Games Like The Bug Butcher

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 19.1%, Bullet Hell 15.9%, Local Co-Op 13.7%, Difficult 12.3%, Fast-Paced 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane twin-stick shooter that captures the same frantic, arena-based intensity and co-op fun.

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 24.7%, Arcade 17.6%, Local Co-Op 16.7%, Retro 9.7%, Fast-Paced 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is the direct modern successor to the classic Pang formula that inspired The Bug Butcher.

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 27.3%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Local Co-Op 16.1%, Arcade 10.2%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, difficult action game that emphasizes movement and reflex-based combat.

Vlambeer's SUPER CRATE BOX is coming to bring back the glory of the golden arcade age, when all that really mattered was getting on that high score list. Grab your baseball cap and loosen your pants, it's time to fight endless hordes of enemies and collect every weapon crate you can.

Why similar: Platformer 22.2%, Arcade 14.6%, Difficult 14.6%, Fast-Paced 10.7%, Action 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in single-screen arcade action that requires constant movement and precise dodging.

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 24.5%, Local Co-Op 19.8%, Retro 9.9%, Arcade 9.4%, Difficult 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired action game that captures the spirit of classic arcade shooters with modern polish.

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Why similar: Fast-Paced 20.6%, Difficult 18.1%, Arcade 14.5%, Platformer 13.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: A vertical, arcade-style experience that rewards aggressive play and precise jumping mechanics.

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 19.7%, Fast-Paced 18.6%, Local Co-Op 16.9%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Co-op 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, roguelike shoot-em-up that provides a similar level of arcade difficulty and replayability.

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 25.5%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Difficult 16.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Sci-fi 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-speed arcade shooter that focuses on score-chasing and reflex-heavy gameplay.

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%, Arcade 12.8%, Difficult 11.2%, Retro 8.8%, Co-op 8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, retro-style shoot-em-up that emphasizes arcade precision and challenging boss encounters.

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 28.4%, Local Co-Op 22.1%, Action 6.6%, Indie 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, fast-paced twin-stick shooter that focuses on chaotic arena combat and power-up progression.

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 45.9%, Local Co-Op 19.3%, Difficult 15.9%, Co-op 10.1%, Action 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: An intense bullet-hell experience that demands the same level of screen control and dodging as The Bug Butcher.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Fast-Paced 14.8%, Difficult 13.1%, Arcade 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A single-button arcade game that perfectly captures the 'just one more try' difficulty of The Bug Butcher.

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 22.8%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Local Co-Op 14.4%, Arcade 10.3%, Co-op 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, bullet-hell arcade game that focuses on survival and high-score competition.

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 31.9%, Local Co-Op 24%, Action 9.1%, Bullet Hell 9%, Sci-fi 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of puzzle and shoot-em-up mechanics that keeps the action fast and engaging.

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 19.9%, Platformer 18.4%, Co-op 16.9%, Action 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, 2D arena-based action game that features intense combat and cooperative play.

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 16.8%, Bullet Hell 11.3%, Co-op 11.3%, Difficult 10.1%, Arcade 10%

Why You'll Like It: A colorful arcade action game that pays homage to classic gaming tropes and fast-paced combat.

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 28.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Bullet Heaven 17.6% ★, Local Co-Op 9.9%, Difficult 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A frantic bullet-hell shooter that shares the same arcade-style intensity and focus on dodging.

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 18.6%, Arcade 14.7%, Retro 10.2%, Sci-fi 8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style twin-stick shooter that focuses on arena clearing and arcade-style score multipliers.

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 25.6%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Difficult 13.6%, Local Co-Op 10.2%, Arcade 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style action game that emphasizes dodging and precise projectile management.

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 15.9%, Fast-Paced 14.9%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, Difficult 11.3%, Arcade 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, 2D arcade platformer that focuses on clearing screens of enemies under pressure.

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 34.6%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Local Co-Op 16.6%, Arcade 9.6%, Retro 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A polished shoot-em-up that offers accessible yet challenging arcade action with great visual feedback.

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 26.5%, Fast-Paced 21.7%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Arcade 13.3%, Retro 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, retro-inspired arcade shooter that emphasizes speed and high-score chasing.

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 22.3%, Fast-Paced 18.3%, Bullet Hell 15%, Difficult 13.7%, Arcade 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that features challenging levels and classic power-up mechanics.

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 22.6%, Local Co-Op 21.6%, Co-op 13.6%, Arcade 10.3%, Cartoony 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, arcade-style shoot-em-up that provides quick, satisfying bursts of action.

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 30.8%, Platformer 17.2%, Action 15.2%, Retro 9.5%, Indie 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, fast-paced 2D action game that shares the same intensity and gore-filled aesthetic.

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 24.9%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Co-op 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: An innovative shoot-em-up that allows you to control multiple ships at once for increased firepower.

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 29.9%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Difficult 16.8%, Platformer 9.6%, Arcade 8.4%

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 33.1%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Fast-Paced 13.3%, Retro 8.7%, Arcade 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shoot-em-up that focuses on retro aesthetics and classic arcade difficulty.

Frenetic arcade style twin-stick shooter. Fight your way through hordes of enemies alone or with a friend!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41%, Bullet Hell 35.1%, Action 14.6%, Indie 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick arcade shooter that focuses on clearing waves of enemies in a retro-inspired world.

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 16.1%, Co-op 15.8%, Difficult 12.7%, Platformer 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-packed shooter that adds unique mechanics to the classic run-and-gun formula.

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%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Difficult 13.7%, Local Co-Op 10.8%, Arcade 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A pure, high-difficulty bullet-hell shooter for players who want to test their reflexes to the limit.

Classic STG game Have fun with your friends just like your childhood!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Co-op 6.2%

Sky Mercenaries - Fast paced action overdose with rpg elements

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.7%, Bullet Hell 29.2%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 9.6%, Indie 7.6%

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 26.2%, Bullet Hell 18.8%, Difficult 12.6%, Arcade 9.9%, Sci-fi 8.2%

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 22.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.7%, Difficult 13.6%, Arcade 9.1%

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 27.8%, Local Co-Op 18.9%, Difficult 16%, Action 10.8%, Sci-fi 9.5%

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 13.2%, Sci-fi 10.9%, Retro 8.5%, Action 7.5%

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 41.8%, Local Co-Op 18.4%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Arcade 8%, Action 5.5%

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 19.5%, Local Co-Op 18.4%, Fast-Paced 16.9%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Arcade 8.9%

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 24.2%, Local Co-Op 20.4%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Difficult 10.6%, Action 8.4%

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 31.9%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Arcade 11.8%, Difficult 11.3%, Action 8.5%

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 39.3%, Local Co-Op 21.4%, Arcade 9.5%, Action 8.3%, Retro 7.4%

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 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Fast-Paced 11.2%, Arcade 10.8%, Difficult 8.1%

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 22.8%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, Local Co-Op 13.6%, Difficult 11.8%, Arcade 10%

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 22.8%, Co-op 14.6%, Difficult 14.3%, Local Co-Op 14%

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 20.8%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Local Co-Op 13.5%, Difficult 9.5%, Arcade 9.3%

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.9%, Local Co-Op 24.3%, Retro 8.1%, Bullet Hell 7.5%, Arcade 7.3%

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 26.7%, Local Co-Op 18.4%, Co-op 14.6%, Bullet Hell 10.7%, Sci-fi 8.7%

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 21.1%, Action 15.1%, Sci-fi 12%, Retro 11.4%

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 38.9%, Arcade 17.2%, Platformer 16.3%, Action 16%, Indie 11.6%

Smash demons and deflect bullets in a hardcore arcade clicker with the RPG elements.

Why similar: Co-op 48.6%, Local Co-Op 13.3%, Bullet Hell 10.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 10%, Arcade 6.3%

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.9%, Bullet Hell 24.1%, Arcade 10.9%, Action 5.7%, Indie 4.7%

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 25.7%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Arcade 12.3%, Platformer 9.5%

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 40.5%, Bullet Hell 25.1%, Arcade 13.8%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Action 7.3%

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 29.8%, Local Co-Op 25.3%, Bullet Hell 20%, Arcade 12.4%, Retro 4%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Arcade 22.3%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Retro 10.6%, Action 10.1%

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 26.4%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Difficult 14.8%, Local Co-Op 14%, Arcade 9.4%

Woodpunk is an exhilarating roguelike bullet hell retro pixel art shooter in a medieval Woodpunk universe, where the primary energy resource is WOOD.

Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.7%, Local Co-Op 18.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.7%, Difficult 14.5%, Co-op 13%

A bullet heaven roguelike where you assume the role of the steward of ghosts bound to eternal life on earth. Wield 4 to 6 weapons simultaneously to fend off waves of apparitions determined to defeat your spirited friends.

Why similar: Bullet Heaven 29% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 19.4%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Local Co-Op 11.1%, Co-op 6.4%

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 17.8%, Local Co-Op 16.3%, Arcade 12.4%, Difficult 10.1%