- #1 Super Hydorah
97% matchVery Positive86% of 330 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 41.1%, Retro 10.9%, Arcade 10.8%, Difficult 8.4%, Bullet Hell 7.4%
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 ZeroRanger
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,251 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.8%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Arcade 6.7%, Retro 6.2%, Shooter 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title masterfully blends 90s arcade aesthetics with modern design sensibilities and an incredible, evolving soundtrack.
- #3 Sine Mora EX
96% matchMixed64% of 694 reviews2017
Dev: Digital RealityPub: THQ Nordic Mobile
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 24.3%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Side Scroller 13%, Shooter 8.7%, Difficult 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a high-production, side-scrolling shooter experience that prioritizes cinematic flair and precise, time-based mechanics.
- #4 Jets'n'Guns Gold
95% matchVery Positive87% of 1,532 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 41.8%, Side Scroller 12.6%, Bullet Hell 9.9%, Space 6.1%, Difficult 5.2%
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.
- #5 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 24.4%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Side Scroller 10.6%, Space 9.6%, Shooter 8.4%
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.
- #6 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
93% matchVery Positive84% of 624 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 33.9%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Retro 9%, Arcade 6.9%, Difficult 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 Danmaku Unlimited 3
92% matchVery Positive87% of 247 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.4 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 40%, Bullet Hell 32.9%, Arcade 9.1%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Action 5.7%
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.
- #8 BLUE REVOLVER
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 916 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 50.4%, Bullet Hell 27.5%, Arcade 7.7%, Difficult 3.5%, Action 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-energy shooter that captures the frantic intensity and retro charm of the 90s arcade scene.
- #9 1993 Space Machine
91% matchMixed70% of 387 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 20.6%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Side Scroller 10%, Space 8.3%, Shooter 7.6%
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.
- #10 Mushihimesama
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,580 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.9 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 42.5%, Bullet Hell 36%, Arcade 9.5%, Difficult 5.5%, Action 3%
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 Bit Blaster XL
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,157 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.5 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 21.1%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Shooter 9.1%, Space 9%, Difficult 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A fast, arcade-style reflex test that strips the shooter genre down to its most addictive, core elements.
- #12 Ghost Blade HD
89% 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 49.5%, Bullet Hell 32.7%, Action 9.5%, Indie 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern arcade shooter with a great soundtrack that emphasizes classic scoring and pattern recognition.
- #13 Graze Counter GM
86% matchVery Positive97% of 206 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 29.7%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Shooter 9.7%, Difficult 9.2%, Arcade 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: It blends modern mechanics with a classic arcade feel, rewarding players for taking risks near enemy fire.
- #14 DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours
87% 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 48.8%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, Side Scroller 10.4%, Arcade 10.3%, Space 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: An epic side-scrolling space shooter that offers massive scale and the classic arcade feel of the Darius series.
- #15 Infinos Gaiden
86% matchVery Positive98% of 87 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 67.7%, Action 11.8%, Indie 9.4%, Arcade 7.2%, 2D 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, classic 2D side-scrolling shooter that focuses on tight controls and retro-inspired level design.
- #16 Ikaruga
85% matchVery Positive95% of 2,373 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 44.6%, Bullet Hell 31%, Arcade 9.1%, Shooter 4.3%, Difficult 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive arcade shooter for players who enjoy mechanical depth and high-skill, pattern-based gameplay.
- #17 Absolute Blue
84% matchMostly Positive72% of 57 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 21.7%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Side Scroller 11.7%, Shooter 9%, Space 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A solid, straightforward side-scrolling arcade shooter that fits perfectly into a retro-focused library.
- #18 Power-Up
84% 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 30.3%, Bullet Hell 14%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Space 9.5%, Shooter 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled side-scrolling shooter that focuses on simple, addictive gameplay mechanics.
- #19 Space Moth DX
83% matchVery Positive80% of 136 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 36.9%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Difficult 8.2%, Action 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A great arcade-style bullet-hell game that keeps the focus on fast, reflex-based action.
- #20 AngerForce: Reloaded
82% 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 46.5%, Bullet Hell 31.7%, Shooter 21.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that maintains a strong retro feel through its intense boss battles and enemy patterns.
- #21 Zenodyne R
82% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 27%
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 66.2%, Action 19%, Indie 14.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-perfect retro shooter that delivers the classic arcade challenge without unnecessary filler.
- #22 REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
81% 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 30.8%, Bullet Hell 18%, Side Scroller 8.2%, Shooter 7.9%, 2.5D 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A unique shooter that adds a rotating perspective mechanic to the traditional arcade shooter experience.
- #23 Reflex
79% matchVery Positive86% of 1,200 reviews2017
Dev: Easy gamePub: Game for people
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 5.2 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 50.6%, Indie 49.4%
Why You'll Like It: It offers intense, skill-based gameplay with a unique shield mechanic that adds depth to the classic shooter formula.
- #24 Super Destronaut DX
80% matchVery Positive88% of 95 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 58.5%, Indie 41.5%
Why You'll Like It: A simple, addictive arcade shooter that pays homage to the earliest days of the genre.
- #25 Star Saviors
78% matchVery Positive82% of 1,685 reviews2016
Dev: Sharpened Edge Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.7 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 44.3%, Bullet Hell 23%, Space 9.2%, Arcade 4.1%, Action 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: It features classic space-shooter mechanics that will feel familiar to any fan of the genre.
- #26 Void Invaders
79% matchVery Positive85% of 418 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 52.3%, Arcade 16%, Retro 15.8%, Action 8.5%, Indie 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: It provides classic arcade-style action with a heavy focus on high scores and retro aesthetics.
- #27 Super Bit Blaster XL
76% matchVery Positive94% of 887 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 27.7%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Space 10%, Arcade 8.8%, Survival 8.2%
- #28 Ultratron
77% matchVery Positive88% of 696 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 26.2%, Retro 14.8%, Arcade 14.5%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Shooter 8.3%
- #29 Cycle 28
78% matchVery Positive81% of 59 reviews2018
Dev: Pill Bug Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
A BAFTA Cymru-nominated arcade space shooter about momentum. There is no brake. You learn to fly with what you've got, die, and get a little better each time. No random builds, no unfair deaths. Every run you lose, you lost. Just one more cycle.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Space 13.3%, Difficult 9.4%, Arcade 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-difficulty arcade action game that emphasizes quick reflexes and survival.
- #30 Retro/Grade
77% matchVery Positive84% of 396 reviews2013
Dev: 24 Caret Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Play a classic Shoot 'Em Up... in reverse!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.8%, Action 17.7%, Indie 16%, Sci-fi 13%, Retro 11.6%
- #31 Sky Force Reloaded
74% matchVery Positive93% of 2,778 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 15.0 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 34.1%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 8.5%, Old School 7.8%
- #32 Offendron Warrior
76% matchVery Positive87% of 52 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 21.5%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Space 9%, Shooter 8.9%
- #33 Droid Assault
75% 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 20.6%, Shooter 20.5%, Retro 16.3%, Action 15.4%, Sci-fi 13.3%
- #34 Sine Mora
75% matchVery Positive82% of 942 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: THQ Nordic Mobile
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 49.8%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Side Scroller 9%, Arcade 7%, Shooter 6%
- #35 Sky Force Anniversary
73% matchVery Positive92% of 2,173 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 41.1%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Arcade 8.2%, Retro 6.9%, Shooter 6.6%
- #36 Kickback: Shoot to Move! 👾
69% matchVery Positive100% of 69 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: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Shooter 9.2%, Survival 8.2%, Space 7.4%
- #37 Sophstar
71% matchVery Positive100% of 107 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 25.5%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Space 9.1%, Shooter 8.6%, Retro 7.2%
- #38 The Bug Butcher
72% matchVery Positive90% of 1,205 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 22.9%, Bullet Heaven 20.2% ★, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Difficult 7.6%, Arcade 7.4%
- #39 VARYZNEX
69% matchVery Positive98% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: zakichi
Windows
classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.8%, Space 13.1%, Side Scroller 13%, Shooter 9.7%, Retro 7.9%
- #40 Enemy Mind
72% matchVery Positive85% of 800 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Space 11.5%, Shooter 10.2%, Side Scroller 9.5%
- #41 Alien Crusader
73% matchMixed63% of 103 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 34.8%, Space 14.9%, Difficult 12.5%, Action 9.9%, Sci-fi 9.5%
- #42 Gunlocked
69% matchVery Positive86% of 517 reviews2022
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
Why similar: Bullet Heaven 31.2% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Bullet Hell 13.7%, Shooter 6.7%, Arcade 5.6%
- #43 Project X: Light Years
66% matchVery Positive95% of 179 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 26.5%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Side Scroller 14%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 8.5%
- #44 Cyberhunt
70% matchVery Positive85% of 2,923 reviews2017
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Cyberhunt is a retro procedurally generated twin stick shooter, that takes you back to the sweet to the sweet arcade machines era!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Space 12.6%, Retro 8.7%, Arcade 8.3%
- #45 Switch 'N' Shoot
70% matchVery Positive96% of 155 reviews2016
Dev: Matt Glanville
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Shooter 9.3%, Difficult 9.1%, Arcade 8.1%
- #46 C-RUSH
74% matchMostly Negative23% of 105 reviews2014
Dev: Artnumeris
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 7.0 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 57.8%, Shooter 11.6%, Side Scroller 8.9%, Arcade 7.5%, Action 7.2%
- #47 Shoot 1UP DX
71% matchVery Positive81% of 157 reviews2015
Dev: Mommy's Best Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.6 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 26%, Bullet Hell 18%, Side Scroller 13.6%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 7.7%
- #48 Cyberpunk 3776
73% matchMixed51% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: Peter Hann
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 22%
Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Space 8.8%, Shooter 8.5%
- #49 Super Destronaut
70% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2016
Dev: Petite Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 3.0 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 36.1%, Space 18.3%, Shooter 12.4%, Arcade 11.6%, Retro 11%
- #50 Steredenn: Binary Stars
68% matchVery Positive88% of 969 reviews2015
Dev: Pixelnest StudioPub: TyGAMES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 70.1 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 30.4%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Side Scroller 11.2%, Shooter 11.1%, Arcade 9.2%
- #51 Waves
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,571 reviews2011
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 6.1 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 34%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Shooter 14.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Retro 8.3%
- #52 Truxton Extreme
62% matchVery Positive95% of 105 reviews2026
Dev: TatsujinPub: Clear River Games AB
Windows
Take down hordes of alien invaders with your Power Shot, Truxton Beam, Thunder Laser, Homing Shot, Star‑mine Shot, and more! Don't forget to breathe as you face off against gigantic bosses in the ultimate battle for humanity’s survival!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Space 11.2%, 2.5D 8.4%, Old School 7.9%
- #53 Grav Blazer Squared
71% matchMixed41% of 87 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 12%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Bullet Hell 20.7%, Shooter 11.8%, Space 10.1%, Arcade 8.5%
- #54 Schildmaid MX
66% 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 29.9%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Space 9.9%, Shooter 9.6%, Retro 8.9%
- #55 Gamma Bros
67% matchVery Positive92% of 166 reviews2018
Dev: PixeljamPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Guide the Gamma Brothers through waves of alien attacks, blasting your way home from work in this frantic twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Shooter 10.2%, Space 9.6%, Arcade 7.7%
- #56 Rigid Force Alpha
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 136 reviews2018
Dev: com8com1 Software
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 23.6%, Bullet Hell 14%, Side Scroller 11.6%, Shooter 9.8%, Space 8.7%
- #57 Out Zone
65% matchVery Positive91% of 75 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.6%, Old School 14.6%, Arcade 13.3%, Retro 12.6%, Co-op 10.5%