- #1 Assault Android Cactus+
97% matchVery Positive94% of 2,019 reviews2015
Dev: Witch Beam
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.3 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 19.2%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, Difficult 12.4%, Fast-Paced 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers the same frantic, high-speed twin-stick arcade action and constant positioning challenges.
- #2 Pang Adventures
96% matchVery Positive81% of 451 reviews2016
Dev: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The Pang series is a beloved collection of arcade video games from the early 90s. Guide two brothers on a quest around the world to save humankind from a massive alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Arcade 17.5%, Local Co-Op 16.7%, Retro 9.6%, Fast-Paced 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: As the modern continuation of the Super Pang series, it shares the exact same vertical bouncing-bubble-popping mechanics that inspired the seed game.
- #3 Bleed 2
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 914 reviews2017
Dev: Ian Campbell
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game featuring air-dodging, bullet-reflecting, and tons of bosses. Now with randomly-generated levels and daily challenges, too!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.4%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Local Co-Op 16.1%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Delivers non-stop, adrenaline-pumping action with a heavy focus on dodging and quick reflexes.
- #4 Steredenn: Binary Stars
95% 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 19.9%, Fast-Paced 18.6%, Local Co-Op 16.9%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Co-op 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines fast-paced arcade shooting with chaotic randomized weapon loadouts for high replayability.
- #5 Hell is Other Demons
94% matchVery Positive93% of 339 reviews2019
Dev: Cuddle Monster Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Hell is Other Demons is an action-platform shooter, with Roguelite elements. Explore a sprawling, hand-crafted world full of demons, insanely over-the-top boss fights, and a heavy synthwave soundtrack.
Why similar: Fast-Paced 22%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.8%, Difficult 13.6%, Arcade 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features intense bullet-hell action and tight platforming wrapped in a striking arcade aesthetic.
- #6 Blazing Chrome
94% matchVery Positive87% of 1,984 reviews2019
Dev: JoyMasherPub: The Arcade Crew
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Local Co-Op 20.1%, Retro 9.9%, Arcade 9.3%, Difficult 9%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic retro run-and-gun challenge and fast-paced boss fights of old-school arcade cabinets.
- #7 Super Hydorah
93% 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 34.2%, Arcade 12.7%, Difficult 11.2%, Retro 8.7%, Co-op 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style arcade shooter that tests your reflexes with diverse weaponry and challenging waves.
- #8 Neon Chrome
92% matchVery Positive91% of 1,182 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A masterful combination of top-down shooter and endless replayability with procedural levels. Blast your way through walls & enemies with guns and cybernetic abilities. Install perks from cyber chambers and upgrade your character stats after each death. Can you stop the Overseer?
Why similar: Local Co-Op 58.2%, Sci-fi 22.1%, Action 11.6%, Indie 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Provides top-down twin-stick shooter action with explosive destruction and chaotic room-clearing combat.
- #9 Bit Blaster XL
91% 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 25.6%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Difficult 16.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Sci-fi 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired arcade space shooter focused on quick reflexes and rapid score-chasing.
- #10 Sky Force Anniversary
91% 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 34.7%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Local Co-Op 16.6%, Arcade 9.8%, Retro 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features modernized vertical-scrolling arcade shooting with impressive power-ups and intense boss battles.
- #11 Crimsonland
90% matchVery Positive92% of 3,128 reviews2014
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 11.6 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: Local Co-Op 34.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Co-op 14.8%, Action 10%, Arcade 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic frantic top-down shooter where you face overwhelming swarms of monsters using an arsenal of powerful weapons.
- #12 Bullet Heaven 2
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 573 reviews2015
Dev: Matt Roszak
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 29.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Bullet Heaven 15.9% ★, Local Co-Op 10.1%, Difficult 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A cute yet chaotic bullet-hell shoot-em-up packed with overwhelming enemy swarms and power-ups.
- #13 Nuclear Throne
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 19,817 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: Bullet Hell 32.1%, Difficult 28.6%, Local Co-Op 22.1%, Action 6.7%, Indie 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: Delivers fast, skill-driven chaotic action with screen-clearing weaponry and punishing difficulty.
- #14 Switch 'N' Shoot
89% 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 23.9%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Fast-Paced 14.8%, Difficult 13.1%, Arcade 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: An ultra-minimalist arcade shooter where every shot changes your movement direction for maximum tension.
- #15 Enter the Gungeon
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 89,914 reviews2016
Dev: Dodge RollPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 31.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler following a band of misfits seeking to shoot, loot, dodge roll and table-flip their way to personal absolution by reaching the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 46%, Local Co-Op 19.3%, Difficult 15.9%, Co-op 9.9%, Action 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: Combines intense bullet-hell dodging with frantic arcade shooting and endless weapon variety.
- #16 Arcade Mayhem Juanito
87% matchVery Positive94% of 365 reviews2017
Dev: Game Ever Studio
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Arcade Mayhem Juanito is a retro experience about arcade-hopping. Teleport into different video games, play with unique mechanics inspired by well-known arcade games, face stunningly animated bosses and join the fight against the clonocell invasion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Bullet Hell 11.4%, Co-op 11.1%, Difficult 10.1%, Arcade 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: Brings retro arcade-inspired challenges and colourful creature-slaying action similar to classic arcade hits.
- #17 Super Bit Blaster XL
86% 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 22.9%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Local Co-Op 14.4%, Arcade 10.3%, Co-op 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: An expanded retro arcade shooter that rewards fast reflexes and rapid item collection.
- #18 Galacide
85% matchVery Positive86% of 95 reviews2015
Dev: Puny Human
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Command destructive spaceships to obliterate hordes of enemy vessels, while quickly solving puzzles to weave through networks of vibrantly colorful, adversarial machines!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.1%, Local Co-Op 24%, Action 9.2%, Bullet Hell 9%, Sci-fi 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Blends puzzle elements with fast-paced vertical shooting action for a unique arcade experience.
- #19 Ultratron
84% 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: Local Co-Op 23.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 10.2%, Sci-fi 8%
Why You'll Like It: A neon-soaked twin-stick arcade shooter inspired by classic score-chasing retro cabinets.
- #20 FullBlast
84% matchMostly Positive71% of 87 reviews2016
Dev: UFO Crash Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.2 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 22.8%, Local Co-Op 21.6%, Co-op 13.5%, Arcade 10.3%, Cartoony 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A retro vertical shmup packed with alien-blasting action and arcade-style progression.
- #21 CometStriker DX
83% matchVery Positive98% of 65 reviews2018
Dev: Iced Lizard Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
CometStriker DX is a fast-paced arcade-style shooter where you boost through danger and blast everything in your way!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Difficult 13.6%, Local Co-Op 10.2%, Arcade 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade action game featuring intense projectile-bouncing mechanics.
- #22 Risk of Rain (2013)
81% matchVery Positive93% of 29,834 reviews2013
Dev: Hopoo GamesPub: Gearbox Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Risk of Rain is an action platformer with roguelike elements. With permanent death as a primary feature, players will have to play their best to get as far as possible. Fight on a mysterious planet with randomly spawning enemies and bosses, either alone or with 3 friends in online co-op.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 25%, Difficult 20%, Platformer 18.5%, Co-op 16.7%, Action 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging action platformer where managing chaotic crowds of enemies and collecting power-ups is key to survival.
- #23 Shmadow
82% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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: Bullet Hell 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Co-op 14.4%, Difficult 14.4%, Local Co-Op 14%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced bullet-hell shooter that emphasizes precise dodging and overwhelming firepower.
- #24 Hyper Sentinel
82% matchVery Positive84% of 70 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.7%, Fast-Paced 21.7%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Arcade 13.2%, Retro 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A vibrant arcade shooter inspired by retro classics with fast-paced destruction and boss fights.
- #25 Contract Rush DX
78% matchVery Positive100% of 282 reviews2025
Dev: FigburnPub: 2 Left Thumbs
Windows
Every character plays like an entirely different action game in Contract Rush DX. Explore a world inspired by 2000's flash animation, collect powerful upgrades throughout levels, and unleash them to defeat difficult boss battles!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Difficult 16.8%, Platformer 9.6%, Arcade 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced action platformer that requires quick reflexes and intense boss-fighting skills.
- #26 Nation Red
80% matchVery Positive89% of 2,792 reviews2009
Dev: DiezelPower
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Nation Red is an ultra fast infinite play arena-based shooter providing an exceptional close-quarter battlefield experience. Fight thousands of zombie mutants and their bosses in frantic bloody gameplay while earning close to 100 perks. Fight in Barricade, Survival or Free Play mode.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 34.2%, Co-op 18.8%, Action 15.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.9%, Indie 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: An intense top-down shooter focusing on mowing down massive waves of incoming enemies with heavy weaponry.
- #27 XIIZEAL
81% matchVery Positive87% of 67 reviews2015
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Difficult 13.8%, Local Co-Op 10.8%, Arcade 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A traditional vertical arcade shoot-em-up loaded with intense bullet-dodging gameplay.
- #28 Tesla vs Lovecraft
79% matchVery Positive90% of 1,239 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: Local Co-Op 42.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.8%, Sci-fi 15.1%, Action 9.1%, Indie 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Pits you against swarms of monsters with high-tech weaponry in a fast-paced arcade style.
- #29 TowerFall Ascension
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,627 reviews2014
Dev: Maddy Makes Games Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 78%
TowerFall Ascension is the definitive version of the hit archery combat game. Inspired by classics from the golden age of couch multiplayer, it's a 4-player local party game centering around hilarious, intense versus matches. The core mechanics are simple and accessible, but hard to master and combat is fierce.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 40.2%, Co-op 12.6%, Platformer 12.6%, Action 9%, Arcade 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A frantic indie arcade classic focused on twitch-reflex combat and intense localized action.
- #30 Revolution Ace
79% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,888 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 41.9%, Local Co-Op 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Arcade 7.9%, Action 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: An action-packed vertical shmup featuring chaotic battles against heavy sci-fi enemy forces.
- #31 Rocking Pilot
76% matchVery Positive93% of 72 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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Fast-Paced 18.3%, Bullet Hell 15%, Difficult 13.7%, Arcade 11.1%
- #32 Sky Mercenaries
77% matchMostly Positive70% of 130 reviews2014
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.9%, Bullet Hell 29.2%, Arcade 15.8%, Action 9.6%, Indie 7.5%
- #33 Aqua Kitty - Milk Mine Defender
76% matchVery Positive86% of 482 reviews2014
Dev: TIKIPOD
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Aqua Kitty is a fast paced retro styled submarine arcade shooter with optional 2 player local Co-op.Blast through hordes of mechanical sea monsters in your kitty sub and defend the deep sea milk mining kittens!THE MILK MUST FLOW!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Local Co-Op 21.4%, Arcade 9.5%, Action 8.4%, Retro 7.4%
- #34 Alien Crusader
77% 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 27.9%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Difficult 16%, Action 10.9%, Sci-fi 9.5%
- #35 Super Retro Fighter
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 87 reviews2021
Dev: Syndrome interactivePub: Cat God Studio
Windows
Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 26.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Co-op 6.2%
- #36 Shoot 1UP DX
75% 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 25.1%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Co-op 9.6%
- #37 Railgunners
72% matchVery Positive92% of 62 reviews2023
Dev: Expresso Studios
Windows
Railgunners is a shooter built to highly customizable difficulty levels. Fight your way through hundreds of enemy ships, and help humanity fight back against the alien invasion!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Difficult 12.7%, Arcade 9.9%, Sci-fi 8.2%
- #38 Gunkid 99
73% matchVery Positive93% of 67 reviews2019
Dev: Yongjustyong
Windows
GUNKID 99 is a fast and frantic 2D arena-shooter that will seriously challenge your skills and reflexes. Craft your own unique play-style and develop crazy combos with numerous weapons and abilities at your disposal! Lay waste to endless hordes of enemies and get that top score on the Global Leaderboards!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Fast-Paced 14.9%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Difficult 11.3%, Arcade 9.9%
- #39 Demons with Shotguns
73% matchVery Positive90% of 62 reviews2016
Dev: MindShaft Games, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 94%
The ultimate couch fragger gibfest! Armed with a powerful shotgun, bullet deflecting shield and power-up tarot cards, 2 to 4 local players will battle it out to collect each others souls in 9 different competitive game modes across 4 realms & 40 arenas. This is frantic local multiplayer action at its bloodiest!
Why similar: Local Co-Op 40.7%, Platformer 13.3%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Retro 8.5%, Action 7.5%
- #40 Bite the Bullet
74% matchMixed56% of 90 reviews2020
Dev: Mega Cat StudiosPub: Graffiti Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Run, Gun and Eat your way through this roguelite RPG shooter. In a world where every enemy is edible, what you eat and how much you eat drives everything from your waistline to branching skill trees to weapon crafting. Shoot fast. Eat big. Satisfy your appetite for destruction.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 21.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Co-op 15.6%, Difficult 12.8%, Platformer 10.7%
- #41 Power-Up
74% 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 33.3%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Fast-Paced 13.2%, Retro 8.7%, Arcade 7.9%
- #42 Space Elite Force II
72% matchVery Positive88% of 109 reviews2020
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Local Co-Op 18.4%, Fast-Paced 16.9%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Arcade 8.8%
- #43 Nex Machina
71% matchVery Positive87% of 2,201 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: Bullet Hell 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Local Co-Op 16.3%, Arcade 12.3%, Difficult 10.1%
- #44 Sky Force Reloaded
69% 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 30.1%, Local Co-Op 25.2%, Bullet Hell 20%, Arcade 12.4%, Retro 4%
- #45 Riddled Corpses
73% matchMixed65% of 248 reviews2015
Dev: Diabolical Mind
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Frenetic arcade style twin-stick shooter. Fight your way through hordes of enemies alone or with a friend!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.1%, Bullet Hell 35%, Action 14.7%, Indie 9.2%
- #46 Wish Project
71% 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 24.3%, Local Co-Op 20.4%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Difficult 10.6%, Action 8.4%
- #47 BUTCHER
70% matchVery Positive86% of 1,419 reviews2016
Dev: Phobia Game StudioPub: Crunching Koalas
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.
Why similar: Difficult 31%, Platformer 17.3%, Action 15.3%, Retro 9.5%, Indie 9.2%
- #48 Donuts'n'Justice
71% matchMostly Positive79% of 152 reviews2016
Dev: FobTi interactive
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Donuts 'N' Justice is a fast-paced 2d horizontal shoot-'em-up wherein you take the role of one of two Super Cops in the 1980s to defend their city against gangs, violence and corruption.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 26.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Fast-Paced 11.2%, Arcade 10.8%, Difficult 8.1%
- #49 Eigengrau
67% matchVery Positive100% of 99 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 23%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Difficult 11.9%, Arcade 10%
- #50 Space Moth DX
70% 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 32%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Arcade 11.8%, Difficult 11.4%, Action 8.5%
- #51 Crimzon Clover World EXplosion
67% matchVery Positive97% of 392 reviews2021
Dev: YOTSUBANEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Overwhelming bullet patterns. An exhilarating Break System. Timeless gameplay. The definitive bullet hell shooter that continues to captivate shoot-'em-up fans around the world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Local Co-Op 13.5%, Difficult 9.5%, Arcade 9.2%
- #52 Black Paradox
70% matchMixed68% of 134 reviews2019
Dev: Fantastico Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Buckle up for shoot ‘em up chaos in this fast-paced and hyper-stylized roguelite. As the infamous bounty hunter Black Paradox, it’s up to you to travel through space and defeat the Hellraisers – the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, Local Co-Op 18.4%, Co-op 14.5%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Sci-fi 8.6%
- #53 RagingBlasters
67% matchVery Positive99% of 126 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 33.1%, Local Co-Op 24.3%, Retro 8%, Bullet Hell 7.6%, Arcade 7.3%
- #54 Iron Meat
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,115 reviews2024
Dev: Ivan Valeryevich SuvorovPub: Retroware
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Iron Meat is a run-and-gun arcade shooter that immerses players in an apocalyptic future overrun by "The Meat," an iron-ravenous mass mutating everything in its path. Blast your way through retro-inspired stages and bosses to uncover the shocking horrors behind secret experiments on the Moon.
Why similar: Local Co-Op 29.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Arcade 12.2%, Platformer 9.6%
- #55 Droid Assault
69% 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: Local Co-Op 27.6%, Arcade 21%, Action 15.2%, Sci-fi 12%, Retro 11.4%
- #56 Hyper Bounce Blast
69% matchVery Positive93% of 89 reviews2016
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 39.1%, Arcade 17%, Platformer 16.4%, Action 16.1%, Indie 11.4%
- #57 Infernal Radiation
68% matchVery Positive87% of 62 reviews2020
Dev: AsmodevPub: Ultimate Games
Windows
Smash demons and deflect bullets in a hardcore arcade clicker with the RPG elements.
Why similar: Co-op 48.3%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Bullet Hell 10.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.1%, Arcade 6.4%
- #58 Gunvein
65% matchVery Positive97% of 227 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 40.7%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Arcade 13.7%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Action 7.3%
- #59 Syder Arcade
68% matchVery Positive83% of 696 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 22.9%, Bullet Heaven 20.2% ★, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Difficult 7.6%, Arcade 7.4%
- #60 Crisis Wing
66% matchVery Positive90% of 91 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 26.5%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Difficult 14.9%, Local Co-Op 14%, Arcade 9.3%