
When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears is a story-rich, retro space shooter inspired by DOS-era space games. Blast your way through fast-paced arcade combat, build out modular, upgradable ships, and explore a galaxy torn by war.
60+ similar titles based on shared tags and player behavior. Themes include Action, Space, Sci-fi, Singleplayer.

When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears is a story-rich, retro space shooter inspired by DOS-era space games. Blast your way through fast-paced arcade combat, build out modular, upgradable ships, and explore a galaxy torn by war.

Roidgrinder
The origin story of a famous roidgrinder. It's an incremental space mining game where you interact with the ship's systems through a state-of-the-art terminal interface. Crossbreed of 2D arcade, lightweight simulation and some idler elements. Note: KEYBOARD REQUIRED.

Starlight Squad
Lead an elite squad of heroines in this high-energy vertical shmup! Blast through enemy waves, dodge deadly patterns, and take down epic bosses as you fight to free the galaxy from the grip of the Merlian Empire.
The origin story of a famous roidgrinder. It's an incremental space mining game where you interact with the ship's systems through a state-of-the-art terminal interface. Crossbreed of 2D arcade, lightweight simulation and some idler elements. Note: KEYBOARD REQUIRED.
Why similar: Space Sim 25.5%, Space 17.3%, Top-Down Shooter 16.2%, Arcade 8.6%, Old School 6.8%
Lead an elite squad of heroines in this high-energy vertical shmup! Blast through enemy waves, dodge deadly patterns, and take down epic bosses as you fight to free the galaxy from the grip of the Merlian Empire.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 23.4%, Space 10.8%, Retro 10.2%, Arcade 10%, 1980s 9.6%
Starcom: Unknown Space is an action RPG of space exploration and adventure. Build your own starship while discovering an epic story in a universe of strange mysteries, alien factions and uncharted worlds.
Why similar: Space Sim 25.8%, Space 21.9%, Top-Down Shooter 18.4%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Exploration 6.5%
Retro arcade space combat meets action-adventure exploration. Blast through a 90s-inspired sci-fi romp as Max Savage and fight to save the one person she can’t lose.
Why similar: Space Sim 37.3%, Space 16.3%, Retro 11.8%, 1990's 8.4%, Action-Adventure 7.5%
ZANAC-like Ultra High-Speed Scrolling 2D Shooter Humanity suffered a crushing defeat in the war against the sentient AI, RA6 the Great Sovereign, losing 70% of the global population. Now, you board the anti-AI fighter MSX-3 Arondight, and launch into the final battle against the Sovereign.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 32.8%, 1980s 15%, Space 11.4%, Retro 9%, Old School 7.6%
Solo Defender is a fast-paced vertical space shooter where you battle waves of enemies, unlock upgrades with Gems, and face epic bosses—including a drone-spawning Mothership. One life, multiple planets, and a secret level await. No ads—just pure arcade action.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.4%, Space 12.5%, 1980s 9.5%, Arcade 9%, Retro 7.5%
Crossfire II is an Retro / Arcade / Top-Down Shooter, originally released in 2002 for the AMIGA. The main part of the game is a classic, fast paced, single player story campaign. Fly different space ships and fight, to save the universe as you know it. Also you get a survival and a local PvP mode.
Why similar: Space Sim 34.5%, Top-Down Shooter 23.8%, Space 14%, Retro 12.9%, Arcade 7.4%
An arcade-style 2D top-down space shooter. Blow up space rocks and space pirates for as long as you can. You'll also need to maximize a delicately-balanced economy of resources. Keep trying to out-do yourself! Five boss ships will break in at various points to make life difficult.
Why similar: Space Sim 24.5%, 1980s 18.3%, Top-Down Shooter 16.1%, Retro 13.6%, Arcade 10.5%
Far from Earth, mankind hasn't changed in the centuries since we've reached the stars. Across this wide-open galaxy, you'll find merchants, builders, and explorers. The more adventurous are colonizers, conquerors, and even space pirates. And you, Voyager? What will you be?
Why similar: Space Sim 28.7%, Space 20.3%, Top-Down Shooter 14.2%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Exploration 6.9%
Asteroids are headed directly towards Earth. Destroy asteroids before they can slam into Earth. Earn medallions to purchase ship upgrades to help in the fight to save Earth.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 30.6%, Space Sim 23.6%, Arcade 15.1%, 1980s 11.3%, Space 8%
Alien Wall is a powerful genre mix between a brick breaker and ‘shoot em up’. Modern retro Arcade fun at its best!
Why similar: Space Sim 28.9%, Space 18.7%, Top-Down Shooter 17.3%, Arcade 11.8%, Retro 5.1%
After being abducted by a maniacal cyberbot, you must fight your way through a hundred levels of nebulous arenas in your spacecraft to escape. A mouse-controlled, 1366 x 768 indie-game adventure. Prepare to face turrets, mines, asteroids and mechanical krabs intent on thwarting your escape!
Why similar: Space Sim 30.7%, Top-Down Shooter 18%, Arcade 10.2%, 1980s 8.5%, Space 7.4%
Trade to make your fortune in this lo-fi, laid back space adventure, where you'll get help from anthropomorphic animals, gear up your ship, and search for the mythical key to immortality hidden in the depths of space.
Why similar: Space Sim 40.2%, Top-Down Shooter 25.4%, Exploration 7.4%, Space 6.9%, Sci-fi 4.1%
In the midst of a seemingly hopeless war among the stars, take control of highly customizable spacefighters to experience classic space combat action throughout a story-driven campaign.
Why similar: Space Sim 47.1%, Space 23.5%, Retro 12.4%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Action 4.2%
Subdivision Infinity is an immersive and pulse pounding sci-fi space shooter featuring stunning graphics and tight spaceship game play. Hunt down and destroy enemy spacecraft, crush capital ships, mine asteroids for rare minerals, and find blueprints to craft amazing new vessels!
Why similar: Space Sim 36.9%, Space 24.9%, Sci-fi 11.9%, Exploration 6.8%, Arcade 6.6%
Solitarius is a 2D top-down wave shooter set in a sci-fi space environment. It is a free minigame that contains six different levels, eight different enemies and nine different weapons. Instead of surviving as long as possible you have to make it through each level.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 30.6%, Space 25.9%, Sci-fi 8%, Arcade 7.7%, 1990's 6.5%
Landinar: Into the Void is a top-down space-adventure-RPG. You are recruited as a rookie bounty hunter in the oppressive Landinar Empire. On your journey through the quadrant you will meet diverse characters, build your own spaceship and choose your battles.
Why similar: Space Sim 31.3%, Space 24.1%, Top-Down Shooter 22.6%, Sci-fi 6.2%, Action 4.4%
In this highly addictive top-down arcade shoot-em-up from 1982, originally for the ZX Spectrum, defend yourself from wave upon wave of deadly alien combatants using your Ion Thrust Drive and dual Plasma Disruptors.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 43.7%, Retro 13.4%, Space 11.2%, Arcade 9.5%, Sci-fi 6.4%
Where is Earth is a top-down vehicular combat game. Traverse planets, evading threats and obstacles, in search of your crew. Gather resources to assemble upgrades, landing vehicles, space craft, weaponry and support modules to aid you in your fight against an unknown enemy.
Why similar: Space Sim 29.2%, Top-Down Shooter 18.1%, Space 14.5%, Retro 11.3%, Old School 7.8%
In this simple riff on an arcade classic, released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum by famed game developer/publisher Ocean Software, search labarinthine levels for the exit, while surviving an ever-increasing onslaught of deadly robots.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 32.3%, Retro 18.1%, Arcade 10.7%, 1980s 8.9%, Sci-fi 7.1%
Embark on an Interstellar Odyssey! Captain your own starship amidst a network of bustling transit stations, ferrying passengers of diverse species. Upgrade your vessel, navigate volatile interspecies relations, and avert cosmic chaos in this thrilling sci-fi saga!
Why similar: Space Sim 31.2%, Space 15%, Arcade 10.9%, Sci-fi 10.2%, Lore-Rich 8.8%
Synthwaifu: Neon Space Fighter is inspired by the arcade games of the 80s. Destroy waves of enemy spaceships to score points and unlock all the drawings.
Why similar: Space Sim 30%, Top-Down Shooter 18.5%, 1980s 14.3%, Retro 11.9%, 1990's 9.6%
Blue Jay Joyride is a fast-paced 2D space shooter. Go through waves of enemies and fight progressively harder bosses. Collect one of the many unique powerups to give your ship a fighting chance in this intense game.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 32.7%, Arcade 14.3%, Space 11.7%, Retro 9.3%, Old School 8%
The solar system is on the brink of collapse! Using powerful alien technology, you must battle enemies, players, and the forces of gravity to escape and survive. Redemption is optional. Survival is not.
Why similar: Space Sim 32%, Top-Down Shooter 18.8%, Arcade 11.2%, 1980s 7.3%, 1990's 5.6%
A sci-fi exploration & survival game where you take on the role of a spaceship’s AI. Explore, fight, and survive across a mining colony in the Main Asteroid Belt. Rebuild your ship. Rescue your crew. Reveal the truth behind your mission.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.6%, Space 18.2%, Retro 10.8%, Sci-fi 9%, Exploration 6.4%
Explore the depths as you drill, craft, and fight to escape from a mysterious asteroid deep in the Veridian Expanse!
Why similar: Space Sim 32.6%, Top-Down Shooter 21.1%, Space 12.4%, Futuristic 6.9%, Sci-fi 6.8%
Modern old school action with explosive firepower. Rack up kills to upgrade your ship. Use your tech skills wisely. Collect the best loot. And dominate the skies with space shotguns, homing swarm missiles and chain lightning! This is a work-in-progress passion project! ETA November '26!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 28.1%, Space 15.9%, 1990's 11.6%, Arcade 11.1%, Sci-fi 8.7%
The Pinnacle of Mutant Blasting Action Is Here! — Blaster Master Zero 3's hybrid of sidescrolling and top-down action is back for its 3rd chapter, and more intense than ever before!
Why similar: Space 17.1%, Retro 11.9%, 1980s 10.4%, Futuristic 8.4%, 1990's 8.2%
Voidronaut is a fast-paced 2D arcade shooter set in the endless darkness of deep space. As the last surviving pilot, you must outmaneuver relentless enemy waves, collect new weapons, and sharpen your aim, speed, and reflexes to survive.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 32%, Arcade 15.1%, Space 12%, Retro 9.6%, Old School 8.3%
Physics-based arcade, top-down space shooter. Pilot the Salvager, collect salvage to upgrade your ship, balancing an economy by mining asteroids and fending off waves of enemy ships, ultimately growing so large as to destroy planets.
Why similar: Space Sim 33.7%, Top-Down Shooter 22.4%, Space 10.7%, Arcade 10.6%, Sci-fi 6.4%
Distance Travellers is a single player extraction space simulator, set in the distant future, fight, mine and loot your way around the galaxy. Upgrade your equipment and ship and do your best to survive the barren wastes of the new world.
Why similar: Space Sim 32.4%, Top-Down Shooter 28.5%, Space 20.3%, Action-Adventure 6.8%, Sci-fi 4.5%
Kowi Ishto: Battle of Akonoli is a 16-bit inspired, Action Packed, Arcade Style, Space Shooter.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 17.1%, Space 13.9%, 1980s 13.1%, Retro 11.6%, 1990's 10.5%
The mission is simple: land the Falcon! Try to use your fuel as efficiently as possible and land safely. This Arcade game is easy to start and fun to play! Back to the basics with the minimalistic style that still knows how to catch the players attention.
Why similar: Space Sim 40.7%, Arcade 11.7%, 1980s 9.8%, Space 8.5%, 1990's 7.6%
In Parsec you pilot a spaceship through a field of asteroids trying to destroy as many as possible before they destroy you. You have three different weapons that can be picked up around the world. Health can also be picked up from random spawns and sometimes dropped by asteroids.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 29.9%, Space 16.5%, Arcade 13.4%, Retro 11.9%, Old School 9.8%
Gratuitous Shooty Game is a hobby space shooter made by the developer of Gratuitous Space Battles, reusing the art from that game :D.
Why similar: Space Sim 32.9%, Top-Down Shooter 21.7%, Arcade 10.8%, Space 6.2%, Retro 6.2%
Hyper Frenzy is a free arena-styled singleplayer 2D space shooter using top-down perspective. Fight in different modes against bots, collect various items and use one of the plenty weapons to defeat your opponents. Create your own maps and gametypes.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.7%, Space 20.8%, Arcade 10.5%, Retro 10.1%, 1980s 9.6%
Use quick reflexes and sharp aim to simultaneously blow up enemies and block alike in this satisfying retro style action brick breaker! The third installment in the Game Buddy series that faithfully recreates the look, sounds, and feel of classic late 80's handheld games!
Why similar: 1980s 17%, Arcade 15.2%, Top-Down Shooter 14.4%, Space 14%, Old School 13.7%
Maelstrom is a licensed open source port of the original shareware game for the Macintosh by Ambrosia Software, Inc. It is a fast-action, asteroids-like game, with classic pixel graphics and original sounds.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 34.6%, Arcade 15.1%, Space 15.1%, Retro 11.6%, Sci-fi 8.6%
Monitors have received notification of an unknown event, referred to as ASTRA PROTOCOL. You have been designated search and reconnaissance to determine the meaning of this ASTRA PROTOCOL. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of survivors. PROBABILITY OF HOSTILES: HIGH.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.9%, Space 16.5%, 1980s 11.1%, Top-Down Shooter 10.5%, Retro 9.8%
Blast and dodge asteroids while trying to collect fuel and ammunition to continue the onslaught, while your ship is slowed and damaged by the various shrapnel of the very combat you engage in!
Why similar: Space Sim 29.5%, Top-Down Shooter 20.4%, Arcade 9.2%, Space 8.7%, 1990's 8.6%
Again you are alone against the hordes of hostile spacecrafts where you can only rely on yourself. It is the victory or the death!
Why similar: Space Sim 33.7%, Space 22.9%, Retro 11.5%, 1980s 9.3%, Arcade 9%
Be NEARLY vaporized, crushed, blown to pieces, flame broiled, and electrocuted using your incredible targeting skills and class 1 fancy flying to keep you alive in this SHMUP that brings back the essence of the classic arcade shmups!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 27.4%, Space Sim 27.4%, Space 10.4%, Arcade 7.1%, Story Rich 5.9%
Fast Paced, Bullet Hell Retro Shooter! Shoot down enemies and dodge everything. Fight through 17 intense levels with 6 insane boss fights. Do you have what it takes to beat the game?
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 27%, Space 16.8%, Arcade 12.8%, Retro 12%, 1990's 9.9%
Fight back against the evil Galactic Federation! It'll be good for humanity and probably OK for you.
Why similar: Space Sim 34.6%, Space 17.2%, Retro 12.4%, Sci-fi 9.7%, 1990's 7%
Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.
Why similar: Space Sim 40.5%, Space 33.5%, Sci-fi 13%, Exploration 6.6%, Action 6.4%
A survey vessel bound for a destination 84,000 km away. While investigating a destroyed spacecraft, you encounter an unexplained spatial anomaly. Manage power and resources to continue your journey, and uncover the truth behind a phenomenon that is slowly consuming reality itself.
Why similar: Space Sim 41.7%, Lore-Rich 12.3%, Space 11.5%, Sci-fi 9.7%, Exploration 8.3%
Captain a space freighter on its perilous voyage to deliver vital supplies to the Parvin Frontier! Select your crew, then lead and command their efforts to manage the ship's navigation, engineering, weapons, and more on the fly as crises and obstacles arise in real time.
Why similar: Space Sim 43.1%, Space 21.6%, 1980s 10%, Sci-fi 7.9%, Retro 7.8%
AstraX is a side-scrolling action game about flying ships that can destroy everything in their path.
Why similar: Space Sim 32.3%, Space 17%, Retro 11%, Arcade 9.7%, Sci-fi 9%
In the distant year of 2359, previously unknown alien forces have attacked Earth and its colonies. You are an agent on a special mission sent by the global senate to repel the attack and stop the alien forces.
Why similar: Space Sim 35.1%, Arcade 12.3%, 1980s 10.8%, Space 10.2%, 1990's 8.5%
Influenced by classic top-down shooters like Sinistar and Bosconian, Shibui Coliseum is a multidirectonally scrolling shoot ‘em up for fans of fast-paced arcade action.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 29%, Retro 16.5%, Arcade 12.7%, 1990's 9.6%, Space 9.3%
Layer Section, the home console port of arcade game RayForce is back with new features and online ranking. Use the new lock-on laser function to defeat multiple enemies at once for a higher score in this gorgeous 2D vertical shooting game!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 28.2%, Space 13.8%, Arcade 12.8%, 1990's 11.8%, Retro 10.3%
Join Captain Rijk as he attempts to escape from the clutches of one of the most villainous species in the galaxy. Help to uncover the horrors that are being carried out on the fringes of the civilised galaxy and become the divine being prophesised to inspire an uprising and destroy The Domain.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 32.6%, Space 22.4%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Story Rich 8.4%, Action-Adventure 5.6%
Cube Space is a minimalist arcade Shoot `em Up game set in space. You control a spaceship and your task is to score as many points as possible by destroying enemies and obstacles in your path.
Why similar: Space Sim 35.2%, Top-Down Shooter 21.6%, Arcade 11.3%, Space 10.5%, 1990's 8%
Royal Odyssey is a retro-style arcade space shooter where you pilot Prince Zayven’s ship through a deadly asteroid storm, blasting your way to survival.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 25.4%, Space 15.9%, 1980s 13%, Retro 11.8%, Futuristic 8.6%
Engage in an intense space shooter that you can play in single-player or multiplayer with up to 6 players. Play a variety of different spaceships, each with their own unique stats, components, and playstyles!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 33.1%, Space 17.5%, Retro 13.2%, Futuristic 10.6%, Sci-fi 9.9%
ZEROCRON is a straightforward, classical arcade Twin-Stick Shoot-Em-Up with a strong Commodore-Amiga-era feel. Blast asteroids and enemies to burning pixeldust!
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 23.8%, Retro 10.8%, Arcade 10.1%, 1980s 10.1%, Old School 8.8%
Collection of a few arcade classics, remade with a fresh and friendly looking art style and a beautiful soundtrack.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 31.2%, 1980s 14%, Arcade 13.5%, 1990's 10.8%, Space 10.5%
How long can you survive the depths of space in this fresh revival of the classic arcade shooter, all while grooving to an original score by Megan McDuffee. Pilot solo or recruit a friend for local co-op across 30 unique challenges or the endless arcade mode.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 28.5%, Space 15.4%, Arcade 11.2%, 1980s 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.5%
A co-op sci-fi featuring scrap, piracy, and your talkative line manager Clara.
Why similar: Space Sim 29.8%, Space 26.2%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Exploration 5.6%
Shin Sophstar is a high-voltage remix built for speed and scoring. With 25+ ship variants, mid-run ship switching, and an aggressive, deeply layered scoring system, it delivers a faster, sharper arcade experience for all skill levels.
Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 35.8%, Space 16.4%, Arcade 13%, 1990's 6.9%, Sci-fi 6.6%