Games Like Who's That Flying?!

You are ready to challenge pilots from all around the world. Shoot your way through intense levels with swiftly increasing difficulty in a game world completely built with handcrafted models. Invest your score in upgrades or save it to gain interest with the risk of losing it all.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.6%, Action 36.1%, Indie 24.3%

Why You'll Like It: It shares a similar quirky aesthetic and polished side-scrolling shooter mechanics that emphasize arcade-style progression.

Dodge, shoot and explode across the Solar System as a crew of intelligent and dangerous chickens. As the pilot of The Golden Eagle, it's your duty to keep Colonel Ram and Professor Bez safe as they squabble about ethics and who last used the toilet. Wage war against humanity as you battle your way towards the Sun to complete your mission.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.3%, Action 33.3%, Indie 25.4%

Why You'll Like It: It combines humorous storytelling with challenging side-scrolling shoot-em-up gameplay, perfectly matching the tone of the seed game.

Sine Mora EX is a side-scrolling shoot'em up that provides a unique challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora EX is a gorgeous shoot'em up offering both a Story Mode that weaves an excessive tale and an Arcade Mode.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 79.3%, Action 20.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a sophisticated side-scrolling shmup experience with a unique time-based mechanic and high-fidelity visuals.

Legacy of the Elder Star is a mouse-driven shoot 'em up for the rest of us. You are the Cosmonaut, an eternal cosmic hero who must shatter the robotic Infinite Legion and rekindle a dying star!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.5%, Action 32.2%, Indie 22.2%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant and intense bullet-hell side-scroller that provides a similar sense of scale and power to the Guardian of Earth.

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 66%, Action 22.4%, Indie 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A highly accessible and modern take on the side-scrolling shooter genre that feels right at home for fans of casual arcade action.

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 73.8%, Indie 13.4%, Action 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic arcade spirit with tight controls and satisfying weapon upgrades that mirror the intensity of the seed game.

Endless arcade action with just ONE button - Switch directions whenever you shoot!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.6%, Casual 18.6%, Action 9.9%, Indie 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This minimalist shooter distills the genre down to its purest form, focusing on high-score competition and precise timing.

A flying saucer chases you all over the galaxy. Run away, defeat enemies, and evolve to avoid getting abducted

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 71.4%, Action 25.7%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes classic 2D platforming and projectile-based combat.

It's shoot-'em-up arcade action at its best! Use an incredible assortment of heavy artillery to blast away enemy tanks and planes, and fight your way to victory. What are you waiting for? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get into the action!

Why similar: Casual 48%, Shoot 'Em Up 34.1%, Action 17.9%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential arcade side-scroller that focuses on overwhelming firepower and simple, addictive gameplay.

Flight of the Paladin is a fast-paced top-down shooter where you play as a knight of valor and light vanquishing the nightmarish creatures of darkness. Featuring multiple game modes, Steam Achievements and Leaderboards!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.2%, Action 28.1%, Indie 16.5%, Casual 15.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a casual, indie-focused side-scrolling experience that mirrors the accessibility of the seed game.

Protect the Earth from an alien invasion in this Run N’ Gun action spectacle. Take control of G.U.N.N.R. and battle your way through a blast from the pixelated past.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.8%, Action 29%, Indie 17.2%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter that captures the same indie charm and side-scrolling action as the seed game.

Bad Caterpillars and their swarms of insect hordes are invading. Get to your ship, man the lasers, and save the galaxy from caterpillars, scorpions, spiders, and a slew of other ill-tempered giant killer insects.

Why similar: Action 28.5%, Casual 27.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Indie 20.3%

Why You'll Like It: This indie title offers a lighthearted and casual approach to the side-scrolling shooter genre.

Jets'n'Guns 2 is a side-scrolling space shooter with insane levels of action and destruction. Travel the galaxies and unleash an arsenal of the deadliest weapons and devices to save the universe from its inevitable doom.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.1%, Action 27%, Indie 16.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers chaotic, high-octane side-scrolling action with deep weapon customization that keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Save the universe in this casual arcade game.

Why similar: Action 38.4%, Casual 34%, Indie 27.6%

Why You'll Like It: A casual-friendly arcade shooter that focuses on simple, satisfying mechanics and pixel-art aesthetics.

Air Guardians is a flight combat game set in the distant future. A world government is attempting to seal their grip on power, and an air force of advanced fighter craft is called upon to fight them. Fly through several different levels, with cut scenes between missions and in game narration.

Why similar: Action 61.1%, Indie 38.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on flight-based action and sci-fi themes that align well with the Guardian of Earth premise.

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 56.7%, Action 25.9%, Indie 17.4%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully polished bullet-hell shooter that balances accessibility with the high-skill ceiling required by genre veterans.

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 81.1%, Action 18.9%

Why You'll Like It: An iconic title in the bullet-hell genre that offers the precise, high-stakes dodging mechanics seen in the seed game.

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 64%, Action 36%

Why You'll Like It: This classic arcade shooter provides the definitive experience for those who love traditional, high-intensity side-scrolling combat.

Space Gray X is a side-scrolling bullet-hell action game where you battle alien invaders, starting from Earth and advancing into space, unlocking advanced aircraft to aid your mission.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.2%, Casual 25.4%, Action 14.3%

Why You'll Like It: It blends bullet-hell mechanics with a spectacle-fighter feel, offering a modern twist on the side-scrolling shooter.

The Cyan Galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 75.5%, Action 24.5%

Why You'll Like It: This arcade-style shooter features pixel-graphics and intense bullet-hell patterns that challenge your reflexes.

R-Type and R-Type II, the legendary coin-op space shooters, are now together on Steam!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 68.7%, Action 31.3%

Why You'll Like It: It brings the legendary side-scrolling shooter experience to modern systems with updated visuals and classic gameplay.

Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Finger-blistering arcade shooting action for one or two players.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.8%, Action 31.2%, Casual 24.3%, Indie 6.7%

Gear up your GunSuit and defend Earth from an alien siege! Equip and upgrade unique arsenals of overpowered weapons to survive overwhelming numbers in this action-roguelite twin-stick horde survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 31.5%, Action 26.5%, Casual 22.6%, Indie 19.5%

Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike that incorporates bullet-hell elements, perfect for players looking for a modern, challenging shooter.

Alien Zombie Megadeath is a gloriously intense platform shoot-em-up!

Why similar: Action 59.9%, Indie 40.1%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of platforming and arcade-style shooting that keeps the action fast and chaotic.

Razor2: Hidden Skies Razor2: Hidden Skies is a top view shooter. The game has the style of successful classic arcade games, while using the latest technology to create great visuals and effects. An old-school game with all new technology.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39%, Action 26.4%, Casual 17.5%, Indie 17.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style side-scrolling shooter that provides a nostalgic and challenging arcade experience.

Complete tasks and survive the oncoming enemy waves for as long as possible! Are you good enough? Are you a frequent flyer?

Why similar: Action 41.3%, Casual 32%, Indie 26.6%

Why You'll Like It: A casual, pixel-art side-scroller that focuses on straightforward, fun-first gameplay.

Mars is under attack! An unknown enemy is dropping bombs on the peaceful red planet. It is up to you to fight off the onslaught so the innocent can escape. Run (umm...slide), jump and blast your way to freedom in the arcade-inspired goodness that is Martian Law. Save Mars!

Why similar: Action 38%, Casual 31.1%, Indie 31%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D arcade action game that focuses on simple, satisfying combat loops in a sci-fi setting.

Humanity Asset is a Metroid-style 3D platformer that pays homage to the traditional retro classic shoot ‘em up genre. Aliens have invaded Earth to strip the planet of its resources, to save their own dying planet. As in all classic shoot 'em ups, only you can save the day - now there’s a surprise!

Why similar: Action 57.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Indie 20.5%

Why You'll Like It: This side-scrolling action game incorporates shoot-em-up elements to create a fast-paced experience.

Fly through the sky! Rain down fire on the enemy forces from above! Enjoy solid combat and simple non-linear exploration in this high flying side-scrolling action shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.5%, Action 29.1%, Indie 19.4%

Defend the solar system from fearsome aliens by sending satellites into orbit in revolutionary tower defense action!

Why similar: Action 37.5%, Casual 34%, Indie 28.5%

You are the ultimate weapon with an ultimate sidekick – Collect secret items and get power ups to become the perfect weapon.

Why similar: Action 68.3%, Indie 31.7%

Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.6%, Action 34.1%, Indie 4.2%

Aliens have invaded Earth! Towns, cities, deserts, they're everywhere! Take on the role of Earth's last super soldier and confront the alien menace in this intense twin stick shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.9%, Action 41.6%, Indie 15.5%

Earth is under siege! A mysterious and powerful alien race has come to enslave the entire galaxy, and your fleet is humanity's last hope. You must put an end to the attacks and rebuild a home for the survivors.

Why similar: Action 56.8%, Indie 43.2%

Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!

Why similar: Action 41.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 33.7%, Indie 24.9%

PIXELMAN is a retro styled, action-filled, high-score chaser arcade game, where you control the title character in his mission to rescue the citizens of Pixville from the evil Baron Von Pixel and his contraptions.

Why similar: Action 40.1%, Casual 33.1%, Indie 26.8%

Flight of the Icarus is a game where you play as a privateer who owns an airship that helps ferry goods from town to town in a post-apocalyptic world where the skies are dominated by pirates and danger. Shoot down enemy aeroplanes with a variety of deadly weaponry. Keep the ship from falling out the sky.

Why similar: Action 57.4%, Indie 42.6%

After losing contact with his explorer friend Virgi, our fearless alien hero Spidy heads to Earth in his spacecraft to find her. While entering the Earth’s atmosphere, his spacecraft suddenly fails and starts to break up, causing Spidy to crash-land on the strange planet, with his craft scattered across forests, throughout ponds and in...

Why similar: Action 58%, Indie 42%

Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!

Why similar: Action 92%, Indie 8%

Booster Trooper is the future of multiplayer platform shooters. It provides tons of fun with its fast paced action and larger-than-life weapons. You can run or fly around the map, blasting your enemies to bits with bullets, rockets, grenades, magma and other weapons from your arsenal.

Why similar: Action 63.8%, Indie 36.2%

The earth is suffering from an attack of space monsters, and the terran defense forces are called for combat and the annihilation of the monsters. The RX Squad with their advanced ships risks themselves to keep the earth in peace.

Why similar: Action 39.8%, Casual 32.8%, Indie 27.4%

In Defendoooooor!!!, it's your job to fight an alien invasion.

Why similar: Action 59.9%, Indie 40.1%

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 38.3%, Action 36.5%, Indie 25.2%

Protect the world of One Gun from evil invaders!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 44.8%, Action 41.5%, Indie 13.7%

You are the only soldier that can save the world: Collect all the artifacts, kill several cyborgs and save the world

Why similar: Action 60.3%, Indie 39.7%

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 58.9%, Action 22.3%, Casual 18.7%

Draw a ship, Fly it. Get creative.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.3%, Action 20.1%, Casual 14.8%, Indie 7.8%

Lt Blitz has the city sieged, and it's your job to destroy his troops. Shoot, dodge and upgrade your jet and and try to take on this challenge! Burning Skies is a free, endless retro shmup, that will take you right back to the era of arcade machines, with modernized graphics and gameplay!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.7%, Action 26.9%, Casual 22.4%

Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.6%, Action 46.4%

Galactic Missile Defense is a shooter and tower defense game, where you must protect Earth from the invading Martians that declared war on our planet just because a space rover accidentally ruined their picnic!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.6%, Action 20%, Casual 13.6%, Indie 11.8%

Physics and dynamic fighting based Action RPG

Why similar: Action 63.9%, Indie 36.1%

You both stand ready to be champions. Your vows to protect your world and every remaining donut have toughened your resolve to overcome all obstacles. In the icing that sits on top of your flavored cupcake you some how understand how importantly the need to survive has become, as you glance at the donut you now defend, you realize,...

Why similar: Action 42%, Casual 31.4%, Indie 26.6%

Are you prepared to defend the world against an alien invasion? Test your skills and reflexes in this highly immersive and intense game - Drone Hunter VR. You will be put through a series of tests to prove you are worthy to defend our planet using the top secret DH125, a hybrid alien/US weapon. Will you be the chosen one?

Why similar: Action 40.1%, Casual 33%, Indie 26.8%

Soda Crisis is a fast-paced side-scrolling shooter game. You play a mysterious character of unknown origin, equipped with advanced high-tech gears and fierce combating skills - definitely the chosen one for this rescue mission!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69%, Action 31%

They Came From the Sky is tiny, retro styled, highly-addictive and fast paced arcade game wherein you take the role of one of the Flying Saucers in the 1950s with one and only one Mission: Make a delicious juicy Human Smoothie!

Why similar: Action 39%, Casual 33.2%, Indie 27.8%

All the planets in the system have suddenly decided that the galaxy isn’t big enough for all of them! You’re not sure who launched the first missile and it doesn’t really matter! You’ve got nothing to do with it… you are just… the satellite repairman!

Why similar: Action 48.9%, Indie 31.8%, Casual 19.4%