Games Like Thundering Skies

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 19.5%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Arcade 9.9%, Old School 9.1%, Space 7.5%

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 18.6%, Side Scroller 16%, Flight 14.1%, Retro 8.6%, Arcade 8.5%

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 24%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Arcade 9.1%, Shooter 8.1%, Retro 7%

Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Side Scroller 22.4%, Arcade 10.7%, Shooter 8.9%, Old School 8.8%

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 22.8%, Side Scroller 18%, Arcade 12.6%, Shooter 9.7%, 1990's 7.4%

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 19.8%, Side Scroller 13.1%, Arcade 9.8%, Flight 8.8%, Space 8.6%

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 22.3%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Retro 12.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Shooter 8.2%

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 21.9%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Arcade 11.1%, Score Attack 7.9%, Shooter 6.5%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Flight 18%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Retro 8.6%, Arcade 7.6%

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 23.4%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Arcade 10.9%, Old School 9.3%, Retro 8.8%

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 24%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.6%, Side Scroller 17.2%, Old School 14.2%, Arcade 12.3%

A classic shoot-em up where you avoid waves and waves of enemies coming and shooting at you. This is NOT a Bullet hell shooter.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Old School 19.1%, Flight 12.2%, Retro 10.6%, 1990's 7.7%

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 25.2%, Side Scroller 17.4%, Score Attack 12.1%, Arcade 9.3%, Old School 7.3%

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 26.6%, Side Scroller 20.1%, Retro 9.6%, Old School 8.3%, Shooter 5.6%

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 20.2%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Flight 11.2%, Arcade 10.9%, Old School 10.7%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.3%, Side Scroller 25.5%, Arcade 12.8%, Retro 10.2%, Space 7.2%

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Arcade 14.3%, Shooter 10.5%, Space 7.4%

In this unique shooter from 1984. take on the role of a pilot of an out-dated Cosmic Cruiser, fighting to rescue the crew of a distant space station that had been captured by a raiding party from the sinister Rallom Empire.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.5%, Shooter 12.1%, Arcade 11.7%, Retro 11.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%

A throwback to the golden age of white-gloved 16-bit video-game mascots, Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platformer with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 14.3%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Flight 13.6%, Old School 12.7%, Space 8.6%

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 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Arcade 9.8%, Shooter 8%

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 22.8%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Arcade 13%, Shooter 9.9%, 1990's 6.7%

Asteroid Blasters is a non-stop action space shooter. Inspired by Asteroids, this game will see you choose between 6 different ships each with their own characteristics and utilize a variety of weapon powerups to eradicate your enemies. Play 2 players to increase your chance of survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, Old School 13.6%, Arcade 11.2%, Shooter 8.7%, 1990's 8.6%

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 23.2%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Retro 9.4%, Arcade 9.3%, Space 7.8%

Throst is a 2D-retro-arcade-action adventure about precision flying under constant gravity. Dive through tight tunnels, outmaneuver and destroy defenses. Grab the enemy’s energy orbs, and blast your way back to orbit before you’re crushed or shot down.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17%, Flight 16.5%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Arcade 10.8%, Retro 7.9%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Side Scroller 19.1%, Arcade 10.1%, Old School 9.2%, Shooter 8.4%

classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Space 9.9%, Old School 9.4%, Score Attack 8.3%

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 21.8%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Retro 10.7%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 8.3%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Flight 23.4%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 8.5%, Old School 8.4%

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 28.4%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Arcade 11.9%, Flight 11.2%, Space 10.3%

A shmup without shooting. Reflect the bullets with one of your two shields. Bite-sized arcade action. Cover humankind's retreat and make it count.

Why similar: Side Scroller 16.4%, Old School 12.8%, Arcade 11%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.7%, Score Attack 9%

A sci-fi retro side-scrolling shoot-em-up / rescue game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Arcade 10.9%, Old School 9.8%, Shooter 8.5%

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 22.6%, Side Scroller 17.3%, Arcade 9.6%, Shooter 6.9%, Space 6.3%

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 18.9%, Old School 10.4%, Space 9%, Score Attack 9%

Reclaim the arcade. This is a high-octane space shooter where vibrant pixel art meets relentless alien armadas. Master your orbital defenses and survive the ultimate galactic onslaught.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Old School 16%, Arcade 12.7%, Retro 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8%

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 26.1%, Side Scroller 13%, Arcade 12.7%, Retro 10.8%, Shooter 6.9%

Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 17.1%, Old School 12.2%, Arcade 9.1%, Space 7.6%

Invaders from the Lost Sectors is classic arcade action. Aliens descend with increasing speed towards your base. Shoot them all before they land. Player controlled settings like guided missiles, rate of fire, enemy speed and more help you customize exactly the game experience that you want.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Arcade 13.4%, Shooter 11%, Space 8.6%, Score Attack 7.8%

A vertical-scrolling space shooter, and a love letter to classic arcade space shooters, Tryü Sora blends retro charm with modern gameplay. Master a handcrafted campaign, explore secrets, and dominate fast-paced modes in this addictive space adventure!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Flight 18%, Arcade 10.6%, Old School 9.4%, Shooter 8.2%

SPACEMAN is a short, nostalgic, retro Shoot-Em-Up

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Retro 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.8%, 1990's 8.3%

『StanÇact』is a cute and sexy girl-on-girl SHOOT'EM UP. Mai, a military officer, is on her way to quell a riot, but the rioters and the military have teamed up and are on the rampage and the head of the military was the ringleader.Witness one woman's struggle to complete her mission amidst the chaos!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Side Scroller 17.5%, Old School 9%, Arcade 8.7%, Shooter 7.7%

Take off on a classic arcade journey with Tiger-Heli, Toaplan's pioneering vertical shooter that set the stage for an entire genre. Now available on PC with a host of modern upgrades!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Arcade 16.9%, Old School 12.6%, Score Attack 9.1%, Retro 7.2%

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 27.1%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Arcade 12.3%, Retro 12%, Old School 8%

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 23.6%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 9.4%, Space 7.4%

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 23.8%, Side Scroller 15.3%, Space 11.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 9.3%

DRUNKEN BARON is a fast-paced 2D arcade shooter inspired by classic flappy-style games. Keep your plane in the air by tapping the button, fly through chaotic corridors, shoot invading aliens, drop bombs, and survive as long as you can!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.4%, Side Scroller 16.3%, Arcade 14.2%, Old School 12.4%, Shooter 10.5%

This is a very challenging, old-school, retro, side-scrolling, sci-fi shooter, with modern twists. You must defend your base against the onslaught of approaching alien attackers. Utilize power-ups and protect your allies and resources. If you miss the arcade games of yesteryear, this is for you.

Why similar: Side Scroller 21.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Old School 19.5%, Retro 13%, Arcade 12.2%

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 22.7%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Old School 12.5%, Retro 9.8%, Arcade 9.7%

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 32.8%, Side Scroller 24%, Arcade 14.1%, Shooter 11%, Space 8.4%

The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Old School 14.3%, Arcade 11.5%, Retro 8.3%

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 20.2%, Side Scroller 17.6%, Old School 12.5%, Arcade 9.4%, Space 8.4%

A high-definition arcade shooter blending old-school action with modern polish. Battle across the Solar System, upgrade your weapons, and unlock tougher challenges in Nemesis Mode - all set to a hypnotic, retro-electro soundtrack.

Why similar: Old School 23.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.6%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Retro 12.5%, Shooter 9.5%

A classic style SHMUP in the tradition of 80's and 90's vertical scrolling shooters. Maximize your run and get to the top of the High-score Leaderboard. Can you achieve the rank of Fleet Admiral? It's a challenge. Visit our website for a free playable browser demo of the game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Arcade 13.1%, Shooter 11.1%, Old School 10.4%, 1990's 7.2%

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 29.6%, Side Scroller 19.6%, Retro 10.3%, Shooter 8.3%, Space 7.3%

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 37.4%, Arcade 12.2%, Side Scroller 10.5%, Shooter 7.7%, Space 7.6%

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 26.3%, Arcade 13%, Old School 11.3%, Shooter 10.5%, Space 10%

Terra Flame is a horizontal shmup inspired by the 90's. The feature is that you can switch between three types of weapons in real time.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Score Attack 12%, Shooter 10.6%, Retro 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%

Introducing FixEight, Toaplan's thrilling vertical run-and-gun game featuring eight peerless warriors with cutting-edge weapons. Embark on an exhilarating cosmic escapade with up to three players at once. Now on PC with modern extras!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.2%, Arcade 16.2%, Old School 12.9%, Score Attack 9.1%, Retro 7.4%

Image Striker is a 2D vertical scroll shooting game.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.3%, Score Attack 13%, Shooter 11.3%, Retro 10.2%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%

You play as a young boy who dreams of being a famous astronaut who discovers alien worlds and life. One hot summer day, you fall asleep and into a terrifying dream made up of your worst childhood fears. Can you survive this nightmare of asteroids, space spiders, deadly skulls & more?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.6%, Old School 18.4%, Arcade 15%, Retro 9.9%, Space 9.9%

STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Arcade 11.5%, Space 10%, Retro 9.7%