Dev: Dot bloodPub: Targem Games
Windows
Kickback is a top-down shooter with roguelike elements, where shooting is the only way to move. Repel waves of mutants, create combinations of weapons and upgrades to survive at all costs on your own or with a friend in a local co-op mode.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 14.1%, Arena Shooter 12.6%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.6%, Local Multiplayer 8.1%
- #19 Exphelius: Arena
84% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Pharazen Studios
Windows · Mac
Prove yourself and earn your wings in the Exphelius Championships - a reckless bloodsport of vehicular mayhem across the galaxy Exphelius. Win matches across multiple game modes to earn cash and new parts, upgrade your ships or buy new ones, and claim your way to the top.
Why similar: Arena Shooter 17.5%, Top-Down Shooter 15.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Space 7.8%
- #20 Solaroids
84% matchVery Positive96% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Chad YatesPub: DynF/X Digital LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Classic Asteroids® updated with modern gameplay and perfected controls. Explore hazardous environments and sneak around asteroids to surprise attack giant bosses. Upgrade your ship to use additional power-ups. Single player or fight with up to 3 friends with intense local coop.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 18.9%, Arena Shooter 13.5%, Top-Down Shooter 11.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.2%, Bullet Hell 10.5%
- #21 Xeno Crisis
83% matchVery Positive87% of 209 reviews2019
Dev: Bitmap Bureau
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Xeno Crisis is an arena shooter in which up to two players take control of battle-hardened marines embarking on a deadly mission to confront an alien menace! Run and gun your way through thousands of adversaries, searching for survivors, and ultimately facing the origin of the outpost's demise.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.9%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Arena Shooter 12.8%, Local Co-Op 9.9%, Retro 8.3%
- #22 Vectrix
82% matchMixed61% of 18 reviews2019
Dev: Poco a PocoPub: DigiPen Institute of Technology
Windows
Vectrix is a rhythmic, techno, top-down shoot 'em up with a synthwave soundtrack and a grid of enemies based on John Conway's "Game of Life" cellular automaton!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 24.2%, Top-Down Shooter 16.4%, Retro 12.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.2%, Arcade 9.6%
- #23 Starfighter Neon
81% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: MadeOfDinosaurs
Windows · Mac
You've been dropped into enemy space. Weave your Starfighter between alien spaceships, lasers, asteroids and bombs destroying as many as you can and collecting valuable coins and powerups as you go.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 18.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.2%, Top-Down Shooter 13%, Bullet Hell 12%, Retro 8.2%
- #24 Project AETHER: First Contact
80% matchPositive93% of 29 reviews2020
Dev: Sleepy Spider Studios
Windows
As a threat from beyond looms over the solar system, take control of the AETHER prototype in this rhythmic and tactical space shooter - fusing classic arcade-style action with stunning 3D environments and an engaging sci-fi story.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 11.7%, Top-Down Shooter 11.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 10%, Action 8.4%
- #25 Exovore
79% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Tapzilla
Windows · Linux
EXOVORE is a fast-paced twin-stick space horror shoot’em-up inspired by the arcade classic Sinistar. Harvest asteroids, build your arsenal and face an evolving alien terror that hungers for your ship’s core. Retro-style visuals meet modern chaos in this relentless fight for survival among the stars.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 24.8%, Top-Down Shooter 15.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.6%, Bullet Hell 12.6%, Shooter 6.9%
- #26 Oh Ship Arena
81% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2018
Dev: Kelkosoft LLC
Windows
Take command of your ship, step into the arena, dominate your opponents, and put your reflexes and skills to the test!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.1%, Arena Shooter 18.6%, Top-Down Shooter 16%, Shooter 7.7%, Space 7.5%
- #27 Iron Crypticle
79% matchVery Positive84% of 120 reviews2017
Dev: Confused PelicanPub: TIKIPOD
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
IRON CRYPTICLE is an arcade twin-stick dungeon shooter with RPG elements for 1 to 4 players LOCAL CO-OP! A mysterious, malevolent force has abducted Cryptonia’s princess – along with the king’s royal golden treasures (shaped curiously like large foodstuffs...). Kingsguard to the rescue!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22.1%, Local Co-Op 20%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Arena Shooter 12.5%, Action 8.6%
- #28 Chippy
77% matchVery Positive91% of 1,169 reviews2019
Dev: Facepunch Studios
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Chip destructible bosses apart pixel-by-pixel in this twin-stick bullet-hell shooter.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 19.1%, Arena Shooter 12.1%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.5%, Bullet Hell 10.5%
- #29 WE ARE DOOMED
78% matchPositive100% of 29 reviews2015
Dev: Vertex Pop
Windows · Mac
WE ARE DOOMED is a twin-stick shooter where you zap polygon baddies with an absurdly overpowered laserbeam. Dive head-first into the action with reckless ambition, charge the SUPERBEAM, and zap everything out of existence in an instant.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 41.7%, Action 9.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 8.6%, Arena Shooter 8.5%, Top-Down Shooter 7.9%
- #30 #KILLALLZOMBIES
77% matchMostly Positive78% of 314 reviews2016
Dev: Fortell Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 48.8 hrs≥1hr: 97%
#KILLALLZOMBIES is an insane twin-stick zombie shooter with Twitch streaming interactions, where you survive hordes of zombies on a dynamically changing arena and spectators may affect gameplay via special Twitch chat commands.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 22%, Local Co-Op 12.8%, Top-Down Shooter 11.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 11%, Bullet Hell 9.4%
- #31 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
76% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32.7%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Arcade 11.4%, Retro 10%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.7%
- #32 Blipper
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Overwound Entertainment
Windows
Blipper is a twinstick arcade shooter with a retro scifi vibe and an element of bullet hell. Destroy waves of neon enemies across multiple arenas while dodging attackers and incoming fire.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 31.6%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Arena Shooter 12.4%, Retro 11.1%, Arcade 7.9%
- #33 Star Gods
76% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2019
Dev: JOP Studios
Windows
Battle through 7 action packed levels of old school arcade goodness featuring a rockin' soundtrack by the legendary Wingless Seraph and a brand new unreleased single titled The Edge of Nothing by the up and coming band, Phoenix Rising.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.4%, Action 15.3%, Bullet Hell 14%, Top-Down Shooter 13.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%
- #34 XenoRaptor
75% matchVery Positive82% of 173 reviews2019
Dev: Peter ClearyPub: -
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Take control of a cyberdragon and annihilate swarms of rocket propelled chainsaws either online or via LAN in this high speed, high skill 8 player co-op twinstick shooter.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 27.6%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Space 13.1%, Action 11.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.1%
- #35 XenoFeud
74% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Downforce Games
Windows
XenoFeud is an insane top-down twin-stick arcade alien shooter, where you must survive hordes of alien intruders while defending a mysterious object in space.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23.5%, Top-Down Shooter 13.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.6%, Space 8.7%, Arena Shooter 8.7%
- #36 Escape the Kreegan
73% match3 user reviews33% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: Entropy Is Software Development
Windows · Linux
Escape corruption and deliver truth to the people in the only way you know how. as a space fighter pilot! You steal a ship and flee, it falls to you to duke it out in space and deliver truth to the people. Restore peace. Restore justice. Save humanity and Escape The Kreegan!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Space 10.3%
- #37 SCHAR: Blue Shield Alliance
75% matchMixed57% of 30 reviews2015
Dev: Brainshape GamesPub: BA Productions LLC
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 97%
SCHAR: Blue Shield Alliance is a cooperative twin-stick shooter that features a variety of complementing ship classes to choose from. Upgrade your ships, defeat hundreds of enemies, save the galaxy all with some friends from the comfort of your couch.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Top-Down Shooter 10.8%, Space 10.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 8.9%
- #38 Xenoraid: The First Space War
73% 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: Local Co-Op 14.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Space 8.6%, Bullet Hell 8%
- #39 ULTRABUGS
74% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vlambeer's ULTRABUGS is a fast-paced high-score game in which you fight endless space bugs that split up into MORE space bugs as you fight and defeat them.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 19.5%, Arena Shooter 14.4%, Top-Down Shooter 12.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.9%, Bullet Hell 11.2%
- #40 When It Hits the Fan
72% matchPositive91% of 11 reviews2017
Dev: Heartfelt Games LLC
Windows
When It Hits the Fan is a 2d action arcade top-down shooter for PC and arcade involving four apocalyptic events at once: zombie outbreak, robot AI takeover, demon incursion, and alien invasion!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 25.8%, Local Co-Op 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.8%, Action 12%, Local Multiplayer 9.8%
- #41 Blasteron
72% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: Bunny on Caffeine LLC
Windows · Linux
Dash attack and blast swarms of enemy ships in this boss fight centered insane bullet hell frenzy. Combined with a heavy metal sound track and a hardcore difficulty curve, this twin stick arcade space shooter will definitely bring out the Shoot 'em Up beast in you.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.2%, Action 16.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, Indie 13.2%, Space 10.8%
- #42 Orbital Survivor
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: YuzuPulse Studio
Windows · Mac
Defy the laws of space and master every trajectory in Orbital Survivor, a 2D survivor-like game where you optimise your movements and shots thanks to gravity. Play as smuggler Cassidy and unleash your arsenal in a ruthless retro-synthwave universe.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 21%, Arena Shooter 15%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.3%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Space 6.5%
- #43 PuPaiPo Space Deluxe
71% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2019
Dev: BolHut
Windows · Linux
Hop into your spaceship and battle waves of opponents in your journey to find the legendary space pizza! Now 100% more Deluxe than ever!
Why similar: Arena Shooter 16.7%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%, Bullet Hell 12.1%, Local Co-Op 10.2%
- #44 Sektori
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 704 reviews2025
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. A game where the high-adrenaline gameplay, visuals, and music come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.9%, Arena Shooter 14.8%, Top-Down Shooter 11.7%, Bullet Hell 10.6%
- #45 Steel Alcimus
70% matchPositive86% of 42 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Steel Alcimus is a top-down helicopter shooter. Complete various tasks with your ally aircraft; such as saving the carrier, taking down the buildings, carrying objects, etc.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, 1980s 8.1%
- #46 Devastator
70% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2022
Dev: RadiangamesPub: 2Awesome Studio
Windows
Devastator is a retro-modern arcade twin-stick shooter. Featuring spectacular, fluid visuals (with 4k and 120hz+ support), heart-pounding music and sound, and intuitive, intense, and varied gameplay, Devastator is the ultimate twin-stick shooter for people who love twin-stick shooters!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 26.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.5%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Retro 10.2%, Arena Shooter 9.8%
- #47 Polygoneer
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,730 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Test your reflexes in POLYGONEER, defend yourself from prolygonal shapes taht comes from everywhere, just hitting is not enough you need to match the right color shot to the polygon too! Are you ready for the challenge?
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 14.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Action 9.7%
- #48 Shmadow
70% 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: Twin Stick Shooter 25.8%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Great Soundtrack 14.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Local Co-Op 10.2%
- #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: Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Space 13.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Bullet Hell 11.6%
- #50 SynthEscape
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: RabidTomato Games
Windows · Linux
A Synthwave bullet hell shoot 'em up where grazing enemy fire charges your bullet-slowing field and builds your score. Play through 5 levels in solo or co-op with leaderboard support. '80s vibes meet precision shmup gameplay. Graze Bullets. Bend Time. Break the Future.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15.5%, Local Co-Op 15.4%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Top-Down Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 7.7%
- #51 Super Destronaut
69% 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: Local Co-Op 17.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Arena Shooter 11.4%, Space 10.7%, Retro 8.4%
- #52 Star Jet Alpha
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Valles Games
Windows · Mac
Star Jet Alpha is a top-down space shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Progress through each stage by blowing up enemy space stations while avoiding or destroying enemy missiles, space mines and asteroids. Unlock Star Jet capabilities by completing stages.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Space 12.8%, 1980s 9.2%
- #53 Curved Space
67% matchPositive86% of 37 reviews2021
Dev: Only By Midnight Ltd.Pub: Maximum Games
Windows
Curved Space is an intense arcade-style twin-stick shooter that takes the classic formula and plunges it into the weirdest reaches of space. Battle cosmic space-invading spiders across curved landscapes where bullets hug the terrain while the horizon drops sharply out of sight.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23%, Arena Shooter 16%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.3%, Space 9.1%, Shooter 7.3%
- #54 THUNDER STRIKER
66% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast your way through enemy territory and level up your versatile arsenal of high-tech weapons in this handheld game style retro shmup!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.4%, 1980s 12.2%, Retro 12.1%, Bullet Hell 11.4%
- #55 AIPD - Artificial Intelligence Police Department
68% matchVery Positive84% of 51 reviews2016
Dev: Blazing BadgerPub: mamor games
Windows
Enter the AI universe and fight evil AIs with a variety of weapons and modifications. AIPD is a top-down coop twin-stick shooter where you can enjoy thousands of possible combinations of enemy and arena permutations that give you an unprecedented and nearly unlimited arcade experience.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32%, Local Co-Op 25.3%, Top-Down Shooter 17.9%, Action 13.8%, Indie 11%
- #56 Retromancer
67% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2019
Dev: Spinfoam Games
Windows · Mac
What happens when nostalgia and necromancy mix? A Retromancer happens! Grab a few friends, choose your champions, and battle your way through 6 brutal zones filled with screeching bats, burrowing worms, deranged cultists, and giant ants.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23.5%, Arena Shooter 14.9%, Bullet Hell 11.2%, Top-Down Shooter 9%, Local Co-Op 8.9%
- #57 ZEROCRON
66% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: T.R.S.
Windows
ZEROCRON is a straightforward, classical arcade Twin-Stick Shoot-Em-Up with a strong Commodore-Amiga-era feel. Blast asteroids and enemies to burning pixeldust!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 24.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Top-Down Shooter 14.2%, 1980s 8.7%, Retro 8.4%
- #58 Two by One
67% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Javier Ortega
Windows
Do you have what it takes to beat two games at the same time? Prove your skills by controlling two ships simultaneously or join forces with a friend to overcome the challenge of this stylish Shoot'Em Up.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 23.3%, Top-Down Shooter 14.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Local Co-Op 12.8%
- #59 Sky Force Anniversary
65% 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 23.3%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Local Co-Op 14.1%, Top-Down Shooter 11.8%, Retro 7.5%