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Games like Shmup!

Games like Shmup!

Games like Shmup!

Looking for games like Shmup!? Here are top arcade shooter recommendations with a science fiction focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with TechBeat Heart, DELTAZEAL or VASARA Collection.

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  1. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    94% User Score Based on 51 reviews
    Critic Score 86%Based on 1 reviews

    SCORCHING TECHBEAT ACTION! A frantic combo-based score attack shooter with roguelite elements. Make combos to earn more time. Master all weapons and defeat a raving mad machine. 100% arcade action. Online ranking. Lots of achievements. A Dual Gunstrike spin off. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TechBeat Heart.

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  2. 73%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    73% User Score Based on 60 reviews

    Triangle Service presents the essential arcade experience! Power up your ship, evade enemy fire, and blast your way to the final boss in DeltaZeal! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DELTAZEAL.

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  3. 77%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization
    77% User Score Based on 86 reviews

    For the very first time, highly acclaimed Japanese Arcade Shoot’em Ups - VASARA (2000) and VASARA 2 (2001) - are made available to the whole world via this package: VASARA COLLECTION! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to VASARA Collection.

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  4. 74%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding
    74% User Score Based on 102 reviews

    The Hurricane of the Varstray is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with a SF story: in the distant future, to defend the Earth against the invasion of mystery mechanical structures, 4 girls head to "the Varstray sector," far away from the Earth and considered as the villain. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Hurricane of the Varstray: Collateral hazard.

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  5. 87%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story
    97% User Score Based on 68 reviews
    Critic Score 77%Based on 16 reviews

    Rival Megagun is a competitive split-screen vertical shmup (or shoot 'em up, shooting game, STG) where you transform into a gigantic boss ship - your "Mega Gunship" - to invade your opponent's screen. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rival Megagun.

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    77%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay
    100% User Score Based on 28 reviews

    Astro Fighters is a fast-paced vertical scrolling STG focused on score attack, aggressive grazing, and arcade-style mastery.Survive dense bullet patterns, collect medals to build your score multiplier, and charge your graze gauge by flying dangerously close to enemy fire. Spend stored energy strategically to unleash powerful spread attacks, trigger screen-clearing bombs, or slow time itself to esc… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astro Fighters.

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  7. 85%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, monetization
    85% User Score Based on 105 reviews
    Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

    Space Elite Force II is a classic side scrolling gaming experience with many enemies, explosions and upgrades for your ship. Have fun defeating bosses, upgrading your ship and blowing up enemies, alone or with a friend in local co-op mode. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Elite Force 2.

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  8. 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.

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  9. 91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    91% User Score Based on 112 reviews

    Crisis Wing is a mid-90’s style arcade shoot’em up (shmup) game with frantic fast-paced gameplay and colorful pixel graphics. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Crisis Wing.

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  10. 89%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization
    90% User Score Based on 62 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

    Pawarumi is a modern shoot’em up set in a retro futuristic sci-fi pre-Columbian universe. You’ll take control of the almighty ship Chukaru and its three unique weapons! Shoot wisely to either do double damage, heal yourself or charge your Super Attack! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to PAWARUMi.

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  11. 97%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability
    97% User Score Based on 198 reviews

    BIRDCAGE is an arcade-style vertical scrolling shoot’em up inspired by genre classics, blending gritty pixel art sprites with 2.5D backdrops and a pumping retro soundtrack! Blast through 6 unique stages of bullet hell mayhem, facing off against enemy swarms using multiple shot types and rechargeable specials. Chase high scores by maintaining chains and kill rate. Strategically activate Hyperblade… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BIRDCAGE.

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  12. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability
    93% User Score Based on 54 reviews

    PILOT A STARSHIP INTO THE VOID You are the pilot of a starship venturing into a newly discovered dimension filled with vibrant energy and mysterious matter. As you navigate this neon wilderness, you'll encounter distress signals and opportunities to complete side missions that reward you with valuable resources and upgrades. BULLET-HELL COMBAT Battle against swarms of alien enemies and colossal bo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Void Resurgence.

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  13. 95%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding
    95% User Score Based on 93 reviews

    BroodStar is a classic arcade shoot’em up with heavy roguelike elements. Careful, though... the vastness of space contains many formidable enemies. If you fall along the way, you have to start over — the only thing you’ll bring with you are the upgrade modules you collected in your past runs, in the form of research points that augment your ship. Will they be enough to get you through hordes of un… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BroodStar.

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  14. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding
    93% User Score Based on 54 reviews

    A post-apocalyptic arcade shooter. Collect fuel and dodge enemy fire as you fight back against the evil Scorpio gang. Mixes cars, shmups and themes that would have been right at home in 80's anime and arcades.. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dead End City.

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  15. 92%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    95% User Score Based on 128 reviews
    Critic Score 81%Based on 2 reviews

    A refreshing and highly re-playable bullet hell style shooter that WANTS you to play dangerously! Ride the razor's edge of life and death in this high-risk high-reward danger oriented arcade style shooting game. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Graze Counter GM.

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  16. 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'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.

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  19. 90%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding
    100% User Score Based on 49 reviews
    Critic Score 77%Based on 6 reviews

    A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sophstar.

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    51%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, optimization
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics
    89% User Score Based on 9 reviews
    Critic Score 50%Based on 1 reviews

    Space God is a top-down shooting game that reinterprets retro sensibility. You can experience singleplayer, co-op, and online multiplayer. Never stop and keep moving! Then you will survive. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space God.

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  22. 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.

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  23. 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.

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  24. 51%Game Brain Score
    51% User Score Based on 2 reviews

    Puedes encontrar mi juego en Steam desde hoy: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3635080/Galactic_Plague_2000/ Galactic Plague 2000 es un juego shooter espacial, de género Roguelite, un juego arcade clásico. El juego narra la historia de Jack, un niño que se ve atrapado en una historia fantástica al conectarse a una máquina arcade misteriosa y antigua que se encontraba en unos recreativos aban… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galactic Plague 2000.

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  25. 62%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    100% User Score Based on 13 reviews

    Ever played a difficult shmup wishing for just one more bomb? Blast to your heart’s content in Blast Rush LS, a fresh explosive experience with infinite bombs, other powerful abilities, and extra challenges that demand more than just big booms. Escaping an exploding mothership isn't easy, after all! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Blast Rush LS.

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  26. 61%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, replayability
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, optimization
    89% User Score Based on 19 reviews

    Astro Fighters 2 is a vertical scrolling bullet hell shooter designed to test your skills with non-stop arcade style action. Use a variety of special items, power up your chosen ship and compete for the high score across 4 difficulty modes to be the best fighter pilot in the game. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astro Fighters 2.

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  27. 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.

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  29. 39%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, replayability
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics
    59% User Score Based on 17 reviews

    War has started! Rangok Skies is a vertically scrolling arcade shooter inspired by the genre classics. Highly replayable with 4 different characters, each with their own unique ship, weapons, and bombs. Includes 2-player local co-op. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rangok Skies.

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  30. 87%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability
    92% User Score Based on 763 reviews
    Critic Score 72%Based on 2 reviews

    As the last surviving tank commander on Earth, single-handedly turn back the evil invading alien army, drive back the Titans across the Solar System, and defeat them on their homeworld... Titan Attacks has the same easy-to-learn and addictive gameplay of the classic arcade shoot 'em up If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Titan Attacks!.

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  31. 72%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, atmosphere
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music
    90% User Score Based on 31 reviews

    Inspired by classic Arcade games, Space Smash is a fast, addictive and retro shoot 'em up! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Smash.

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  32. 99%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story
    99% User Score Based on 134 reviews

    Raging Blasters is a vertical scroll shmup featuring high speed scrolling and the exhilaration of destruction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RagingBlasters.

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  33. 91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music
    91% User Score Based on 66 reviews

    Shoot enemies while typing pop culture phrases to destroy enemies with your special laser attack! This is a classic Shoot'em up game with a typing twist! We challenge you to dodge all the shots and destroy all the enemies! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter.

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  34. 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.

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  35. 80%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, character development
    81% User Score Based on 67 reviews
    Critic Score 76%Based on 2 reviews

    Dimension Drive is a space shooter that challenges your skills in entirely new ways. Play two games at once on this dual battlefield madness set on a comic book universe! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dimension Drive.

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  36. 94%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story
    94% User Score Based on 134 reviews

    BroodStar is a classic arcade shmup with roguelike elements. Battle your way through hordes of enemy creatures, collecting upgrades and fighting terrifying bosses on a quest to destroy the living planet, the BroodStar. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BroodStar.

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  37. 54%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    72% User Score Based on 29 reviews
    Critic Score 45%Based on 1 reviews

    A retro mix of a shoot 'em up gameplay with RPG elements, DreadStar: The Quest for Revenge is inspired by the likes of Tyrian, Raiden and Donpachi. Fast-paced with a primary focus on gunplay rather than bullet hell, DreadStar gives you incremental ways of not only pushing through content, but also improving your ship and its loadout (such as experience, leveling and skill points). If you’re strug… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DreadStar: The Quest for Revenge.

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  38. 75%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music
    100% User Score Based on 26 reviews

    The Last Archwing is a fast paced, vertically scrolling space shooter. You assume the role of Chet Brickhouse, the sole survivor of Earth's defense fleet. Pilot Earth's most advanced star fighter, the Archwing, to stop the advancing hordes of aliens from the invading Zarkhan Empire. Each level of the game is replete with fully voiced dialogue sequences that bring the colorful characters and the wo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Last Archwing.

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  39. 96%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    96% User Score Based on 98 reviews

    Operation Steel is a roguelike shoot-em-up rendered in beautiful hand-drawn art. Blow up loads of enemies, destroy huge bosses, find weapons, and upgrade your load-out between levels. Combat the electronic legion across 20+ procedurally generated levels! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Operation STEEL.

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    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.

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  42. A retro 2D vertical scroll shooter. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GyroBlade.

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  43. 78%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:replayability, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, character development
    97% User Score Based on 32 reviews

    With 3.68 quintillion possible builds, no run is the same. Mix 10 astronauts, 10 ships, and 100+ upgrades in a relentless roguelite top-down shooter where alien swarms and brutal bosses push every skill to the limit. Adapt, experiment, and fight to survive the chaos If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Carnage.

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  44. 56%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics
    83% User Score Based on 12 reviews
    Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

    Play as one of 7 pilots in this thrilling sequel to a SHMUP classic. The time has come for a new generation of Psyvariars to rise… and save humanity. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Psyvariar 3.

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    81%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding
    81% User Score Based on 399 reviews

    Exciting and spectacular shoot'em up with daily missions and 100+ unique ships If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Phoenix 2.

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    62%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    90% User Score Based on 20 reviews

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

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  47. 48%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    77% User Score Based on 13 reviews

    The Battle of Aurinoxia is a retro-inspired fast-paced vertical space shoot 'em up with pixel art graphics, unique enemies, tough angry bosses, and a killer soundtrack. StoryThe Alliance's mission to exploit precious resources from Aurinoxia IV has erupted in conflict with residents of the system. As the Aurinoxians commence a brutal attack on Alliance ships, they target mining operations and de… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Battle of Aurinoxia.

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    89%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability
    92% User Score Based on 144 reviews
    Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

    Graze the enemy’s bullets, Charge them head-on, and Wreak Havoc!! An exhilarating and dangerous shoot-em-up! This is a game for those with courage and survival instinct! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Graze Counter.

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  49. 69%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding
    100% User Score Based on 20 reviews

    You thought geometry was difficult? Now it's got a gun! Face the fury of the Seven Deadly Shapes and blast your way through a barrage of bullets and lasers in this highly accessible bullet hell. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Polyfury.

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  50. 56%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization
    78% User Score Based on 18 reviews
    Critic Score 62%Based on 3 reviews

    Fire up your blaster cannons and take on waves of enemies in this retro shoot'em up with procedural levels. Come back stronger with each attempt and beat the high score! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nova Strike.

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