
Beginner friendly 2D vertical and horizontal retro-style little shoot 'em up. Colourful stages with sound and vision inspired by the golden age of video gaming. Totally free introduction to the world of Shmups and Bullet Hell Games!
60+ similar titles based on shared tags and player behavior. Themes include Action, Arcade, Shoot 'Em Up, 2D.

Beginner friendly 2D vertical and horizontal retro-style little shoot 'em up. Colourful stages with sound and vision inspired by the golden age of video gaming. Totally free introduction to the world of Shmups and Bullet Hell Games!

Vektor Z
Vektor Z brings fast and furious retro space blasting action to Steam! Blast your way through endless waves of asteroids and enemies to write your name among the stars! Vektor Z offers a rogue-like arcade action game where you'll improve your progress every time you play!

Asteroid Blasters
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.
Vektor Z brings fast and furious retro space blasting action to Steam! Blast your way through endless waves of asteroids and enemies to write your name among the stars! Vektor Z offers a rogue-like arcade action game where you'll improve your progress every time you play!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.5%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, 1990's 12.3%, Arcade 11.4%, Old School 8.5%
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 19.4%, 1980s 17.2%, 1990's 14.3%, Old School 9.9%, Arcade 9.2%
RED TITANS is a single player vertical shoot em up, use the resources available to stop the threat, you will have to be very skillful since there are no continues.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, 1980s 14.6%, 1990's 12.7%, Arcade 10.9%
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 20.8%, 1980s 13.7%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, 1990's 11.1%, Arcade 9.9%
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 21.1%, 1980s 13.6%, 1990's 10.5%, Arcade 9.2%, Space 9%
Killon is a retro shooter that features exhilarating combat, manic enemies and a charged cannon waiting to be unleashed. Fly a starship across the universe and restore the future today.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, 1980s 12.2%, 1990's 9.8%, Arcade 8.4%
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 21.6%, 1980s 14.3%, 1990's 12.2%, Bullet Hell 11.8%, Retro 9.8%
The Zanac battle, which was supposed to have ended, was not over. To suppress the reactivated organic intelligence, Zanac takes flight once again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, 1980s 15.5%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, Arcade 11.5%, Old School 9%
To bring you the old school 2D space arcade feeling in a modern look and feel. Whether you like the hard core style of the old days, or you have become the more lay back type, shoot your way home at the fun rate for you. Upgrade your ship on the way home, to get ready for the final battle. Have fun!
Why similar: 1980s 17.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Bullet Hell 13.6%, 1990's 11.9%, Arcade 8.6%
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 27.8%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Arcade 11%, 1980s 10.3%, Score Attack 8%
Experience the epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series with Batsugun including the lauded Special version! Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling genre-defining bullet-hell action. Now on PC with modern enhancements!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Bullet Hell 17.8%, Arcade 11.4%, 1990's 9.9%, Old School 8%
Image Striker is a 2D vertical scroll shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Score Attack 12%, 1980s 10.4%, Retro 8.7%, 1990's 8.5%
1CC Games’ first shoot ’em up returns with totally overhauled visuals, all-new enemies and attacks, a deeper scoring system, remixed soundtrack and fresh player powers. Space Moth: Lunar Edition is the ultimate version of the beloved cult classic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, 1990's 10.1%, Arcade 9.4%, Score Attack 9.1%
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, 1980s 14.3%, Bullet Hell 12.3%, 1990's 12.3%, Old School 9.2%
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.3%, 1980s 14.3%, Space 13.4%, Arcade 10.9%, Bullet Hell 8.5%
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 25.8%, Score Attack 11.2%, 1980s 9.5%, Retro 8.1%, 1990's 7.8%
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 33.1%, Arcade 14.1%, 1980s 12.5%, Old School 9.4%, Score Attack 8.8%
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 23%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Gun Customization 13.8%, Space 12.5%, Arcade 9%
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 25.1%, 1980s 15%, 1990's 12.8%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 10.5%
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
Why similar: Gun Customization 18.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 16%, 1990's 9.7%, Bullet Hell 8.5%, Score Attack 7.6%
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 30.2%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Arcade 10.3%, 1990's 10.2%, Old School 7.7%
Shoot psychic orbs, collect useful thoughts, upgrade your Probe with speed, maneuverability, satellites, resistance and suppress negative thoughts in this Brain centric, procedurally generated bullet hell shoot 'em up.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 13.8%, 1980s 13.7%, Score Attack 8.4%, Space 7.7%
RESHOOTER offers heart-pounding shoot-em-up action that elevates classic arcade gameplay to the next level. Dive into the retroflow with electrifying visuals, immersive audio, and captivating mechanics.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Old School 11.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Bullet Hell 9.8%, Retro 9%
Shoot the enemy at close range! Crystal Breaker is a vertically scrolling shmup that focuses on close range attack.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.9%, 1990's 17.4%, Arcade 12.6%, Score Attack 10.9%, Bullet Hell 10.1%
Asteroids Neon is more than a mere remake—it's a vibrant reimagining of a beloved classic, designed to evoke the neon-soaked dreams of the '80s with a modern twist. Are you ready to embrace the neon nightmares and conquer the celestial chaos? Bedlam awaits, the galaxy will never be the same.
Why similar: 1980s 19.6%, Old School 14.2%, Score Attack 13.6%, Space 12.6%, Bullet Hell 11.7%
Dive in the VR arcade shoot-them-up (shmup, shoot'em up, bullet hell). A lot of action is awaiting you. "Insert coin" and jump in the shmup !
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.8%, 1980s 16.7%, 1990's 15%, Bullet Hell 11.1%, Arcade 8.2%
Blast through waves of enemies, collect powerups and test your skills against challenging bosses. It is a modern take on classic space shooters, blending accessible gameplay with roguelite progression. Compete for the top spot on the global leaderboards in 15 minute runs.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, 1990's 13.5%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, Space 10.8%, Score Attack 8.5%
Destroy the deadly bouncing orbs for the highest score in this Pang meets Asteroids arcade blaster.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Bullet Hell 12.9%, 1980s 11.9%, 1990's 10.1%, Space 8.3%
Super Arcade Boy returns in a retro shoot ’em up with 8 levels, waves of Greenies, power-ups, and 8 big boss battles. Talk with the alien leader—then save the planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, 1980s 14.4%, 1990's 12.1%, Bullet Hell 11%, Arcade 8.6%
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 25.3%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, 1980s 16.4%, Arcade 9.8%, Old School 9.2%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 20.4%, 1980s 17.8%, Arcade 16.6%, 1990's 14.1%, Space 8.1%
Take your chance and feel like 10 again.😊To start let's meet this retro cutie.🚀 River Rush is reminiscent of an old vertically scrolling shoot’em up games.🚀 If you remember them, it's time to catch up with nostalgia. Or your father's nostalgia.😉 Board in and have some fun.👨🚀
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, 1980s 21.2%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Old School 10.5%, Arcade 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 24.1%, Bullet Hell 13.4%, Old School 12.5%, Retro 11.6%, Arcade 11.1%
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 23.2%, Bullet Hell 15%, 1980s 9.6%, Arcade 8.4%, 1990's 7.7%
METAL CRISIS is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by 3D space shooters of the 90s. Pilot the most advanced ship Earth has created capable of acquiring enemy weapons as you battle through hordes of fighters and hulking bosses in it's war against the space colonies rebellion.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, 1990's 18.6%, Bullet Hell 17.1%, Arcade 7.7%, Space 6.9%
In the vast depths of space, lies a man with a dark past. Setting himself apart from that old life, and seeking justice against wrongdoing instead of being the cause of it, Captain Righteous uses the Freedom Fighter, his trusty space fighter to search for and combat the evil Captain Buster!
Why similar: 1980s 19.5%, Bullet Hell 14.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 13.2%, Old School 11.3%, Arcade 9.7%
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%, 1980s 19.6%, Bullet Hell 15%, Score Attack 9.7%, Old School 9.6%
A shoot'em up inspired by the 16-bit classics of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.5%, Old School 12.7%, Arcade 10.7%, 1990's 9.7%, Space 8.2%
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 27.5%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Arcade 11.7%, Old School 9.9%, Retro 6.9%
Shmup. Unlock. Customise. Experiment. Upgrade. Basilisk. Petrify. Easy.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, 1980s 14%, Bullet Hell 13%, 1990's 11.5%, Arcade 8.6%
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 29.1%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Score Attack 8.6%, Arcade 7.8%, Old School 5.9%
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 28.3%, 1980s 12.1%, Arcade 11.8%, Space 9.8%, Score Attack 8%
A short space shooter game that you can finish in your break time with beginner-friendly gameplay and some special features.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, 1980s 13.7%, Arcade 11.6%, 1990's 11%
Triangle Service’s MINUS ZERO is a shooter that focuses on a tried-and-true shoot-’em-up weapon: the lock-on laser. It’s shoot-’em-up purity: just you, your lock-on laser, and a whole bunch of enemies. As long as you continue to blast away at the waves of enemies, you’ll maintain invincibility, but if you lose track of your position...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.8%, Bullet Hell 16.9%, 1990's 13.6%, Arcade 10%, Old School 7.4%
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 27%, Bullet Hell 15.1%, 1990's 11.7%, Arcade 11.3%, Retro 10.3%
A quick and action paced retro styled arcade shooter, or shoot 'em up (shmup) if you like. Perfect to play in short chunks, like when you are waiting for big games to download.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.9%, 1980s 17.9%, Arcade 10.1%, Old School 9.9%, Space 9.8%
Vertical semi-procedural shmup with upgrades, real-time enemy waves, and infinite replayability. Level up your ship, unlock 20+ weapons, defeat 5 bosses, and survive endless bullet-hell combat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Bullet Hell 12.8%, 1990's 12%, Score Attack 9.6%, Space 9.1%
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 24.8%, 1980s 14.4%, 1990's 12.4%, Arcade 10.8%, Score Attack 9%
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 21.1%, Bullet Hell 14.3%, 1980s 14.2%, Old School 10%, Space 9.8%
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 21.4%, Bullet Hell 15.4%, 1980s 12.9%, Arcade 9.2%, Space 8.6%
Delta Light 2 is my love letter to classic flash games! With new arcade graphics, a fresh engine, and a killer soundtrack. Explore + 35 handcrafted maps in the Campaign. then dive into Infinite Mode. With fruity power-ups and a set of unlock-able characters, this is Delta Light like never before!
Why similar: 1980s 18%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, 1990's 14.6%, Arcade 10.8%, Old School 9.7%
Neon Invaders will take you back to your gaming roots with its constant action and relentlessly brutal enemies. Absorb enemy shots of the same colour to trigger a flurry of fire to decimate the alien invaders. Dodge and Match your way to victory through 40 levels and 5 difficulty settings.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, 1980s 14.6%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, 1990's 11.6%, Arcade 9.8%
Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Gun Customization 13.8%, Bullet Hell 13.3%, Space 8.1%, Arcade 8%
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 19.2%, 1980s 12.7%, Retro 11.6%, Arcade 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%
This is a retro barrage flying shooting game. Drive a space fighter plane, shuttle between planets and space stations, and use powerful firepower to destroy enemy space battleships! !
Why similar: 1990's 17.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.2%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, 1980s 13.3%, Arcade 8.9%
Blast battalions of tanks into smoking craters and conquer air and sea from the sky's fastest attack chopper! Toaplan's coin-op shooter Twin Cobra flies to PC with fresh features and quality-of-life updates!
Why similar: 1980s 19.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, 1990's 14.7%, Arcade 10%, Score Attack 10%
Three years after Battle Marine a new battle is about to begin! Battle AirForce is the first orthodox style vertical scrolling bullet hell STG since NOKOGI Rider by SUZUKI PLAN. It was created in Z80 full assembly language, aiming at a level close to the limit of VGS-Zero.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 17.4%, 1980s 10.7%, 1990's 8%, Arcade 7.7%
ATOMIC GUARDIANS is a fully CO-OP arcade retro shoot 'em up, where one player flies the ship, and the other player mans the shields. Fight your way through a never ending horde of Brutal Bosses, Alien Monsters and Gigantic Asteroids as you rack up a new world-wide high score. Play with up to three friends, and see how long you can last!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, Bullet Hell 15.8%, Old School 10.8%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 8.7%
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 16.6%, 1980s 13.3%, Space 13.2%, Retro 11.2%, 1990's 10.7%
Stranded in the abyss is a shoot-em-up in a unique sci-fi sci-environment where you command a massive squad of ships in an endless war Against an evil rebellion. Shoot command and bomb your way through hundreds of enemy fighters, capital ships, and skirmishes.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.3%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Arcade 11.4%, Space 9.2%, Old School 7.7%