- #1 GIGANTIC ARMY
97% matchMostly Positive75% of 367 reviews2014
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Side-scrolling mech-shooting bad-assery is BACK!GIGANTIC ARMY is a heartfelt homage to 16-bit era mech shooters such as Cybernator / Assault Suits Valken, Metal Warriors, and Front Mission: Gun Hazard, developed by the studio behind the acclaimed shooter SATAZIUS.
Why similar: Mechs 44.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Anime 6.9%, Action 6.8%, Shooter 5%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game features the same gritty, mech-focused side-scrolling action found in VULKAISER.
- #2 SATAZIUS
96% matchVery Positive84% of 326 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.7%, Anime 13.9%, Shooter 9.7%, Action 9.5%, Indie 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: Another title from the same creators that delivers a classic, high-octane side-scrolling shooting experience.
- #3 Assault Suit Leynos
95% matchMixed63% of 256 reviews2016
Dev: Dracue SoftwarePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.2 hrs≥1hr: 31%
A classic reawakens – Assault Suit Leynos is back and in high definition! Get ready for all-out robotic war as the fan-favourite Mega Drive classic is reworked with all new HD visuals for the ultimate alien-blasting experience!
Why similar: Mechs 53.7% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Anime 11.9%, Action 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic mech action game that mirrors the heavy, industrial feel of giant robot combat.
- #4 STEEL STRIDER
94% matchMostly Positive77% of 77 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
STEEL STRIDER is the follow up to the acclaimed GIGANTIC ARMY and pays homage to the great run and gun games such as Turrican and Super Contra, but adds mouse / dual analogue stick-operated weapons!
Why similar: Mechs 39.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Action 16.6%, Indie 9.1%, Shooter 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action platformer that focuses on mech-based combat and retro-inspired level design.
- #5 HARDCORE MECHA
93% matchVery Positive83% of 2,685 reviews2019
Dev: RocketPunch Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
HARDCORE MECHA is a 2D platformer action focusing on a better handling. The Campaign mode offers rich gameplay and seamless in-game cut-scenes for an immersive experience. Choose your favorite mecha, experience the fast-paced hardcore competitive battle of steel in Multiplayer!
Why similar: Mechs 55.9% ★, Anime 15.9%, Action 11.1%, Indie 7.5%, Shooter 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: Features high-octane mech combat with a strong emphasis on anime-inspired presentation and fluid movement.
- #6 ARMED SEVEN
94% matchVery Positive91% of 81 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...
Why similar: Mechs 39.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Shooter 7.1%, Action 6.9%, Retro 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: This mech-themed shooter from the same developers perfectly matches the retro robot aesthetic and gameplay style.
- #7 WOLFLAME
92% matchVery Positive86% of 122 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.7%, Shooter 11.6%, Action 11.4%, Indie 7.7%, Retro 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, arcade-style shoot-em-up that captures the same retro intensity and focus on pattern recognition.
- #8 Graze Counter
91% matchVery Positive95% of 318 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 36.2%, Mechs 30.9% ★, Anime 14.8%, Action 7.8%, Shooter 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: An intense bullet-hell shooter that rewards players for getting close to projectiles, similar to the high-risk gameplay of VULKAISER.
- #9 ETHER VAPOR Remaster
91% matchMostly Positive77% of 319 reviews2012
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Ether Vapor Remaster is a cinematic 3D arcade shooter and visual treat from developer Edelweiss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.7%, Anime 13.9%, Action 8.4%, Shooter 6.4%, Indie 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A cinematic side-scrolling shooter that offers a similar high-energy experience with impressive visual flair.
- #10 Strania - The Stella Machina -
90% matchVery Positive90% of 58 reviews2015
Dev: G.rev Ltd.
Windows
Japanese boutique game studio G.rev makes its long-awaited debut on Steam with Strania!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Mechs 35.1% ★, Action 12.2%, Anime 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A mech-based shoot-em-up that shares the same aesthetic and intense bullet-hell gameplay.
- #11 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
89% 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 58.6%, Action 23.5%, Indie 17.9%
Why You'll Like It: An excellent bullet-hell shooter that features a distinct mech aesthetic and fast-paced action.
- #12 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 841 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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: Mechs 39.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 35.8%, Shooter 8.5%, Action 6.8%, Retro 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern take on classic arcade shooters that provides a challenging and polished experience.
- #13 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
89% matchVery Positive91% of 405 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 52.1%, Mechs 24.5% ★, Action 8.6%, Shooter 7.6%, Indie 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique twist on the shoot-em-up genre by allowing players to rotate the screen to dodge and attack.
- #14 AngerForce: Reloaded
87% matchVery Positive91% of 384 reviews2017
Dev: Screambox Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 79%, Shooter 21%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-energy bullet-hell shooter with a distinct anime-inspired visual style.
- #15 BULLET SOUL
88% matchVery Positive84% of 75 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 63%, Anime 21.1%, Action 15.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic bullet-hell experience that features a great soundtrack and intense, screen-filling action.
- #16 Super XYX
85% matchVery Positive88% of 122 reviews2020
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Super XYX is a new shmup from the creator of Fire Arrow X, Megatank, ZPF and a couple of others. Co-developed and published by Team Grybanser Fox.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.8%, Action 21.1%, Indie 13.9%, Retro 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that focuses on tight controls and high-speed combat.
- #17 Infinos Gaiden
84% matchVery Positive98% of 86 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 67.1%, Action 18%, Indie 12.2%, 2D 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic 2D side-scrolling shooter that captures the feel of 90s arcade gaming.
- #18 ROCKETRON
84% matchVery Positive83% of 82 reviews2020
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Fly through the sky! Rain down fire on the enemy forces from above! Enjoy solid combat and simple non-linear exploration in this high flying side-scrolling action shooter!
Why similar: Mechs 41.6% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Anime 8.8%, Action 7.5%, Shooter 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling platformer that incorporates mech-based combat and exploration.
- #19 Steel Vampire
83% matchVery Positive90% of 99 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.7%, Action 16%, Anime 11.6%, Indie 11.2%, 2D 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced bullet-hell game that provides a high-energy experience with a focus on arcade-style scoring.
- #20 Flying Red Barrel - The Diary of a Little Aviator
82% matchVery Positive96% of 114 reviews2020
Dev: Orange_JuicePub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Flying Red Barrel ~The Diary of a Little Aviator~ is an old-school bullet hell/STG game with multiple endings based on actions you take.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Action 27.5%, Anime 20.8%, Shooter 11%, Indie 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: An anime-inspired bullet-hell shooter that focuses on narrative and challenging boss encounters.
- #21 ASTROLANCER
79% matchVery Positive98% of 148 reviews2024
Dev: Studio Hexeye
Windows
ASTROLANCER combines top-down shooter and shoot 'em up gameplay into one action-packed experience! Devise your own playstyle with a huge variety of weapons. Hardcore and casual players alike are welcome!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.8%, Anime 16.8%, Action 10.5%, Retro 9.7%, Shooter 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: An action-packed top-down shooter that provides a modern take on classic arcade mechanics.
- #22 Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax
82% matchVery Positive93% of 236 reviews2015
Dev: Dreamloop Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!
Why similar: Mechs 41.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Anime 12.5%, Shooter 7.5%, Action 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A mech-based side-scrolling shooter that allows for local co-op and intense arcade action.
- #23 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X
77% matchVery Positive95% of 57 reviews2026
Dev: Implicit ConversionsPub: Bliss Brain
Windows
A fully remastered 70s-style super robot anime meets fast-paced arcade-style 2D side-scrolling shooter action. A Japanese cult classic finally available worldwide — now reborn in HD.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.5%, Anime 16.8%, Mechs 14.7% ★, Action 11.3%, Retro 5.9%
- #24 Mechstermination Force
81% matchMixed55% of 184 reviews2020
Dev: Hörberg ProductionsPub: Flyhigh Works
Windows
Join the Mechstermination Force and save the world from the gigantic MegaMechs!
Why similar: Mechs 43.9% ★, Action 32.7%, Indie 23.4%
Why You'll Like It: A boss-rush action game that focuses on climbing and destroying giant mechs.
- #25 Berzerk: Recharged
79% matchMixed65% of 60 reviews2023
Dev: SneakyBoxPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Blast your way through an endless maze inhabited by deadly robots and their invulnerable, menacing master Evil Otto. Tag in a friend in local co-op to help you survive this twin-stick revival of an arcade classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68%, Shooter 15.9%, Action 11.9%, 2D 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arena shooter that captures the intensity and retro feel of early arcade classics.
- #26 Gigantes Ex Machina
75% matchVery Positive86% of 320 reviews2025
Dev: AcrylByte
Windows
Fast paced Top-down shooter! Smartly use IRCM to evade the constant barrage of bullets and missiles and destroy everything that stands in your way.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.9%, Action 16.3%, Mechs 14.2% ★, Indie 10.7%, Anime 1.3%
- #27 Explosionade DX
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 86 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Pilot an experimental mech and shoot giant grenades to blow up sneaky aliens. Stomp their guts, destroy their base, and save the day!
Why similar: Mechs 40.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Anime 12.1%, Action 6.5%, Shooter 6%
Why You'll Like It: A fun, mech-based arcade action game that emphasizes explosive combat and simple, addictive mechanics.
- #28 VARYZNEX
76% matchVery Positive98% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: zakichi
Windows
classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.4%, Mechs 37.5% ★, Shooter 7.6%, Retro 6.3%, Action 4%
- #29 B.A.D Battle Armor Division
80% matchMixed52% of 64 reviews2015
Dev: Crian Soft
Windows
B.A.D is an intense and enjoyable Shoote'em up game that captures the feeling of controlling a mass-produced humanoid robot (Battle Armor) piloted by a single soldier while keeping the realistic fast-paced action in a dramatic large scale conflict, from various Factions of Earth and Mars.
Why similar: Mechs 46.9% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Action 11.9%, Indie 7.3%, Shooter 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A mech-focused action platformer that emphasizes heavy combat and retro aesthetics.
- #30 Blue Rider
78% matchVery Positive87% of 102 reviews2016
Dev: Ravegan
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
In a valley flooded with bullets, your next challenge rises from a heap of scraps. This time there aren't blue hedgehogs or mega men to save you. Hop in and become the Blue Rider!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.3%, Mechs 31.6% ★, Action 13.9%, Indie 9.7%, Shooter 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that features vibrant visuals and fast-paced, accessible gameplay.
- #31 Astebreed: Definitive Edition
76% matchVery Positive88% of 1,652 reviews2014
Dev: EdelweissPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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: Mechs 41.8% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Anime 11.8%, Shooter 7.4%, Action 5.4%
- #32 DRAINUS
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,157 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 63.4%, Action 14.5%, Shooter 11.5%, Indie 8.4%, 2D 2.3%
- #33 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
75% matchVery Positive82% of 822 reviews2015
Dev: PyramidPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 86.3%, Action 9%, Shooter 3.9%, 2D 0.8%
- #34 MECHBLAZE
73% matchVery Positive94% of 84 reviews2020
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
An inferno roars over a destroyed secret military base. Then, from the flaming rubble...an invincible super robot is reborn! Mechs born of advanced science and modern weaponry battle in heavy weight Run 'n Gun mech shooter!!
Why similar: Mechs 63.2% ★, Anime 21.6%, Action 11.8%, 2D 3.4%
- #35 Danmaku Unlimited 2
74% matchVery Positive92% of 490 reviews2014
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 76.5%, Action 10.2%, Indie 7.6%, Shooter 5.7%
- #36 BLUE REVOLVER
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 906 reviews2016
Dev: danboPub: Stellar Circle
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 70.4%, Anime 12.4%, Action 7.4%, Indie 6.2%, Shooter 2.2%
- #37 C-RUSH
78% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 17%
C-RUSH is an old school Shooter, with HD graphics.A new threat is coming from the space; the plasma insects. Exterminate the vermin!!Beat your own score and compare it with the other players !Key Features:- One ship with different positions to use- Different Gameplay according to the positions and shoots- A Schmup where you need...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.2%, Action 13.2%, Indie 10.7%, Shooter 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade-style shoot-em-up that focuses on pure action and high-score chasing.
- #38 BULLET SOUL INFINITE BURST
74% matchMostly Positive75% of 95 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Bullet Soul Infinite Burst is a vertically scrolling shooting game crossing old-school gameplay with a bullet hell twist. It adds numerous gameplay enhancements over its predecessor, Bullet Soul, not least of which is Burst Mode. The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, now with more destruction, more coins and more tunes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61%, Anime 21.4%, Action 17.6%
- #39 GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION
71% matchVery Positive91% of 149 reviews2022
Dev: ES4 / Eternal Sphere 4Pub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.2%, Mechs 40.1% ★, Shooter 8.3%, Action 7.3%, 2D 2.1%
- #40 MULLET MADJACK
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 9,486 reviews2024
Dev: HAMMER95Pub: Epopeia Games
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
MULLET MADJACK is a HIGH-OCTANE-ACTION SHOOTER that put you directly inside a CLASSIC ANIME. Pick your favorite weapon and reach the last floor; Beat your best time or try again. Haste makes waste… OF YOUR ENEMIES!
Why similar: Anime 38%, Shooter 20.1%, Action 17.8%, Indie 12.4%, Retro 11.7%
- #41 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
73% matchMostly Positive75% of 216 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.3 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 52.8%, Anime 15.4%, Action 11.5%, Indie 8.1%, Shooter 5.7%
- #42 Super Glitter Rush
70% matchVery Positive95% of 119 reviews2021
Dev: tiny cactus studio
Windows
Super Glitter Rush is a boss-rush style bullet hell shoot-em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 62.8%, Shooter 12.3%, Action 11.7%, Indie 5.6%, Retro 4.4%
- #43 Steel Empire
71% matchMostly Positive77% of 113 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 60.9%, Action 21.4%, Retro 9.3%, Indie 4.8%, 2D 3.6%
- #44 Graze Counter GM
67% matchVery Positive97% of 205 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: Mechs 35.3% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 31.7%, Anime 13.9%, Action 6.9%, Shooter 5.9%
- #45 Aqua Kitty - Milk Mine Defender
70% matchVery Positive86% of 482 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 61.1%, Action 14.6%, Indie 10.5%, Retro 6.9%, Shooter 4.8%
- #46 ROBO OH
69% matchVery Positive100% of 69 reviews2020
Dev: Foxy Boxy Games
Windows
FC-style robots fighting game!
Why similar: Mechs 61.8% ★, Anime 11.1%, Action 10.2%, Retro 7.6%, Indie 7%
- #47 Disaster Arms - Impact Project B.A.H.N.
64% matchVery Positive99% of 69 reviews2025
Dev: PD_CGT
Windows · Linux
- DRY CONTACT - INSTIGATION OF HYBRID SOLDIER LIFELINE - BIO-AFFECTIONATE HYPER NETWORK -
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.7%, Anime 20%, Shooter 11.8%, Retro 9.9%, Action 8.5%
- #48 Gunner-chan!
63% matchVery Positive91% of 246 reviews2025
Dev: kido
Windows
A 2.5D top-down, roguelike shooter set in a base that has been taken over by a revolt of robots.
Why similar: Mechs 63.1% ★, Action 23%, Anime 8.5%, Indie 5.4%
- #49 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
69% matchVery Positive84% of 619 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 62.9%, Action 12.7%, Retro 9.7%, Indie 9.1%, Shooter 4%
- #50 SUGURI
70% matchVery Positive83% of 225 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 44.4%, Anime 32.4%, Action 10.8%, Indie 6.6%, Shooter 5.9%
- #51 Power-Up
71% matchMixed58% of 268 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.8%, Action 13.3%, Indie 10.7%, Shooter 9.6%, Retro 8.8%
- #52 Assault Android Cactus+
67% matchVery Positive94% of 2,016 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.3 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 70.9%, Shooter 16.8%, Action 12.4%
- #53 Flying Tank
64% matchVery Positive86% of 108 reviews2024
Dev: Hexage
Windows
Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!
Why similar: Anime 55.8%, Action 21.9%, Shooter 20.3%, Indie 2%
- #54 RagingBlasters
66% matchVery Positive99% of 124 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55%, Shooter 12.5%, Action 9.6%, Retro 8.1%, Anime 7.5%
- #55 Rigid Force Alpha
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 135 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: Mechs 39% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Shooter 9%, Action 7%, Retro 6.9%
- #56 Laser Disco Defenders
69% matchVery Positive83% of 52 reviews2016
Dev: Out Of BoundsPub: Excalibur Publishing
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
A self-inflicted bullet hell that combines retro sci-fi with the sounds and sights of the disco era
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.6%, Action 16%, Shooter 11.4%, Indie 10.5%, 2D 3.5%