Games like Project AETHER: First Contact
Looking for games like Project AETHER: First Contact? Here are top tactical shooter recommendations with a science fiction focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Void Scrappers, Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo or FullBlast.
- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story91% User Score 454 reviewsCritic Score 84%2 reviews
Blast hordes of alien ships into junk. Collect the scrap to upgrade your ship into an unstoppable force of destruction. Unlock new characters and weapons and upgrade your stats between runs. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Void Scrappers.
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- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability81% User Score 456 reviews
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as shmup veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and seventeen playable ships. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo.
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- 53%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story54% User Score 39 reviewsCritic Score 61%5 reviews
Blast your way through waves of alien invaders in this retro style shooter with modern visuals. Collect power ups, destroy the enemy ships and defeat the mega bosses in 12 action packed levels. On your own or with a friend in local co-op mode. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to FullBlast.
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- 82%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, replayability82% User Score 160 reviews
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based, single screen shooter, with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack! Use the unique risk reward multiplier system to maximise power-ups, build your bomb and destroy EVERYTHING! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Horizon Shift.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding93% User Score 1,918 reviewsCritic Score 80%3 reviews
X-Morph: Defense Complete Edition includes: X-Morph: Defense core game, European Assault DLC, Survival Of The Fittest DLC, Last Bastion DLC If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to X-Morph: Defense.
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- 93%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization93% User Score 342 reviews
Danmaku Unlimited 2 is an indie labor of love to bring classic Japanese vertical shooting action to modern HD systems. Inspired by Japanese doujin shooters and being authentic to a fault, the game features epic stages filled with beautiful but deadly bullet patterns, nail-bitingly difficult boss fights and seriously rocking soundtracks! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Danmaku Unlimited 2.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability91% User Score 482 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
Get the base game of Starward Rogue, plus the AuGMENTED expansion in one package If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starward Rogue.
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- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding97% User Score 10,045 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth of an action RPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nova Drift.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding94% User Score 169 reviewsCritic Score 83%5 reviews
Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is an engaging 1-4 player couch co-op action shooter game, combining SHMUP and Brawler-like gameplay with light RPG elements. Choose from different game modes, gameplay settings, mechs, weapons and upgrades to customize your experience freely. Soar through space, defeat evil and save the future... from itself! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax.
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- 62%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:music90% User Score 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.
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- 68%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding89% User Score 27 reviews
Do you want to live like a coward for a lifetime? Or live like be a hero, even if only for a few minutes? Show your bravery in Bugs Must Die! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bugs Must Die.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humorMost mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics95% User Score 40 reviews
Shoot, blast and slash through hordes of enemies in Rocking Pilot - a twin-stick shooter extravaganza inspired by arcade classics. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rocking Pilot.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization95% User Score 1,542 reviewsCritic Score 84%2 reviews
"Assault Android Cactus is a manic twin stick arena shooter for the PC with screens full of enemies, buckets of bullets and high scoring combo chains! Take on the role of Cactus, an enthusiastic police android, who responds to a stranded space freighter only to discover it under siege by its malfunctioning robot workers. Cut off from the outside and in over her head, Cactus and the androids she re… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Assault Android Cactus.
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- 83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding80% User Score 548 reviewsCritic Score 86%8 reviews
Rive: Ultimate Edition is a metal wrecking, robot hacking shooter. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RIVE.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding86% User Score 519 reviews
Get back to some serious Old-School gaming with Syder Arcade! A love letter to Amiga games of the 90′, no coins, no upgrade grinding, just your tenacity and a motherload of alien invaders. Syder Arcade is a free scrolling, multi directional shoot ’em up, an uncompromised old-school experience, furious, challenging, straightforward. This game will bring you back in time, when bulky starships were … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Syder Arcade.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding88% User Score 678 reviews
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gunlocked.
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- 76%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding76% User Score 127 reviews
FIGHT IN EVER CHANGING SPACE BATTLES! Run through the universe, discover the numerous perks/consumables and their synergistic effects. Explore the randomly-generated galaxy to find merchants,... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stellar Interface.
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- 78%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story80% User Score 115 reviewsCritic Score 72%2 reviews
Take control of a cyberdragon and annihilate swarms of rocket propelled chainsaws either online or via LAN in this high speed, high skill 8 player co-op twinstick shooter. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to XenoRaptor.
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- 95%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization98% User Score 691 reviewsCritic Score 80%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.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:character development, optimization94% User Score 207 reviewsCritic Score 50%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.
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- 77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, story85% User Score 142 reviewsCritic Score 35%1 reviews
What does a Shoot’Em Up look like if you remove the shooting? It looks like Swordship: an intense dodging game where placement is everything. Sharpen your skills because this is the Dodge'em Up you are looking for! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Swordship.
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- 93%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization96% User Score 523 reviewsCritic Score 81%1 reviews
This is a side-scrolling shooting game in which the player takes control of the "Drainus", a ship that can absorb energy bullets, to take down the countless enemy ships zipping through space. Energy absorbed can be used to enhance the ship's functions, such as adding new weapons. StoryThe Planet Halpax is located in the far reaches of space, suffering from the oppressive rule of the Khar… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DRAINUS.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding85% User Score 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.
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- 65%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization68% User Score 76 reviewsCritic Score 56%4 reviews
Gun Crazy is a fast paced and hectic arcade style action shoot em’ up in this homage to classic old school classics! Become the fiercest lady on the police force! Take out the bad guys through 4 unique levels filled with challenging bosses and powerful special guns. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gun Crazy.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization89% User Score 2,570 reviews
Time Wasters is a space shooter bullet heaven roguelite. Equip and upgrade weapons, destroy swarms of enemies, and collect Time & Space Cubes to bend the timeline to your advantage. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Time Wasters.
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- 97%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability97% User Score 261 reviews
Gunvein is a dynamic, aggression-based bullet hell shoot em up where you use lock on lasers, charged weapons, bombs & hypers to overwhelm the enemies before they overwhelm you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gunvein.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics89% User Score 109 reviews
Xenoraid is an exciting vertically scrolling shoot'em up rooted in the classic action gameplay of the genre with added modern features. Xenoraid upgrades the basic shmup gameplay with advanced shooting mechanics. Fighters tilt left and right when moving horizontally and weapons heat up when firing. Master the mechanics and line up devastating bursts of fire! Missions in Xenoraid a procedurall… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xenoraid: The First Space War.
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- 83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability85% User Score 1,092 reviewsCritic Score 75%1 reviews
Let Them Come is a fast paced pixel art shoot ‘em up. Twitchy trigger fingers and focused battle tactics are the order of the day as wave after wave of alien-like creatures try to take you down. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Let Them Come.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding89% User Score 727 reviewsCritic Score 78%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.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability89% User Score 101 reviews
The year is 2192 AD. The stellar-class all-purpose adminstrative computer ALLTYNEX goes berserk upon the Satariel System's activation, and 85% of humanity is wiped out within 72 hours. The remainder escape to the reaches of the solar system, but humanity is unable to cope with the new conditions. The ALLTYNEX War continues for fourty years. The year is 2232 AD. Humanity is down to a single fleet… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ALLTYNEX Second.
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- 65%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability62% User Score 349 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
Asteroid Bounty Hunter is a space shooter mixed with interesting boss fights and breathtaking visuals, with a reward system to take your skill to another level. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Asteroid Bounty Hunter.
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- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding87% User Score 1,241 reviews
From the collaboration between Housemarque (Resogun, Alienation, Matterfall), and Robotron and Smash TV legendary creator Eugene Jarvis comes Nex Machina, an explosive arcade experience created with competition in mind. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nex Machina.
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- 73%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story73% User Score 165 reviews
NEXT JUMP is a turn-based, tactics Shoot 'em up for people who are bad at SHMUPs, but love them. Do space-jumps and chase the vicious Dragons who stole all the stock of Beverage from the Galaxy and now are running away! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to NEXT JUMP: Shmup Tactics.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding89% User Score 1,052 reviewsCritic Score 85%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.
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- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, stability94% User Score 1,861 reviews
Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony is a neo-classical top-down shooter for up to 4 players, set on 17th-century British Colonial Mars. It features all the intensity, depth, and lovingly handcrafted pixels of a classic arcade shooter, with a modern twist: deeply-integrated cooperative gameplay.Unlike most top-down shooters, which give multiple players a shared pool of lives or continues, Jamestow… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Jamestown.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability95% User Score 1,140 reviewsCritic Score 82%6 reviews
Jet Lancer is a frenetic aerial dog-fighting game where you hunt enemy pilots, carve up giant robots, and defy death at supersonic speeds as a daring mercenary in the far future. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Jet Lancer.
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- 99%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization99% User Score 496 reviews
An immersive pseudo-3D shoot 'em up experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. Push your score higher with the innovative Berserk System: the closer they are, the more points you get! Dive into an immersive pseudo-3D experience that pushes the limits of pixel art. With a perfect fusion of background music and evolving stage design, you can experience a feeling only possible in a SHMUP! Featur… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DEVIL BLADE REBOOT.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding86% User Score 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.
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- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability89% User Score 278 reviewsCritic Score 80%3 reviews
In 2031, humans could no longer survive on the Earth’s surface. PyroCorp saved the world by building massive underground cities with their army of intelligent robots. Everything was fine – until one day, when the robots lost their minds and killed all humans. As the only remaining Good Robot, you must save PyroCorp from any lawsuits that might occur. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Good Robot.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization88% User Score 237 reviewsCritic Score 73%1 reviews
Leap of Fate is a furiously-paced cyberpunk top-down shooter about overcoming your fears and achieving your fate. In a New York City where magic is real, you play as a technomage who must develop unspeakable powers to confront the Crucible of Fates. Can you survive the trials? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Leap of Fate.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding90% User Score 494 reviews
Shred the skies to pieces in Furious Angels, an endless shooter with flying tanks, leaderboards and different waves each day! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Furious Angels.
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- 74%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding76% User Score 485 reviewsCritic Score 69%3 reviews
Livelock is a cooperative top-down shooter where you and up to two others must work together to break the cycle of infinite war between machines. As one of "The Few" remaining Capital Intellects, you will need quick reactions and decision-making to overcome the chaos. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Livelock.
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- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability85% User Score 209 reviewsCritic Score 82%2 reviews
Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam and PlayStation 4. - Various exciting bosses over a dramatic 10-stage Story Mode - Alternative Score Attack Mode with Online Leaderboard… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ginga Force.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization94% User Score 1,294 reviewsCritic Score 86%4 reviews
Once a loyal knight, betrayed, and banished to the Abyss. A desecrated corpse inside reanimated armor. You rise to an eternal death. Branded KILL KNIGHT, you have one purpose - KILL THE LAST ANGEL.FIVE ELDRITCH LAYERSKILL, OR BE KILLEDDance with death in the Abyss, and unveil intricate layers of gameplay lurking beneath the surface. Exploit enemy weaknesses, enact brutal executions, weave through … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to KILL KNIGHT.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, stability86% User Score 182 reviews
Become a master hacker 'X' and hack into the digital world of a corrupt conglomerate. Use a variety of weapons and hacking add-ons to create your own combat build and wipe out disturbing enemies. Please enjoy the hack and slash action! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to X Invader.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability90% User Score 648 reviewsCritic Score 81%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.
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- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability89% User Score 142 reviewsCritic Score 60%3 reviews
Destropolis is a top-down shooter game, inspired by such classic games like “Crimsonland”, “Alien Shooter” or “Nuclear Throne”. It takes place in a futuristic city, filled with red, cube-like enemies. Tear them to pieces with bullets, lasers and nuclear explosions. Play alone or with friends in a local co-op mode. Destroy as many enemies as you can before they overwhelm you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Destropolis.
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- 97%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability97% User Score 206 reviews
Herald of Havoc is an FPS that merges the fast-paced gameplay of the 90's era shooters, with the crazy capabilities of what can be done today. Destroy hundreds of enemies with a crazy arsenal that includes classics weapons as well as things like Power-fists, ChainShotgun, Ultra Cannon, and more. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Herald of Havoc.
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- 60%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:music, replayability61% User Score 119 reviewsCritic Score 59%8 reviews
Godstrike is a time based twin-stick shooter where you must face ruthless bosses in intense 1v1’s. Play as Talaal, the last Herald, hunted by her sibling. Time is your currency and health, use it to create ability combos and fight for glory on the highscores! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Godstrike.
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- 72%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding72% User Score 122 reviews
“We thought they were our friends and benefactors, but instead they are our masters. The Chronicles didn’t liberate us from our primitive ways – they conquered and destroyed us. The others don’t know, their heads are still full of the melodious voices of our alien masters. But that will change. I will change it!” – Sasaki Survive in Space is a skill-based space shooter with a hardcore focus on ga… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Survive in Space.
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