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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A tribute to the timeless snake game. Use arrow keys to guide the snake, eat food to grow longer, and avoid crashing into walls or yourself. Unlock achievements, compete on global leaderboards. Simple to pick up, impossible to put down. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Classic: Snake.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

98% User Score Based on 53 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 2 reviews

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

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.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story

77% User Score Based on 1,255 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.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization

87% User Score Based on 244 reviews

Critic Score 77%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.

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.

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.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

95% User Score Based on 108 reviews

Now UPDATED to an enhanced version — 'RELOADED' — with a brand-new Rogue-lite Career mode! StoryThirty years have passed since the first battle against the alien menace in Project X. Now, the threat has returned—stronger, smarter, and more relentless than ever. Project X: Light Years brings back high-octane, side-scrolling shoot’em-up action as the official successor to the beloved Amiga cla… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Project X: Light Years.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

76% User Score Based on 34 reviews

The legendary vertical scrolling shooter "Raiden" is reborn as a thrilling twin-stick 2D shooter! Freely aim and shoot with dual sticks, dodging bullets from every direction. Level up to unlock a variety of weapons and enhancements, and upgrade your ship to fight your way through epic battles. Features: Navigate your ship with the left analog stick and aim your shots with the right a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Raiden NOVA | 雷電NOVA | 雷電新星.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

100% User Score Based on 36 reviews

Pentasma is a side-scrolling arcade shooter inspired by Williams Electronics' 1981 classic 'Defender'. Protect The terraforming Humanoids from the deadly Aliens and raid the Alien planets to keep the galaxy peaceful! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pentasma.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:music

90% User Score Based on 20 reviews

AstroViking is a wave-based survival shoot em' up! Play as a superpowered female viking fending off endless hordes of aliens! Combine 60+ upgrades to construct your own ultimate warrior! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AstroViking.

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.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

81% User Score Based on 89 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 3 reviews

Lode Runner Legacy is the latest edition in the popular Lode Runner series. Players control “Runner” to recover stolen gold while avoiding enemies and minefields. Enjoy the ingenious balance of puzzle and action gameplay, an updated Voxel visual style and powerful game editors. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Lode Runner Legacy.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

87% User Score Based on 203 reviews

Click here for steam early access version with more maps, enemies and weapons! Very simple shooter to test my voxel engine. wsad to move to fire machine gun <right mouse... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Critical Annihilation.

41%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

60% User Score Based on 20 reviews

This project combines graphics by Hiroshi “Mr. Dotman” Ono, the artist behind such Namco classics as Dig Dug, Xevious, and Mappy, and sound by Yuzo Koshiro, composer of Streets of Rage, The Revenge of Shinobi, and Shenmue, to complete an arrange version in 1980s arcade style. Like fools, we rely on games offered for our favorite platforms that are published in magazines, but lately, they seem to … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Cavern 3671　　宇宙最大の地底最大の作戦.

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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

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 78%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.

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.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story

98% User Score Based on 693 reviews

Evil Egg was an ecstatic twin-stick nightmare known for its brutal shooting action and intense audiovisual effects. Infinite horrors tear apart a world of little green men, the only hope an errant hatchling. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Evil Egg.

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.

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 90%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.

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.

90%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 2 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.

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.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

79% User Score Based on 48 reviews

Hyper Sentinel is a pure shot of pixel-perfect nostalgia, fusing iconic shooter gameplay with contemporary systems and mechanics; repackaging the sights, sounds and feel of the arcade to deliver the ultimate neo-retro experience. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hyper Sentinel.

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.

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&#39;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.

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.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

85% User Score Based on 53 reviews

Gal-X-E aims to revive the old-school shoot em up genre, and adds modern elements to it! Fight your way through endless waves of randomly generated madness! Collect spaceships and show the enemy who's boss! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gal-X-E.

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.

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.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

78% User Score Based on 342 reviews

The game tells the story of Kurt Hectic, a janitor who reluctantly must attempt to save Earth from an alien invasion of gigantic strip mining city-size vehicles named "Minecrawlers". These Minecrawlers are not only removing all of earth's natural resources, but are also crushing any people and cities that get in their way. Aided by his boss, the (possibly) insane inventor/scientist Dr. Fluke Hawki… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MDK.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

82% User Score Based on 10,000 reviews

Defend the galaxy in a classic arcade shooter with epic boss battles If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Falcon Squad: Action Shooter.

Join the community: https://discord.gg/HFhWDn5due Pulsagon – A Rhythm Game of Perfect Shape and Precision Welcome to Pulsagon, a high-speed, shape-shifting rhythm game where reflexes meet geometry in a dance of perfect timing. Every beat is a test. Every shape is a challenge. And every misstep? A pulse closer to chaos. In Pulsagon, the music isn’t just background noise—it’s the battlefield.… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pulsagon.

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.