Games like 2D Shooter

Cosmic Marine: 2D Shoot 'em up-retro game (submission of the MSU game design assessment) Added features: Complete level creationShoot'em up gameplayVertical scrollingEnabling/disabling enemies & projectiles when visible/invisible Player Abilities PowerUps & leveling system (3 shooting upgrades)  Enemies Addition of a boss enemy Modification of existing enemies (graphics & behaviour)… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Marine: 2D Shooter.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 678 reviews

A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gunlocked.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

91% User Score Based on 454 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 2 reviews

Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Void Scrappers.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

76% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Space Dragons is a classic "shoot em up" horizontal shooting game, in which you can choose different ships with unique characteristics and abilities to destroy tons of invading aliens. During the adventure you will run into powerful bosses and explosive enemies. Get upgrades for your ship, weapons and much more to make your way through the meaty and bloody path that awaits you in Space Dragons. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Dragons.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, graphics

66% User Score Based on 384 reviews

Combine Runes to craft unique spells! Survive the endless hordes of monsters as you work to break the four Runic seals! Runic is a casual horde shooter with rogue-lite elements and a charming retro aesthetic. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Runic Survivor.

55%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, graphics

80% User Score Based on 20 reviews

Coreless is a single-player action roguelite built around active combat, layered builds, and risk-reward decisions. During each run, your build takes shape through Powers, Boosters, Chest Items, Challenge Rewards, Special Missions, and Equipment. These choices affect how you move, when you engage, how you handle pressure, and which rewards are worth pursuing. Risk and Treasure Find sit at the … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Coreless: Prologue.

48%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

77% User Score Based on 13 reviews

The Battle of Aurinoxia is a retro-inspired fast-paced vertical space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. StoryThe Alliance's mission to exploit precious resources from Aurinoxia IV has erupted in conflict with residents of the system. As the Aurinoxians commence a brutal attack on Alliance ships, they target mining operations and de… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Battle of Aurinoxia.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

89% User Score Based on 1,900 reviews

Battle against players from around the world with the PvP game modes! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Spartan Firefight.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

88% User Score Based on 17 reviews

A VISUAL ASSAULT OF INCREDIBLE PIXEL ART SHOOTING The one-of-a-kind science fiction-themed shoot ‘em up Dogyuun is packed with gigantic bosses and a huge enemy variety that provides a tough challenge even for hardened shmup veterans. Dogyuun is a visual spectacle of amazing pixel art graphics and detailed animation under the artistic vision of Hayashi Miho and Koetsu Iwabuchi. The game also marked… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dogyuun.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

76% User Score Based on 127 reviews

FIGHT IN EVER CHANGING SPACE BATTLES! Run through the universe, discover the numerous perks/consumables and their synergistic effects. Explore the randomly-generated galaxy to find merchants,... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stellar Interface.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

94% User Score Based on 134 reviews

BroodStar is a classic arcade shmup with roguelike elements. Battle your way through hordes of enemy creatures, collecting upgrades and fighting terrifying bosses on a quest to destroy the living planet, the BroodStar. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BroodStar.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

85% User Score Based on 73 reviews

It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through vast enemy fleets and against overwhelming odds! Liberate planets, build colonies, research lethal tech and skills, craft unique items, or even play 2p co-op with a friend in this unique new indie game. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Steel Rain.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

93% User Score Based on 342 reviews

Danmaku Unlimited 2 is an indie labor of love to bring classic Japanese vertical shooting action to modern HD systems. Inspired by Japanese doujin shooters and being authentic to a fault, the game features epic stages filled with beautiful but deadly bullet patterns, nail-bitingly difficult boss fights and seriously rocking soundtracks! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Danmaku Unlimited 2.

Super Mario Remake -Dreams of Mario's Afternoon Dreams- : 2D  retro, platformer, puzzle, Mario fan game  (submission of the MSU game design assessment) Are you a fan of retro Mario games? You'll love it :PPlay in Mario's afternoon dreams, explore the strange secrets & easter-eggs of his world and complete the entire level! Is it difficult? Don't worry! you can play an easy level similar to the cla… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 2D Platformer.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

99% User Score Based on 526 reviews

Free movement ship control while the screen advances automatically. Single fire button. Collect stars to obtain temporary special shots. Collected fruits award points that can be converted into extra lives. Modes: practice, score attack (single life), adjustable difficulty If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Platypus Reclayed.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, monetization

85% User Score Based on 105 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

Space Elite Force II is a classic side scrolling gaming experience with many enemies, explosions and upgrades for your ship. Have fun defeating bosses, upgrading your ship and blowing up enemies, alone or with a friend in local co-op mode. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Elite Force 2.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

81% User Score Based on 905 reviews

The goo used to artificially grow humans has become self-aware and risen up against its creator! Devour humans, grow weapons from your body, fight against everything, and challenge the Despot himself! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Slime 3k: Demake.

48%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, character development

72% User Score Based on 18 reviews

Inspired by classic horizontal shooters like Lords of Thunder, Elemental Master, and the Thunderforce series, ZPF is a passion project from the designer and developer of Super XYX and Tänzer. Players will dodge and weave through intense bullet patterns, unleashing a barrage of firepower upon hordes of unique and challenging enemies. Choose your hero - from the teleporting trickster to the laser-… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ZPF.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 513 reviews

INTRODUCTION Welcome to Pizza Hero, the exciting new shoot 'em up roguelite that puts a delicious twist on the genre! In this game, you'll play as a brave pizza who must defend the world from an invasion of enemies. As you battle your way through the game, you'll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of different toppings that will grant you special abilities. For example, selecting p… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pizza Hero.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

95% User Score Based on 93 reviews

BroodStar is a classic arcade shoot’em up with heavy roguelike elements. Careful, though... the vastness of space contains many formidable enemies. If you fall along the way, you have to start over — the only thing you’ll bring with you are the upgrade modules you collected in your past runs, in the form of research points that augment your ship. Will they be enough to get you through hordes of un… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BroodStar.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability

99% User Score Based on 144 reviews

After many long years, Scott Host, the creator of Galactix and Raptor Call of the Shadows, has remastered his shareware legend DemonStar - and now it comes soaring back with new game modes and revised gameplay. Originally published in 1997 and later earning the COMPUTER GAMING WORLD's "Shareware Game of the Year 1999" award, DemonStar was and still is considered by fans as one of the bes… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DemonStar.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

84% User Score Based on 1,190 reviews

Battle against hordes of enemies, conquer Boss encounters, and explore various character and skill combinations in this time-based auto-attacking Roguelite in your quest to become stronger and defeat the most menacing of creatures that lay in wait at the end of each run. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nomad Survival.

56%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

78% User Score Based on 18 reviews

Critic Score 62%Based on 3 reviews

Fire up your blaster cannons and take on waves of enemies in this retro shoot'em up with procedural levels. Come back stronger with each attempt and beat the high score! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nova Strike.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

90% User Score Based on 136 reviews

Critic Score 67%Based on 3 reviews

Biota is a 2D metroidvania inspired shooter set on a wild and dangerous sci-fi, pixel-art planet. Get ready to face hostile alien life forms and investigate a mysterious mining colony as a group of ragtag heroes from the future, all in glorious 4-color palettes and detailed 8-bit visuals. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Biota.

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

69% User Score Based on 646 reviews

The last ship against the endless. Exterminate as many as you can, and gather points to upgrade your ship from a crafted deck of equipment and power-ups. Will your choices be enough to overcome the thousands hunting you? Survive the swarm in this rogue-lite + survivors + asteroids mashup. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Survivor.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, replayability

98% User Score Based on 102 reviews

Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pewt 'em Up!.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

88% User Score Based on 462 reviews

Zombie Kill of the Week: Reborn is a challenging, fast paced, 2D survival shooter! And when we say fast, we mean breakneck, flat-out, adrenaline fuelled fast! What’s different from the other shooters is your goal isn’t to run through levels and finish the game, but to survive for as long as possible under increasingly frantic conditions (we say as long as possible because ultimately you will die!)… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zombie Kill of the Week: Reborn.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

90% User Score Based on 188 reviews

Hyperspace Dogfights is a juicy jet-combat roguelike in which you blast, dodge and slice your way through masses of technologically inferior enemies. During the mission your craft will evolve into something stronger and weirder by gathering some of the 200+ items available ingame. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hyperspace Dogfights.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

91% User Score Based on 110 reviews

Horde Hunters is a challenging horde survival rogue-lite that plays like a twin stick shooter. Explore procedurally generated maps to collect resources and use weapons, abilities, and items to slay thousands of monsters all in about 15 minutes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Horde Hunters.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

81% User Score Based on 175 reviews

A Legend of Luca is a VR FPS Rogue-Lite in a Zelda-Like world that uses screen scrolling where the player explores dungeons of many linked rooms to defeat bosses and gain their weapons. Player movement and camera using Room Scale VR via the HTC Vive. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Legend of Luca.

65%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

65% User Score Based on 66 reviews

Run, gun, and survive! In this twin stick arcade shooter, you'll be fighting your way through countless waves of enemies to restore maximum peace to the galaxy! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mobile Astro.

52%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, monetization

85% User Score Based on 13 reviews

Plasma Attack is a top-down side scrolling shooter game where the character is a flying spaceship equipped with a base laser. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Plasma Attack.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

87% User Score Based on 1,206 reviews

Your music is under attack… You must liberate it! In Symphony, you fight through levels uniquely generated by your own song collection, discover items and vanquish bosses to defeat the evil within! With Symphony, we wanted to push the limits of user-music-based gameplay and focused on two concepts: Your music creates the game Every song has a unique emotion, sound and rhythm, and we wa… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Symphony.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, replayability

54% User Score Based on 204 reviews

Critic Score 68%Based on 5 reviews

8 Konami arcade classics of the 80s, from Nemesis to TwinBee. Including bonus eBook packed with new information never before revealed to the public. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

77% User Score Based on 252 reviews

Critic Score 52%Based on 5 reviews

Shooting Stars is a refreshing colorful and funny take on the classic arcade shoot'em up, bullet hell, shmup, space invader like, whatever you want to call it – but finally, with evil aliens disguised as superstars, cats and rainbow lazers. Superstars like Justin Belieber, PewDerPie, Kanye East, Han so low and many more. Did you just say rainbow lazers? Yes! Rainbow freakin’ lazers! Shooting S… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shooting Stars.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

70% User Score Based on 339 reviews

Combining its own unique take on the real-time roguelike genre, with a nostalgic 16-bit look and feel, Diehard Dungeon is a game that feels both familiar and quite different at the same time.Followed by a trusty, treasure collecting companion chest, you must make your way through the dungeons many randomly-generated rooms and levels. Armed with a sword and a ‘hand cannon’, all manner of nasty dung… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Diehard Dungeon.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

81% User Score Based on 456 reviews

Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as shmup veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and seventeen playable ships. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo.

Super Mario Remake: Mario's Nap Dreams (submission of the MSU game design assessment) Are you a fan of retro Mario games? You'll love this game :PPlay in Mario's afternoon-nap dreams, explore the strange secrets & easter-eggs of his world and complete the entire level!  Is it difficult? Don't worry! you can play an easy level similar to the classic Super Mario Bros. (Psst...this game is based on… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Mario Remake: Mario's Nap Dreams.

64%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

100% User Score Based on 15 reviews

Enter the heart of an intergalactic war where survival depends on your reflexes and firepower. In this action-packed space shooter, you pilot a high-tech starfighter through asteroid fields, alien armadas, and massive boss battles across stunning cosmic environments. Upgrade your ship with powerful lasers, plasma cannons, energy shields, and special abilities as waves of enemy fighters and coloss… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galaxy Invaders - Eclipse Squadron.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

88% User Score Based on 469 reviews

The world’s gone to hell, gangs run wild, and one bounty hunter keeps coming back. Hunt, die, upgrade, repeat in this explosive roguelite prequel to Huntdown where John Sawyer forges himself into a cybernetic legend. Fast, violent run-and-gun action ripped straight from VHS-era blockbusters. Tight controls meet brutal firefights in a roguelite loop designed for pure adrenaline. Collect bounties an… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music

90% User Score Based on 20 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 11 reviews

The classic shooter/RPG is back and better than ever! Featuring a unique mix of side-scrolling shoot-'em-up space battles and top-down planetary exploration, Sigma Star Saga DX is an explosive genre mashup that lets you take control of Allied Earth Federation pilot Ian Recker and infiltrate the alien Krill Empire as a double agent in a last-ditch effort to save mankind. With loyalties divided bet… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sigma Star Saga DX.

The aliens have decided that Earth is an ideal target for an attack. Now, as the commander of a spaceship, you have to defend your home planet! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to VILOVEJETS.

53%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, atmosphere

90% User Score Based on 10 reviews

Battle for Asciion is a classic horizontal shoot 'em up built entirely from real text characters. No sprites. No pixels. No images. Just pure ASCII action, massive bosses, weapon upgrades and retro arcade challenge. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battle for Asciion.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

97% User Score Based on 321 reviews

Critic Score 87%Based on 7 reviews

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. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Earthion.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

99% User Score Based on 137 reviews

BioMenace is back! Experience the classic 2D run & gun action platformer by solo developer James Norwood - originally released for MS-DOS in 1993 via Apogee Software - now with enhanced graphics, refined gameplay, and many quality of life improvements. Explore the original 3 episodes (36+ levels) plus a brand new 4th episode (15+ levels), spanning a range of diverse environments including cit… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BioMenace Remastered.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

95% User Score Based on 132 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 4 reviews

This collection features 18 versions across all 7 arcade titles in the series, including the first-ever appearance of Gradius III AM Show Version on home consoles. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GRADIUS ORIGINS.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics

96% User Score Based on 28 reviews

Critic Score 74%Based on 7 reviews

Build your fleet and face the alien terror from the deep! Now it’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot ‘em up dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms – X-Out: Resurfaced! You thought they’d come from space? Wrong!It’s up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary,… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to X-Out: Resurfaced.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

97% User Score Based on 10,045 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth of an action RPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nova Drift.

100%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

100% User Score Based on 54 reviews

Get ready to push your skills to the limit against an endless sea of bullets and evil robots in Astral Gunners. Choose from five different gunners to master in this horizontal shooter. With the ability to dodge, reflect, delete, and convert bullets you are more powerful than you might believe. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astral Gunners.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

89% User Score Based on 538 reviews

Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Guns of Fury.