Games like Mars

During the first global biowar, a powerful retrovirus filled the planet Avaron with new and deadly forms of life. Only a few survivors remain in O.P. Odysseus, an orbiting platform circling Avaron. Hundreds of years after the biowar, conditions on Avaron are still hostile but livable. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bio-hazard Battle.

The invasion of an unknown life source is getting worse. Nobody knows if the defensive line or the heart of the enemy base is ruined first. With the people's hope, the most advanced fighter will be dispatched into multi-scrolling space. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Andro Dunos.

An excellent arcade-style shooter, Caverns of Mars is a downward-scrolling game where players must pilot their craft through a series of five underground levels filled with alien ships, narrow passageways and a variety of obstacles, including blue diamonds, force field barriers and floating space mines. Fuel must be collected along the way, and at the bottom of the last level a Martian base must b… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Caverns of Mars.

RType is a sideways-scrolling shoot-em-up in which the evil Bydo Empire rules the galaxy through fear and intimidation and it's up to the player - piloting their heavily-armed R-9 space ship - to battle through eight tough levels to the heart of the Bydo stronghold and defeat them. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to R-Type.

Side scrolling action shooter. Shoot the aliens and rescue colonists from various planets. Defeat the alien mothership with the special weapons you collect. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Strike Force.

Sheep in Space is a surrealist computer game released for the Commodore 64 computer in the 1980s by Jeff Minter's Llamasoft. It is a horizontally scrolling shooter in the style of Defender. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sheep In Space.

The player competes in a marathon continuous scrolling horizontal shoot-em-up game across land, sea, air and outer space. You can hold down the fire button for a burst of Charged fire, which is especially essential to defeat the bosses. The player can hold down the Jump button to transform back and forth between a Mobile Robot or an Aero Fighter. Some sections have confrontations on both ground a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Formation Z.

Cosmic Cop, known in Japan as Armed Police Unit Gallop, is a shooter arcade game developed and released by Irem in 1991, running upon the Irem M-84 arcade board. While not directly based on the R-Type series, it is considered a spin-off of such, with many features being adapted into later games, notably R-Type Final. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Cop.

A.D. 2083 is an 8-way scrolling pseudo-3D shoot 'em up arcade game released by Midcoin in 1983, set in 2083 . Gameplay is similar to "Time Pilot", except that enemies can appear from the ground or 'merge' into battle from the distance. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A.D. 2083.

This horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up with 32 levels is something of a predecessor to Armalyte. It's set in the Delta region of space, in which the Hsiffan Khanate species have a powerful presence, using their technology to steal and analyze Terran ships. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Delta.

Xenophobe is a 1987 arcade game and the goal of each level is to defeat all the aliens before time runs out. Levels may contain more than one floor, and players use elevators or holes to move between floors to defeat all of the aliens. Players can also pick up more powerful weapons and other items to help in their eradication of the aliens. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xenophobe.

Gekirindan is a vertical shoot-'em-up by Taito where players select one of three different fighters against an army of mechs through different time periods. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gekirindan.

In Victory, use your Coleco Roller Controller to rotate your ship as the space around you scrolls by, smack your fire button to take out anything that moves and snag a power-up or two along the way to aid in your quest. Similar in style to Asteroids, but with a moving background. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Victory.

Xenon is a 1988 vertical scrolling shooter computer game, developed by The Bitmap Brothers and published by Melbourne House which was then owned by Mastertronic. Xenon was followed in 1989 by Xenon 2: Megablast. The player assumes the role of Darrian, a future space pilot called into action by a mayday report from his superior on a nebula space station. As of late, the colonies of mankind have be… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xenon.

As in many other vertical scrolling shooters (including Namco's own Xevious), the player controls a ship, facing the top of the screen, that can move freely while the background scrolls down, bringing enemies in to view; the player may destroy enemies for points. The game uses two buttons - one is used to make the ship fire circular lasers, while the other is used to cycle through its four firing … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Blast Off.

In this side scrolling shooter you have to kill as many enemies as possible to raise your high score. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Avenger.

The Tangent Empire are preparing to attack the earth with their convoy of tanks, and it is you who has been sent forward to destroy the 14 space stations which make up the potential invasion threat. There are 3 sub-levels on each station, which can be played in any order. The action scrolls in every direction, with you guiding your tank-link droid around to shoot the opposition droids. The tank ta… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vindicators.

While the game is essentially a standard horizontally scrolling shoot'em up, it has an innovation that makes it unique in the genre. The player flies a spaceship (specifically, a bioship) which has the standard forward guns to be found in all horizontal scrollers, but it also possesses a weapon that can be manually targeted with a crosshair, in the same manner as in the game "Missile Command". Thi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bio-Ship Paladin.

Armada Fighter is a fast-paced arcade shoot ’em up focused on reflexes, movement, and intense action. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Armada Fighters.

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.

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.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, optimization

87% User Score Based on 84 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 7 reviews

UFOs! Aliens! Aircrafts! Resistance! SHOOT 'EM UP! Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers is a spaceship shooter with 2D gameplay and 3D environment. Enjoy a smart combination of a fast-paced shooting experience and the 1950's sci-fi movies aesthetic, with live-action cutscenes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

89% User Score Based on 727 reviews

Critic Score 78%Based on 4 reviews

Steredenn is a frenetic and chaotic space shooter, carved in big beautiful pixels, with insane boss battles. Embark in your ship and engage the fight against dreadful space pirates in a never-ending combat for your survival. Steredenn is at the crossroads between a shmup and a rogue-like. Enjoy the infinite replayability of the game with its unforgiving gameplay, intense boss fights, (almost) ran… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Steredenn.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

86% User Score Based on 132 reviews

Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shoot 1UP.

Originally released in 1982, Penetrator was a classic side-scrolling shoot-em-up for the ZX Spectrum, praised at the time for its impressive scrolling graphics on the home computer. The game also included a level editor, a novelty at the time. Now, relive those days in this remastered emulated version.GameplaySteer your spaceship through continuously scrolling levels that flow seamlessly into each… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Penetrator.

47%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:character development

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

61% User Score Based on 28 reviews

We're All Going To Die is a top down cooperative twin stick shooter in which the players face off against waves of enemies. Fight many different enemy types from fast robots that carry bombs to towering lizard people who will smack you around. Fight also against different kinds of bosses, that can be more ranged or melee oriented, all with their own special moves and abilities. Players, if they su… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to We're All Going To Die.

47%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

54% User Score Based on 39 reviews

Earth is under siege! A mysterious and powerful alien race has come to enslave the entire galaxy, and your fleet is humanity's last hope. You must put an end to the attacks and rebuild a home for the survivors. With the invaders in hot pursuit, and the dangers of the unexplored at every turn, do you have what it takes to forge a new galaxy? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ProtoGalaxy.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

85% User Score Based on 468 reviews

Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies. Deftly maneuver over twenty unique ships, each with different abilities for you to harness. Backed by an all-new chip-emulated soundtrack by the psychoacoustic artist Rainbow Kitten, Enemy Mind features an adaptive story system as innovative as its gameplay. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Enemy Mind… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Enemy Mind.

56%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

53% User Score Based on 249 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Includes: Base Game Desert Child - Soundtrack Play Desert Child and groove to your favorite lo-fi hip-hop sounds on the go. Download the Desert Child game and soundtrack now. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Desert Child.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

95% User Score Based on 84 reviews

It's the future! And humanity is, predictably, under attack by extraterrestrial forces. Lucky for us we have an experimental ship that's never before been flown that will surely...uh, possibly...well, implausibly be able to win the war! All we need now is a pilot or two. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Procyon.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

83% User Score Based on 154 reviews

Space Elite Force is a frenetic side-scrolling, full of explosions and epic battles against bosses. With its large amount of upgrades and its high level of difficulty, Space Elite Force is the ideal game for anyone who wants frenzied action, quick plays and a few hours of fun. Embark on this battle and help defeat the awful Klyvu race! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Elite Force.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, character development

89% User Score Based on 45 reviews

Wings Of Bluestar is a 2D horizontal shmup (shoot'em up) that offers singe and local multiplayer. It's sci-fi themed and has an anime art style. The game offers a lot of features to unlock using ingame earned points, these features are like more credits, boss challenge, gallery etc. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wings Of Bluestar.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story

100% User Score Based on 58 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 3 reviews

Board the Brix Core, piloted by Prince Brix himself. Combine aircraft in different ways to gain abilities and grab crystals to boost your firepower. It'll take split-second decisions, expert control, and a bit of luck to survive this gauntlet. Can Prince Brix defeat the evil looming before him and save the world? Features The fusion system lets you combine with randomly-appearing aircraft The Upgr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grand Brix Shooter.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

87% User Score Based on 56 reviews

Zero Wing is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game, notable for a poorly translated English version for Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) that spawned the "All your base are belong to us" Internet meme. Gameplay includes novel features such as being able to 'tractor' enemy ships, using them to shield your own. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zero Wing.

Project Neon is a new, vertical / TATE style Shoot 'Em Up (shmup), developed for the original Neo Geo MVS / AES platform. It features a 1-2 player mode, with all the bells and whistles of a classic shoot 'em up that you would expect, spiced up with some modern and unique concepts and game mechanics. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Project Neon.

You play as Xain, the Soldier of Light, who must visit a number of invaded planets and wipe out the evil hordes that have attacked the human populations. The main bulk of the gameplay is a horizontally scrolling run and gun game, while some stages put you in an horizontal shoot 'em up scenario. You take control of Xain, who can jump or duck to avoid enemies and jump up to higher ledges. Lots of ex… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xain'd Sleena.

You pilot your ship through the dreaded "Maelstrom" asteroid belt -- suddenly your best friend thrusts towards you and fires, directly at your cockpit. You raise your shields just in time, and the battle is joined. The deadliest stretch of space known to mankind has just gotten deadlier. Everywhere massive asteroids jostle for a chance to crush your ship, and deadly Shenobi fighter patr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Maelstrom.

SynthEscape is a 80s synthwave-themed shmup with a heavy emphasis on grazing bullets to power your bullet-slowing energy field. I grew up playing shmups like Radiant Silvergun, Gradius V, R-Type Delta, Darius, etc and love new indie shmups like ZeroRanger, Devil Blade Reboot, Crimson Clover EX. This is inspired in part by all of them. Humanity is ruled by a ruthless AI and its endless m… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SynthEscape.

A mysterious invasion force known as the Galaxy Highters invades the Earth in the year 1996. With their abilities in space time manipulation, they are able to invade several time lines in Earth’s history and occupy each one simultaneously. In order to stop the Galaxy Highters, Earth’s militaries design the 'Flying Bird', a jet fighter capable of time travel, enabling it to fly into occupied time l… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Asuka & Asuka.

The classic shoot 'em up franchise expands ! Fight your way through 5 levels of deadly ships and bosses to get your revenge on the Empire. Colorful pixel art and catchy soundtrack, easy controls but hard game overall, SOMD2 makes use of all of the tropes of the arcade genre. The game features 4 achievements, an in game leaderboard that displays the 5 best speedrunners worldwide, and 3 characters… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Orbital Mega Drift II.

The sequel to the hugely successful original finds the evil Bydo Empire once again intent on the destruction of all mankind in this sideways scrolling, six-level shoot-em-up. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to R-Type II.

Are those California waves too bogus for you? Why don't you take a surf in SPACE!!! Space Kahuna is horizontally scrolling shooter developed as a tribute to silly shoot' em ups from the past such as Parodius, Harmful Park, and Cho Aniki. Therefore don't expect the usual space tropes and get ready for some silly levels. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Kahuna.

Hades Nebula is a futuristic vertical scrolling shooter set in the year 2124. As humanity searches for new habitable planets due to dwindling energy reserves, players pilot a small spacecraft on a mission to thwart the villainous Emperor Hades. The game unfolds against a backdrop of interstellar colonization and conflict, with players navigating through asteroid fields and waves of enemy forces. G… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hades Nebula.

Battle Wings, known in Japan either as B-Wing (ビー・ウィング) or B-Wings (ビー・ウィングズ), is a vertically scrolling shooter first released as an arcade game by Data East in 1984. The game was ported by Data East to the Family Computer in 1986, and was Data East's very first home release for this platform. The game consists of 45 levels (30 in the Family Computer version), and no background story or plot is … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battle Wings.

Creativity is the key, along with intuitive game play, and what you have is a replayable space shooter. There aren't too many space shooters that have the replay value of this game.... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ad Infinitum.

Truxton is a 1988 vertically scrolling, shoot 'em up arcade game developed by Toaplan, later ported to the Mega Drive (worldwide) and the PC Engine (Japan-only). Like many other scrolling shooters, the game is set in outer space, where the player takes control of a small spaceship across several planets. The game is played with an eight-way joystick and two buttons (a shot and a bomb button) throu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Truxton.

Hyper Duel is an Action game, developed and published by TechnoSoft, which was released in Japan in 1996. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hyper Duel.

An arcade shmup developed by NMK released in 1994. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Arcadia.

55%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay

55% User Score Based on 29 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 1 reviews

Salamander is a scrolling shooter arcade game released by Konami as a spin-off to Gradius. It introduced a simplified power-up system, two-player cooperative gameplay and both horizontally and vertically scrolling stages. Some of these would later become the norm for future Gradius games. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Salamander.

The Zaxxon defence system must be destroyed in this isometric-viewed shoot 'em up which was originally hugely successful in the arcades. The game has 3 stages. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zaxxon.