- #1 Super Hydorah
97% 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 48.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Retro 7.8%, Action 6.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the non-linear, retro-inspired side-scrolling shooter experience with a focus on classic arcade challenge.
- #2 Jets'n'Guns Gold
96% 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 47.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Bullet Hell 7.9%, Space 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: Like Syder Arcade, it offers a chaotic, heavy-metal-infused, old-school PC shooter experience with a focus on pure destruction.
- #3 ZeroRanger
96% 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 45.7%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Arcade 6.7%, Action 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: This title masterfully blends 90s arcade aesthetics with modern design sensibilities and an incredible, evolving soundtrack.
- #4 STURMWIND EX
94% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Arcade 8.5%, Side Scroller 8%, Space 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: It is a direct spiritual successor to the 90s Amiga and Dreamcast era of sci-fi shooters, featuring high-quality pre-rendered graphics.
- #5 Danmaku Unlimited 3
94% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Arcade 9%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Action 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, modern take on the bullet-hell genre that feels right at home for fans of classic arcade shooters.
- #6 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
93% 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 41.1%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Arcade 7.8%, Retro 6.6%, Action 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: It is a fast-paced, retro-inspired shooter that focuses on accessible but challenging arcade-style gameplay.
- #7 Sine Mora EX
92% 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 38.2%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Arcade 9.5%, Shooter 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a high-production, side-scrolling shooter experience that prioritizes cinematic flair and precise, time-based mechanics.
- #8 Ghost Blade HD
91% 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 55.5%, Bullet Hell 25.2%, Action 10.6%, Indie 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern arcade shooter with a great soundtrack that emphasizes classic scoring and pattern recognition.
- #9 BLUE REVOLVER
90% 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 55%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Arcade 7.7%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Action 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-energy shooter that captures the frantic intensity and retro charm of the 90s arcade scene.
- #10 Mushihimesama
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.1%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Arcade 10%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%, Action 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: Considered a gold standard in the bullet-hell genre, it offers the precise, high-difficulty experience that fans of Syder Arcade crave.
- #11 Infinos Gaiden
89% 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 70.7%, Action 12.6%, Indie 9.5%, Arcade 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, classic 2D side-scrolling shooter that focuses on tight controls and retro-inspired level design.
- #12 Ikaruga
88% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.2%, Bullet Hell 24.5%, Arcade 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 3.9%, Shooter 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive arcade shooter for players who enjoy mechanical depth and high-skill, pattern-based gameplay.
- #13 Graze Counter GM
84% matchVery Positive97% of 183 reviews2023
Dev: Bikkuri SoftwarePub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.5%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 7.8%, Sci-fi 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: It blends modern mechanics with a classic arcade feel, rewarding players for taking risks near enemy fire.
- #14 1993 Space Machine
87% matchMostly Positive70% of 377 reviews2016
Dev: ExceedPub: Aurora Punks
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.2%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Arcade 9.3%, Side Scroller 8.7%, Space 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Directly inspired by 90s arcade shooters, it features the same pixel-art charm and side-scrolling action as Syder Arcade.
- #15 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
86% 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 54.1%, Arcade 10.7%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Side Scroller 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: An epic side-scrolling space shooter that offers massive scale and the classic arcade feel of the Darius series.
- #16 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
86% 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 41.7%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Arcade 7.2%, Shooter 6.7%, Side Scroller 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A unique shooter that adds a rotating perspective mechanic to the traditional arcade shooter experience.
- #17 Space Moth DX
85% matchVery Positive81% of 133 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fact: everything is better with lasers. So we put lasers on over 30 angry giant insects who want to stop you, Space Moth, from escaping Earth and going to the Moon. Show them who's boss and blast your way into space! (Check out the all new SPACE MOTH: LUNAR EDITION, linked below!)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.7%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Arcade 10.3%, Action 8.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A great arcade-style bullet-hell game that keeps the focus on fast, reflex-based action.
- #18 Void Invaders
84% 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 48.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Arcade 13.9%, Retro 9%, Action 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: It provides classic arcade-style action with a heavy focus on high scores and retro aesthetics.
- #19 Bit Blaster XL
82% 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 32.1%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Arcade 9.4%, Shooter 8.6%, Space 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A fast, arcade-style reflex test that strips the shooter genre down to its most addictive, core elements.
- #20 Absolute Blue
83% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Side Scroller 9.7%, Arcade 8.8%, Shooter 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A solid, straightforward side-scrolling arcade shooter that fits perfectly into a retro-focused library.
- #21 AngerForce: Reloaded
80% 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 56.7%, Bullet Hell 26.6%, Shooter 16.6%
Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that maintains a strong retro feel through its intense boss battles and enemy patterns.
- #22 Reflex
79% matchVery Positive86% of 1,133 reviews2017
Dev: Easy gamePub: Game for people
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 63%
A simple puzzle game. Simple graphics and nice music. Try your mind in more than 70+ levels. They are waiting for you.
Why similar: Action 52.1%, Indie 47.9%
Why You'll Like It: It offers intense, skill-based gameplay with a unique shield mechanic that adds depth to the classic shooter formula.
- #23 Power-Up
82% matchMixed58% of 263 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 39%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Side Scroller 9.2%, Space 7.5%, Shooter 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled side-scrolling shooter that focuses on simple, addictive gameplay mechanics.
- #24 Zenodyne R
81% 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 66.9%, Action 19.1%, Indie 14%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-perfect retro shooter that delivers the classic arcade challenge without unnecessary filler.
- #25 Super Destronaut DX
79% matchVery Positive88% of 92 reviews2018
Dev: Petite GamesPub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
Inspired by an arcade classic, Super Destronaut DX is retro space shooter that pits you against an enemy more dreaded than a UFO, a scoreboard.
Why similar: Action 60%, Indie 40%
Why You'll Like It: A simple, addictive arcade shooter that pays homage to the earliest days of the genre.
- #26 Star Saviors
78% 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 50.6%, Bullet Hell 18%, Space 6.4%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, Arcade 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: It features classic space-shooter mechanics that will feel familiar to any fan of the genre.
- #27 Cycle 28
78% matchVery Positive81% of 59 reviews2018
Dev: Pill Bug Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cycle 28 is a classic arcade space combat game where you have six minutes to beat your high-score. Simple controls, powerful upgrades, and intense dogfights. Perfect for when you just need to switch off and shoot something. See you on the scoreboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.3%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Arcade 11.5%, Shooter 9%, Space 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-difficulty arcade action game that emphasizes quick reflexes and survival.
- #28 Retro/Grade
77% 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 46.5%, Action 19.6%, Indie 16.6%, Sci-fi 9.5%, Retro 7.9%
- #29 Ultratron
77% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 32.3%, Arcade 16.8%, Retro 11.1%, Action 9.9%, Indie 8.2%
- #30 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
69% 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 42.6%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Shooter 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Retro 7%
- #31 Sky Force Anniversary
75% 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 50.8%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Arcade 9.3%, Action 5.3%, Retro 5.1%
- #32 Sine Mora
76% 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 57.3%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Arcade 7.6%, Side Scroller 5.8%, Action 4.4%
- #33 RefleX
76% matchVery Positive90% of 230 reviews2014
Dev: SITER SKAINPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
The second chapter in one of the most loved and respected Japanese shooting game series ever:The Tale of ALLTYNEX by Japanese indie developer SITER SKAIN. Carefully crafted play experiences, destructive fun, and absorbing gameplay have made the ALLTYNEX trilogy renowned in shooting game communities.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.3%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Arcade 7.5%, Shooter 6.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%
- #34 LUFTRAUSERS
74% 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 34.3%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Arcade 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Shooter 5.5%
- #35 Super Bit Blaster XL
71% 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 40.6%, Bullet Hell 20.9%, Arcade 12%, Space 9%, Sci-fi 7.1%
- #36 Sky Force Reloaded
72% 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 44.7%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 7%, Old School 4.5%
- #37 Waves
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,549 reviews2011
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.5%, Bullet Hell 20.8%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.2%
- #38 Project X: Light Years
65% matchVery Positive96% of 153 reviews2025
Dev: MK_Games
Windows · Linux
The official Project X sequel ✨ Back after 30 years!🎮 A demanding, skill-based experience that rewards patience and mastery. Not every game is for everyone — this one is for players who love a real, fair challenge. Try the demo and see if you’re up for it. Failure teaches. Mastery rewards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 10.7%, Arcade 10.2%, Shooter 9.5%
- #39 Offendron Warrior
73% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.6%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Side Scroller 9.3%, Arcade 8.4%, Shooter 8%
- #40 Ultionus: A Tale of Petty Revenge
74% matchMixed69% of 349 reviews2014
Dev: Last Dimension
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Ultionus is a love-letter to the home computer arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s, with colorful 2D visuals, catchy chiptune music by the legendary Jake 'Virt' Kaufman, and 7 stages of hard-as-nails gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Retro 18.4%, Action 11.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Sci-fi 9.3%
- #41 Echoes+
72% 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 40.6%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Action 10.4%, Arcade 8.5%, Space 7.2%
- #42 ETHER VAPOR Remaster
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 316 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 69.1%, Bullet Hell 9.7%, Shooter 7%, Action 5.3%, Arcade 4.8%
- #43 C-RUSH
75% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.6 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 63.6%, Shooter 8%, Action 7.9%, Arcade 7.7%, Indie 7.1%
- #44 Alien Crusader
71% 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 43.7%, Action 12.4%, Space 11.5%, Indie 9.8%, Sci-fi 7.9%
- #45 Savant - Ascent
70% matchVery Positive92% of 2,796 reviews2013
Dev: D-Pad Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies!Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Action 8.3%, Arcade 7.7%
- #46 Dark Old Sun
70% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2018
Dev: SN!Somos Nerds
Windows · Mac · Linux
A shoot'em up, with focus on choice and progressiveness, so you can choose between a wide selection of weapons, and upgrade them becoming way more powerfull as you play.Big multi-phase bosses and a dramatic story.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Action 18%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Space 8.5%, Shooter 8.5%
- #47 Droid Assault
71% matchVery Positive83% of 374 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Play Droid Assault and experience running blaster battles with hordes of rampaging killer robots! Discover a unique tactical arcade shooter, with the fun addictive gameplay of 8-bit classics. You'll need your wits and the help of your acquired droid squad to stay alive in this fast-paced retro actionfest.
Why similar: Arcade 25%, Action 19.8%, Shooter 16.7%, Indie 14.2%, Retro 12.9%
- #48 Schildmaid MX
65% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Arcade 9.3%, Space 8.1%, Shooter 8%
- #49 Astral Gunners
63% 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 38.3%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Arcade 6.1%, Side Scroller 5.4%
- #50 The Bug Butcher
68% 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 42.1%, Bullet Hell 13.9%, Arcade 11.6%, Action 8.1%, Indie 7.3%
- #51 Sophstar
65% 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 35.9%, Bullet Hell 18%, Arcade 9.2%, Space 7.9%, Shooter 7.6%
- #52 Kromaia
70% matchMostly Positive75% of 118 reviews2014
Dev: Kraken Empire
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The frantic old-school action of classic coin-op shoot-‘em-ups comes crashing headlong into the 21st century. Explosive high-octane blasting combines with hordes of enemies in a 360˚ environment – fly, spin and shoot anywhere and everywhere!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.4%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Arcade 12.4%, Space 7.2%, Action 6.8%
- #53 Switch 'N' Shoot
67% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.3%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 7.9%, Retro 5.9%
- #54 Nova Drift
58% 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 34.7%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 9.1%
- #55 Really Big Sky
69% 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 37.3%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, Indie 10.2%, Space 10.1%, Action 7%
- #56 Revolution Ace
68% 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 57.8%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Arcade 7.2%, Shooter 6.9%, Action 5.6%
- #57 GUNFIELD
59% 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 37.7%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Space 11.1%, Sci-fi 8%, Great Soundtrack 8%