- #1 Thundering Skies
97% matchMostly Positive71% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Flat Voxel
Windows
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Flight 16.5%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Arcade 10.8%, Retro 7.9%
- #2 NOMAD Revisited
96% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In 1985 N.O.M.A.D. pushed the boundaries of what the 8-bit computers of the day could achieve with both their graphics and their gameplay. A fast-paced, all-out action shoot ’em up, this retro classic still retains a fan base to this day.
Why similar: Flight 22.3%, Side Scroller 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.8%, Arcade 9.5%, Shooter 7.6%
- #3 Battle for Asciion
96% matchPositive83% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Relevo
Windows
Battle for Asciion is a classic horizontal shoot ’em up built entirely from real text characters. No sprites. No pixels. No images. Just pure ASCII action, massive bosses, weapon upgrades and retro arcade challenge.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 23.1% ★, Side Scroller 15.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.9%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 7.9%
- #4 VERZEUS
95% 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: Side Scroller 17.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Flight 16.3%, Retro 9.9%, Arcade 9.3%
- #5 Speyarranoth
94% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2020
Dev: Eivind Magnus Noersterud Hvidevold
Windows
Speyarranoth is a classic sci-fi space asteroid shooter in 3D. You control the game using WASD and shoot with the space key. It's wonderful to just blast full speed through the asteroid fields lasers ablaze and enjoy the explosive light show.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Arcade 11.6%, Flight 11.6%, Space 10.5%
- #6 Stellar Raid
94% match8 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Berry Patch Games
Windows
Stellar Raid is a side-scrolling run and gun game inspired by the greatest classic games of the genre! With a variety of weapon upgrades at your disposal (including a support drone) you’ll charge through hordes of enemy mercenaries to take down one of the Universe’s most notorious space terrorists!
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Arcade 12.9%, Retro 10.8%, Space 7.7%
- #7 Penetrator
93% match3 user reviews33% of 3 reviews2022
Dev: Beam SoftwarePub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this addictive side-scrolling shoot-em-up from 1982, your mission is to penetrate through four defence rings, and blow up an illegal cache of neutron bombs - an almost impossible feat! Enemy missiles and radar bases track your movements, and the landscape is as treacherous as your enemies.
Why similar: Flight 20.1%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.4%, Retro 9.6%, Arcade 8%
- #8 Gates of Zendocon
92% 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: Side Scroller 21.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Retro 13.9%, Arcade 10.3%, Shooter 8.6%
- #9 RocketShip Go Up
91% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Crazy Retro Games
Windows
Navigate treacherous caverns in RocketShip Go Up, a physics-based 3D game. Master your thrusters to deliver packages, dodge beams, turrets, and falling debris—or speedrun for the fastest flight. Precision is your lifeline.
Why similar: Flight 26.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Arcade 12.9%, Sci-fi 7.7%
- #10 Thunder Tiger
91% matchNo user reviews
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: Side Scroller 20.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Arcade 11.9%, Sci-fi 7.7%, 1980s 7.3%
- #11 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
89% matchPositive88% of 26 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 23.3%, Side Scroller 20.4%, Arcade 10.1%, Shooter 8.9%, Retro 8.2%
- #12 Syder Reloaded
89% 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 19.1%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Arcade 10.9%, Flight 10.3%, Space 10.1%
- #13 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
90% 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 19.4%, Side Scroller 15.9%, Retro 11.5%, Arcade 10.1%, Shooter 8.3%
- #14 STURMWIND EX
88% 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 21.5%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Arcade 11%, Space 10.2%, Retro 9.8%
- #15 Habroxia 2
87% matchVery Positive92% of 61 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 23.6%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Arcade 15.2%, Shooter 11%, Action 9.9%
- #16 Suicide Runners
86% 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 23%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Arcade 12.9%, Retro 11.5%, Action 8.5%
- #17 ZURD HUNT
86% 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 23.9%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Retro 12.8%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 9%
- #18 Icarus
85% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Denis EvansPub: Japster's Cavern
Windows
Icarus, a classic side-scrolling space shoot-em-up tribute! - Thumping soundtrack, Bosses, Multiples, Power-ups, Secrets, BIG levels... ...Give the (free) work in progress / teaser demo a try!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Retro 11.1%, 1980s 7.2%, Shooter 6%
- #19 R-Type Final 2
84% matchMostly Positive75% of 816 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 28.2%, Side Scroller 24.2%, Arcade 13.9%, Shooter 10.6%, Space 8.8%
- #20 Absolute Blue
84% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Side Scroller 17.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.1%, Arcade 9.3%, Space 8.1%, 1980s 7.9%
- #21 Chromacell
82% 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: Side Scroller 21.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 9.1%, Space 7.8%
- #22 Spacewing War
83% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2022
Dev: Pneuma GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!
Why similar: Side Scroller 26.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.4%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 10.1%, Retro 6.4%
- #23 Final Eden
82% match2 user reviews0% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: X-Seed Studio
Windows
This is a side scrolling aerial shooting game where players need to operate the last human survivor, Lilith, to move and shoot in the air, use constantly improving weapons to eliminate enemies, complete all levels, and ultimately find her own value in the shattered world.
Why similar: Flight 25.1%, Boomer Shooter 20.7% ★, Side Scroller 13.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.1%, Shooter 9.7%
- #24 The Rush
81% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 9.3%, Space 7%
- #25 Galactic Vanguard
80% matchPositive88% of 26 reviews2025
Dev: TopGame
Windows
Galactic Vanguard is a fast-paced, retro-style action shooter. Grab your weapons and eliminate relentless enemy forces and powerful alien creatures. Engage in intense battles across space bases, desert wastelands, lava valleys, and abandoned alien ruins!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 32.3% ★, Retro 13.1%, Side Scroller 12%, Arcade 11.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.8%
- #26 Space Warpster
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: AMAMiZU games
Windows · 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 23.3%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Arcade 12.5%, Retro 10.6%, Space 7.9%
- #27 ROCPAIN: Rock Paper Scissors
81% matchNo user reviews2022
Dev: Rocpain Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A paper airplane fights against Rock, Paper and Scissors. The ROCPAIN gameplay is inspired on the rock-paper-scissors hand game, and like the original hand game, each enemy only its destroyed with the right shot. A new way to play shooting games that will challenge your skills.
Why similar: Flight 22.8%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Arcade 8.3%, Shooter 7.6%
- #28 Zero Wing
78% matchVery Positive88% of 75 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Arcade 12.2%, Space 9.7%, 1980s 8.2%
- #29 Habroxia
77% matchPositive97% of 32 reviews2023
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives, and untold surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, Side Scroller 19%, Arcade 14.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Action 8.9%
- #30 Promethium
79% matchMixed67% of 24 reviews2017
Dev: Xiotex Studios LtdPub: Thalamus Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Inspired by classic Commodore 64 and arcade games, Promethium is a hard-as-nails retro inspired side-scrolling shoot-em-up that takes place over numerous levels that get harder and harder. If you’re after a nice calm casual game this isn’t it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.6%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Arcade 12.1%, Retro 10.7%, Shooter 9.4%
- #31 Astro Busters
76% matchPositive100% of 18 reviews2025
Dev: Michael PrymusPub: Astrobuster Studios
Windows
Have You Been Waiting for a Modern Take on Classic Asteroid Shooters? 🚀 Your wait might just be over! Astro Busters brings you a fun space shooter with realistic physics, responsive controls and thrilling arcade action. Take on missions, upgrade your weapons, ships and fight solo or in multiplayer.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Space 12.4%, Arcade 12.3%, Physics 11.7%, Retro 10%
- #32 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
78% 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 23.6%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Arcade 15%, Shooter 11.3%, Retro 8.8%
- #33 Future Knight
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Studio KobaPub: Aeternum Game Studios
Windows
Frenetic action and LCD aesthetic! In this 2D Shoot 'Em Up, switch between a robot hero and his benign tumor to stop a bizarre cult. You have 8 hours to save humanity's memory: defeat grotesque bosses, ride the skies on your Future Board, and master the chaos in a retro-futuristic Tokyo.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Boomer Shooter 14.9% ★, Side Scroller 14.9%, Arcade 14.6%, Retro 12%
- #34 Schildmaid MX
76% matchVery Positive94% of 53 reviews2023
Dev: HitP Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Side Scroller 20%, Retro 10.8%, Arcade 10.3%, Space 9%
- #35 Vector Seven
75% matchNo user reviews
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 22.1%, Arcade 14.3%, 1980s 11.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 10.6%, Action 8.4%
- #36 Escape 2 Space
75% 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 20.4%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Arcade 13.4%, Shooter 10.1%, Space 9.5%
- #37 SPACEMAN
73% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2026
Dev: Colton Crawford
Windows · Mac
SPACEMAN is a short, nostalgic, retro Shoot-Em-Up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Side Scroller 14.4%, Retro 11.3%, Arcade 8.2%, 1990's 7.3%
- #38 Exterminator V Pollinators
74% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Hydro Shock Studio
Windows
In this Shoot'em, you fight against an alien swarm of pollinators taking over the system! With your laser beam, Blast through waves of enemies, traverse challenging puzzles, and reclaim control in this fast-paced shooter. Step up to the challenge and push back the alien invaders!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Arcade 11.6%, Shooter 10.7%, Space 10.2%
- #39 FORTRESS DEFENDER
74% matchPositive92% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: opmregisters
Windows
This game, "FORTRESS DEFENDER", is a side-scrolling power-up shooting game with an 80's flavor. Defeat the enemies that appear one after another, dodge their attacks, and aim for the boss that lurks in the depths of the stage. There are a total of eight stages with various tricks and bosses.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Retro 11.1%, 1980s 8.7%, Shooter 8.4%
- #40 Space way: Echo of the Galaxy
72% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2025
Dev: My general
Windows
In this retro space shooter you will have the opportunity to take control of a space fighter and crush waves of enemies. Show all your agility and reaction!
Why similar: Flight 27.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 25.6%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 9.1%, Space 7.7%
- #41 Space Runaway
73% matchPositive84% of 44 reviews2022
Dev: Soleil Ltd.Pub: 110 Industries SA
Windows
Space Runaway, a compelling intergalactic journey soaked in bullet hell. Enemy vessels, lasers and larger than life bosses coming at you full speed in a 16-bit authentic arcade experience like no other.
Why similar: Side Scroller 24.4%, Arcade 15.6%, 1980s 12.2%, Action 9.9%, Retro 9.7%
- #42 One Way Road: Firehunt
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 119 reviews2024
Dev: Shabunov LeonidPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Firehunt is a prologue for the main story One Way Road. Take part in space battles as you travel across the galaxy and fight to save humanity. This cinematic narrative driven action-focused space shooter, will take you on a journey into the near future, and put the destiny of mankind in your hands.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Flight 15.6%, Arcade 13%, Space 9.2%
- #43 Power-Up
73% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Retro 11.3%, Space 9.8%, Shooter 8.2%
- #44 Impact Trial: Hyperchaos
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Manuel Bacallado
Windows
Survive endless waves and let yourself be swept away by the chaos. Impact Trial: Hyperchaos is a fast-paced arcade bullet hell game with adaptive difficulty, where every second counts and only your reflexes decide how long you last. The longer you hold out, the harder it gets.
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 29.4% ★, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 8.7%, Space 8.7%
- #45 Mud River
72% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Rocpain Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Mud River is a horizontal 2D Shoot‘em Up game. The Rio Doce (Sweet River) was a paradise for mankind and animals, but now it has become a territory destroyed by the unscrupulous activities of Dr. Wellin. This is Pacal's first destination, ascending the Rio Doce preventing its complete destruction.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Side Scroller 19%, Flight 15.5%, Arcade 13.3%, Shooter 9.8%
- #46 Cosmolon
70% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: Se7enZ Studio
Windows
Cosmolon is a sci-fi spaceship shooter inspired by classic arcade and MS-DOS games. You control a ship that can boost around, level up, and destroy wave upon wave of enemy ships with beautiful pixel art plasma bolts and explosions. Nab fancy power-ups and fend off unique enemies. Can you survive?
Why similar: Flight 28.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Arcade 11.4%, Space 7%, Sci-fi 6.4%
- #47 Gray Goo
69% match6 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2025
Dev: Glitch Nomads
Windows
Gray goo is a short retro arcade shooter with lots of upgrades. This game is about destroying goo in space and saving the universe.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Retro 13.3%, Space 13.1%, Arcade 10.1%
- #48 Nuts Space Shooter
70% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2022
Dev: IT's Nuts
Windows · Linux
Repel extraterrestrial entities!
Why similar: Flight 18.1%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Space 13.5%, Arcade 13.2%, Shooter 9.4%
- #49 Bombardiro Crocodilo MISSION
68% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
In this fun and frenetic shooter, you'll play as Bombardiro Crocodilo, who's trying to save Ballerina Capuchina from Tralalero Tralala's shoed fins. Embark on an action-packed journey with tons of shooting, different weapons, and skins from the Brainrot universe!
Why similar: Boomer Shooter 28.5% ★, Side Scroller 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.7%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 8.6%
- #50 SATAZIUS
71% 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 21.6%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Arcade 10.5%, Shooter 7.4%, Space 7.3%
- #51 GRADIUS ORIGINS
66% matchVery Positive94% of 250 reviews2025
Dev: KONAMI
Windows
Salamander III is the newest addition to the Gradius series, a legendary pioneer in the side-scrolling shooter genre, and comes with the original arcade versions of the previous games.
Why similar: Arcade 21%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.3%, Shooter 12.4%, 1980s 10.6%, Retro 8.4%
- #52 Syder Arcade
70% matchVery Positive84% of 692 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 34.4%, Arcade 12.9%, Side Scroller 11.4%, Space 8.4%, Shooter 8%
- #53 Hyper-5
69% matchPositive89% of 18 reviews2022
Dev: Hyper Productions
Windows
Hyper-5 is a cinematic shmup inspired by classics from the “golden era” of the 90’s. Responding to a distress beacon, deep space scout ship Hyper-5 is drawn into a terrifying battle with an unknown enemy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Side Scroller 21.9%, Arcade 13%, Sci-fi 10%, Shooter 9.8%
- #54 INNBC STARFIGHTER
67% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: Jonathan Fior Pub: Innovative Bioresearch
Windows
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 9.2%, 1980s 7.8%
- #55 Strato Freaks DX
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team Ulminac
Windows · Mac · Linux
Take flight in your Grand Gyro and shoot down every robot in your path to save the Powerful Monkey Council!
Why similar: Flight 26.1%, Side Scroller 23.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Arcade 9.3%, Shooter 8.3%
- #56 Pier Pressure
69% matchPositive83% of 29 reviews2020
Dev: Headcannon
Windows · Mac · Linux
Take flight in one of three unique ships to battle a legion of enemies and massive bosses across a city sky, through a dark cave, along the bottom of the sea, and into a secret laboratory! Confront a buff, flamboyant crawfish scientist to retrieve the Power Pearl and save your job!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Flight 13.9%, Arcade 12.8%, Shooter 9.7%
- #57 Apidya' Special
67% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Team ApidyaPub: ININ
Windows
1992's home computer legend Apidya is making a comeback in this authentic 24-bit pixel remake, built from the ground up, but utterly faithful to the original. Take flight in Apidya' Special!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Side Scroller 20%, Flight 19%, Retro 11.1%, Arcade 8.7%
- #58 Super Space Towers
68% matchPositive100% of 15 reviews2021
Dev: Happy Cactus Games Limited
Windows · Mac
Super Space Towers is a space 3D physics puzzle action game. You have been tasked with cleaning up the mess left by the aliens' attempts to sabotage the orbital power towers.Contain the orbs, rescue the stranded workers & escape the towers!
Why similar: Flight 20.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Physics 16.2%, Arcade 10.1%, Space 10%
- #59 Apano SYN Fighter
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ASIN Games
Windows
Is there a gamepad lying around somewhere?!! Ready to play some real shooter games again? Grab the controller and become an APANO SYN PILOT to face the alien invasion. Connect up to four controllers and shoot until you drop. 100% survival chance on "Easy", low on "Impossible".
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Arcade 14%, Space 11.4%, Shooter 11.1%, Sci-fi 9.4%
- #60 Escape Space
66% 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 22.6%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Space 13.5%, Arcade 11.9%, Shooter 9%