- #1 STURMWIND EX
97% 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 23%, Bullet Hell 18.4%, Side Scroller 17.9%, Space 10.2%, Shooter 9.6%
- #2 R-Type Final 2
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 822 reviews2021
Dev: Granzella Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 33.1%, Side Scroller 25.8%, Shooter 14.5%, Space 9.4%, Bullet Hell 6.7%
- #3 Zero Wing
96% matchVery Positive88% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Bitwave GamesPub: Clear River Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Defend the galaxy from vicious space pirates! Seize your foes and fire them back at their allies for devastating destruction in Toaplan's legendary horizontal arcade shooter, now on PC with all-new features and quality-of-life bonuses!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.5%, Side Scroller 23.2%, Space 11.1%, Sci-fi 8.3%, 1990's 7.4%
- #4 REMOTE LIFE
95% matchVery Positive91% of 222 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 25.2%, Bullet Hell 19.9%, Space 12.4%, Shooter 9.8%, Aliens 9.6%
- #5 G WARRIOR
94% matchVery Positive92% of 125 reviews2024
Dev: Liao Kai
Windows
G WARRIOR is a retro hardcore action shooting game. Pick up the gun and destroy all robots and aliens. Fight in colorful scenes such as snowy mountains, caves, seas of fire, alien lairs, etc.! !
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.3%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Shooter 9.9%, Action-Adventure 8.2%, Robots 8.2%
- #6 Lilac 0
94% matchVery Positive95% of 82 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 28.1%, Bullet Hell 23.3%, Shooter 12%, Futuristic 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%
- #7 Sophstar
93% matchVery Positive100% of 107 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21.7%, Bullet Hell 19.7%, Shooter 9%, Space 8.8%, Aliens 7.9%
- #8 Earthion
91% matchVery Positive96% of 492 reviews2025
Dev: Ancient CorporationPub: Limited Run Games, Inc.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
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 19.9%, Bullet Hell 12.7%, Side Scroller 12.2%, Space 11.2%, 1990's 9.6%
- #9 Cyberpunk 3776
92% matchMixed51% of 66 reviews2015
Dev: Peter Hann
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Cyberpunk 3776 harkens back to the glory days of arcade shoot-em-ups. It all begins on a postapocalyptic earth and proceeds into space. Your journey will be a metaphor about life and death, a road that every person has to walk down alone. The only choices you get while on your path to the inevitable end: keep your head up high or forfeit.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.2%, Cyberpunk 15.8%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Bullet Hell 11.5%, Shooter 6.4%
- #10 Habroxia 2
91% matchVery Positive92% of 62 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 28%, Side Scroller 21.6%, Shooter 15.2%, Space 9.2%, 1990's 8%
- #11 Imminence
90% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Bob WarrenPub: Augmented Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A brutal 16-bit sci-fi shoot-’em-up inspired by the golden age of the Sega Genesis. Fight across multiple worlds, upgrade your ship, and confront the forces behind the Augmentation Program.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Side Scroller 18.1%, Cyberpunk 17.1%, Space 10.5%, 1990's 7.2%
- #12 Bad Chicken
89% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Coquibyte Games
Windows
Bad Chicken is a retro styled sideway scrolling shoot-em-up inspired by the retro classics. It takes place in 8 locations in the Ferus system, each one with different challenges, and dangers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.9%, Side Scroller 17%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Shooter 9.3%, Space 8.2%
- #13 Final Formation
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Happymeal Inc.Pub: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Equipped with the Fusion × Transformation “PELL” System! Free Map Side-Scrolling Shooter
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.2%, Bullet Hell 15.3%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Shooter 11.6%, Robots 7%
- #14 INNBC STARFIGHTER
87% matchMostly Positive70% of 10 reviews2026
Dev: Jonathan Fior Pub: Innovative Bioresearch
Windows
A free-to-play 90s-style bullet-hell shooter with high-res graphics, unlocked 60+ FPS, single-player campaign, and online co-op multiplayer!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.1%, Side Scroller 18.8%, Cyberpunk 15.4%, Shooter 9.9%, Aliens 6.6%
- #15 SATAZIUS
88% matchVery Positive85% of 324 reviews2011
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 2051. Location: SATAZIUS, a long-abandoned planet. The cruiser Agano was on patrol when it was attacked and stricken by a confederacy of space pirates that had established a base on SATAZIUS. The pirates attacked the Agano intending to steal the assault ship ‘Trafalgar’ that was stowed aboard the Agano, but the Trafalgar made...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.8%, Bullet Hell 16.6%, Side Scroller 16.4%, Robots 10.7%, Shooter 7.9%
- #16 Escape 2 Space
86% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 19.7%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Side Scroller 16.8%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 8.6%
- #17 MINUS ZERO
86% matchMixed47% of 17 reviews2016
Dev: TRIANGLE SERVICEPub: KOMODO
Windows
Triangle Service’s MINUS ZERO is a shooter that focuses on a tried-and-true shoot-’em-up weapon: the lock-on laser. It’s shoot-’em-up purity: just you, your lock-on laser, and a whole bunch of enemies. As long as you continue to blast away at the waves of enemies, you’ll maintain invincibility, but if you lose track of your position...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 28.2%, Bullet Hell 24%, Shooter 10.7%, 1990's 8.7%, Action 7.6%
- #18 The X-Type
84% 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: Side Scroller 19.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shooter 9.4%, Space 6.9%
- #19 ARMED SEVEN
84% matchVery Positive91% of 80 reviews2015
Dev: ASTRO PORTPub: Henteko Doujin
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The year is 1989. 12 years have passed since the Gogoh Army’s invasion of Earth. Exposure to alien technology during the war enabled Earth’s own technologies to take massive leaps forward. International conflict that was previously rife in the history of mankind fell to an all-time low, and the Earth Federation was established as a...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.4%, Bullet Hell 17%, Side Scroller 16.1%, Robots 11.2%, Shooter 8%
- #20 DRAINUS
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,135 reviews2022
Dev: Team LadybugPub: WSS playground
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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 45.5%, Shooter 17.9%, Bullet Hell 13.1%, Action 7.6%, Side Scroller 7.5%
- #21 Cosmic Destroyer
82% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Coffee Maker Games
Windows · Linux
Turn the incoming swarm of deadly bullets into your own weapon of chaos in this precision STG bullet hell. Grab and toss enemies, dodge and deflect torrents of bullets, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.
Why similar: Side Scroller 21.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 21.2%, Bullet Hell 19.3%, Shooter 10.6%, Space 5.5%
- #22 Super Arcade Boy in Defender of Planet Earth
83% 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%, Side Scroller 15.7%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Shooter 10.3%, 1990's 6.8%
- #23 Wings Of Bluestar
81% matchVery Positive85% of 66 reviews2020
Dev: Shinu Real Arts
Windows · Linux
This is an arcade horizontal shoot'em up, that combines solid arcade controls with modern elements like bullet hell phases, tiny hitboxes, different types of gameplay and scoring, collectibles, trophies and many other features, which makes Wings Of Bluestar a fun shmup for both casuals and regulars.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 21%, Bullet Hell 20.5%, Space 11.2%, Shooter 10.7%, Old School 8.6%
- #24 The Rush
80% matchPositive91% of 33 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: Shoot 'Em Up 21.3%, Side Scroller 20.5%, Bullet Hell 19.4%, Shooter 11.2%, Space 6.7%
- #25 Gates of Zendocon
81% match4 user reviews75% of 4 reviews2022
Dev: Epyx, Inc.Pub: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In this classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up, originally published in 1989 for the Atari Lynx handheld console, take on the role of a starship pilot trapped in a web of 51 interconnected hostile universes by the evil spider Zendocon.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.7%, Side Scroller 21.5%, Shooter 11%, Space 7.2%, Retro 6.8%
- #26 Space Dragons
79% matchPositive87% of 39 reviews2025
Dev: TEAM Black Hat Robot
Windows
Choose your spaceship and defeat the alien threat that comes from the Moon. Blast your way crushing, ripping apart and exploding hostile aliens that are taking control of powerful weapons and military technology from Earth. Find the entity that controls the threat and make it explode into blood.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16.9%, Bullet Hell 14.8%, Side Scroller 13.7%, Aliens 8.9%, Shooter 8.4%
- #27 Frutz
78% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Broken Walls Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Blast through five worlds, claim the Cosmic Gems, defeat Lord Zorkannan, and master every run in this fast arcade shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.9%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Shooter 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.9%
- #28 A Million Conquests
79% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2021
Dev: Rainbirth SL
Windows
Experience the thrill of a shmup game like the arcade classics. With just the right amount of story, lots of action, and many, many bullets.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 16%, Bullet Hell 14.6%, Cyberpunk 14.2%, Aliens 8.5%, Shooter 8.2%
- #29 Stellar Nemesis
78% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Perun Games Studio
Windows
A high-definition arcade shooter blending old-school action with modern polish. Battle across the Solar System, upgrade your weapons, and unlock tougher challenges in Nemesis Mode - all set to a hypnotic, retro-electro soundtrack.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 17.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 15.9%, Side Scroller 13.5%, Shooter 11.2%, Old School 10.9%
- #30 Rendering Ranger™: R² [Rewind]
77% matchPositive83% of 29 reviews2025
Dev: Limited Run GamesPub: Ziggurat
Windows
You are the Rendering Ranger, a special forces soldier defending Earth from a devastating alien invasion through nine levels of action platforming as well as blisteringly fast horizontal shooter stages. Originally developed for Super Famicom by Manfred Trenz, creator of the Turrican series.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.7%, Side Scroller 20.8%, Shooter 11.4%, 1990's 7.6%, Space 7.2%
- #31 Enyla X
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Revox Games
Windows
Elyna X is shoot'em up (Shmup) for 2 players in cooperative mode.The year is 3864, mysterious ships appear and iniciate a terrible attack against planet Earth, It is up to Enyla, a courageous space pilot, to lead the space fleets in defense of her beloved planet.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 23%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Robots 13.5%, Shooter 9.3%, Futuristic 7.6%
- #32 Neon Dreams
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: MekaCow Studios
Windows · Mac
Live the life of an aspiring arms dealer in a Cyberpunk city. Complete thrilling bullet-hell combat simulations with your trusty battle mech, while managing your high-stakes business. Drink coffee, buy weapons, collect stickers, and overcome difficult battle modifiers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.3%, Side Scroller 18.6%, Bullet Hell 16.8%, Cyberpunk 12.9%, Robots 7.6%
- #33 Star Hunter DX
76% matchMostly Positive78% of 32 reviews2021
Dev: 1CC GamesPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
Betrayed by her cut-throat crew, Luna Starr - former Space Pirate Captain turned bounty hunter - has a score to settle. As Luna, travel to 5 exotic planets to track down your mutinous mates, and face them in Bullet Hell dogfights to the death!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 26.8%, Bullet Hell 22%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Sci-fi 8.1%, Futuristic 5.3%
- #34 Z-Warp
75% matchPositive100% of 27 reviews2022
Dev: Panda Indie StudioPub: Eastasiasoft Limited
Windows
Z-Warp is an intense vertical shoot’em up presented in retro pixel art style, featuring frenetic arcade-inspired action where blasters, bombs and KILLER specials are your only allies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.3%, Bullet Hell 26.8%, Shooter 12.8%, Space 7.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%
- #35 Syder Reloaded
73% matchPositive96% of 23 reviews2025
Dev: Studio Evil
Windows
Syder Reloaded revives the Syder series in this love-letter to 90s Amiga shmups with upgraded graphics and refined gameplay. Challenging levels, a fleet of ships and a motherload of alien invaders. Get back to your roots and curse at your monitor in this skills-first shooter.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.9%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, Side Scroller 15.1%, Space 10.3%, Shooter 10.2%
- #36 Netherspace
75% matchPositive85% of 13 reviews2021
Dev: Konstantinos Katsoris
Windows
A sci-fi shoot'em'up game with heavy focus on upgrades experimentation, featuring two unlikely heroes that must work perfectly together, despite their share of secrets, to surpass their limits and succeed in eliminating a threat that might destroy both Earth and Andraxia if left unchecked.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.7%, Bullet Hell 17.7%, Shooter 10.9%, Aliens 8.7%, Robots 8.6%
- #37 The Battle of Aurinoxia
72% matchPositive73% of 15 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: Shoot 'Em Up 25.1%, Bullet Hell 24.9%, Shooter 12.4%, Space 6.8%, Aliens 5.6%
- #38 NOMAD Revisited
74% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2020
Dev: Pixel Games UK
Windows
In 1985 N.O.M.A.D. pushed the boundaries of what the 8-bit computers of the day could achieve with both their graphics and their gameplay. A fast-paced, all-out action shoot ’em up, this retro classic still retains a fan base to this day.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19.9%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Cyberpunk 16.5%, Shooter 10.5%, Robots 7.1%
- #39 Enemy Mind
74% matchVery Positive85% of 798 reviews2014
Dev: Schell Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 22.2%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Side Scroller 15.5%, Space 11.8%, Shooter 11.3%
- #40 VERZEUS
73% 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 20.6%, Side Scroller 19.2%, Bullet Hell 14.1%, Shooter 9%, Aliens 7.4%
- #41 Saturn Quest: Blast Effect
73% matchPositive83% of 12 reviews2021
Dev: Arkhouse TelegraphPub: Arkhouse Telegnosis
Windows
Saturn Quest: Blast Effect is a story-driven action adventure game set in the human-less galaxy far far away. Fly, climb, shoot, explore the world and fight the giant bosses in this 8 Bit style Space Opera, full of drama and epic.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 17.3%, Bullet Hell 15%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Action-Adventure 8.7%, Space 7.6%
- #42 Chromacell
71% 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: Shoot 'Em Up 22.1%, Side Scroller 21.1%, Bullet Hell 20%, Shooter 11.4%, Space 7.8%
- #43 Escape Space
71% matchPositive90% of 31 reviews2024
Dev: ShidyGames
Windows
Escape Space is a classic arcade space shooter with RPG mechanics. Fight for various factions against swarms of enemies or bosses and improve your standings, level up your rank, unlock new gear and weapons, and upgrade your spaceship.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 22.3%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Side Scroller 12.5%, Space 12.4%, Shooter 10.4%
- #44 PigShip and the Giant Wolf
72% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2023
Dev: Pixel Bones Studio
Windows
Pig Ship and the Giant Wolf is a classic Shoot'em Up with a 8btis monochrome aesthetic. Cross the 6 worlds full of enemies and defeat the Giant Wolf to save your brothers.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.2%, Bullet Hell 16.1%, Side Scroller 15.2%, Shooter 9.4%, Robots 9.1%
- #45 Icarus
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Denis EvansPub: Japster's Cavern
Windows
Icarus, a classic side-scrolling space shoot-em-up tribute! - Thumping soundtrack, Bosses, Multiples, Power-ups, Secrets, BIG levels... ...Give the (free) work in progress / teaser demo a try!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 27.5%, Side Scroller 22.5%, Aliens 9%, Shooter 7.6%, 1990's 5.9%
- #46 R-Type Dimensions III
70% matchMixed39% of 61 reviews2026
Dev: KRITZELKRATZ 3000Pub: ININ
Windows
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 24.3%, Side Scroller 22.4%, Shooter 11.7%, Space 6.5%, Aliens 5.6%
- #47 Space Saviour Special
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lizard Game Dev
Windows
Space Savior Special. Shmup genre game. Help Earth in her last awakened attempt to save humanity from the Naggal Biomechanical Virus. Use everything you have to get through enemy forces! Your ship, your pods, your bombs, your faith and your reflexes to destroy your terrible enemy!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.7%, Bullet Hell 18.9%, Cyberpunk 18.3%, Shooter 10.9%, Action-Adventure 8.5%
- #48 Gearbits: Gear Angels
69% matchPositive95% of 39 reviews2024
Dev: Quackpond Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
2D side-scrolling shoot 'em up
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.2%, Side Scroller 20%, Shooter 14%, Robots 10%, Aliens 8.9%
- #49 AlphaBlue
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dream Stories
Windows · Mac · Linux
Cross the universe, shoot aliens, upgrade your weapons and face powerful bosses with AB in this retro inspired lateral shoot 'em up to save the world. Adventure into Campaign Mode or face the never-ending waves of Endless Mode with suitable challenges for all skill levels.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.1%, Bullet Hell 14.4%, Side Scroller 12.8%, Aliens 8.1%, Shooter 8%
- #50 Andro Dunos II
68% matchVery Positive93% of 229 reviews2022
Dev: Picorinne SoftPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.2 hrs≥1hr: 33%
The sequel of the famous Shoot'em up from the Visco studio is back, 30 years after the first opus, released exclusively on Neo-Geo MVS and Neo-Geo AES in 1992 . It's time to bring out your good old battle ship in ANDRO DUNOS 2!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.7%, Bullet Hell 26.2%, Shooter 13.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.6%, Futuristic 5%
- #51 Absolute Blue
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 55 reviews2018
Dev: Jochen HeizmannPub: Asylum Square
Windows
Sidescrolling Shoot’em’up that will transport you back into the 90s (and space).
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 18.5%, Side Scroller 17.8%, Bullet Hell 15.7%, Shooter 9.4%, Space 8.2%
- #52 Feeble Light
69% matchPositive80% of 10 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 29.5%, Bullet Hell 23.4%, Shooter 13.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%, 1990's 5.8%
- #53 Space Warpster
66% match9 user reviews100% of 9 reviews2026
Dev: AMAMiZU games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A fast-paced retro arcade shooter inspired by classic 1980s side-scrolling space combat. Weave through organic obstacles, survive relentless enemy waves, and defeat powerful end-level bosses in a pure, skill-driven singleplayer experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 25.2%, Side Scroller 19.3%, Shooter 8.2%, Space 8%, Robots 6.3%
- #54 Spacewing War
68% matchPositive92% of 12 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 26.8%, Shoot 'Em Up 26.6%, Shooter 12.9%, 1990's 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 5.9%
- #55 Smelted Kin: Inhuman Impact
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Microbat Studio
Windows · Linux
Sci-fi 2D shooter platformer combining the control of a human character and an armored vehicle on the surface of a planet filled with robots and immortal local inhabitants
Why similar: Side Scroller 17.2%, Bullet Hell 16.2%, Shooter 11.7%, Action-Adventure 9.4%, Aliens 8.7%
- #56 R-TYPE DX: Music Encore
65% matchPositive94% of 18 reviews2026
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Bydo Missions in Your Pocket — Beyond Dimensions, the Melody of Two “R”s.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 19%, Side Scroller 14.7%, Robots 11.2%, Shooter 9.9%, Space 9%
- #57 Astro Sentai Jarbonder
68% matchPositive80% of 40 reviews2020
Dev: ipei_retland
Windows
It's a bullet-hell spaceship shooter. Can you survive the battlefield? Let's prove your shooting skills!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 20.3%, Side Scroller 20%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Shooter 10.8%, Space 10%
- #58 PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Chain Damage Games
Windows
PRISMIDIA: Spirit of the Rift is a sci-fi shoot 'em up game in the style of arcade classics. Dodge barrages of attacks, survive bullet hell bosses, and save Prismidia!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 24.1%, Bullet Hell 22.3%, Shooter 11.8%, Aliens 8.4%, Space 7.3%
- #59 Suicide Runners
67% 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 25.7%, Bullet Hell 18.7%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Shooter 8.9%, Sci-fi 7.4%