- #1 Chromacell
97% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: 171Dev
Windows
In this sideways scrolling shmup, take control of your spaceship and navigate through vibrant pixelated environments filled with hordes of enemy spacecraft. Upgrade your ship and weapons, dodge enemy fire while blasting through each stage. Emerge victorious as the ultimate space pilot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 8%
- #2 Escape 2 Space
96% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 9.4%
- #3 The X-Type
96% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Side Scroller 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Bullet Hell 17.5%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 7%
- #4 Cosmic Destroyer
95% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Turn the incoming swarm of deadly bullets into your own weapon of chaos in this precision STG bullet hell. Grab and toss enemies, dodge and deflect torrents of bullets, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 7.9%
- #5 STURMWIND EX
94% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Shooter 9.3%, Arcade 8.6%
- #6 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
94% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
A retro-style classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up. Fly Super Arcade Boy through 8 levels, blast enemy waves, grab power-ups, and take down bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Bullet Hell 14.7%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 8.1%
- #7 Celestia
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Devon Meyer
Windows
Celestia is a solo-developed indie game. An angelic bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you defeat enemies throughout the skies, and relax on a floating island with your companions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 24.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 8.5%
- #8 Origami Flight
92% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2019
Dev: Whalesoft Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Origami Flight is a sidescrolling 2D shoot' em up where you control a paper airplane with a simple but challenging mission: to save the Origami World. Now you must beat 6 different stages with tons of enemies in order to save the Tsuru from the evil Origami Fox.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Side Scroller 21.7%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, Shooter 7.8%, Stylized 7.7%
- #9 Suicide Runners
91% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
Classic 2D shoot em up with updated graphics. Dodge a storm of bullets as you blast through space shooting hordes of enemies. Collect powerups to survive against fearsome bosses. Pilot a suicide runner as you fight to unravel the mystery of what is destroying the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 13.3%, Arcade 10.3%, Shooter 8.4%
- #10 Herodes
91% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: TecnoloGilsPub: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Pilot a miniaturized ship and save humanity from the inside out! Herodes is a fast-paced action SHMUP where you enter the human body to hunt a deadly virus. Destroy organic defenses and survive visceral bosses in this tribute to genre classics.
Why similar: Side Scroller 21%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.6%
- #11 Absolute Blue
90% matchMostly Positive71% of 55 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Shooter 9.1%, Arcade 7.4%
- #12 SATAZIUS
89% matchVery Positive85% of 324 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Shooter 8.5%, Arcade 7.8%
- #13 R-Type Final 2
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 822 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.4%, Side Scroller 23.8%, Shooter 13.3%, Arcade 11.1%, Space 6.4%
- #14 Escape Space
88% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Bullet Hell 17.9%, Side Scroller 12.4%, Shooter 10.2%, Space 9%
- #15 Frutz
87% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Broken Walls Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through five worlds, claim the Cosmic Gems, defeat Lord Zorkannan, and master every run in this fast arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Side Scroller 15.6%, Arcade 9.6%, Shooter 9.6%
- #16 VERZEUS
86% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Blast and weave your way through enemy fire while managing a wide variety of ship power-ups in this retro style horizontal shoot-'em-up!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Shooter 8.9%, Arcade 8.2%
- #17 Power-Up
86% matchMixed58% of 266 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 26.4%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Bullet Hell 15.2%, Shooter 9.7%, Space 6.9%
- #18 GALXAGAR
85% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: MoonMuse Entertainment
Windows
"Don't go to GALXAGAR"; a phrase uttered by many who have traversed its rim. Untold treasures, and terrors, await within its blackened depths. Ready your craft, spacefarer, because you're about to enter the most dangerous sector in all the stars. Get ready.. for GALXAGAR!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Shooter 11.8%, Arcade 9.5%, Linear 7.9%
- #19 Astro Attack
84% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Blocky Pixel
Windows
A single-stick arcade shoot 'em up inspired by the golden years of retro gaming. Blast to the synthwave beat to combine powerups and destroy waves of invaders. Complete missions, compete on leaderboards, discover secrets, and unlock over 80 unique ships from every era of gaming.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.1%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Shooter 8.5%, Arcade 8.4%
- #20 Star Hunter DX
84% matchMostly Positive78% of 32 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Betrayed by her cut-throat crew, Luna Starr - former Space Pirate Captain turned bounty hunter - has a score to settle. As Luna, travel to 5 exotic planets to track down your mutinous mates, and face them in Bullet Hell dogfights to the death!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Bullet Hell 22.4%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Arcade 7.3%, Sci-fi 6.5%
- #21 Enemy Mind
83% matchVery Positive85% of 798 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Bullet Hell 16.4%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 8.9%
- #22 tz mini stg collection
81% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Shooter 13.7%, Arcade 12.6%
- #23 Vector Seven
82% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Electric Shed
Windows
Retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 80's games Fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up with looping battlefields, relentless enemy waves, tactical shields, power-ups and hyperspace jumps
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.5%, Arcade 11.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 11%, 1980s 10.4%, Bullet Hell 9.9%
- #24 Offendron Warrior
82% matchVery Positive86% of 50 reviews2018
Dev: Hijong ParkPub: PsychoFlux Entertainment
Windows
Offendron Warrior is a retro arcade that combines shooting and defense. Your objective is saving Offendron civilians in the planets from the group of enemies, who are trying to spread a virus that turns Offendrons into mindless killing machines and eventually destroy the whole planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Bullet Hell 17.3%, Shooter 9.9%, Arcade 7.9%
- #25 Syder Reloaded
80% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Bullet Hell 18%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Shooter 10.3%, Arcade 9.1%
- #26 Syder Arcade
81% matchVery Positive84% of 694 reviews2013
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Killing zombies never gets old, but sometimes you just need a break. Get back to some serious old-school gaming with Syder Arcade! Syder Arcade is a love letter to Amiga games of the ‘90s, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Bullet Hell 17.2%, Side Scroller 10.8%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 9.4%
- #27 Space Mash
79% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Paul Thomas
Windows · Linux
Space Mash is a bullet-hell shooter in the retro style of the earliest arcade games. To help beginners, older players and those with a motor impairment, there are five levels of slow-down that can be activated at any time during game play.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 20.1%, Shooter 10.6%, Linear 5.9%
- #28 Thunder Tiger
79% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Incredibly Moot Studio
Windows
Thunder Tiger is a fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up, blending 1980s arcade style with futuristic flair. Blast enemies, grab power-ups, and chase high scores in intense 2D stages. Classic retro vibe meets modern gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 22.4%, Arcade 10.4%, Shooter 9.1%, 1980s 7.1%
- #29 Astar Solis
78% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Rooklift Labs
Windows
A minimalistic 2D shoot-em-up, based on dodging bullets.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Shooter 12.7%, Arcade 9.7%, Linear 7.7%
- #30 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
77% matchPositive83% of 29 reviews2025
Dev: Limited Run GamesPub: Ziggurat
Windows
You are the Rendering Ranger, a special forces soldier defending Earth from a devastating alien invasion through nine levels of action platforming as well as blisteringly fast horizontal shooter stages. Originally developed for Super Famicom by Manfred Trenz, creator of the Turrican series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Side Scroller 22.2%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 8.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%
- #31 Nevultra
78% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2023
Dev: Zoblin Multimedia
Windows
Nevultra is an exciting shoot'em up that will take you back to the 8bit/16bit era. The protagonist, Nina, needs your help to reach her destination in deep space.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.1%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 10.9%, Action 5.4%
- #32 ARMED SEVEN
77% matchVery Positive91% of 80 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Shooter 8.8%, 1980s 6%
- #33 COTTOn RockWithYou -ORIENTAL NIGHT DREAMS-
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Studio SaizensenPub: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
Cotton, the magical girl shoot-'em-up heroine, is back once again! This time, the adventure leaves the Magical Kingdom behind and heads to Japan!? The original cute-girl side-scrolling shooter is back, bigger and better than ever!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Side Scroller 16.7%, Shooter 13.9%, Arcade 12.8%
- #34 The Battle of Aurinoxia
74% matchPositive73% of 15 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Bullet Hell 26.1%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 10.4%, Space 5.3%
- #35 Return Ace
76% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: NEROTA
Windows
Be shot and shoot back! Rule reversal type Shmup "Return Ace"What you have been given is the power to take advantage of the oncoming malice and return it.Please enjoy the unique sense of incompatibility, tension, and striking that the experience of bullet energy weaves.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.9%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Shooter 12.6%, Arcade 9.7%, 1980s 8.4%
- #36 Project X: Light Years
73% matchVery Positive96% of 162 reviews2025
Dev: MK_Games
Windows · Linux
The official Project X sequel ✨ Back after 30 years!🎮 A demanding, skill-based experience that rewards patience and mastery. Not every game is for everyone — this one is for players who love a real, fair challenge. Try the demo and see if you’re up for it. Failure teaches. Mastery rewards.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Shooter 9.6%, Linear 8%
- #37 Astro Sentai Jarbonder
75% matchPositive80% of 40 reviews2020
Dev: ipei_retland
Windows
It's a bullet-hell spaceship shooter. Can you survive the battlefield? Let's prove your shooting skills!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Side Scroller 20.7%, Bullet Hell 19.2%, Shooter 11%, Space 7.6%
- #38 Gates of Zendocon
73% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Epyx, Inc.Pub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 23.7%, Shooter 12%, Arcade 9.3%, Space 5.8%
- #39 Emerald Blue
71% matchPositive100% of 38 reviews2025
Dev: Emerald Blue TeamPub: Xtrasoft Development Team
Windows
The Swan EM-43DSC... A experimental fighter jet blasts through the skies of the New East/West. And as the pilot clutches her yoke, she commits to her rebellion knowing full well, that her mission is not for the faint of heart....
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Shooter 12.7%, Linear 8.7%, Arcade 7.6%
- #40 ALPHA CENTAURI SPACE FORCE
74% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: ocasocreations
Windows
Execute intense space battle operations from side, and top view. Face tough enemies along your way, destroy guardians and generators. Dodge traps. Keep focus on targets. Think fast. Overcome the chaos. Join now and become an alpha centauri pilot. Bonus: retro like endless space shooter mini game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Shooter 10.7%, Arcade 10.5%
- #41 Z-Warp
73% matchPositive100% of 27 reviews2022
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Z-Warp is an intense vertical shoot’em up presented in retro pixel art style, featuring frenetic arcade-inspired action where blasters, bombs and KILLER specials are your only allies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Bullet Hell 28.4%, Shooter 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.6%, Space 6%
- #42 Blitloop
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Bitbebop
Windows · Mac
A fast-paced, side-scrolling retro shooter where you play as “Blit" on a mission to rescue orb pods. Blast enemy swarms and face off against bosses in this bullet-hell shoot 'em up. Earn power-ups and get ready for fluid arcade action in a stylish world with an 80s synthwave soundtrack.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, 1980s 10%, Arcade 8.3%
- #43 Karma Cannon
72% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Video Galaxy
Windows
Clear hordes of cosmic critters in this simple 2D shooter but be carefully, bullets that exit the arena will warp behind you and become dangerous to you ship. Whatever goes around comes around.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Shooter 12.2%, Side Scroller 12%, Space 7.9%
- #44 Lilac 0
70% matchVery Positive95% of 82 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface! Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%
- #45 Feeble Light
71% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off as a little star trying to rid the cosmos of angry celestial beings in Feeble Light, a 3-tone pixel art shoot’em up where minimalistic presentation makes way for precision controls and fluid animation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.7%, Bullet Hell 24.3%, Shooter 13.6%, Arcade 10.5%, Sci-fi 5.1%
- #46 Karous
69% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Slash, shoot, guard, grow! Karous, a Dreamcast shoot 'em up originally released back in 2007, is now soaring onto PC. Play as Karous, a girl who lost her parents in a great war with humans. Driven by her father's dying words, she descends to Earth in search of the Sanguis Dei.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.3%, Bullet Hell 27.9%, Shooter 15.9%, Arcade 12.9%, 2D 5.1%
- #47 VectaGuard
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: RetroNinja
Windows
Arcade-inspired shmup action where neon vector caverns explode with modern visuals, dynamic music, weapon upgrades and intense score chasing.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Arcade 9.2%, Shooter 8.4%
- #48 Sine Mora
70% matchVery Positive82% of 941 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 43%
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 43.8%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Side Scroller 14%, Arcade 8.5%, Shooter 6.5%
- #49 Habroxia 2
70% matchVery Positive92% of 62 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 7.5%
- #50 Sorcery of Ruin, Sword, and Red Hood
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: AOMI Design Studio
Windows
Side-scrolling bullet hell shooter: ‘The Adventure of the Little Girl in the Red Hood and Little Bird Companion in a World of Swords and Magic!’ If you can read the enemy attacks and dodge the ones you should avoid, it might be surprisingly straightforward (All dodging them is perfectly fine too).
Why similar: Side Scroller 32.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Bullet Hell 24.8%, Action 6.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%
- #51 東方眠世界 ~ Wonderful Waking World
68% matchVery Positive97% of 312 reviews2022
Dev: Oligarchomp
Windows
A simplistic, dynamic Touhou fangame bullet hell shmup with a pixel art esthetic. Shoot down your enemies and dodge your way through an incessant barrage of projectiles!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 11.1%, Linear 5.6%
- #52 Gunvein
67% matchVery Positive97% of 219 reviews2022
Dev: NGDEV
Windows
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.8%, Bullet Hell 26.5%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 9.2%, Action 5.6%
- #53 SomethingWithSpace
68% match9 user reviews80% of 10 reviews2023
Dev: Andres GonzalezPub: Amino Acid Studios
Windows
A desolate and derelict station has been uncovered. You've been tasked with investigating, only to find the station's automated defenses are still active! How is it still... "alive"? Pilot your ship and find out! Can you make it out... "alive"? This helps me get through school! Hope you enjoy!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23.2%, Side Scroller 21.3%, Space 13.8%, Arcade 12.2%, Shooter 6.3%
- #54 Space Warpster
66% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2026
Dev: AMAMiZU games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 8.6%, Space 6.2%
- #55 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
69% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: leimonyaPub: leimonya
Windows
Super simple 2D shooter game! Use the two types of shots to push forward.Kick out the swarming zakos and take on the powerful bosses.7 crazy worlds are waiting for your cat!?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.2%, Side Scroller 22.7%, Shooter 14.6%, Arcade 12.6%, Bullet Hell 6.6%
- #56 Andro Dunos II
67% matchVery Positive93% of 229 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.2 hrs≥1hr: 33%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.3%, Bullet Hell 22.1%, Shooter 11.5%, Arcade 10.4%, Linear 6.7%
- #57 Golgalian
67% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: Atael
Windows
Pilot the tank Golgalian in an endless micro shoot 'em up inspired by arcades old and new. Blast mechs, dodge bullets, and compete on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.5%, Bullet Hell 21.5%, Shooter 13.5%, Arcade 11.6%, Linear 6.8%
- #58 ZURD HUNT
68% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: DVPub: David Vecchione
Windows
In the year 2,000,000,009, a team of bounty hunters infiltrates a massive facility swarming with hostile AI. Can they find Zurd?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.7%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Arcade 10.8%, Linear 8.9%, Action 6.9%
- #59 BLASTER MAYHEM
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Stormduck
Windows
Weave and cleave your way through walls of bullet and push your score to unknown limits in this aggressive Shoot'em'up to save humanity from its own hubris
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 24%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%