- #1 Spacegirl 2038
97% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2021
Dev: Borsuk Software
Windows
Spacegirl 2038 is a fast paced, high energy arcade style shooter. Save your sister and her crew, they're depending on you!
Why similar: 2D Fighter 32.1%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.4%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 10.8%
- #2 Planetstar Warrior
96% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: Todd FrantzPub: Hardbyte LLC
Windows
Planetstar Warrior is a horizontal scroll-space shooter with numerous powerups and a gradually increasing level of difficulty. Defeat all enemies on each level to progress.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 27.1%, Side Scroller 18.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 9.1%
- #3 tz mini stg collection
96% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: Tamazusa
Windows
This book contains several of tamazusa's small-scale STG works, mainly game jam works.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Arcade 14.7%, Shooter 13.9%, Side Scroller 13.1%
- #4 Scribble Space
95% matchMixed61% of 104 reviews2015
Dev: Coty GetzelmanPub: N/A
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Draw a ship, Fly it. Get creative.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 23%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Shooter 9.5%
- #5 Dulce et Decorum
94% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: Zachary Hilsman
Windows
Just another 2D platformer shooter game with pixel art graphics to boot. You can jump around while blasting your enemies with three different methods of combat, and protect your village from an evil immortal.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 34.3%, Bullet Hell 13.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Shooter 11.5%, Side Scroller 10.7%
- #6 Aces Over Airfields
94% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Zayd JahangiriPub: Cog in the Clockwork Studio
Windows
Aces Over Airfields is a fast-paced 2D aerial combat game featuring intense dogfights, strategic base defense, and retro pixel art. Fly, fight, and manage resources to dominate the skies and destroy your enemy’s jet or base assets.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 32.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.7%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Arcade 11.3%, Shooter 10.9%
- #7 Celestia
93% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Devon Meyer
Windows
Celestia is a solo-developed indie game. An angelic bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you defeat enemies throughout the skies, and relax on a floating island with your companions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 22.7%, Bullet Hell 21.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Shooter 12.4%, Arcade 10.9%
- #8 Escape 2 Space
92% matchNo user reviews
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Embark on a thrilling journey as a space mercenary! Customize your ships with powerful weapons and modules, choose contracts and destinations, and battle enemy fleets and epic bosses. Your decisions shape the universe around you, so forge your path in this action-packed space shooter!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 12.8%
- #9 The Rush
91% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: Hornbuckle Who
Windows
The Rush is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with graphics inspired by classic space shooters of the MSX. Buckle up and see if you have what it takes to master the highly adaptive Chameleon Quartz space fighter and single-handedly obliterate the alien invaders!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Side Scroller 18.9%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 11.6%
- #10 BorderCollie Blaster
91% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2022
Dev: CanisGames
Windows
Kira is back! In this arcade style shoot ´em up you´ll encounter different foes, defeat big alien bosses and collect power-ups and new weapons to fight your way through 12 exciting stages and find the holy bone Kira (the star of the game) is looking for.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 29.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Side Scroller 16.6%, Shooter 11.6%, Cute 5%
- #11 STURMWIND EX
90% matchPositive81% of 42 reviews2019
Dev: b-alive
Windows
STURMWIND EX is a shoot-em up in the tradition of old arcade games. If it moves - shoot it!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 18.6%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Arcade 11.4%, Shooter 10.7%
- #12 Slash
89% matchPositive82% of 11 reviews2025
Dev: Bestest Games
Windows
A skill based game with lots of customizability, where you slash bullets with a sword before they hit the ground, to earn money and get new cosmetics.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 39.2%, Bullet Hell 19.1%, Arcade 13.2%, Action 11.2%, Casual 9.7%
- #13 Spark
88% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2017
Dev: Knightmare Games, Limited
Windows · Mac
Spark is a creative, combo-centric, Shoot 'em up game. It's a 3-in-1 old-school arcade game fueled by the competitive urge to climb the leaderboards. The unique shooting system hooks the player as they discover more and more ways to create beautiful and effective combos.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Side Scroller 18%, Arcade 15.6%, Action 10.7%
- #14 Karous
86% matchPositive93% of 30 reviews2026
Dev: RS34
Windows
Slash, shoot, guard, grow! Karous, a Dreamcast shoot 'em up originally released back in 2007, is now soaring onto PC. Play as Karous, a girl who lost her parents in a great war with humans. Driven by her father's dying words, she descends to Earth in search of the Sanguis Dei.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 29.7%, Bullet Hell 26.9%, Shooter 16.9%, Arcade 15.7%, Action 5.8%
- #15 GUN DOG ROCK RAPID
87% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2020
Dev: leimonyaPub: leimonya
Windows
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 22.3%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Shooter 15.2%, Arcade 15%, Action 7.2%
- #16 Dash Rider
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Sunless Planet games
Windows
Dashrider is a fast-paced 2D shooter game, in which you fight your way through countless waves of enemies to earn coins. Purchase new skills or stunning boss battles. Defeat the three guards to face the final boss and complete the game.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 36.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 15%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 11.9%, Action 10.1%
- #17 Deathsmiles I・II
84% matchVery Positive95% of 110 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Angels swooping across a disastrous sky! The shoot 'em up of gothic horrors is back
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.1%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Side Scroller 14.9%, Arcade 12%, Shooter 12%
- #18 WOLFLAME
85% matchVery Positive85% of 116 reviews2016
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.9%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Arcade 14.4%, Shooter 13.9%, Action 7%
- #19 Ninja Hagakure
84% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: Comma
Windows
Defeat the ever-increasing number of enemies with a variety of ninja techniques to suit the situation After 20 minutes, we can move on to the next STAY It's more fun because there are various enemies on each stage
Why similar: 2D Fighter 39.3%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Shooter 13.8%, Action 11%, Casual 6.5%
- #20 Suicide Runners
82% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: JTW
Windows
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 23.3%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Arcade 13.8%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Action 10.2%
- #21 Fairy Fire - Defender of the Fairies
83% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Stefan Preuss
Windows
Up for some retro arcade action? Extra weapons, upgrades, smart bombs etc are your favorite tools? Then this great arcade clone is for you! Survive waves of evil creatures in this fantastic, fast paced side scroller. If you like games like Defender, Data Storm or Drop Zone, you will LOVE Fairy Fire!
Why similar: Side Scroller 16.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.1%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Shooter 12.1%, Arcade 11.4%
- #22 Chromacell
81% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2024
Dev: 171Dev
Windows
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: Bullet Hell 20.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.6%, Side Scroller 19.8%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 12.1%
- #23 Gunpowder Punk
82% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2023
Dev: Electric Moose
Windows
Gunpowder Punk is a game in pixel art cyberpunk world. You play as unnamed hero who fights against hordes of psycho gangers and their bosses.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 33.7%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.8%, Bullet Hell 18%, Action 9.3%, Shooter 8.5%
- #24 Herodes
81% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: TecnoloGilsPub: QUByte Interactive
Windows
Herodes is an exhilarating shoot 'em up game set in a future where cutting-edge technology meets the depths of the human body. Step into the role of a courageous agent tasked with the ultimate mission: saving humanity from a mysterious and deadly virus that defies all known cures.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Arcade 14.9%, Side Scroller 14.2%, Shooter 14.1%
- #25 Dug Out
80% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lost Phantom Studios
Windows
"Dug Out" is an exciting multiplayer PvP game for 2-4 players, where you dive into an underground arena and engage in intense battles. Armed with guns, you'll dig through the environment to uncover hidden opponents and outsmart your rivals.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 41.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 20.5%, Shooter 14.7%, Action 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 5.2%
- #26 VERZEUS
79% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2024
Dev: RETSUZANPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows
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 19.3%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 10.3%
- #27 Friday Night Knockout
79% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Codegnat Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A casual arcade stick fighter, great as an introductory title to the genre made for quick 1v1 games.
Why similar: 2D Fighter 40.9%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Arcade 13.9%, Action 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%
- #28 Feeble Light
78% match9 user reviews78% of 9 reviews2023
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
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 27.3%, Bullet Hell 24%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 13.1%, Action 7.6%
- #29 Lilac 0
76% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: Bullet Prince
Windows
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 24%, Bullet Hell 22.2%, Arcade 14.5%, Shooter 12.5%, Action 7%
- #30 Dininho Space Adventure
77% matchMostly Positive76% of 17 reviews2021
Dev: Dininho
Windows
Dininho sees an imminent threat on a planet within his system. Taken by a mixture of euphoria and concern, Dininho jumps into his ship and without thinking twice, takes off towards what may be the most dangerous and heroic adventure of your life.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 22.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.1%, Arcade 16.3%, Shooter 15.8%, Action 10.5%
- #31 Power-Up
78% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Bullet Hell 16%, Shooter 11.2%, Arcade 8%
- #32 Cube
77% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: ycyclop
Windows
Cube is an intriguing fast paced 2D shooter.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.5%, Shooter 19.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 16.1%, Action 14%, Casual 12.1%
- #33 Magical Blaster
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: reverse snare
Windows
High-speed horizontal shmups in which many fairies fight together!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 28.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Arcade 15.6%, Shooter 15.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%
- #34 REMOTE LIFE
75% matchVery Positive90% of 221 reviews2019
Dev: Next Game Level
Windows
Remote Life is a 2D Side scrolling space shooter (shmup) for PC. Experience a fast paced action game with insane scary graphics, and hyper jump into a brutal-frenetic-techno-alien world. Free the world from this dreadful nightmare before its nauseating breath of horror destroys mankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.2%, Bullet Hell 19.6%, 2D Fighter 16.8%, Shooter 10.5%, Arcade 9.7%
- #35 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
76% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2017
Dev: LoadUpGames.com
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 20.6%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Side Scroller 15.8%, Shooter 12.5%, Arcade 11.3%
- #36 The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis
72% matchVery Positive92% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: Minimum Wage MediaPub: holo Indie
Windows
The Adventure of Ninomae Ina'nis is a vertical shoot 'em up game where you control Ninomae Ina'nis from Hololive Myth and her companion AO-chan.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Arcade 17.3%, Shooter 16.7%, Casual 12.9%, Action 12.4%
- #37 Barrage Fantasia
74% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2021
Dev: l3lPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A girl named Herb who claims to be a great witch lives in a poisonous swamp on the outskirts of a faraway country. One day, a red jewel is stolen from a shrine under her control. Herb escapes the swamp for the first time in order to recover her jewels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 20.3%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Arcade 12.6%, Retro 6.7%
- #38 Raiden V: Director's Cut | 雷電 V Director's Cut | 雷電V:導演剪輯版
74% matchMixed56% of 527 reviews2017
Dev: MOSS Co., Ltd.Pub: UFO Interactive Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 34.2%, Bullet Hell 23.7%, Arcade 16.7%, Shooter 15.6%, Action 9.8%
- #39 Spacewing War
73% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2022
Dev: Pneuma GamesPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Blast off for a retro shoot’em up experience filled with clever twists and secrets!
Why similar: Side Scroller 25.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 13.4%, Action 7.3%
- #40 Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 - Ninpo Blast
72% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Jump on your hoverbike and blast off for unlimited ninja-themed bullet hell mayhem!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.4%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Shooter 14%, Arcade 12.4%, Action 7.2%
- #41 Origami Flight
73% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2019
Dev: Whalesoft Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Origami Flight is a sidescrolling 2D shoot' em up where you control a paper airplane with a simple but challenging mission: to save the Origami World. Now you must beat 6 different stages with tons of enemies in order to save the Tsuru from the evil Origami Fox.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.4%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Bullet Hell 14.2%, Arcade 9.9%, Shooter 9.5%
- #42 東方眠世界 ~ Wonderful Waking World
71% matchVery Positive98% of 291 reviews2022
Dev: Oligarchomp
Windows
A simplistic, dynamic Touhou fangame bullet hell shmup with a pixel art esthetic. Shoot down your enemies and dodge your way through an incessant barrage of projectiles!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 32.1%, Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Arcade 15%, Shooter 12.1%, Action 7.6%
- #43 Astro Attack
71% match7 user reviews100% of 7 reviews2024
Dev: Blocky Pixel
Windows
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 24.7%, Bullet Hell 19%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Arcade 11.1%, Shooter 9.7%
- #44 Monkey King: Master of the Clouds | 中華大仙
73% matchMostly Positive73% of 22 reviews2018
Dev: Starfish-SD Inc.Pub: Retroism
Windows
Join Micheal Chang, the Monkey King, on his journey through famous landmarks of ancient China and fight off mythical creatures and legends in this classic arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.8%, Bullet Hell 17%, Action 16.4%, Arcade 16.1%, Shooter 13.4%
- #45 Golgalian
70% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: Atael
Windows
Pilot the tank Golgalian in an endless micro shoot 'em up inspired by arcades old and new. Blast mechs, dodge bullets, and compete on the global leaderboard!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.7%, Bullet Hell 21.4%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 14.6%, Action 7.9%
- #46 Full Moon Rush
70% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2023
Dev: Silkworm
Windows
Take on a howling challenge in Full Moon Rush! This classic shoot 'em up is a bullet hell masterpiece with a boss rush twist. With 15 epic battles and old-school graphics, you'll need expert shooting skills to survive. Customizable health and Assist Mode make it accessible to all.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Side Scroller 19%, Shooter 10.8%, Arcade 9.8%
- #47 #Snake2 DX: Reawakening
71% match9 user reviews89% of 9 reviews2021
Dev: Ultimate Walrus
Windows
Explosive, balls-to-the-wall bullet hell shooter with novel shooting mechanics (and surreal comedy)
Why similar: Bullet Hell 25.5%, Shoot 'Em Up 18.9%, Arcade 14.3%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Shooter 11.6%
- #48 Is It Wrong to Try to Shoot 'em Up Girls in a Dungeon?
70% matchVery Positive92% of 246 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: PQube
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Enjoy a free shoot'em up side-scrolling mini-game with the characters from the anime and JRPG DanMachi, and fight through stages of bullet hell and bosses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20%, Bullet Hell 18.5%, Side Scroller 18.5%, Shooter 11%, Arcade 10.2%
- #49 Cosmic Destroyer
69% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Facing annihilation, a plucky crew of space salvagers fight dirty using the best tool in their belt - the salvage claw. Grab and toss enemies, deflect attacks, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.6%, Bullet Hell 21.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Shooter 13%, Arcade 11.4%
- #50 Rutabaga Desert Storm
69% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2024
Dev: Indomitable Interactive
Windows
Lead the vegetable revolution alone or with a friend in the side-scrolling shoot ‘em up Rutabaga Desert Storm! Take down wave after wave of enemies, dodge their projectiles, and grab power-ups to boost your destruction! Can you defeat the oppressive humans and free the proletariat vegetable masses?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.2%, Side Scroller 19%, Bullet Hell 16%, Arcade 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.5%
- #51 DuckStruck
67% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2025
Dev: Solemn Snail Studios
Windows · Mac
DuckStruck is a fast paced, top down bullet hell pixel art shooter, where you play as... a duck! Battle enemy zombie ducks, and build defences to aid your survival with endless waves of enemies attacking you at every moment!
Why similar: 2D Fighter 23.1%, Bullet Hell 23%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.4%, Action 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%
- #52 The X-Type
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: BinaryWriter
Windows
Master a modular arsenal and survive a biomechanical nightmare in this intense cinematic shmup. Face grotesque aberrations, unlock achievements, and conquer the hardcore mode. The first level of an expanding saga!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 20.5%, Side Scroller 20.3%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.6%, Shooter 11.7%, Arcade 10.1%
- #53 Sine Mora
69% matchVery Positive82% of 940 reviews2012
Dev: Digital RealityPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 39.7%, Bullet Hell 23%, Side Scroller 12.7%, Arcade 10.8%, Shooter 7.2%
- #54 Shikhondo: Blue Pieta
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: DeerFarmPub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows
Once more, the hunt for Youkai begins! Across the ocean in a city far, far away, the side-scrolling shoot 'em up action of our two protagonists unfolds! Complete the Pietà of struggle that burns blue with its raging barrage!
Why similar: Side Scroller 17.9%, Bullet Hell 16.7%, Arcade 14.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 14.1%, Shooter 11.5%
- #55 The Battle of Aurinoxia
65% matchPositive75% of 12 reviews2026
Dev: N11 Games Division
Windows
A retro space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. You are among the first pilots to arrive in the system to mount the counteroffensive against the aggressors. Get out there and show these aliens the price for messing with The Alliance!
Why similar: Bullet Hell 26.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 24.3%, Shooter 14.7%, Arcade 13.5%, Action 7.1%
- #56 Crome: Before Purgatory
68% matchPositive88% of 49 reviews2019
Dev: Stumphead Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Inspired by the heyday of 8-bit arcade gaming, Crome: Before Purgatory is an intense space shoot em' up experience. Play as the Galactic Consul's best star pilot, Crome, and fend off endless the hoards of invaders while competing for the top score on the global leaderboard.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Action 14%, Arcade 12.4%, Shooter 11.1%
- #57 Space Wars
68% match9 user reviews44% of 9 reviews2018
Dev: Star Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Space Wars is an exciting 2D space shooter. It has tons of powerups, tons of action, and tons of hardcore gameplay!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.7%, Bullet Hell 16.3%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Action 13%, Casual 12.3%
- #58 Akai Katana Shin
66% matchVery Positive96% of 106 reviews2022
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 20.2%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Arcade 13.7%, Shooter 13.6%
- #59 Habroxia 2
67% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Arcade 16.9%, Shooter 16.4%, Action 12.4%