- #1 Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition
97% matchVery Positive81% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Entity MedialabPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.3 hrs≥1hr: 16%
Hyperspace Invaders II: Pixel Edition is a hardcore, uncompromising vertical scrolling bullet hell/invader hell shooter (shmup) that doubles as a techno-based lightsynth, triggering bursts of funky invaders at the pulse of a relentless beat.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.4%, Great Soundtrack 32.9%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 11.5%, Indie 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the direct inspiration from classic space shooters while adding modern pixel-art flair and intense arcade action.
- #2 Space Moth DX
96% matchVery Positive81% of 133 reviews2016
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 33.9%, Great Soundtrack 25%, Arcade 12.8%, Action 10.9%, Retro 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This title excels at providing a challenging bullet-hell experience with a unique retro-arcade feel that matches the intensity of the seed game.
- #3 Super Destronaut DX
96% matchVery Positive88% of 92 reviews2018
Dev: Petite GamesPub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
Inspired by an arcade classic, Super Destronaut DX is retro space shooter that pits you against an enemy more dreaded than a UFO, a scoreboard.
Why similar: Action 60%, Indie 40%
Why You'll Like It: This game is a love letter to classic arcade shooters, offering simple yet addictive gameplay that mirrors the core loop of Void Invaders.
- #4 Ghost Blade HD
95% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Hucast GamesPub: 2Dream
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ghost Blade HD is an intense bullet-hell shoot 'em up game, with satisfying and addictive score-based gameplay. With its inspiration going back to the shooting games of the 1990s era, Ghost Blade HD ties old memories to current tones and techniques.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.6%, Action 19.5%, Indie 15.9%
Why You'll Like It: A modern shoot-em-up that stays true to the classic arcade roots, featuring beautiful pixel art and a pumping soundtrack.
- #5 Infinos Gaiden
94% matchVery Positive99% of 82 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.7%, Action 17.1%, Indie 12.9%, Arcade 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A pure, side-scrolling shoot-em-up that focuses on classic mechanics and a nostalgic 16-bit aesthetic.
- #6 Danmaku Unlimited 3
94% matchVery Positive87% of 240 reviews2017
Dev: Doragon Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Take to the skies once again as the last defender of humanity against overwhelming odds! Lovingly built to be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans alike, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a perfect medley of the best aspects of classic bullet hell shooters wrapped up in a modern and approachable package.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.4%, Great Soundtrack 26.2%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 9.7%, Indie 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly balances accessible arcade mechanics with the high-intensity bullet-hell patterns found in classic genre staples.
- #7 Jamestown
93% matchVery Positive94% of 2,360 reviews2011
Dev: Final Form Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.2%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Arcade 10.5%, Retro 6.9%, Indie 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a highly polished, cooperative arcade shooter experience with a distinct retro aesthetic and intense bullet-dodging gameplay.
- #8 Bit Blaster XL
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,141 reviews2016
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 50.6%, Arcade 22%, Retro 17.6%, Action 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, high-speed arcade shooter that focuses on pure reflex-based gameplay and endless replayability.
- #9 Syder Arcade
91% 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 48.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Arcade 13.9%, Retro 9%, Action 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a classic, side-scrolling arcade shooter experience with a gritty aesthetic and intense combat sequences.
- #10 ESCHATOS
90% matchVery Positive97% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
An alien menace has descended on Earth! Defend the world from UFO invasion in this superb arcade shooter from Qute. Use your weapons effectively, deflect enemy bullets with your shield, and recapture the Moon from alien infestation!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.4%, Great Soundtrack 36.2%, Action 11.9%, Arcade 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: Known for its fast-paced, fluid gameplay and excellent soundtrack, it captures the same arcade energy as Void Invaders.
- #11 Hyper Sentinel
89% matchVery Positive84% of 68 reviews2018
Dev: Four5Six PixelPub: Huey Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 21%
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 39.1%, Arcade 19.1%, Retro 18%, Action 13.3%, Indie 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a fast-paced, retro-arcade experience with vibrant visuals and challenging boss encounters.
- #12 Sky Force Anniversary
89% matchVery Positive92% of 2,138 reviews2015
Dev: Infinite Dreams
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 50.9%, Arcade 13.8%, Retro 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Action 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A modernized take on the classic arcade shooter that features stunning visuals and addictive upgrade systems.
- #13 ZeroRanger
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,130 reviews2018
Dev: System Erasure
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38%, Great Soundtrack 34.7%, Arcade 8.2%, Retro 8%, Action 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern masterpiece that pays homage to classic arcade shooters while introducing innovative mechanics and a deep, evolving narrative.
- #14 Really Big Sky
88% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,890 reviews2012
Dev: Boss BaddiePub: Ripstone
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A super fast, twin analogue shooter for the modern age!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.5%, Indie 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Action 12%, Arcade 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a chaotic, fast-paced experience with a unique visual style and constantly shifting gameplay scenarios.
- #15 BULLET SOUL
86% matchVery Positive84% of 73 reviews2017
Dev: MAGES. Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Blending classic shooting game design with a substantial dose of modern day bullet hell and flashy pyrotechnics, Bullet Soul has it all! Play through multiple modes, all designed to welcome newcomers to the genre, but also challenge experts aiming for ever higher scores.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 52.2%, Great Soundtrack 34.4%, Action 13.4%
Why You'll Like It: A high-energy arcade shooter that emphasizes aggressive play and features a fantastic, pulse-pounding soundtrack.
- #16 Raiden IV x MIKADO remix
82% matchMixed70% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Buckle up and blast off with Raiden IV x MIKADO remix! This classic arcade shoot ‘em up comes fully equipped with new music, battle modes, vertical screen play, and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.6%, Arcade 29.2%, Action 15.2%
Why You'll Like It: A definitive arcade shooter experience that offers the classic pedigree and high-difficulty challenge expected of the genre.
- #17 Tempest 4000
85% matchMixed68% of 191 reviews2018
Dev: Llamasoft Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows
Tempest 4000™ is a visually stunning, action-packed tube shooter based on the classic hit arcade game, Tempest™.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.2%, Arcade 28%, Retro 22.9%
Why You'll Like It: A visually trippy and fast-paced arcade shooter that focuses on high-score chasing and rhythmic intensity.
- #18 The Bug Butcher
84% matchVery Positive90% of 1,201 reviews2016
Dev: Awfully Nice Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A fast paced action shooter inspired by the arcade classic Super Pang! Use a wide selection of weapons and powerups to tear through increasingly challenging levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Great Soundtrack 25.5%, Arcade 15.3%, Action 11.5%, Indie 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style action game that features frantic, screen-filling combat and a charming retro aesthetic.
- #19 Astro Tripper
87% matchMixed57% of 68 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.5%, Action 25.4%, Indie 20.1%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the essence of classic arcade shooters with its simple, effective mechanics and relentless enemy waves.
- #20 Ikaruga
84% matchVery Positive95% of 2,307 reviews2014
Dev: TREASURE
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58.2%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Arcade 16.3%, Action 3.8%, Retro 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for arcade shooters, featuring a unique color-switching mechanic that adds a layer of strategy to the chaos.
- #21 Beat Invaders
79% matchVery Positive96% of 201 reviews2022
Dev: Raffaele Picca
Windows · Linux
Beat Invaders is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up Roguelite - Fight your way through enemy fleets, unlock skills, items, ships, and upgrade them in the next run. Enjoy the smooth neon visuals matching the pushing EDM soundtrack - The perfect game to unwind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51%, Arcade 24.7%, Retro 13.3%, Action 11%
Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of rhythm and arcade shooting that keeps the action fast and the soundtrack front and center.
- #22 LUFTRAUSERS
82% matchVery Positive91% of 4,487 reviews2014
Dev: VlambeerPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The skies are aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Take to the skies in customized fighter planes to battle battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 32.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.1%, Arcade 16.1%, Retro 8.5%, Action 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish, arcade-focused flight shooter that rewards players for daring maneuvers and explosive combat.
- #23 Z-Exemplar
83% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.4%, Retro 20.3%, Action 20%, Indie 15.3%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired side-scrolling shooter that feels like a lost classic from the 8-bit era.
- #24 Mushihimesama
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,525 reviews2015
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Battle huge "Koju" bugs in CAVE's beautiful fantasy shooter, Mushihimesama. Experience the thrill of bullet hell from the masters of the genre as you evade visually stunning shot patterns with thousands of bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51%, Great Soundtrack 27.5%, Arcade 15.7%, Action 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic bullet-hell shooter that provides the ultimate test of reflexes for fans of the genre.
- #25 R-Type Final 2
78% 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 62.7%, Arcade 23.5%, Action 13.8%
Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the classic side-scrolling shooter that retains the tactical depth and challenge of the original series.
- #26 GALAXIUM
81% matchMostly Negative27% of 223 reviews2019
Dev: Tony MuñozPub: Wulum LTD
Windows · Mac
Arcade shoot game inspired on 80’s classics with extra features as you progress.
Why similar: Action 42.5%, Indie 32.8%, Arcade 24.8%
Why You'll Like It: A direct homage to classic space-invader style games, focusing on simple, addictive arcade mechanics.
- #27 DoDonPachi Resurrection
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,051 reviews2016
Dev: CAVE Interactive CO.,LTD.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The legendary bullet-hell shoot-’em-up series has come to Steam! DoDonPachi is ressurected after a Blissful Death with enough modes to satisfy the beginner and the expert player alike. Tonight we dine in bullet hell!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.6%, Great Soundtrack 22.2%, Arcade 15.9%, Action 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary bullet-hell title that defines the high-difficulty, high-reward nature of the arcade shooter genre.
- #28 Super Destronaut
80% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2016
Dev: Petite Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 46.4%, Arcade 20.7%, Retro 19.9%, Action 10.6%, Indie 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, classic-style arcade shooter that is perfect for short, intense bursts of gameplay.
- #29 Void Source
75% matchMostly Positive78% of 114 reviews2020
Dev: Xitilon
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 98%
Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.2%, Arcade 20.7%, Retro 18.8%, Action 9.4%
- #30 Echoes+
77% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.7%, Action 18.1%, Arcade 13.9%, Indie 12.2%, Retro 11.1%
- #31 Retro/Grade
78% matchVery Positive84% of 396 reviews2013
Dev: 24 Caret Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Play a classic Shoot 'Em Up... in reverse!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.1%, Action 25.4%, Indie 21.6%, Retro 14.9%
- #32 Nova Drift
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Arcade 16.2%, Retro 15.4%, Action 7.4%
- #33 Shmadow
76% matchVery Positive82% of 200 reviews2015
Dev: Extrokold Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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: Great Soundtrack 42.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.5%, Action 11.4%, Indie 9.8%
- #34 Tiamat X
76% matchMostly Negative60% of 209 reviews2015
Dev: BBQ Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Featuring six levels of intense shooting action, Tiamat X is a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling space shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.7%, Arcade 23.1%, Action 17.5%, Indie 11.8%
- #35 Xion
74% matchMixed67% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Zenz VR
Windows
Xion revives the arcade and shoot ’em ups of the 1990’s in a refreshing and unique way with a fully destructible voxel landscape setting and your very own spaceship that you design and upgrade in an infinite number of ways.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 31.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Action 17.7%, Arcade 12%, Indie 9.5%
- #36 Instant Dungeon!
75% matchVery Positive87% of 176 reviews2014
Dev: With The Love StudiosPub: Flying Interactive
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 65%
Instant Dungeon! mixes dungeon exploration with arcade action in the vein of the classic maze games from the 80s. Let Instant Dungeon! create a new dungeon just for you, complete with glittering treasures, vicious monsters, brutal boss battles, wild power ups and most importantly fun, Fun, FUN!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 32.2%, Retro 19.8%, Arcade 18.2%, Action 16.4%, Indie 13.4%
- #37 Hyper Bounce Blast
74% matchVery Positive93% of 89 reviews2016
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 44.3%, Action 21%, Arcade 18.9%, Indie 15.7%
- #38 Jet Buster
73% matchVery Positive92% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.6%, Action 24.1%, Indie 18.3%
- #39 Clash Force
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 155 reviews2017
Dev: Spicy Gyro GamesPub: Shiny Dolphin Games LLC
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 35%
A bite-sized, 8-bit style run-and-gun inspired by Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.7%, Retro 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 21%, Action 14.2%, Indie 8.3%
- #40 Super Bit Blaster XL
68% matchVery Positive94% of 878 reviews2020
Dev: Adamvision Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 51.4%, Arcade 22.6%, Retro 16.3%, Action 9.8%
- #41 Doughlings: Invasion
71% matchMixed63% of 60 reviews2019
Dev: Hero Concept
Windows
Another tribute paid to yet another arcade classic from the Hero Concept team! Doughlings: Invasion promises a fun gaming experience to gamers of all ages with the innovations it brings to the shooting genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.2%, Retro 25.7%, Arcade 24.5%, Action 12.9%, Indie 9.7%
- #42 Steel Vampire
70% matchVery Positive91% of 97 reviews2018
Dev: AkiragoyaPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.1%, Great Soundtrack 22.3%, Arcade 13.3%, Action 12%, Indie 9.3%
- #43 DEVIL BLADE REBOOT
59% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 802 reviews2024
Dev: SHIGATAKE GAMES
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.5%, Retro 18.1%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Action 9.3%, Arcade 7.3%
- #44 Trace Vector
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 54 reviews2014
Dev: Vexel Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Trace Vector is a modern take on tough as nails, high speed, vector, action arcade games from the 1980's. Turn up the music, navigate your ship through high speed warp networks, maintain your fuel reserves, avoid deadly hazards, and try to safely return home! Quarters not required.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 54.8%, Action 22.6%, Indie 22.6%
- #45 M.A.C.E.
72% matchMixed51% of 59 reviews2017
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 98%
MACE is a classic space shoot ’em up, inspired by the legendary Amiga games of this genre. Handdrawn 2D graphics in HD resolutions, parallax scrolling, explosion effects and optimized games mechanics, combined with the proven gameplay are transporting the “Spirit of Amiga” in today’s Age.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.8%, Action 17.8%, Arcade 14.7%, Indie 14.1%, Retro 13.6%
- #46 Steel Empire
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 107 reviews2018
Dev: mebius.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Steel Empire is a steam punk shoot'em up game featuring a frantic combat filled with powerful enemies and insane obstacles. Enjoy a beautiful world and retro game-play as you dodge and shoot your way through classical stages to fight the evil empire!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.8%, Great Soundtrack 26.3%, Retro 15.3%, Action 14.9%, Indie 3.7%
- #47 Sektori
53% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 704 reviews2025
Dev: Kimmo LahtinenPub: Kimmo Factor Oy
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. A game where the high-adrenaline gameplay, visuals, and music come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.3%, Arcade 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Action 6.2%
- #48 Breakout Invaders
72% matchMixed51% of 65 reviews2015
Dev: DreamsSoftGames
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 36%
"Breakout Invaders" is a fun fusion between two classic game genres: "Breakout" and "Space Invaders".
Why similar: Action 56.8%, Indie 43.2%
- #49 Super Hydorah
68% matchVery Positive88% of 306 reviews2017
Dev: LocomalitoPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 37%, Great Soundtrack 21.2%, Retro 13.8%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 8%
- #50 Heckabomb
71% matchMixed63% of 313 reviews2015
Dev: Allicorn GamesPub: KISS ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Explosive twin stick shooter. Lots of upgrades. Full controller support. Awesome soundtrack.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Arcade 23.2%, Indie 19.7%, Action 15.8%
- #51 Ultratron
70% matchVery Positive88% of 694 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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: Shoot 'Em Up 29%, Retro 23%, Arcade 22.3%, Action 14%, Indie 11.7%
- #52 DEEP SPACE ANOMALY
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 107 reviews2019
Dev: DRM GMZ
Windows
Space. Anomalies. Throw down a challenge to mad alien mutants in dynamic firefights with continuous injection of adrenaline! Get ready for the most unforgettable and enchanting space confrontation of all time!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 29.9%, Arcade 13%, Action 12.7%, Indie 10%
- #53 Space Smash
67% matchVery Positive89% of 53 reviews2019
Dev: Rising Moon Games
Windows · Linux
A retro-style, fast-paced, and addictive shoot 'em up. A throwback to the classic arcade games of the 80s. Great for playing while waiting in line for another game. 🎮 (shmup)
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.1%, Arcade 26.7%, Action 12.2%
- #54 Zenohell
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 85 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 30%
Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.9%, Action 31.1%
- #55 Solar Shifter EX
71% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 65.3%, Action 19.7%, Indie 15%
- #56 Vostok 2061
62% matchMostly Positive67% of 57 reviews2022
Dev: DYV's Game
Windows
Vostok 2061 is a modern-graphics vertical scroll shooter. Gorgeous alien worlds, spaceships, and bosses. Explore mysteries as you listen to a great soundtrack!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.9%, Arcade 19.3%, Retro 18.1%, Action 10.2%, Indie 3.5%
- #57 Vector Strain
69% matchMostly Positive76% of 70 reviews2015
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Addictive fast-paced shoot-em-up with beautiful 3D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. 5 ships to choose from and 5 action-packed Stages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.1%, Arcade 18.2%, Action 15.1%, Indie 10.6%
- #58 Space Invaders Extreme
66% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.6%, Arcade 22.5%, Retro 15.4%, Action 10.6%