- #1 Rocking Pilot
97% matchVery Positive93% of 68 reviews2017
Dev: GungroundsPub: Mad Head Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 35.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Action 14.8%, Indie 12.7%, Arcade 11.6%
- #2 Ion Assault
96% matchMixed69% of 181 reviews2010
Dev: CoreplayPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
In ION ASSAULT players wield thousands of Ion Particles to blast, fry and disrupt anything on screen as you see fit! GAMEPLAY WITH A TWIST: By centering its gameplay around its unique fluid and particle physics system, ION ASSAULT adds a twist to arcade style space shooters!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.5%, Action 21.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Indie 16.1%, Arcade 8.7%
- #3 Incandescent
96% matchMixed68% of 172 reviews2015
Dev: Stephen Crabb
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 31.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Action 18.7%, Indie 14.4%, Arcade 8.2%
- #4 Heckabomb
95% matchMixed63% of 313 reviews2015
Dev: Allicorn GamesPub: KISS ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Explosive twin stick shooter. Lots of upgrades. Full controller support. Awesome soundtrack.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 43%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Indie 15.4%, Action 12.4%, Arcade 10.2%
- #5 Project Root
94% matchMixed50% of 115 reviews2014
Dev: OPQAMPub: Reverb Triple XP
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.9%, Action 24%, Indie 16.7%, Arcade 12.4%
- #6 Starship Annihilator
94% matchMixed64% of 354 reviews2016
Dev: IR Studio
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 28.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A classic style vertical scrolling-shooter. Includes 10 levels and 10 boss enemies. You will have several power-ups for weapon modification. Within each level, you will face different enemies, among which will vary from low to extreme levels of threat!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.7%, Indie 37.8%, Action 21.5%
- #7 Solar Shifter EX
93% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.6%, Action 26.9%, Indie 20.5%
- #8 M.A.C.E.
92% matchMixed51% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 98%
MACE is a classic space shoot ’em up, inspired by the legendary Amiga games of this genre. Handdrawn 2D graphics in HD resolutions, parallax scrolling, explosion effects and optimized games mechanics, combined with the proven gameplay are transporting the “Spirit of Amiga” in today’s Age.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Action 28%, Indie 22.2%, Arcade 13%
- #9 Mobile Astro
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 182 reviews2016
Dev: Raxasoft Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Run, gun, and survive! In this twin stick arcade shooter, you'll be fighting your way through countless waves of enemies to restore maximum peace to the galaxy!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 32.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Action 21.6%, Indie 9.7%, Arcade 9.2%
- #10 Bullet Candy
91% matchMixed52% of 87 reviews2007
Dev: R C Knight
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Bullet Candy is a fast paced, action packed arena shooter. There are a variety of combo systems and many secret techniques that you can employ to get the best score and weapon upgrades possible. Viewed from a top-down perspective, Bullet Candy allows for a true 360° shoot-em-up experience.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 45.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Indie 18.1%, Arcade 10.9%
- #11 Horizon Shift
90% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!
Why similar: Action 32%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Indie 22.1%, Arcade 14.4%
- #12 Ultratron
89% matchVery Positive88% of 694 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 41.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Action 14.8%, Arcade 13.1%, Indie 12.3%
- #13 Reign of Bullets
89% matchVery Positive81% of 100 reviews2015
Dev: Critical Bit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Reign of Bullets is a shoot ‘em up with epic loot and lots of guns. Upgrade your ship and customize your weapons to build the ultimate fighter plane.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.1%, Action 24.8%, Indie 20.1%
- #14 Robot Legions Reborn
88% matchMostly Positive78% of 58 reviews2016
Dev: Skyboy Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Shoot in all directions to destroy legions of hostile robots. Upgrade your weapons to become the ultimate robot hunter. Challenge yourself with Hard and Arcade modes, both new to Robot Legions Reborn.
Why similar: Action 53.7%, Indie 46.3%
- #15 Meltdown
86% matchVery Positive85% of 822 reviews2014
Dev: Phenomenon Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Meltdown is a tactical arcade shooter featuring both singleplayer and intense online multiplayer. Become the most skilled soldier, choose your weapons, get the best upgrades, buckle up and start your mission. Be careful, each enemy has it’s own combat style, special AI and gear. Adapt to them to survive!
Why similar: Action 33.7%, Twin Stick Shooter 29.2%, Indie 22.2%, Arcade 14.9%
- #16 PixelJunk™ Shooter Ultimate
86% matchVery Positive88% of 240 reviews2015
Dev: Q-Games Ltd.Pub: Double Eleven
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
CAN YOU SAVE THE SCIENTISTS ON APOXUS PRIME?PixelJunk™ Shooter Ultimate is a twin-stick shooter with equal elements of action and puzzle solving.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 73.2%, Action 26.8%
- #17 Hexodius
87% matchMixed64% of 53 reviews2013
Dev: Brain Slap StudioPub: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%
EXPLORE-EQUIP-ESCAPE!With its potent blend of twin-stick shooting, exploration and customization, HEXODIUS invites players to explore the vast complex, equip their drone with powerful items and upgrades, and ultimately escape the clutches of the deadly enemy droids in a blaze of laser fire!
Why similar: Action 56.8%, Indie 43.2%
- #18 Duke of Alpha Centauri
85% matchMostly Positive77% of 546 reviews2016
Dev: EGAMERPub: SA Industry
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Duke of Alpha Centuri is a space shooter with amazing graphics. The main goal of our game is to have a lot of fun while blowing up hordes of different types of enemies. Engage in boss fights, upgrade your ship and ship systems until you are able to show off in an endless mode.
Why similar: Action 40.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.4%, Indie 28.2%
- #19 Wish Project
84% 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 40.3%, Action 27.2%, Indie 20.9%, Arcade 11.6%
- #20 Particle Wars
83% matchVery Positive94% of 52 reviews2019
Dev: HaDe GamesPub: My Way Games
Windows
Particle wars is a super cool and colorful survival shooter with crazy particle effects, tons of weapons and power-ups! Beat the levels with different approaches and get some great highscores at the infinite mode!
Why similar: Action 42%, Indie 33.3%, Arcade 24.7%
- #21 Inferno 2
84% matchVery Positive86% of 58 reviews2015
Dev: Radiangames
Windows
Inferno 2 is an intense, atmospheric twin-stick adventure-shooter. Blast through 80+ levels full of enemies and secrets while upgrading your ship the way you want.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 67.8%, Action 18%, Indie 14.2%
- #22 Sophstar
79% 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 57.1%, Action 22.4%, Arcade 20.5%
- #23 Dark Old Sun
82% 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: Action 52.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Indie 9.1%
- #24 THOTH
82% matchVery Positive84% of 522 reviews2016
Dev: Carlsen GamesPub: Double Fine Presents
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
THOTH is a challenging twin-stick shooter you can conquer alone or cooperatively with a friend. Each stage is handcrafted to test coordination and puzzle-solving skills. Colorful minimalist graphics combine with an intense unnerving soundtrack, making for an exciting mix of art and arcade.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 55.3%, Action 24.6%, Indie 20%
- #25 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 43%, Action 33%, Indie 24%
- #26 Pixel Star
81% matchVery Positive84% of 117 reviews2015
Dev: Soul Forge
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Action 39.1%, Indie 32.2%, Arcade 28.7%
- #27 satryn deluxe
76% matchVery Positive97% of 132 reviews2021
Dev: maybell🌻
Windows · Linux
a chaotic, infinite twin stick shooty✨
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 64%, Arcade 16.1%, Action 14.3%, Indie 5.6%
- #28 GALAXIUM
80% matchMostly Negative27% of 223 reviews2019
Dev: Tony MuñozPub: Wulum LTD
Windows · Mac
Arcade shoot game inspired on 80’s classics with extra features as you progress.
Why similar: Action 47.7%, Indie 36.7%, Arcade 15.6%
- #29 Shmadow
78% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Action 14.2%, Indie 12.3%
- #30 99 Waves to Die
79% matchMostly Positive77% of 120 reviews2015
Dev: SpookyFish GamesPub: My Way Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 98%
99 Waves to Die is a twin stick arcade shooter, inspired by the arcade games, and 8-bit home consoles & computers of the 1980's.
Why similar: Action 55.8%, Indie 44.2%
- #31 Chroma Blast
77% matchVery Positive82% of 252 reviews2017
Dev: William Cheek
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Chroma Blast is a fast paced twin stick shooter with many different styles of play where you fight through waves of enemies while constantly leveling up your ships colorful arsenal. Beat your friends and challenge yourself in the leaderboards, or seek out a true test of skill for those good enough to find it.
Why similar: Action 55.8%, Indie 44.2%
- #32 Color Chaos
78% matchPositive86% of 50 reviews2016
Dev: Daniel Riley
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Color Chaos is a twin stick shooter that delivers fun and chaotic color swapping arcade action that will keep you coming back time and time again to beat the highscores on the leaderboards.
Why similar: Action 55.8%, Indie 44.2%
- #33 Echoes+
75% 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 40.9%, Action 28.1%, Indie 19%, Arcade 12.1%
- #34 Super Destronaut DX
75% 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%
- #35 Ruzh Delta Z
76% matchMixed62% of 506 reviews2015
Dev: Pribuni
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 14%
Ruzh Delta Z is a frenzied shoot-em-up which draws inspiration from classics such as Gradius, DoDonPachi, and R-Type. Shoot your way through perilous stages and wreck thousands of rogue vessels in your quest to become the ultimate pilot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.3%, Action 36.5%, Indie 25.2%
- #36 Astro Tripper
77% matchMixed57% of 68 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Action 32.7%, Indie 25.9%
- #37 Eigengrau
69% 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 39.3%, Twin Stick Shooter 27.2%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 13.1%, Indie 4.6%
- #38 ASTROLANCER
67% matchVery Positive98% of 135 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 75.1%, Action 24.9%
- #39 Cloud Cutter
71% matchVery Positive87% of 127 reviews2021
Dev: Just Two ltd.
Windows
Cloud Cutter brings you classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay in top notch graphics. Enjoy intense fast-paced explosive action full of epic destruction, arcade style power-ups, lasers and of course huge multi-stage boss fights.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 43.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Arcade 13.7%, Action 13.1%, Indie 1.3%
- #40 Null Vector
72% matchVery Positive96% of 268 reviews2018
Dev: Optical Override
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Trade. Gamble. Fight! Test your arcade chops in Null Vector, a twin-stick shooter rogue-lite. Discover and experiment with thousands of weapon combinations, take strategic advantage of machines to trade and gamble for new ship parts, and unleash your own bullet hell upon the Final Boss!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Arcade 12.8%, Action 10.6%
- #41 BitMaster
74% matchMixed64% of 206 reviews2016
Dev: Vladimir ShlapakPub: Sometimes You
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 91%
BitMaster is a dynamic and colorful twin-stick shooter which design was inspired by such games as Geometry Wars, Crimson Land and Satellite Reign. Game powered by Unreal Engine 4!
Why similar: Action 70.8%, Indie 29.2%
- #42 Hyper Bounce Blast
73% matchVery Positive93% of 89 reviews2016
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Hyper Bounce Blast is a stomach-churning retro shooter blended with classic platforming action. Bounce, shoot and dodge to survive the ever-increasing enemy attack. Bring it on!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.5%, Action 28.6%, Indie 21.4%, Arcade 14.4%
- #43 Galaxy Highways
64% matchVery Positive98% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 84.2%, Action 15.8%
- #44 Star Drifter
74% matchMixed48% of 227 reviews2016
Dev: Nostalgia HoundPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Star Drifter is a super hard and hectic space shooter, inspired by classics such as R Type, Xenon, Galaxian, Moon Cresta and Gradius.
Why similar: Indie 46.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.6%, Action 22.4%
- #45 Z-Exemplar
72% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.6%, Action 32.6%, Indie 24.8%
- #46 Frantic Dimension
70% matchVery Positive91% of 66 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Frantic Dimension is a retro twin-stick shooter inspired by the earliest twin-sticks, 'Space Dungeon' and 'Robotron 2084'. Never stop moving and shooting... or you'll die.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 33.3%, Action 21.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Indie 16.5%, Arcade 10.4%
- #47 Dark Matter
73% matchMixed58% of 154 reviews2015
Pub: Meridian4
Windows
Median: 6 minMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dark Matter is a classic arcade space shooter inspired by Asteroids, featuring fast-paced ship combat, physics-based movement, and score-driven gameplay.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 48.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 32%, Arcade 12.5%, Action 7.4%
- #48 Undercroft Warriors
63% matchMostly Positive79% of 459 reviews2024
Dev: Fuzzy
Windows
Crush the forces of hell and get a high score in this addictive, action-packed, arcade-inspired twin-stick shooter!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Arcade 11.3%, Action 8.3%, Indie 3.1%
- #49 Nebula
66% matchVery Positive87% of 181 reviews2023
Dev: JuTek Pixel
Windows
Survive in the deep void of the galaxy against thousands of invaders! Nebula is a challenging bullet hell, twin stick shooter where you have to face endless waves of space enemies. Additional map resources and space drones can provide you a support but be wary, they can as well become a deadly trap.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 41.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Action 11.5%, Arcade 11%, Indie 8.4%
- #50 Power-Up
73% 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 50%, Action 20.6%, Indie 18.4%, Arcade 11%
- #51 AIPD - Artificial Intelligence Police Department
71% matchVery Positive84% of 51 reviews2016
Dev: Blazing BadgerPub: mamor games
Windows
Enter the AI universe and fight evil AIs with a variety of weapons and modifications. AIPD is a top-down coop twin-stick shooter where you can enjoy thousands of possible combinations of enemy and arena permutations that give you an unprecedented and nearly unlimited arcade experience.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 54.9%, Action 25.1%, Indie 19.9%
- #52 Arcadium - Space Odyssey
59% matchVery Positive94% of 108 reviews2026
Dev: Luciano Bercini
Windows · Mac
Arcadium is a survival roguelite set in a dynamic, ever-changing universe. Journey across space, harvest planetary resources, and craft powerful builds to eradicate relentless waves of aliens. Each playthrough unveils a new and uncharted universe, ensuring endless challenges and discoveries.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 45.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Action 13.1%, Arcade 11.3%
- #53 Kromaia
71% 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 47.6%, Action 19%, Arcade 18.3%, Indie 15.1%
- #54 Polychromatic
70% matchVery Positive94% of 51 reviews2015
Dev: Brushfire Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Polychromatic is a physics-based arcade shooter with a pop of color.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 55.2%, Action 16%, Indie 15.9%, Arcade 12.9%
- #55 Switch 'N' Shoot
68% 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 59.3%, Arcade 23.7%, Indie 9%, Action 7.9%
- #56 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 29.9%, Twin Stick Shooter 27.2%, Indie 21.9%, Action 15%, Arcade 6.1%
- #57 Nowhere Patrol
66% matchVery Positive98% of 222 reviews2018
Dev: Slugsoft
Windows
Nowhere Patrol is a boss rush game with bullet hell and platforming elements. Inspired by classic action arcade games with it's steep difficulty curve and non-stop action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Action 33.6%, Indie 25.9%
- #58 Void Source
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 114 reviews2020
Dev: Xitilon
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 98%
Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses!
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 46.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 31.3%, Arcade 12%, Action 9.7%
- #59 Trigonarium
69% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2015
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Trigonarium is a hardcore twin-stick shooter for fans of challenging arcade gaming. Fight your way through multitudes of enemy formations in constantly shifting battle arenas to face the colossal level bosses.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 51.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.2%, Arcade 8.9%, Action 5.8%, Indie 4.4%
- #60 Star Vortex
58% matchVery Positive85% of 128 reviews2025
Dev: Zorg GamesPub: Hunted Cow Games
Windows
Star Vortex is a fast paced Action-RPG inspired by classics of the genre. Design your ship, fight your way through hostile alien sectors, upgrade as you salvage rare weapons and experiment with different builds until nothing can stand against you.
Why similar: Twin Stick Shooter 49.9%, Action 31.9%, Indie 18.2%