- #1 The Art Of Flight
97% matchPositive93% of 14 reviews2025
Dev: Et Al GamesPub: Page To Pixel Publishing LLC
Windows
Play solo or with your friends in this fast-paced space shooter. Pilot multiple ships at the same time while taking on waves of enemies, finding power-ups, and gaining additional episodes along the way. Who will make it to the top of the leaderboard?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 16%, Local Co-Op 14.7%, Top-Down Shooter 11.7%, Difficult 10.6%
- #2 Never Not Shooting
96% 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 20%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Local Co-Op 9.8%, Arcade 8.9%, Local Multiplayer 8.7%
- #3 Wish Project
96% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2016
Dev: Andrew Willman
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Wish Project is a vertical shoot 'em up that features unique and challenging bullet patterns, 4 difficulties ranging from casual to hardcore, 8 unique playable characters, 6 stages, local co-op, unlockable characters and game modes, and an intuitive scoring system that encourages replay and mastery.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Local Co-Op 14.8%, Difficult 10.5%, Shooter 8.2%
- #4 SUPER FLAIL
95% matchVery Positive93% of 158 reviews2018
Dev: CryptMadePub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 44%
SUPER FLAIL is a fast-paced arcade score attack game of flail-swinging rampage. Swing your flail to destroy everything until you die. Compare your score with other players and get on the top of the leaderboards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.5%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Top-Down Shooter 13%, Difficult 12%, Shooter 8.2%
- #5 Crisis Wing
94% matchVery Positive90% of 89 reviews2020
Dev: Pieslice Productions
Windows · Mac
Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Top-Down Shooter 12%, Difficult 11.5%, Local Co-Op 7.8%
- #6 Eigengrau
93% matchVery Positive100% of 88 reviews2023
Dev: Martin Mauersics
Windows · Mac · Linux
A twist at every turn! Explore a colorful shoot 'em up with varied and diverse gameplay beyond the familiar shooting and dodging. Every situation, every enemy, and every boss offers a different handcrafted experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Difficult 10.4%, Local Co-Op 8.7%, Arcade 8.3%
- #7 Spinner Invaders
94% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Wobi Games
Windows
Shoot your way through a thrilling action adventure of 120 waves in 4 different game modes while fighting against waves of enemies and 12 extreme bosses. Save the world from The General by yourself or with a friend locally and play 10 different Challenges.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Difficult 12.1%, Local Co-Op 9.6%, Shooter 8.5%
- #8 Bullet Hell Monday: Finale
91% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
"Bullet Hell Monday: Finale" is a beginner-friendly bullet hell shooter. Upgrade your craft, clear the Chapter Mode, defeat bosses, and enhance your abilities to conquer stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Top-Down Shooter 14.5%, Difficult 12.4%, Shooter 7.4%
- #9 Danmaku Unlimited 4 WYVER ULTRA
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Arise Wyver and fly against overwhelming odds in this modern labor of love tribute to classic shoot'em ups!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Difficult 9.4%, Arcade 8.8%
- #10 .Decluster & .Decluster Zero
90% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
The vertical scrolling shooter game '.Decluster' and its sequel '.Decluster Zero' are now available in one package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Bullet Hell 21.1%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Shooter 10.9%, Arcade 7.1%
- #11 Warding Witches
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SonorodePub: Headup
Windows · Linux
Warding Witches offers a classic, unapologetic bullet hell shoot ‘em up challenge while also putting defense into players’ hands. Experience an adrenaline-filled flow alternating between attacking, defending and dodging, amplified by an intuitive scoring system that weaves into gameplay seamlessly.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Bullet Hell 25.7%, Arcade 12%, Local Co-Op 10.4%, Difficult 7.6%
- #12 Vulture Strike
89% match8 user reviews75% of 8 reviews2017
Dev: Vulture Strike
Windows · Mac · Linux
Vulture Strike is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you have the ability to travel between 2 parallel timelines whenever you want.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Difficult 14.8%, Arcade 10.5%, Action 7.1%
- #13 Metis One
89% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2018
Dev: Actuator GamesPub: Actuator Games LLC
Windows
Metis One is an action-packed co-op top down shooter in the design style of the arcade classics. Take command of the A6-Gravitus to defend the people of Jupiter Colony, Metis One, against an unrelenting alien onslaught. With Drop-In Co-op, Player Two can join the action at anytime!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Bullet Hell 15%, Top-Down Shooter 12.6%, Difficult 12%, Shooter 7.9%
- #14 BIRDCAGE
86% matchVery Positive97% of 196 reviews2025
Dev: POLYGON BIRD
Windows
Shoot, slash and weave through bullets and enemies in this story-driven arcade shooter. The RADON Daughters have launched their ultimate weapon. Take control of the experimental gunship HALCYON and break out of the CAGE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.6%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Difficult 11.9%, Shooter 8.4%
- #15 Airstrife: Assault of the Aviators
87% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2021
Dev: Kenisoft Game Studio
Windows
Use Aileron Rolling or Evading your enemies' attacks while having a realistic damage system. Use different planes with upgradable parts and numerous weapons you can mount to your planes to destroy your enemies. Fly solo or play with your friends and enjoy local coop. A modern re-invented classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Difficult 10.1%, Local Co-Op 9.5%, Top-Down Shooter 8.6%
- #16 Marimoth
86% matchPositive85% of 13 reviews2021
Dev: Nether Lamp
Windows
Marimoth is a short shoot 'em up that puts in control of a moth whose shots bounce off the walls. Calculate your aim, evade enemy attacks by learning their patterns and collect coins to power up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Arcade 11.8%, Difficult 9.3%, Shooter 8.6%
- #17 BULLETnico
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Nico Duggert
Windows
COMMANDER BULLET is out to safe the UNIVERSE!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.1%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Difficult 13.6%, Arcade 8.3%, Shooter 7.6%
- #18 Sky Force Reloaded
84% 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 21.7%, Bullet Hell 16.5%, Local Co-Op 14%, Top-Down Shooter 11.9%, Arcade 9%
- #19 Battle AirForce
83% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2025
Dev: SUZUKIPLAN
Windows · Mac · Linux
Three years after Battle Marine a new battle is about to begin! Battle AirForce is the first orthodox style vertical scrolling bullet hell STG since NOKOGI Rider by SUZUKI PLAN. It was created in Z80 full assembly language, aiming at a level close to the limit of VGS-Zero.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Top-Down Shooter 15.2%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 7.4%
- #20 Burst Fighter
84% matchPositive90% of 29 reviews2017
Dev: Lion CorePub: indie.io
Windows
Burst Fighter is a shoot'em up game with unique customizable ship feature fused with modern graphic and gorgeous art styles. Dodge, counter, and defeat various enemies / attack patterns. Experience more than 8 challenging and intense boss battles.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Local Co-Op 12.7%, Top-Down Shooter 12%, Local Multiplayer 9.6%
- #21 Sky Force Anniversary
82% 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 30.9%, Bullet Hell 20.4%, Local Co-Op 11.2%, Top-Down Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 8.6%
- #22 Spinner Invaders 2: A Mad Revenge
85% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Wobi Games
Windows
Shoot your way through a thrilling action adventure of 120 waves in 4 different game modes while fighting against waves of enemies and 12 extreme bosses. Save the world from a new mystery threat by yourself or with a friend locally and play 10 different Challenges.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Local Co-Op 14.8%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Local Multiplayer 10.5%
- #23 Cosmo Chaser
82% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: Choi Jaewook
Windows
Cosmo Chaser is space fighter action game which presents restless shooting battle. It demonstrates new style of vertical scroll shooter by presenting classic arcade action in 3D space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Bullet Hell 21%, Cyberpunk 9.7%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Arcade 8.3%
- #24 Suicide Runners
81% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 8.1%, Sci-fi 7.5%
- #25 NANOFORCE tactical surgeon fighter
80% matchPositive86% of 22 reviews2023
Dev: Alec's factory
Windows
Climb into the cockpit of an overpowered micro unit and fight against an invisible enemy that threatens the Human race. Progress through numerous enemy waves and bosses across more than 7 levels filled with action, secrets, and more !
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Bullet Hell 23.9%, Shooter 12.8%, Arcade 6.9%, Cyberpunk 6%
- #26 Vortex Attack: ボルテックスアタック
81% matchVery Positive82% of 103 reviews2015
Dev: KaleidoGames
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Difficult 12.7%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 7.9%
- #27 Astro Fighters
78% matchPositive94% of 31 reviews2025
Dev: Paul Connor
Windows
Astro Fighters is a tough old school vertical scrolling bullet hell shooter designed to test your skills with non-stop arcade style action. Fight against large bosses at the end of every level and compete for the high score across 4 difficulty modes to be the best fighter pilot in the game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Top-Down Shooter 11.1%, Shooter 10.4%, Arcade 9.4%
- #28 Enemy Mind
79% matchVery Positive85% of 797 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 22.9%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Shooter 10.7%, Local Co-Op 10.6%, Arcade 8.5%
- #29 tz mini stg collection
77% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Arcade 13.4%, Shooter 12.9%, Top-Down Shooter 11.5%
- #30 Laser Droplets
79% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Kikashi Online
Windows · Mac
Laser Droplets is a mixture of shoot ‘em up, bullet-hell, arcade styled, 2D game. It consists of 16 mini stages, each with a unique stage boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Bullet Hell 24.5%, Arcade 14.5%, Top-Down Shooter 12%, Shooter 6.9%
- #31 Rheum
78% matchPositive81% of 27 reviews2018
Dev: SpaceMyFriend
Windows
Jump down the esophagus of a body plagued by viruses and big bad bosses in this reverse vertical scrolling shoot'em up! Collect eye crusties, upgrade your pupils, and clear the screen of bullets with your cornea crushing eye blasts!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Difficult 14.1%, Shooter 9.9%
- #32 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
75% matchVery Positive97% of 357 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover. Earn all the power-ups for an overpowered experience in the all new ARRANGE version.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Bullet Hell 24.7%, Arcade 12.9%, Top-Down Shooter 10.7%, Shooter 10.4%
- #33 Cybxus Heart
77% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2020
Dev: TheDreikPub: Phoenix Reborn Games
Windows
Cybxus Hearts inspired by classic Japanese shooting games. This is a game where you control three different characters at the same time.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 27.4%, Arcade 11.8%, Shooter 10.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%
- #34 Syder Arcade
76% matchVery Positive84% of 692 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.9%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 8.9%, Sci-fi 6.6%
- #35 WOLFLAME
75% matchVery Positive85% of 116 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 31.4%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 11.7%, Sci-fi 5.4%
- #36 Kalzor: 2000
76% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2017
Dev: Roley Games
Windows
Shoot different types of spaceships while avoiding getting shot yourself. Kill 10 minutes at a time with this affordable colourful timewaster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Difficult 11.2%, Top-Down Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 9.6%
- #37 Two by One
74% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Top-Down Shooter 13.2%, Difficult 12.2%, Local Co-Op 10.5%
- #38 4D:XD
73% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2023
Dev: Ryan Brammen
Windows
4D:XD is a top-down 2D bullet hell space shooter. Conquer the game with as few deaths as possible!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Top-Down Shooter 16.2%, Shooter 10.7%, Arcade 9.3%
- #39 HyperShot
74% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Pirate Dog Games
Windows
In this Bullet Hell shooter, the more enemies you shoot, the more enemies spawn! Keep moving so you don't get surrounded, and shoot enough enemies to clear each level.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Difficult 12.8%, Top-Down Shooter 12.1%, Fast-Paced 10.6%
- #40 G-MODEアーカイブス+ 弾幕検定死験-大往生編-
72% matchPositive100% of 13 reviews2022
Dev: G-MODE
Windows
It's time for the death test, bullet believers. Prove your strength in the face of an ever-growing opponent.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 27.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.5%, Top-Down Shooter 17.5%, Shooter 13.1%, Arcade 11.1%
- #41 Gunvein
70% matchVery Positive97% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.1%, Bullet Hell 25.4%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 8.3%, Sci-fi 6.5%
- #42 STARR RINGER
71% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2022
Dev: Sterling McKay
Windows
Grab the fate of all life in your hands. Blast your way through the cosmos, destroying monstrous cosmic beasts and the space cultists summoning them, on your path to stopping your mother from unleashing the chaos realm upon the universe, in this sci-fi cosmic horror bullet-hell, STARR RINGER.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Top-Down Shooter 12.3%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 10.5%
- #43 Crome: Before Purgatory
71% matchPositive88% of 49 reviews2019
Dev: Stumphead Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Inspired by the heyday of 8-bit arcade gaming, Crome: Before Purgatory is an intense space shoot em' up experience. Play as the Galactic Consul's best star pilot, Crome, and fend off endless the hoards of invaders while competing for the top score on the global leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Difficult 13.7%, Arcade 10%, Action 9.1%
- #44 The Bug Butcher
70% 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 24.3%, Local Co-Op 17.5%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, Arcade 10.2%, Difficult 8.6%
- #45 Revolution Ace
72% 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 39.9%, Bullet Hell 18%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Shooter 8.5%, Arcade 7.5%
- #46 Andro Dunos II
69% matchVery Positive93% of 215 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.0 hrs≥1hr: 31%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.8%, Bullet Hell 21.3%, Difficult 14.2%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 10.4%
- #47 Proto Trigger
73% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Busted Atlas
Windows
An arcade shoot'em up with unique power-infusion gameplay. Face down an unknown army alone or with a friend in online or local co-op. Navigate the cosmos to save the remants of humanity, or join them in extinction!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Local Co-Op 17.2%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Top-Down Shooter 13.1%, Shooter 7.7%
- #48 TCSTRIKERS2
71% match7 user reviews86% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: Project Anthem
Windows
Touhou-like 2D shooting!!! Chubby protagonist!! Orthodox and easy to understand operation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Top-Down Shooter 20.5%, Shooter 10.8%, Action 4.8%
- #49 ULTRABUGS
73% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 15.5%, Top-Down Shooter 11.6%, Difficult 10.6%, Shooter 7.3%
- #50 1x! Space Adventure
69% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2020
Dev: Lunar Madcap
Windows
1x! Space Adventure is an arcade top-down shump with gradually increasing difficulty.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Arcade 14%, Shooter 13.5%, Top-Down Shooter 13%
- #51 Bullet Hell Monday: Black
67% matchPositive94% of 33 reviews2023
Dev: Masayuki Ito
Windows
This is a high-difficulty bullet hell shooting game and a sequel to "Bullet Hell Monday." It offers an exciting experience for players who demand advanced skills and precise strategies. As a common system, six types of special weapons are equipped, expanding the player's tactical range.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Bullet Hell 23.2%, Top-Down Shooter 16.4%, Shooter 10.1%, Arcade 8.1%
- #52 Karous
66% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Slash, shoot, guard, grow! Karous, a Dreamcast shoot 'em up originally released back in 2007, is now soaring onto PC. Play as Karous, a girl who lost her parents in a great war with humans. Driven by her father's dying words, she descends to Earth in search of the Sanguis Dei.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Bullet Hell 27.3%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 13.4%, 2D 5%
- #53 The Hurricane of the Varstray -Collateral hazard-
70% matchMostly Positive75% of 212 reviews2015
Dev: Studio SiestAPub: Rocket-Engine Co.,Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
【About "The Hurricane of the Varstray"】"The Hurricane of the Varstray" is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the v
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 23.8%, Arcade 7%, Top-Down Shooter 6.4%, Shooter 6%
- #54 Dininho Space Adventure
68% matchMostly Positive76% of 17 reviews2021
Dev: Dininho
Windows
Dininho sees an imminent threat on a planet within his system. Taken by a mixture of euphoria and concern, Dininho jumps into his ship and without thinking twice, takes off towards what may be the most dangerous and heroic adventure of your life.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Bullet Hell 21.7%, Top-Down Shooter 13.6%, Arcade 13.5%, Shooter 13.3%
- #55 Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
68% 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 31.4%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Arcade 9.1%, Difficult 8.2%, Retro 6%
- #56 Jamestown
66% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.1%, Bullet Hell 22%, Local Co-Op 16.2%, Local Multiplayer 6.5%, Difficult 6.5%
- #57 Feeble Light
67% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31%, Bullet Hell 24%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 11%, Sci-fi 6.7%
- #58 Riders 2491
68% matchMixed55% of 22 reviews2020
Dev: GoeX Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Riders 2491 is an action shoot'em up game that pays homage to the classics of 90’s arcades with modern visuals.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 19.8%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 11.4%, Local Co-Op 8.8%
- #59 Syder Reloaded
64% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.6%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Difficult 11.2%, Shooter 10.1%, Arcade 10%