Games like Project AETHER: First Contact

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

91% User Score Based on 454 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 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.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, replayability

82% User Score Based on 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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

93% User Score Based on 1,918 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 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.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

81% User Score Based on 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.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

96% User Score Based on 523 reviews

Critic Score 81%Based on 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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

94% User Score Based on 169 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 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.

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.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

76% User Score Based on 127 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 2 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.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

97% User Score Based on 10,045 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 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.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

68% User Score Based on 174 reviews

You are a friendly-but-deadly Mech on a journey searching for your missing pilot in this action-packed roguelite shooter. Choose your missions and rewards, research skills, equip expansions, mod your weapons, install plugins, customize your looks and stylishly cut your way through hordes of evil AI. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Uragun.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

89% User Score Based on 1,052 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 5 reviews

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

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

93% User Score Based on 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.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

95% User Score Based on 1,542 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 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.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

89% User Score Based on 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.

65%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

62% User Score Based on 349 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 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.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

92% User Score Based on 120 reviews

The second chapter in one of the most loved and respected Japanese shooting game series ever: The Tale of ALLTYNEX by Japanese indie developer SITER SKAIN. Carefully crafted play experiences, destructive fun, and absorbing gameplay have made the ALLTYNEX trilogy renowned in shmup / shooting game communities, both in Japan and overseas. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RefleX.

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.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

99% User Score Based on 534 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

Boki can perfectly copy the abilities of anything she fights—but not content with mere mimicry, she can also combine up to 3 abilities at once to form 175 completely unique super-weapons! She wants to be a hero one day, but doesn't think she's cut out for the job. To help hone her skills, Boki's insectoid uncle sends her into virtual reality to do battle with hordes of dastardly robots! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Copy Kitty.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

80% User Score Based on 115 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 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.

65%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

68% User Score Based on 76 reviews

Critic Score 56%Based on 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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

95% User Score Based on 1,140 reviews

Critic Score 82%Based on 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.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

68% User Score Based on 702 reviews

Humanity is on the verge of extinction. It's up to you to infiltrate the AI core and win the war against the machines.Start your journey with a simple ship, outfitted with only basic machine guns and air-to-ground missiles. As you take down more and more of the AI’s fighter’s you’ll unlock new technologies like plasma shields, wave beams, and ion cannons. It's totally up to you how you outfit your… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Revolution Ace.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

91% User Score Based on 482 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 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.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

99% User Score Based on 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.

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:story, grinding

86% User Score Based on 142 reviews

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

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

87% User Score Based on 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.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

73% User Score Based on 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.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 1,432 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 17 reviews

In addition to the full game, the Valfaris Digital Deluxe Edition includes the following content: - Valfaris - Digital OST - Valfaris - Digital Artbook If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Valfaris.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

80% User Score Based on 548 reviews

Critic Score 86%Based on 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.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

98% User Score Based on 691 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

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

60%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

60% User Score Based on 115 reviews

A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Power-Up.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

86% User Score Based on 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.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

77% User Score Based on 86 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 7 reviews

For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups: Vasara and Vasara 2 are made available to the whole world via this package: Vasara Collection! Science Fiction meets History in these arcade classics which take place in an alternate timeline Feudal Japan where technologically advanced weaponry and equipment are a reality, and heroes use flying motorcycles with amazing firepo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to VASARA Collection.

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.

53%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

54% User Score Based on 39 reviews

Critic Score 61%Based on 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.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

89% User Score Based on 278 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 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.

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

69% User Score Based on 505 reviews

Distant Space 2 - is an indirect continuation of the first part, in which you will find more dynamic gameplay. Your task is to destroy enemy ships on each level to go to the next of 26 available. In addition to conventional ships, you will have to wait for the boss ships, the battle with which will not be easy. To help you available additional weapons, which can be picked up from the enemies you k… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Distant Space 2.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

90% User Score Based on 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.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

97% User Score Based on 1,282 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

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

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

66% User Score Based on 311 reviews

Critic Score 66%Based on 7 reviews

It's a twin-stick vertical scrolling Shooter hybrid with a cinematic flare: An unrelenting onslaught of eye-popping visuals, ear bursting soundscapes and mind-melting action makes Cygni the vanguard for the next generation of shoot-em ups. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cygni: All Guns Blazing.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

94% User Score Based on 1,422 reviews

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

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

79% User Score Based on 202 reviews

Critic Score 66%Based on 7 reviews

Omega Strike is an action-adventure game with multiple playable characters. Explore the interconnected world, defeat monstrous enemies, search for hidden treasures and learn new abilities for your heroes. Each character has unique abilities which you must utilize to overcome the deadly traps and enemies that roam the world of Omega Strike. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Omega Strike.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

89% User Score Based on 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.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

85% User Score Based on 1,092 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 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.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability

77% User Score Based on 166 reviews

Critic Score 64%Based on 10 reviews

Battle for survival against waves of Martian mutants in this tactical twist on twin-stick shooters. Using the skills of your drone companion, make fight-or-flight decisions that drastically alter the threats you face. Will your choices lead you to freedom... or your doom? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Solstice Chronicles: MIA.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, stability

94% User Score Based on 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.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

76% User Score Based on 485 reviews

Critic Score 69%Based on 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.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:character development, optimization

94% User Score Based on 207 reviews

Critic Score 50%Based on 1 reviews

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

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

97% User Score Based on 816 reviews

Critic Score 90%Based on 5 reviews

Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. Choose your upgrades carefully and create powerful builds to take on the relentless enemies and epic bosses on a constantly evolving battlefield. Sektori is a game that requires your complete focus, a game where the high-adrenaline visuals, music, and gameplay come together to transport you into another st… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sektori.