Games like AREA WARS™

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.

57%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

92% User Score Based on 13 reviews

Neon Invaders will take you back to your gaming roots with its constant action and relentlessly brutal enemies. Absorb enemy shots of the same colour to trigger a flurry of fire to decimate the alien invaders. Dodge and Match your way to victory through 40 levels and 5 difficulty settings. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Neon Invaders.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

87% User Score Based on 30 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 4 reviews

The definitive 'Turbo Edition' of the easy to play hard to master space blaster. Bringing more game modes, ships, challenges, upgradable power-ups and frantic retro space blasting fun than ever before. Alone or in co-op you’ll keep coming back to unlock ships, upgrade weapons and beat your high-score. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo.

 A retro arcade space shooter brings about the new age of color and mayhem!  Protect the Planetary Defense Shield (PDS) from the onslaught of the alien Klaxxack invasion.  Kill enemies to generate points to power your PDS and your power ups! Decide second by second what needs more points, your offense or defense in this bullet tactical mayhem experience!  Recharge, shoot, win! Defen… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Quaxum Color Mayhem.

A solo indie-developed pixelated 2D arcade space shoot-'em-up that captures the nostalgia and high-octane fun of beloved 80s and 90s arcade experiences. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Orbital Siege.

ASTRO FIGHTERS 3Twenty years ago humanity defeated the alien invasion. Now they have returned. The surviving alien forces have spent decades rebuilding their fleets and preparing for revenge. As colonies across the galaxy fall under attack, humanity launches the Astro Fighter III Program, deploying a new generation of elite pilots to stop the alien armada before it reaches the core worlds. Take… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astro Fighters 3.

36%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

57% User Score Based on 14 reviews

Slime Killer is a top-down TDS action game where you have to destroy a huge number of slugs with a variety of weapons. From itself the game is an arena shooter, where every minute the number of enemies becomes more and more, and it becomes harder and harder to survive. Also, slugs are becoming more and more dangerous, so having accumulated a certain amount, you can upgrade your weapon to defeat a … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Slime Killer.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

98% User Score Based on 691 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

BLUE REVOLVER is a fresh new shoot-em-up built for newcomers and psychos alike. An adaptive difficulty system tailors the game to your skill level as you fight and flourish to evade the maniac environmental force, "Blue Revolver"! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BLUE REVOLVER.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

97% User Score Based on 1,282 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Waves is a twin stick shooter that can be played by anyone, but with a high enough skill threshold to keep even the most hardened shooter fan entertained. Clear the arena of enemies while racking up a big fat Combo with swift kills and well timed Bombs. If it all gets a bit too much you can use your Time Buffer to slow down the action and turn defeat into victory. Players can compete across seven… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Waves.

49%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

49% User Score Based on 3 reviews

Xentron Attack is a multi-directional shooter. The evil alien forces called Xentron have invaded your galaxy and spreading dangerous meteors and missiles in the space. Fight with smart enemies who calculates your movements. Turn your ship precisely and use the borderless space wisely. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xentron Attack.

Defend. Survive. Compete.The Demon King's army is invading the galaxy, but simply surviving isn't enough. In Glowbot Tower Defense, you'll build powerful defensive networks of glowing robotic defenders, battle endless waves of monsters, and compete against players around the world for leaderboard supremacy. Every map features global Steam leaderboards that track your highest wave survived, turnin… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Glowbot Tower Defense.

Shape the void with the power of your cursor! A Void Shaper is an arcade game about avoiding shapes and killing them, while you collect upgrades. Unlock new enemy shapes and upgrades as you progress through the game and complete your collection. Your only task is to avoid the shapes and survive as long as possible. And all you have to do is to move your cursor. You're controlling "Null Sph… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Void Shaper.

ABOUT THIS GAMEFROM BEYOND: Arcade Edition is a full-length rock album you can play. The music isn't just the soundtrack, it’s the entire saga. Halloween night, 1986. Listeners of local heavy metal station 96.6 The Lazer begin reporting mysterious lights in the sky. DJ Nasty Nick Nash unknowingly narrates the last broadcast on Earth. Tune in as the new BCVHS album soundtracks an alien invasion...… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to From Beyond: Arcade Edition.

Blitloop is a fast-paced, retro-styled space arcade shooter. You play as “Blit” on a mission to rescue orb pods and save the galaxy. Take down countless enemy ships and face massive bosses as you zip through a stylish world. And at the same time, rush to rescue the pods scattered across the level before they are captured by the enemy. Blitloop blends the spirit and intensity of 1980s arcade old-s… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Blitloop.

56%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:replayability, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

68% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Burning Skies About the Game 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! Blast through waves of enemies, improving your jet and equiping it with on… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Burning Skies Arcade.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

96% User Score Based on 55 reviews

Galaxy Highways is a sci-fi space shooter where you're doing pirate raids into star systems inhabited by aliens. You destroy enemy ships, space stations, mother ships or bosses and complete all missions as soon as possible before enemy defense system destroys you with its powerful waves of attacks. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galaxy Highways.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

74% User Score Based on 102 reviews

The Hurricane of the Varstray is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the villain. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Hurricane of the Varstray: Collateral hazard.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 42 reviews

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

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

100% User Score Based on 24 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 3 reviews

As a threat from beyond looms over the solar system, Project Aether is ready to deploy! Take control of the Aether prototype in a variety of environments to combat this alien threat. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Project AETHER: First Contact.

Enter a neon-charged battleground where survival meets explosive energy in this retro, space-themed twin-stick shooter! As you dance through waves of geometric adversaries, each defeated enemy leaves behind a deadly debris field—lure other enemies into these hazard zones to trigger devastating chain reactions and score multipliers. Snag powerful upgrades that temporarily boost your ship's offens… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Electro Havoc.

"They fall from the skies. They are not just meteors. They are alive. And they want everything." - Commander Rhaegon Voss, BCF High Command In Blackrock, you are the last line of defense - a Commander of the Blackrock Containment Force (BCF). Your mission: stop the spread of a sentient meteorite known only as the Blackrock, before it corrupts the planet entirely. Dropped into hostile terrain wi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fragmented Soul: Blackrock.

The Merlian Empire has seized control of the Five Worlds. With the galaxy under threat, hope lies in the hands of the Starlight Squad—a fearless team of heroines ready to fight back. Starlight Squad is a fast-paced vertical shoot 'em up featuring handcrafted pixel art, epic boss battles, and explosive arcade action. Choose one of three playable pilots—each with a unique ship, playstyle, and speci… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starlight Squad.

Beyond Solar is a bullet hell / SHMUP pixel art game. You play the protagonist “Gravity” a space ship pilot who grew up in the space colony “ARD”, humanity last hope and shelter as planet Earth was on the brink of extinction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beyond Solar.

Fight, idle, and keep growing. BreakDespair 2D is an all-directional scrolling shooter set in space, built around mining, automatic upgrades, drones, weapons, and explosive number growth. Mine ore, convert it into GOLD, and strengthen your fighter, battleship, weapons, drones, missiles, and support beams. You do not need to manage every upgrade manually. If you have GOLD, your fighter and battle… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BreakDespair2D.

"Xeno Swarm" is a hardcore retro side-scrolling shooter featuring two-player local co-op, where players can choose between a male or female protagonist to battle overwhelming alien insectoid hordes. Focusing on swarm mechanics and colossal boss fights, the game blends modern smooth controls with nostalgic arcade action. Engage in life-or-death battles across oppressive alien warzones—fig… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xeno Swarm - 异虫强袭.

Take control of a deadly spacecraft to destroy hordes of vicious enemies from far-away galaxies in arcade shooter Hyperbolic Ignition. With 360 degrees of movement and combat, drift through the pitch-black void of space amidst the debris and explosions of fallen foes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hyperbolic Ignition.

Take control of your spaceship in LasTarSurvive relentless enemy waves and build unstoppable combinations in this fast-paced 2D spaceship roguelike. Every run is a new opportunity to grow stronger. Start carefully, manage your positioning, and evolve your ship with powerful upgrades, unique amulets, and versatile weapons that completely change how you play. Key Features50+ Upgrades to Shape Your… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to LasTar.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

89% User Score Based on 1,052 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 5 reviews

You are Roy Becket, a young pilot with dreams of becoming as skilled as his adoptive father. When a galactic war with an ancient mechanical alien race reaches its boiling point, Roy is forced to spring into action and take control of an otherworldly bipedal war machine in hopes of saving what's left of humanity. Joining Roy is a young girl who claims to have escaped the clutches of the nefarious a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astebreed.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

79% User Score Based on 370 reviews

Critic Score 90%Based on 1 reviews

Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Star Path.

Space Grunts is a combination of turn-based tactics and fast paced arcade action. Navigate your way through procedurally generated space stations, taking out enemies or using the shockwave of your rockets, grenades and other explosions to simply move those enemies out of the way on your path to the end goal. (Planned) Key features Fast turn-based gameplay (as seen and enjoyed in the original S… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Grunts 3.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

100% User Score Based on 12 reviews

⚡ Circuit OverloadCircuit Overload is a fast-paced arcade bullet-hell shooter built around precision, escalation, and pure action. You control a combat unit inside a hostile digital environment, facing endless waves of enemies and increasingly complex attack patterns. The longer you survive, the faster and more chaotic the screen becomes — pushing your reflexes, positioning, and decision-making t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Circuit Overload.

Dare to a real challenge? ATTENTION! This game may test your skills and patience with its challenging core game mechanics! Celestial Contact is the perfect blend of shooter and rogue-lite genre in an arena where you journey through an atmosphere of mystery and suspense shaped by stunning 2D pixel art. Featuring an immersive atmosphere and a compelling soundtrack, you'll fight for survival by… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Celestial Contact.

Fight in the Battle for Humanity and become a Legend Welcome to the year of 7351! 500 years ago, Humans were colonizing thousands of star systems in the vast frontiers of the cosmos. Humanity was growing incredibly fast without encountering any serious challenges. The homeworld, Terra, became the pearl of the Galactic Republic, representing an incredible combination of technological and aesth… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Continuum.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

90% User Score Based on 293 reviews

Fight hordes of Covenant & Flood in this new game mixing Roguelite & Bullet Heaven for hours of mindless fun! Have fun surviving Spartan! Spartan Survivors includes 10 playable levels 5 difficulty modes 21 weapons for a total of 105 evolutions // 14 perks with 56 upgrades 8 playable characters with their unique weapons, perks & stats Unlock Custom Game to tailor the game th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Spartan Survivors.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

92% User Score Based on 142 reviews

While I am a loyal RTS gamer, I feel that the genre’s complexity puts many players off. That's why I've always wanted to create my own grand battlefield in a simplified manner, making it more accessible to potential players and RTS fans. In this stylistic pixel game, players will have access to a variety of buildings that synergize with each other and face an array of twisted insectoids. This game… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Frontline Crisis.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, replayability

88% User Score Based on 49 reviews

SHOOPER NOVA combines rogue-lite, tower defense, and bullet hell elements in an intense space combat experience. In the year 5202, after achieving global unity, human technology soared to new heights. Earth is fully digitalized, and new super-intelligences have emerged. But with great progress comes great peril, as countless enemies rapidly approach... Play as Earth's Super-Intelligence, harn… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SHOOPER NOVA.

64%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

74% User Score Based on 38 reviews

A game made by fans, for fans, Hangeki seeks to infuse a classic genre with new ideas. Utilize multiple spectacular weapons to decimate the enemy, and formulate new strategies as you take on the alien invasion in this reimagining of the classic shoot em up. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hangeki.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

67% User Score Based on 306 reviews

Critic Score 51%Based on 9 reviews

Anomaly Defenders is the closing installment of the Anomaly series. The original incarnation of the Tower Offense sub-genre had players controlling humans fighting alien invaders. Now, the tables have turned. The human counterattack is underway and the alien homeworld is under threat. Defend the planet from the human scum in the final battle of the series. Anomaly Defenders is a fast-paced Tower … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Anomaly Defenders.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

86% User Score Based on 142 reviews

"Taking up arms solo or with a friend, you must dance with death in a brutal and addictive arcade platformer shooter inspired by Super Crate Box and stuffed to the brim with unlockables. Fight through rapid fire single screen levels each with a random combination of platform layout, objective, vending machines and enemies. Dodge and weave amongst the aliens to stay alive but don’t leave them stan… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Mutant Alien Assault.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

98% User Score Based on 340 reviews

Prepare yourself for an insatiable rain of bullets, bombs, and beams in Crimzon Clover.From Japanese indie developers YOTSUBANE and AdventurePlanningService, this unique top-down shooter is a wild ride you won't want to miss out on.Your first step in Crimzon Clover: World EXplosion is choosing how you want to play, as well as which powerful ship will be yours to command. Choose your version fr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Crimzon Clover World EXplosion.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

93% User Score Based on 28 reviews

SHOOT 'EM UP! Just keep shooting! Starlight: Eye of The Storm is a retro 2D Arcade bullet hell vertical shooter. Unleash your special powers, upgrade your weapons, get better ones! Danger can come from any direction, including 3D objects in the background. The Full Release shall comprise of the following modes you can play: Campaign Mode - A storytelling modular mission-based play style where y… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starlight: Eye of the Storm.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, gameplay

100% User Score Based on 13 reviews

To be rewarded with the forbidden secret, one must first defeat a powerful being known as the Guardian of the Cube. You are the Guardian. The secret of the Cube is under your protection ! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cuboid Keeper.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

100% User Score Based on 42 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 6 reviews

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

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

91% User Score Based on 77 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grand Cross Renovation.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

88% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Start off as a weak ship with a simple attack and fight through waves of enemies, earning currency in order to purchase upgrades for your ship. The never ending waves of enemies grow in number, power, and variety as you progress. Purchase upgrades to keep pace with them. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Asteroids... But Roguelite.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:character development

96% User Score Based on 188 reviews

Critic Score 50%Based on 1 reviews

70s giant robot anime-inspired side-scrolling shooter. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Supercharged Robot VULKAISER.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

97% User Score Based on 68 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 16 reviews

Rival Megagun is a competitive split-screen vertical shmup (or shoot 'em up, shooting game, STG) where you transform into a gigantic boss ship - your "Mega Gunship" - to invade your opponent's screen. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rival Megagun.

All the robots on Space Station 451 have gone berserk! Only one human is left! Can she survive the onslaught and escape? An arcade-style shooter. Five weapons.  Six enemy types. Ten levels. No saves. Can you make it out alive? Robot Space Frenzy is a retro FPS lovingly referred to by its creator as a "casual boomer shooter." The sense of speed and gunplay are meant to recall classics like … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Robot Space Frenzy.

Level up, Collect items, Combine your weapons and BLAST ENEMIES! You find yourself in the endless void, surrounded by enemies. Each wave is deadlier, each blast more spectacular. Customize your spaceship with upgraded engines, unique effects, and power-ups; dodge enemy fire with precision while unleashing your arsenal across the screen! Key Features Intense Arcade Action – Fast-paced battles t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Blastroid.

★ A New Evolution of Transformable Sci-Fi Action ShootingUnified Calendar year 3005, the gene-mutated beasts from space—known as "Gene Beasts"—have evolved through a prolonged battle with humanity into highly advanced mechanical lifeforms called "Termination Bots". To face this new threat, the Earth Allied Forces deploy the transformable and combinable combat mecha EX-PELL to … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Final Formation.