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 The Hurricane of the Varstray: Collateral hazard, TechBeat Heart or Atomanta.
- 74%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding74% User Score 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.
View Game


- 77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story94% User Score 33 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.
View Game


- 70%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding100% User Score 21 reviews
In Atomanta, you step into the role of Taria Takara, a space pirate on a mission to recover a highly valuable artifact hidden on the planet Azavuraz. Armed with the powerful Atomic Manta warship, Taria finally has a chance to claim the bounty and pay off the debts from her previous handlers. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Atomanta.
View Game


- 39%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, replayabilityMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics59% User Score 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.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 75%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay100% User Score 26 reviews
Insane bullet hell shooter! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bullet Hell Monday Black.
View Game


- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding86% User Score 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.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music92% User Score 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.
View Game


- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story91% User Score 112 reviewsCritic Score 70%1 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.
View Game


- 73%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics73% User Score 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.
View Game


- 68%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding68% User Score 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.
View Game


- 54%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization54% User Score 261 reviews
Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the PC in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Raiden V.
View Game


- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability89% User Score 304 reviewsCritic Score 80%2 reviews
Sora tells the story of its namesake: the lone enhanced human, Sora, and her struggle to protect a fading world. Enjoy breathtakingly fast-paced combat in the Suguri universe, with improved game system and graphics along with original trance music by DEKU. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sora.
View Game


- 55%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story76% User Score 17 reviewsCritic Score 70%1 reviews
Zero Strain takes the intricate abilities of a MOBA and distills them into a hyper-fast top-down shooter. Descend into the depths of uncharted dimensions and destroy everything in your path! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zero Strain.
View Game


- 71%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:music, story96% User Score 25 reviews
The Cyan galaxy is in peril! Your trusty little star fighter and rag tag squad of wingmen are the only hope against the evil EXODON! Level up from a pea shooter to an offensive powerhouse as you engage in frantic combat across many wondrous locales. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hyper Echelon.
View Game


- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story100% User Score 42 reviewsCritic Score 77%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.
View Game


- 97%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding97% User Score 171 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.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability92% User Score 763 reviewsCritic Score 72%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!.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story87% User Score 120 reviews
Scoregasm is an incredible, variety rich shooter with a non-linear, branching paths style galaxy to explore. It's pretty, accessible, fun and really rather good! Blast your way through the galaxy's many varied levels and use your skills to change your route, find new levels, new enemies, unlock bonus challenge stages and fight the bosses to discover multiple endings! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Scoregasm.
View Game


- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding89% User Score 1,052 reviewsCritic Score 85%11 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.
View Game


- 75%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music100% User Score 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.
View Game


- 63%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay76% User Score 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.
View Game


- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere92% User Score 53 reviews
Stop time and project yourself through space with "Time-stop warp" magic, pass through physical obstacles, dodge incoming bullets and shoot down your enemies! A satisfying shooter, filled with dark humor! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to WITCH-BOT MEGLILO.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding79% User Score 370 reviewsCritic Score 90%1 reviews
Classic color match puzzle meets space shoot'em up action! Hop into your spaceship, open a path through huge waves of aliens and other hazards, and face intense boss battles! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Star Path.
View Game


- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability91% User Score 482 reviewsCritic Score 80%1 reviews
A roguelite labyrinth lodged in the side of a star. Dodge gorgeous waves of bullets, claim weapons and upgrades, defeat The Warden, and rescue... Rodney? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starward Rogue.
View Game


- 72%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay93% User Score 28 reviewsCritic Score 76%1 reviews
Dodge bullets and click to destroy enemies with your sniper shoot! This is a classic Shoot'em up mixed with Shooter on Rails mechanics! 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 Sniper Ships: Shoot'em Up on Rails.
View Game


- 62%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, atmosphere67% User Score 43 reviews
Bullet Soul is back with a new recipe: Burst! The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, flashy pyrotechnics and addictive action, but now with refined level design, more modes and more destruction! Shooting fans of all abilities, it's time to welcome back the true spirit of Japanese shooting games! Gameplay Infinite Burst takes the basics of Bullet Soul and adds two major enhancements: fir… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BULLET SOUL INFINITE BURST.
View Game


- View Game95%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding95% User Score 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.
- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability92% User Score 144 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.
View Game
- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story88% User Score 114 reviews
Brought to you by the makers of GIGANTIC ARMY, Supercharged Robot VULKAISER, and SATAZIUS, WOLFLAME is a return to the form of glorious 2D vertical vertical shooters like Raiden, Raptor, and Twin Cobra. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to WOLFLAME.
View Game


- 76%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization77% User Score 86 reviewsCritic Score 75%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.
View Game


- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:story, stability94% User Score 248 reviews
Raptor set a new standard for PC shooters. Its smooth VGA graphics and heart-pounding music will leave you breathless. Discover secrets, find bonuses, and battle boss ships at the end of every wave. With each ship and ground target you destroy, you'll earn more cash to increase your ship's technology for the next wave. You'll be driven to kill and destroy until it's in your blood!Features Big-Sc… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Raptor: Call of the Shadows.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization79% User Score 124 reviews
Striving for Light: Survival brings the exploration of procedurally generated skill trees to the arena survival roguelite genre. Craft unique builds, unlock new weapons, skills and maps, slay hordes of monsters and take on massive boss fights. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Striving for Light: Survival.
View Game


- 55%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, replayabilityMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics64% User Score 28 reviewsCritic Score 77%1 reviews
Bullet Soul Infinite Burst is a vertically scrolling shooting game crossing old-school gameplay with a bullet hell twist. It adds numerous gameplay enhancements over its predecessor, Bullet Soul, not least of which is Burst Mode. The same aggressive, bullet-cancelling gameplay, now with more destruction, more coins and more tunes. Shooting fans, it's time to welcome back the true Japanese shooting… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bullet Soul Infinite Burst.
View Game


- 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.
View Game


- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding94% User Score 1,082 reviewsCritic Score 50%1 reviews
Show off your skills & reflexes in this frantic gallery shooter action arcade, filled with bullets, bots and explosions. You play as Erin Saver, carrying out her personal vendetta against the criminal Wildbots. Super intense arcade shooting action. One unique challenging boss per stage! Unlockable "Extra Missions" mode. Three difficulty modes: Hard, Normal and Easy. Polished an… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bot Vice.
View Game


- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability84% User Score 195 reviews
SATAZIUS is an awesome old school side-scrolling arcade shooter by accomplished indie developer ASTRO PORT (Gigantic Army, Armed Seven, Supercharged Robot Vulkaiser), featuring an arsenal of 13 types of upgradeable weapons, power-ups, obstacles and boss encounters that arcade veterans will enjoying getting to grips with. Customize your ship by selecting two side weapons which can be selected at an… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SATAZIUS.
View Game


- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:optimizationMost mentioned negative aspects:monetization, graphics87% User Score 1,260 reviewsCritic Score 71%1 reviews
Popular classic arcade shooter. The original feel! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to STRIKERS 1945.
View Game


- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding87% User Score 52 reviews
Hear the shrieks of colliding metal! Behold the true form of steel! An explosive onslaught of shooting action!! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Steel Vampire.
View Game


- 73%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay100% User Score 24 reviewsCritic Score 72%3 reviews
As a threat from beyond looms over the solar system, Project Aether is ready to deploy! Take control of the Aether prototype in a variety of environments to combat this alien threat. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Project AETHER: First Contact.
View Game


- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization90% User Score 62 reviewsCritic Score 76%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.
View Game


- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:music, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story97% User Score 68 reviewsCritic Score 72%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.
View Game


- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding89% User Score 44 reviewsCritic Score 90%2 reviews
AngerForce: Reloaded is a hard disk scrolling fly-and-shoot game done in the 90’s arcade style. It's set against the backdrop of a human world that has seen the outbreak of a robot rebellion. The game also features a Local CO-OP Mode that will enable you to explore the story alongside your friend. The game includes leaderboard and video recording features. Players can look each other up on the le… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AngerForce: Reloaded.
View Game
















































