- #1 Bit Blaster XL
97% 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 35.9%, Action 21.7%, Retro 21.2%, Casual 21.2%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, retro-inspired arcade shooter that shares the simple, addictive 'just one more round' appeal of the seed game.
- #2 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
96% matchVery Positive91% of 1,088 reviews2007
Dev: Bizarre CreationsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a old school style shooter, but remixed for the 21st century with next generation graphics and deep, modern gameplay. Playing is simple: you are a geometric "ship" trapped in a grid world, facing off against waves of deadly wanderers, snakes, and repulsars.
Why similar: Retro 29.8%, Casual 23.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.9%, Indie 12.7%, Action 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive twin-stick shooter that inspired the core gameplay loop and aesthetic of TeraBlaster.
- #3 Waves
96% 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 47.1%, Retro 27.1%, Action 25.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, high-intensity twin-stick arena shooter that focuses on movement and precision in a minimalist environment.
- #4 Ultratron
95% 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: Action 28.9%, Retro 26.1%, Indie 25.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%
Why You'll Like It: This robot-themed arena shooter offers the same frantic, arcade-style combat and vibrant visual explosions found in TeraBlaster.
- #5 Crimsonland
94% matchVery Positive93% of 3,083 reviews2014
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes.
Why similar: Action 47.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Indie 26%
Why You'll Like It: A classic top-down arena survival game that excels at filling the screen with hordes of enemies and satisfying power-ups.
- #6 Tesla vs Lovecraft
94% matchVery Positive90% of 1,231 reviews2018
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Tesla vs Lovecraft is an intense top-down twin stick arena shooter from the creators of Crimsonland and Neon Chrome. Play as the enigmatic inventor Nikola Tesla harnessing the static energy to power up Tesla-Mech and give the lovecraftian nightmares a lesson in horror!
Why similar: Action 39.4%, Indie 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game delivers high-intensity twin-stick action with massive explosions and a chaotic, arcade-like atmosphere.
- #7 Super Destronaut DX
93% 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 58.4%, Indie 41.6%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that strips away complexity to focus on pure, addictive shooting mechanics.
- #8 Assault Android Cactus+
92% matchVery Positive94% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Assault Android Cactus is an intense arcade style twin stick shooter - pick from one of nine unique synthetic heroines and blast your way through overwhelming robots hordes to save the ship from its own workforce. Supports single player and local co-op game modes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.5%, Action 35.5%
Why You'll Like It: A highly polished twin-stick shooter that features intense arena combat and a focus on maintaining momentum.
- #9 RagingBlasters
91% matchVery Positive99% of 123 reviews2021
Dev: TERARIN GAMES
Windows
Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Retro 20.5%, Action 18.8%, Casual 14%, Indie 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade shooter that captures the spirit of classic 80s and 90s shoot-em-ups with a modern pixel-art aesthetic.
- #10 FullBlast
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 87 reviews2016
Dev: UFO Crash Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Casual 20.1%, Action 19.9%, Indie 16.5%, Retro 15.2%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade shoot-em-up that provides straightforward, action-packed gameplay with a nostalgic feel.
- #11 Nex Machina
90% matchVery Positive87% of 2,168 reviews2017
Dev: Housemarque
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Nex Machina is an intense arcade style twin-stick shooter from Housemarque. Taking hints from both Robotron and Smash TV, Nex Machina focuses on pure action, voxel destruction and competition in the distant, cablepunk themed future.
Why similar: Action 38.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Indie 23.3%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard for modern arcade twin-stick shooters, it offers unparalleled action and visual flair.
- #12 Q-YO Blaster
89% matchVery Positive91% of 195 reviews2018
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Q-YO Blaster is a shooting game, with peculiar characters, strange enemies, weapons and many explosions. Enter the miniature world and stop the threat
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Action 34.9%, Indie 28.3%
Why You'll Like It: An action-packed shoot-em-up that features unique pixel art and challenging, pattern-based enemy encounters.
- #13 Nuclear Throne
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 19,420 reviews2015
Dev: Vlambeer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 24.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic roguelike-like top-down shooter. Not 'the final hope of humanity' post-apocalyptic, but 'humanity is extinct and mutants and monsters now roam the world' post-apocalyptic. Can you reach the Nuclear Throne?
Why similar: Indie 51%, Action 49%
Why You'll Like It: Features excellent procedural generation and high-stakes arcade action that rewards quick reflexes and strategic positioning.
- #14 Void Invaders
89% 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 31.3%, Action 24.7%, Retro 22.5%, Indie 21.5%
Why You'll Like It: This arcade-style shooter emphasizes high scores and relentless enemy waves in a colorful, retro-inspired setting.
- #15 Monolith
86% matchMostly Positive77% of 335 reviews2023
Dev: Animation Arts
Windows · Linux
A classical science fiction point and click adventure which takes you into a deep story and murky atmosphere, while solving logical puzzles. Accompany Tessa Carter and her talking robot as she finds out about herself and searches for a way to survive.
Why similar: Indie 100%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that combines tight, responsive controls with procedural elements for a challenging arcade experience.
- #16 Galagan's Island: Reprymian Rising
87% matchVery Positive80% of 123 reviews2015
Dev: Skinny Jean Death StudiosPub: Volens Nolens Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Galagan's Island is an Arcade style Space Shooter paying loving homage to classic arcade style & difficulty. This Bullet Hell is sure to satisfy your Shmup Shortage! Featuring 25 LEVELS of handcrafted whimsical charm. Formations so pretty you almost don't want to destroy them.
Why similar: Action 29.5%, Casual 27.9%, Indie 25%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that blends classic mechanics with modern polish and a distinct, charming visual style.
- #17 Space Codex
86% matchVery Positive81% of 412 reviews2016
Dev: takk
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Space Codex is a casual retro arcade minimal awesome top-down shooter featuring waves of enemy spaceships with different attacks in what is, literally, a bullet hell. To beat them, you will have power-up options available through the map. The game only gets harder. How long can you stay alive?
Why similar: Casual 46.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Retro 25.2%
Why You'll Like It: A casual, retro-inspired arcade shooter that focuses on simple, repetitive, and satisfying combat loops.
- #18 Waves 2: Notorious
85% matchVery Positive93% of 322 reviews2015
Dev: Squid In A Box Ltd
Windows · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 20.3 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Waves 2: Notorious is an arcade twin-stick shooter set in Cyberspace. Build Combos, earn Adrenaline and unleash powerful Burst attacks as you Dive into the Net and do battle against an AI that adapts to your weaknesses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67.4%, Action 32.6%
Why You'll Like It: An evolution of the original, offering refined twin-stick arena combat with modern visual effects and deep scoring mechanics.
- #19 Duke of Alpha Centauri
83% 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 32.6%, Casual 29.1%, Indie 24.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%
Why You'll Like It: A casual, space-themed arcade shooter that provides a straightforward and enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.
- #20 Astro Tripper
84% 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: Action 39.3%, Indie 33.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced arcade action with a classic feel, perfect for players who enjoy the intensity of TeraBlaster.
- #21 Power-Up
84% 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 32.2%, Action 24%, Indie 23%, Retro 20.8%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired shoot-em-up that features side-scrolling action and a focus on classic arcade difficulty.
- #22 Roche Fusion
82% matchVery Positive94% of 96 reviews2015
Dev: amulware
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Roche Fusion is a retro, over the top space shooter. An all you can shoot buffet; fast paced and procedurally generated; with crazy waves of enemies, awesome upgrades and wicked boss-fights! Also: Explosions. Lots of explosions.
Why similar: Action 27.1%, Casual 26.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Indie 23%
Why You'll Like It: A procedurally generated shoot-em-up that keeps gameplay fresh by constantly changing the enemy waves and power-up drops.
- #23 Chroma Blast
81% 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 35.3%, Casual 34.8%, Indie 29.9%
Why You'll Like It: A colorful, fast-paced arcade shooter that emphasizes visual feedback and rapid-fire combat.
- #24 Half Hour Hexagon
78% matchVery Positive84% of 112 reviews2023
Dev: Carson Kompon
Windows
Obliterate a never-ending horde of enemies while you attempt to reach the 30 minute mark. Race to earn XP and level up to gain new items and opportunities for each run to become stronger than the last.
Why similar: Action 45.5%, Casual 43.7%, Retro 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced arcade action game that introduces a unique geometric twist to the traditional shooter formula.
- #25 Stellar 2D
82% matchMixed41% of 975 reviews2015
Dev: quad gamesPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Stellar 2D is a retro style space arcade game, it's a 2D game in a 3D world. With an addictive, fast paced, casual game-play style.
Why similar: Indie 48.5%, Casual 20%, Action 19.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: A casual 2D shooter that captures the retro arcade vibe with accessible controls and constant action.
- #26 Starblast
79% matchVery Positive81% of 1,077 reviews2017
Dev: Neuronality
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Fun, fast paced online multiplayer arcade space shooter. Take control of your spaceship, mine asteroids, increase your stats, upgrade to different types of spaceships with improved stats and weapons. Fight against other players and collect their gems.
Why similar: Action 30.5%, Casual 26.1%, Indie 24.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%
Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer space shooter that incorporates arcade-style progression and fast-paced combat in a competitive environment.
- #27 Disastr_Blastr
81% matchVery Positive83% of 52 reviews2016
Dev: Dog Theory
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 99%
Descend into a radical new dimension of abstract minimalist arcade fury in Disastr_Blastr! Blaze your merciless path of devastation through an expansive non-linear game world with 100+ stages of cortex-shattering cubic mayhem!
Why similar: Action 53.1%, Indie 46.9%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist twin-stick shooter that focuses on high-intensity gameplay and clean, readable visuals.
- #28 Pixel Star
80% 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 53.1%, Indie 46.9%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-style arcade shooter that leans into space themes and classic, straightforward enemy patterns.
- #29 Grav Blazer
79% matchMixed48% of 157 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.9 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 28.2%, Action 26.7%, Casual 24.6%, Indie 20.4%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D arcade shooter that prioritizes simple, addictive gameplay mechanics over complex narrative or systems.
- #30 GalaxIverse
78% matchMostly Positive73% of 59 reviews2016
Dev: Sub Orbital Software
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
GalaxIverse is a top down fast paced vertical blastathon, Battle Fleets and formations of aliens with the occasional boss thrown in for good luck.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Action 23.6%, Casual 21.7%, Indie 20.5%
Why You'll Like It: A simple, casual arcade shooter that focuses on quick sessions and high-score competition.
- #31 Ruzh Delta Z
77% 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: Action 31.8%, Casual 26.3%, Indie 23.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%
- #32 Hyper Bounce Blast
75% 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: Action 40.3%, Indie 32.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%
- #33 Blaster Shooter GunGuy!
77% matchMixed44% of 410 reviews2015
Dev: Adam DeLease
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Blaster Shooter GunGuy is a 2D action rage platformer. Similar in nature to games such as IWBTG. But also inspired by Mega Man and Mega Man X.
Why similar: Action 34.3%, Casual 33.2%, Retro 32.5%
- #34 Cube Destroyer
74% matchVery Positive85% of 1,159 reviews2016
Dev: Freedomize Studio
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Cube Destroyer is a top-down shooter with a dynamic gameplay.
Why similar: Indie 42.2%, Action 31.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%
- #35 Grav Blazer Squared
76% matchMixed40% of 85 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
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 35.7%, Action 19.3%, Retro 18.8%, Casual 18.4%, Indie 7.8%
- #36 Jet Gunner
75% matchMostly Positive74% of 627 reviews2014
Dev: Sinclair Strange
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Jet Gunner is a 2D platform action indie game that's full of Nestalgia. Full of action, gunfights, bosses and explosions so if you're into the whole 8-Bit vibe you should love this. From the sound, to the graphics to the flicker, this should pay tribute to those classic hard as nails, run 'n' gun games.
Why similar: Action 53.2%, Indie 23.8%, Retro 22.9%
- #37 Star Drifter
76% 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 44.7%, Action 20.3%, Casual 19.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.8%
- #38 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 37.2%, Action 21.8%, Casual 20.9%, Retro 20%
- #39 Galactic Bulwark Strike
73% matchVery Positive96% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Josep G. Camarasa
Windows
An addictive physics-based mix of a shoot'em up and arkanoid. Defeat all the enemies while you keep the ball alive in this frantic retro-styled arcade game.
Why similar: Action 34.8%, Casual 34.3%, Indie 30.9%
- #40 Neon Hardcorps
74% matchMixed47% of 311 reviews2016
Dev: Sergey DovganovskiyPub: Back To Basics Gaming
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Neon Hardcorps is a fast paced top down action shooter, inspired by games such as Contra, Metal Slug, Super Turrican, Cybernator, Realm and Doom Troopers.
Why similar: Indie 66.2%, Action 33.8%
- #41 Geometry Arena
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,401 reviews2021
Dev: 011 Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A free-form arena-shooter Roguelite with heavy emphasis on building an overpowered character! You play as a little shape that shoots other shapes! Strengthen your character by mixing and matching mods and upgrades, and experiment with a limitless rune upgrade system!
Why similar: Action 38.2%, Casual 35.6%, Indie 26.1%
- #42 Tiamat X
73% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
Dev: BBQ Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.
Why similar: Action 38.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 34%, Indie 27.7%
- #43 Dead6hot
73% matchMixed46% of 508 reviews2016
Dev: Chuck ProductionsPub: New Reality Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Fast-paced shooting in a frantic atmosphere! Pick-up-and-play, like the good old days! Local multiplayer!
Why similar: Action 81.1%, Casual 18.9%
- #44 Droid Assault
72% 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: Action 43.8%, Indie 33.4%, Retro 22.8%
- #45 Sophstar
68% 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 41.8%, Action 29.8%, Retro 28.4%
- #46 Rocking Pilot
71% 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: Action 27.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 26%, Indie 25.6%, Retro 20.5%
- #47 1982
69% matchVery Positive93% of 801 reviews2017
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 36%
1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.
Why similar: Retro 30.8%, Action 21.7%, Casual 20.1%, Indie 17.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.8%
- #48 Razerwire:Nanowars
70% matchVery Positive86% of 109 reviews2018
Dev: Hammer & Ravens
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 32%
A modern revisitation of the 80s arcades. Use your Razerwire to cut through waves of nanobugs with a rogue-like inspired progression.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.4%, Action 24.9%, Casual 23.7%
- #49 Outnumbered
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 241 reviews2022
Dev: Amped Horizon
Windows
Outnumbered is a mass-enemy top-down shooter with rogue-lite elements. You may be greatly outnumbered, but not outpowered. Evolve into the ultimate weapon of destruction!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.5%, Casual 24.6%, Action 24.5%, Indie 20.4%
- #50 Hyper Sentinel
70% matchVery Positive84% of 68 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 21%
A face-melting, pixel-pumping arcade shoot 'em up featuring awesome power-ups, epic boss battles and spectacular effects at a blistering 60fps. Blast into battle against giant space destroyers in Arcade Mode, tackle endless waves of enemies in Survival Mode and face off against epic level guardians in Boss Run mode.
Why similar: Action 28.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Indie 23.9%, Retro 21%
- #51 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: Shoot 'Em Up 47.5%, Action 23.3%, Retro 19.9%, Indie 9.3%
- #52 Vektor Wars
70% matchMixed68% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Integer Overflow
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Certified 100% pure arcade action, rendered in eye-melting neon vectors, Vektor Wars is classic first-person blasting for the shooter connoisseur.
Why similar: Retro 31.5%, Action 26%, Indie 21.5%, Casual 21%
- #53 Geometry Survivor
65% matchMostly Positive75% of 102 reviews2024
Dev: Brain Seal Ltd
Windows
Geometry Survivor is rogue-lite survival where you fight waves of enemies. Unlock innovative upgrades in the shop, acquire new ships and conquer the unforgiving grid world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.6%, Retro 23.6%, Action 22.9%, Casual 20%
- #54 Gal-X-E
69% matchVery Positive86% of 91 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Gal-X-E aims to revive the old-school shoot em up genre, and adds modern elements to it! Fight your way through endless waves of randomly generated madness! Collect spaceships and show the enemy who's boss!
Why similar: Casual 36.1%, Action 35.2%, Indie 28.7%
- #55 Jetboard Joust
67% matchVery Positive82% of 99 reviews2020
Dev: BitBull LtdPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Fast & fluid arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements! Take flight on a lethal rocket-powered jetboard, blasting alien invaders with an explosive arsenal of ridiculous weaponry. Face off against massive, multi-stage bosses. Jetboard Joust resurrects the spirit of the arcade for the 21st century!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Retro 32.6%, Action 26.3%
- #56 Frantic Dimension
67% 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: Action 36.3%, Indie 29.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Retro 16.9%
- #57 GALAXIUM
69% 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 36.7%, Casual 33.1%, Indie 30.2%
- #58 AngerForce: Reloaded
66% 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 100%