Games like Classic Retro Shoot-Em-Up

Blast back to the golden age of arcade shooters with Galaxian Remake! This isn't just a port; it's a lovingly crafted reimagining of the beloved 1979 classic, supercharged with modern features and exhilarating, non-stop action. Take control of your agile starfighter and defend humanity against waves of relentless, diving alien invaders. Experience the timeless thrill of Galaxian with e… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galaxian Remake.

StarwaveClick here to read the devlog. ⚠️ EARLY ACCESS - This game is currently in active development. Expect bugs, incomplete features, and frequent updates! About Starwave is a retro-style space shooter inspired by classic arcade games. Battle through waves of enemies, dodge bullets, and rack up high scores in this pixel-perfect action game! Featuring a nostalgic PICO-8 color palette and … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starwave.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, graphics

87% User Score Based on 1,260 reviews

Critic Score 71%Based on 1 reviews

Popular classic arcade shooter. The original feel! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to STRIKERS 1945.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

91% User Score Based on 43 reviews

Save Earth from an invasion of intergalactic chickens! Sometime in the near future, Earth is invaded by chickens from another galaxy, bent on revenge against the human race for oppressing earth chickens! Take the world's fate in your hands as you repel the poultry invasion. The Saga BeginsThis is where it all started, way back in 1999. The humble beginnings of the most successful chicken game … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Chicken Invaders 1.

27%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

27% User Score Based on 82 reviews

Arcade shoot game inspired on 80’s classics with extra features as you progress. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GALAXIUM.

ARCADE FUN # 1. PIXEL SNAKE Pixel Snake - Retro Arcade Classic Classic snake game with retro 8-bit graphics and neon aesthetics. Eat food, grow longer, avoid walls! **PIXEL SNAKE** - The Classic Arcade Experience! Relive the golden age of arcade gaming with this modern take on the timeless snake game. Guide your neon serpent through a retro-styled arena, collecting colorful food items while … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ARCADE FUN.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

90% User Score Based on 20 reviews

The earth is being attacked by creatures from deep space! Earth's last remaining scientists have reverse engineered several ships from their technology. Time to bring the fight back into space! You are humanity's last hope! Gamma Zero is an old school arcade vertical shmup. Be aggressive and rack up massive multipliers by collecting pickups as fast as possible. Features: 3 stages of intense … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gamma Zero.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

90% User Score Based on 648 reviews

Critic Score 81%Based on 17 reviews

The Bug Butcher is an action-packed 2D side scrolling shoot em up game where peril comes from above. So in a nutshell, pest control with machine guns in space. The core mechanics hold old ties from the classic arcade shooter "Super Pang" where you shoot vertically, but with modern day twists. You are Harry, a brash and tenacious exterminator who has a knack for decimating bugs. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Bug Butcher.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, story

88% User Score Based on 210 reviews

Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork is a collaboration between acclaimed comic book artist James Kochalka and indie game studio Pixeljam. It’s a unique hybrid of Galaga-style shoot ‘em up, simple platforming action and Saturday morning cartoon. Help Glorkian Warrior defend his asteroid against an endless onslaught of alien invaders, and be prepared for somewhat unexpected results… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Glorkian Warrior: The Trials Of Glork.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization

87% User Score Based on 244 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 4 reviews

Space Invaders Extreme combines the captivating essence of the original game with a stunning alliance of futuristic graphic design and cutting-edge audio. The gameplay experience has been developed to maximise on the consoles' abilities, offering players a whole new range of amazing features including a vast array of new power-ups. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Invaders Extreme.

A fast paced bullet hell where your ship doesn't shoot — you dash through enemies to destroy them.  The game has a variety of power-ups, enemy types, and bosses that create interesting and distinct challenges when surviving through waves. Though the minimalistic gameplay is easy to learn, it's also hard to master. This is a demo version and contains just a few enemies and power u… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Dash.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

83% User Score Based on 979 reviews

Space Distant are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Distant Space.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

97% User Score Based on 3,453 reviews

A throwback to the classic quarter eating arcade games of the 80's. Bit Blaster XL is a retro styled, addictive, and fast paced arcade shoot 'em up! (shmup). If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bit Blaster XL.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

100% User Score Based on 52 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 2 reviews

Galacticon is a video game with the look and feel of early 1980s arcade machines, in the style of Williams classics such as Defender and Joust, with the gameplay of the legendary Jetpac, and with puzzle elements If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galacticon.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

97% User Score Based on 562 reviews

Open Hexagon is a free open-source clone of the game "Super Hexagon by Terry Cavanagh". Gameplay is easy to learn but hard to master. You control a triangle that rotates around the center of the screen. Your goal is to stay alive as long as possible by avoiding the walls that go towards the center. Features JSON and LUA scripting for complete customization and level sharing. Compete online for th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Open Hexagon.

Blast through waves of bugs in this retro-inspired arcade shooter! Step into the shoes of the Bug Blaster and defend your garden from an endless swarm of creepy crawlies. Mushroom Menace brings classic fixed-screen action into a modern package with tight controls, smarter enemy patterns, an energy-driven blaster, and score-chasing mayhem. Gameplay Survive as long as you can and push your … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mushroom Menace.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

99% User Score Based on 473 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.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding

84% User Score Based on 9,990 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 20 reviews

The shoot ‘em up you were looking for! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sky Force Reloaded.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

94% User Score Based on 51 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

GRIDD: Retroenhanced is an intense arcade-style cyberpunk hacking shoot 'em up with an incredible soundtrack, procedurally generated elements, and electric visuals. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GRIDD: Retroenhanced.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

94% User Score Based on 469 reviews

1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 1982.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

96% User Score Based on 896 reviews

Chicken Invaders puts you at the forefront of a battle against invading intergalactic chickens, bent on revenge for our oppression of Earth chickens. This time, the chickens have hatched a devious plan to block out sunlight and freeze Earth to death! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Chicken Invaders 5.

65%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story

74% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 2 reviews

Famous for its cool world and innovatively omnidirectional shooting system, ZERO GUNNER 2 is coming back as ZERO GUNNER 2-. Blast every enemy plane from various sides of your screen. Fans who have enjoyed Psikyo Shooting will definitely enjoy this new ZERO GUNNER 2-. The compilation of Psikyo shooting game, ZERO GUNNER 2-, is reviving now! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zero Gunner 2.

50%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

50% User Score Based on 295 reviews

Humanity is at war against vampires and deviants. Mankind’s last line of defense is a group of children trained to wield powerful magic that can rival the demonic hordes, but at the cost of most of their lifespan. Likened to bullets of a gun, they are known as the ‘Gun Bullet Children’. The time is NOW! A vampire invasion force has been detected in the airspace above Tokyo Portal 5. Preliminary re… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to eXceed Gun Bullet Children.

50%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

71% User Score Based on 21 reviews

It is your job to save the planet from its decay. Only you can prevent an extraterrestrial species from taking over all of humankind. How? By shooting them back to where they belong - into the depths of hell of course! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to IACTURA.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimalist Snake A Zen-like evolution of the classic, remastered for the modern arcade. Minimalist Snake isn't just about eating apples—it's about flow, precision, and "juice." We've taken the legendary gameplay loop and infused it with satisfying particle physics, screen shake, str… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Minimalist Snake.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, music

91% User Score Based on 101 reviews

Chaos Faction and Chaos Faction 2, both in their original format, return in the Chaos Faction Legacy Collection. Experience the frantic action that helped define the earliest generation of brawlers. Master arenas, outmaneuver foes, unlock new characters, and relive the legacy of Chaos Faction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Chaos Faction Legacy Collection.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

61% User Score Based on 122 reviews

Remember defending that beach? The rush of artillery fire, scrambling to man different positions as enemy forces stormed ashore? That feeling is back. BeachHead Gold Edition brings together three classic titles - BeachHead 2000, BeachHead 2002, and BeachHead 2003 (Desert War) - fully optimized for modern Windows systems. Key Features • Three Full Games: BeachHead 2000, 2002, and 2003 … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BeachHead.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding

88% User Score Based on 6,069 reviews

Will you be able to defeat all the bosses!? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sky Wings: Pixel Fighter 3D.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, music

81% User Score Based on 288 reviews

Destroy the centipedes before they crush you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Retro Centipede infest.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:character development

82% User Score Based on 44 reviews

GRID RANGER is a short, 3D shmuplike with laser sharp aesthetics and a retro-futuristic soundtrack. Dodge and blast your way through 3 super-intense levels and see what lies beyond the grid... Featuring: Mouse-oriented controls for extra precision (The CNTRL option adjusts sensitivity), with controller support offered but not recommendedUses the V99 vector engine (like its sister game UTOPIA MUS… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grid Ranger.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

95% User Score Based on 1,535 reviews

Critic Score 87%Based on 1 reviews

Welcome to the Arena, where high-ranking warriors are transformed into spineless mush. Abandoning every ounce of common sense and any trace of doubt, you lunge onto a stage of harrowing landscapes and veiled abysses. Your new environment rejects you with lava pits and atmospheric hazards as legions of foes surround you, testing the gut reaction that brought you here in the first place. Your new ma… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Quake III Arena.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

96% User Score Based on 75 reviews

About ASURA THE STRIKERASURA THE STRIKER is a high-speed 3D rail shooter inspired by the legendary arcade shooters of the 80s and 90s. Take control of the humanoid combat weapon "ASURA" and intercept waves of invaders descending from space. Experience explosive action, relentless speed, and intense battles against overwhelming enemy forces. Energy Shot – Your primary ranged attack… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 閃攻機人アスラ - ASURA THE STRIKER -.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, story

100% User Score Based on 32 reviews

This is a unique twin-stick arena shooter where your own actions define the difficulty. Shoot recklessly at the walls and you will drown in enemies, but shoot too little and you will have a mediocre score. Observe the different monsters's behaviours and be strategic in the way you fight them. The more monsters there are in the arena, the more points you get for each one defeated. Unlock and p… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stray Shot.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics

100% User Score Based on 24 reviews

About Galaxy Bricks Galaxy Bricks is a mashup of two very well known games Galaga and Arkanoid. A Arcade Fixed shooter type game. The gameplay mechanics and rules are simple. Destroy the bricks on each level to progress to the next one. However enemies might spawn from these bricks, and attack you! The player will have powerups to help them deal with every obstacle of each level as they… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galaxy Bricks.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

94% User Score Based on 1,796 reviews

Critic Score 74%Based on 3 reviews

A new six-degree-of-freedom shooter from the creators of Descent with intuitive controls, amazing lighting and graphics, and the best zero-G robot-blasting combat ever devised. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Overload.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

96% User Score Based on 146 reviews

Critic Score 71%Based on 7 reviews

Witness the birth of the Silver Hawk in HD glory! Take flight in the iconic Silver Hawk and immerse yourself in thrilling gameplay with both modern HD-visuals or authentic retro-arcade graphics. Experience the conflicts between the Amnelia Kingdom and the merciless Thiima Empire that took place before the battle between the people of Darius and Belsar. During this conflict, the series’ iconic Si… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to G-Darius HD.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

100% User Score Based on 32 reviews

Critic Score 66%Based on 1 reviews

Curved Space is an intense arcade shooter about battling cosmic energy spiders across warped, physics-defying battlefields. Space stations and asteroids curve and loop around themselves. Up? Down? Who needs those when you’ve got a spaceship, guns and swarms of bugs to blast? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Curved Space.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

82% User Score Based on 56 reviews

Icewall is a game that combines retro shoot'em up and modern roguelite game design. It features intense, colorful and fast-paced gameplay, the roguelite run-based structure enhances the game with strategy and replay-value as you draft new strategies and combos. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ICEwall.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

66% User Score Based on 117 reviews

Critic Score 54%Based on 4 reviews

Retro-style Arcade Action! Join Pete Jr on his quest to defeat the nefarious Bubble Pirate! Dodge and pop bubbles with your anchor and collect coins to customize your pocket game with new faceplates, buttons, backlights, and more! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pirate Pop.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

92% User Score Based on 91 reviews

The original 8-bit twin-stick space shooter about brotherly love, available to play for free. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gamma Bros.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

87% User Score Based on 1,153 reviews

90's style First Person Shooter, 20 years later. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hellbound: Survival Mode.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story

86% User Score Based on 44 reviews

In the not-so-distant future, the calamity of World War III led to eventual world peace. But, it didn't last. Earth was invaded by alien marauders - the Kretons. Earth's united military force, still depleted after the mighty onslaught of WWIII, was not nearly sufficient to repel the numerous Kreton attacks. It was discovered that the Kretons had used a wormhole to invade our region of space from … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Major Stryker.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

78% User Score Based on 45 reviews

You are one of the most dangerous people in the world. Our timeline has collapsed hundreds of years ago. Since then, Ancient Gods have emerged through the cracks of reality, shaping it into a twisted realm of chaos. You are the only one who can stop them. Get ready. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dimension Drifter.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

82% User Score Based on 10,000 reviews

Join the Falcon Squad, enjoy classic arcade space shooting games. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Falcon Squad.

FishLane for Commodore 64A PETSCII based arcade game inspired by Tapper The frantic spirit of Tapper meets the high seas! FishLane is a fast-paced arcade fishing game for the Commodore 64, built entirely with PETSCII graphics and custom characters, just like the classics of the early 80s. Easy to learn, hard to master, and perfect for quick play sessions or high-score marathons. Cla… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to FishLane (C64).

ASTROCLASH Take Control. Build Combos. Dominate the Galaxy. Take control of your spaceship and face endless waves of alien enemies in this fast-paced vertical scrolling shooter! But this isn't just about survival—it's about mastery. ⚡ The Combo System What makes AstroClash: Combo Assault unique is the risk/reward combo mechanic: Chain enemy kills within 5 seconds to build your combo Reach combo m… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AstroClash.

About the Game BLAST! is a small HTML5 space shooter I made as a portfolio project. You control a tiny ship in an endless starfield, dodging asteroids and enemy fire while upgrading your weapons and shield. It’s meant to feel like a little arcade cabinet: simple controls, readable patterns, a couple of bosses, and a persistent high score you can chase. Runs in the browser (desktop ) – no … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BLAST! – Tiny Retro Space Shooter.

https://killingmachinemovement.com/robotron/ROBOTRON has been released! Download now for free!(Due to ROBOTRON being made in an old version of Construct 1, in order to run ROBOTRON, you must also have the 9th of August 2008 update of DirectX. This will also be included and installed along with the ROBOTRON exe. A smaller exe version without the DirectX update is available on the ROBOTRON website l… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ROBOTRON.

Blast rocks. Dodge chaos. Unlock ships.Rocks In Space is a fast-paced retro arcade shooter built to deliver pure fun — no ads, no paywalls, no grind walls. Just you, your ship, and endless waves of destruction. Key Features Classic arcade action – Tight controls and fast reflex gameplay inspired by golden-era shooters. Endless survival mode – Face wave after wave of asteroids and enemy craft. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rocks In Space.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through crystalline dimensions where reflexes meet strategy! Crystal Collector is a premium arcade experience that blends classic collection gameplay with modern visual flair. Navigate through shimmering cosmic landscapes as you collect rare crystals, avoid deadly obstacles, and master the art of interdimensional crystal harvesting.  Key Features Four Unique Game… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Crystal Collector.