Games Like Zero Wing

The ruthless Gidans invite you to an explosive space scramble! Head into the mighty Super Fighter and disintegrate your foes in all directions with various upgradeable weapons. Toaplan's no-frills vertical shooter Truxton speeds onto PC with new features and quality-of-life updates!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Side Scroller 14.9%, 1980s 10.9%, Arcade 9.1%, Old School 7.9%

DARIUSBURST Chronicle Saviours is the latest installment in Taito's DARIUS series of arcade-style shooting games. Blast hordes of alien sea-monsters, and blaze your own trail through branching environments.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.9%, Side Scroller 18.2%, Arcade 14.9%, Space 5.9%, Action 4.3%

Blast through alien hordes as the finest cyborg mercenary in existence! To emerge victorious, you'll need to manage time and resources skillfully. Toaplan's run-and-gun smash-hit finally arrives on PC, reloaded with new features and quality-of-life extras!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, 1980s 12.5%, Score Attack 9.5%, Arcade 9%, 1990's 8.9%

Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.4%, Arcade 10%, Score Attack 7.9%, Space 7.8%, Sci-fi 7.5%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, 1980s 15.8%, Score Attack 12.8%, Arcade 10.9%, 1990's 9.8%

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 27.5%, Arcade 11.9%, Score Attack 10.3%, 1990's 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

Enjoy a fast and frantic arcade shmup from Triangle Service! Attack in all directions and rack up the multipliers - do you have XIIZEAL?

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.3%, Score Attack 11.5%, Arcade 10.4%, Space 9.6%, Sci-fi 7.9%

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 22.7%, Arcade 19%, 1980s 15.2%, 1990's 10%, Space 9.2%

Crisis Wing is 90's style vertically scrolling arcade shooter. Master 7 intense vertical stages, and take down massive bosses. Play solo or with a friend in local co-op. Get ready for pure, high-octane action.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Score Attack 11.8%, Arcade 11.7%, Space 10.5%, Pixel Graphics 9.1%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.1%, Side Scroller 24.3%, Arcade 14.4%, Action 8%, Retro 4.8%

Shizuku and Akane...two pilots bound by rivalry and friendship battle to save their world from malevolent cosmic forces! A classic arcade style shmup with deeply satisfying fast paced combat, wide variety of load-out combos, and even local co-op!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.6%, Side Scroller 16.2%, Space 10.4%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Arcade 8.1%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 22%, 1980s 10%, Arcade 9.7%, Score Attack 9.7%, Space 9.5%

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 23.6%, Score Attack 12.3%, Space 11.3%, Arcade 10.2%, Sci-fi 8.1%

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 20.8%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Score Attack 9.2%, Space 9%, Arcade 8.9%

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 66%, Arcade 19%, Sci-fi 4.3%, Action 3.5%, Space 1.9%

You will see the creation of new lives... Capture enemies and fire them back at their allies as enormous beams of energy in this horizontally scrolling shooting game, featuring 5 versions of G-Darius with new features, enhancements, and Steam exclusive extras!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Side Scroller 23.4%, Arcade 11.7%, Score Attack 10.8%, 1990's 8.7%

SOL CRESTA, rise like the phoenix and take back the sun! Neo-Classic shooting strikes back! Dock, split, and form up! Pilot 3 fighters and take back the sun from the clutches of evil in this free-form shooting game with the spirit of 80s shooting classics Moon Cresta and Terra Cresta.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, 1980s 15.9%, Space 10.5%, Old School 9.2%, Action 8.5%

The legendary Contra series returns! This reimagining of the classic run-'n'-gun action game from the ‘80s features new stages, new enemies, new play mechanics, and co-op combat for up to 4 players!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Side Scroller 18.3%, 1980s 14.7%, Arcade 11%, 1990's 10.2%

The sequel to Toaplan’s shoot ‘em up masterpiece Truxton is a thrilling insane space action with an unforgiving difficulty level. Enjoy the visually stunning pixel graphics and vibrant music as you dodge the high-speed bullet rain and take on tough bosses.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.5%, Space 11.9%, Arcade 10.4%, 1990's 10.2%, Old School 9.1%

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 43.6%, Arcade 16.2%, Retro 9.9%, Action 7.6%, 2D 5.6%

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 26.3%, Score Attack 12.5%, Space 12%, Arcade 11.7%, Sci-fi 9.7%

Darius is one of the pioneers of the side-scrolling shoot 'em genre, and the Steam version replicates the multi-screen arcade experience with 4 different titles and 7 versions filled with aquatic-lifeform-themed bosses and epic, Zuntata-composed soundscapes!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.9%, Score Attack 15.9%, Arcade 10.7%, 1980s 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%

First appearing in arcades in 1981, the masterpiece GALAGA finally comes to Steam! Move the fighter left and right and destroy the waves of incoming aliens!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42%, Arcade 21.6%, Retro 11.3%, Action 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%

Space Elite Force II is a fast-paced side-scrolling shmup with local co-op, weapon upgrades, handcrafted pixel art, and intense boss battles. Fight through explosive stages, chase high scores, and defend humanity.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Score Attack 12.6%, Space 10.8%, Arcade 8.9%

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 21.3%, Side Scroller 19.2%, 1980s 11%, Space 10.2%, Arcade 8.8%

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Side Scroller 25.1%, Arcade 10.4%, Retro 9.7%, Pixel Graphics 9.7%

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Score Attack 11.9%, Arcade 9.4%, 1990's 7.8%

Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.5%, Action 27.9%, Arcade 18.7%

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 25.6%, Space 12.2%, Score Attack 11.8%, Arcade 10.9%, 1990's 9.2%

classical horizontal scroll 2D Shmup

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.3%, Side Scroller 18.7%, Space 12.7%, Score Attack 11.3%, Old School 6.5%

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 50.4%, Arcade 13.9%, Score Attack 10.9%, Local Co-Op 7.6%, Retro 7.3%

Take down hordes of alien invaders with your Power Shot, Truxton Beam, Thunder Laser, Homing Shot, Star‑mine Shot, and more! Don't forget to breathe as you face off against gigantic bosses in the ultimate battle for humanity’s survival!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Score Attack 14.6%, Space 13%, Arcade 10.5%, Old School 9.5%

Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.6%, Arcade 15.1%, Score Attack 14.4%, Old School 10.2%, Local Co-Op 9.7%

Classic shoot’em up action in modern 3D! Blast off to take down hordes of infected aliens and dreadful machines programmed on waging an intergalactic war against mankind!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Score Attack 15.5%, Arcade 10.6%, Space 10.5%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 30.2%, Arcade 14.5%, 1990's 12.6%, Space 11%, Sci-fi 9.1%

Outnumbered and outgunned in deep space? No problem! Turn your enemies' attacks into pure bullet heaven with your shield tech and absorb projectiles to power up your ship and score big! But when your shield expires and it's danger time, you better switch up your strategy fast...

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 19.7%, Space 9.5%, Arcade 8.8%, Score Attack 8%

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 36.2%, Side Scroller 27%, Arcade 13.7%, Space 10.6%, Sci-fi 6.3%

Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Score Attack 14%, 1980s 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Space 7%

Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.1%, Side Scroller 13.4%, Space 13.1%, 1990's 12.1%, Arcade 8%

A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.8%, Side Scroller 16.5%, Space 13.5%, Arcade 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 7%

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 23%, 1980s 10.6%, Arcade 10.3%, Score Attack 10.2%, Space 9.6%

Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28%, Side Scroller 20.6%, Arcade 14%, Space 9.3%, 1990's 8.7%

This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which you take control of the "Drainus", the Kharlal Empire's most cutting-edge fighter with the ability to absorb energy bullets, and take down the enemy ships zipping through space.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.6%, Action 11.5%, Side Scroller 10.4%, 2D 6.4%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%

Slide, jump and shoot in 8 directions in this explosive Run 'n Gun for up to 3 players! Swap weapons in real time, activate insane specials and take on alien bosses in an action-packed invasion of retro mayhem!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.2%, Side Scroller 17.3%, 1980s 11.8%, Old School 9.5%, 1990's 8.1%

Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23.6%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Score Attack 13.7%, Arcade 9.8%, Sci-fi 7.2%

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings this classic Run and Gun franchise back to modern platforms and a new generation of gamers.

Why similar: Side Scroller 29.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 12.2%, Retro 9.7%, Action 9.6%, Arcade 8.9%

Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.9%, Arcade 26.5%, Action 11%, Score Attack 6.8%, Local Co-Op 5.7%

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: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Score Attack 10.3%, Space 8.2%, Arcade 8.1%

Building on the legacy of R-Type Dimensions and R-Type Dimensions EX, Dimensions III has been completely re-envisioned with cutting-edge visuals and sounds, expanded gameplay modes, and a range of new features designed to deliver the most definitive modern edition of R-Type’s classic era.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.7%, Side Scroller 25.3%, Space 8%, 1990's 6.6%, Sci-fi 6%

If you love retro games, this is for you! Get ready for some intense retro space shooting!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.7%, Space 14.4%, 1980s 12%, Arcade 11.2%, Local Co-Op 7.8%

AQUA KITTY UDX blasts onto PC in this enhanced Ultra Deluxe Edition including the epic Dreadnought game mode!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Arcade 12.4%, Score Attack 7.5%, Local Co-Op 7.1%

Vortex Attack is a frenetic arcade space shooter featuring worldwide tournaments and an intense local multiplayer mode.A worthy successor to Galaga for the XXI century.WARNING: Highly addictive.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.5%, Score Attack 13.3%, Space 13.1%, Arcade 11.1%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Shoot from affar or get nibble away up-close and personal in a boss-rush, bullet-dodging revival of the 1982 Atari classic title, Yars' Revenge. Take on 60 unique enemy encounters alone or with a friend in local co-op.

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.1%, 1980s 16.5%, Arcade 15.1%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Old School 9.1%

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

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 32.5%, Arcade 17.4%, 1980s 12.8%, Action 10.4%, Space 8.9%

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 48.4%, Action 17.5%, Retro 13.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, 2D 7.4%

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: Side Scroller 47.1%, Local Co-Op 18.1%, Co-op 14%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Action 6.8%

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 23.8%, Score Attack 14.8%, Space 11.9%, Arcade 10.7%, 1990's 9.6%

Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!

Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 30.8%, Side Scroller 24.4%, Arcade 12.2%, Space 11.7%, Local Co-Op 9.4%

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 27.3%, Score Attack 16%, 1980s 12.9%, 1990's 10.1%, Sci-fi 8.3%