Games like Smol Shmup

Controls Keyboard: Z to Shoot.   X to move through menus. Arrow keys to move. Mobile: Circle to shoot. Cross to move through menus. D-Pad to move. Story Tumbleweeds are an incredibly invasive species, and they're rolling in to bury your farm.  Do your best to shoot them all. Play as a huge cast of characters from pop culture, celebrities, and western tropes. Rules Tumbleweeds you miss… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tumbleweed.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

81% User Score Based on 72 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 4 reviews

An intense, arcade-style, 'bullet hell' SHMUP/STG in which you must master a vast array of ridiculous weaponry in order to defeat a race of evil aliens who are intent on abducting innocent civilians and turning them into mutants. Jetboard Joust blends the spirit and intensity of 1980s arcade coin-op SMHUPs with the replayability and tactical elements of hardcore modern roguelikes. Don't expect a s… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Jetboard Joust.

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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability

90% User Score Based on 532 reviews

A tiny 2D Hand-drawn "Clean 'Em Up" game about a tadpole cleaning rivers and fighting pollution. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tadpole Tales.

A Build'Em UpB-Type: Space Builder is mix between two very distinct genres: shoot'em up (SHMUP or shooters) and Strategy/Base Building. I like to call it a Build'em Up. The focus is definitely on the strategy, but the shooter gameplay makes it way more enjoyable and allows you to make a difference with pure skill! Retro vibesB-Type has been made using the TIC-80 fantasy console. It's a software t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to B-Type: Space Builder.

Dodge bullets and fight off the militarized police force defending a corporate toxic sludge pipeline. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to PRAXIS FIGHTER X.

47%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

80% User Score Based on 10 reviews

Simple 2D platformer. Mechanic action shooter. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to JAGD LANZER.

24%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, replayability

24% User Score Based on 3 reviews

Flashover MegaSector is a shoot 'em up built to look like a browser game from roughly a decade ago. Simplistic shapes, tons of gradients, simple yet intriguing mechanics, and engaging level design are present to try to remind one of browser games, while still doing its best to just plain be a good shoot 'em up along the way. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Flashover MegaSector.

55%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, replayability

91% User Score Based on 11 reviews

A neo retro / roguelike / action-puzzler Salvage your way through a sea of space junk and take on the alien horde with the ultimate custom-fitted fighting drone! Cabinet-style arcade combat mixed with fast-paced combo-making. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Salvager.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

97% User Score Based on 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.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

99% User Score Based on 473 reviews

Free movement ship control while the screen advances automatically. Single fire button. Collect stars to obtain temporary special shots. Collected fruits award points that can be converted into extra lives. Modes: practice, score attack (single life), adjustable difficulty If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Platypus Reclayed.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

100% User Score Based on 13 reviews

Play as a member of the Order of the Vortex, a Star Knight tasked with defending the human kingdoms from the terrors that lie within the Vortex. This rogue-lite, bullet-hell, shoot-em-up will test your skill as well as your decision making abilities. Unlockable ships and crew members, combined with a variety of ship attachments and powerful relics, allows for tons of unique builds and synergies. F… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Knight: Order of the Vortex.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

98% User Score Based on 126 reviews

Four friends battle their way across space to claim a once-in-a-lifetime wish. Their lives are in your hands. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Whole Wolfrush.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

96% User Score Based on 241 reviews

Even without experience in shooting games, you can easily enjoy the unique danmaku art and experience the thrill of bullet-hell battles! "Touhou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III" is a bullet hell shooting game with a distinctive, glamorous presentation style. It is the third game in the Touhou Makuka Sai series. The strange moon seems to hide a new conspiracy. Charge in… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

97% User Score Based on 30 reviews

A horizontal scrolling 2D shmup If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to VARYZNEX.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

99% User Score Based on 496 reviews

DEVIL BLADE REBOOT ●OverviewDevil Blade, a 1996 indie shmup released only in Japan, has received a full remake almost a quarter century later by the original creator, taking advantage of the latest technology. 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 o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DEVIL BLADE REBOOT.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, replayability

86% User Score Based on 72 reviews

Critic Score 69%Based on 11 reviews

Gryphon Knight Epic is a 2D Medieval Shoot’em up that mixes elements from classical shoot’em ups, exploration and duel-like boss battles, it tells the story of Sir Oliver and Aquila, an accomplished knight and his loyal gryphon that are forced back to adventure once again! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gryphon Knight Epic.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

92% User Score Based on 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.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

67% User Score Based on 270 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 14 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.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

99% User Score Based on 91 reviews

A strange curse falls across the land! Breakfast everywhere has disappeared, and it's up to you to save the most important meal of the day! Blast your way through 5 colorful stages jam-packed with dangerous enemies, dense bullet patterns, and ruthless bosses to rescue breakfast once and for all! Soundtrack available at Bandcamp! (Cover art by the inimitable MisMash!)UPDATE 11/30/2023 - version 1.1… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hazelnut Hex.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

94% User Score Based on 17 reviews

Critic Score 55%Based on 4 reviews

Blast your way through a myriad of extra-terrestrial incursions in this arcade-style scrolling shooter! Pilot the ship Habroxia through 15 levels featuring intense boss fights, rescue missions, shifting perspectives and untold surprises. Customize your ship to enhance your abilities, unlock the three endless side modes, and save the galaxy from a series of sinister invaders. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Habroxia.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability

94% User Score Based on 887 reviews

Touhou Juuouen: Unfinished Dream of All Living Ghost is the 19th official installment of the Touhou Project. It was announced by ZUN on April 18, 2023 (JST). If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Touhou Juuouen: Unfinished Dream of All Living Ghost..

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

84% User Score Based on 558 reviews

Critic Score 86%Based on 4 reviews

Sine Mora is a horizontal shoot'em up that provides a unique take on challenge, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with contemporary presentation, Sine Mora is a gorgeous shmup that offers a Story Mode that weaves an over-the-top tale and an Arcade Mode that provides deep, satisfying gameplay to challenge fans of the genre. With many ways to manipulate time, Si… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sine Mora.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, replayability

90% User Score Based on 201 reviews

Spectacular Sparky is an action-packed platform/shooter with wacky characters, explosive weapons and boss battles to treasure. Sparky is an adorably insane intergalactic bounty hunter who can dash through obstacles, fire his weapons in any direction and even extend his jumps by flapping his long bunny-like ears. Each time he brings down a boss, his connected confidante Shig (half shark, half pig) … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Spectacular Sparky.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

98% User Score Based on 160 reviews

Critic Score 76%Based on 4 reviews

An arcade shoot 'em up with just one button... Whenever you shoot, you also flip direction. Save the world with a single button! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Switch 'N' Shoot.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

98% User Score Based on 357 reviews

Bullet Heaven 2 is a bullet-hell shoot-em-up inspired by games like Touhou and Jamestown. It's all about shooting every cute thing that moves, while dodging hundreds of shiny bullets per second! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bullet Heaven 2.

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 mode from … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Crimzon Clover WORLD IGNITION.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

89% User Score Based on 304 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 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.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability

81% User Score Based on 54 reviews

Critic Score 60%Based on 1 reviews

Experience shoot'em up like you have never before. 'Beekyr Reloaded' is a 2D Arcade Shmup that alternates vertical and horizontal gameplay through enjoyable 28 stages. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beekyr Reloaded.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

99% User Score Based on 756 reviews

Mountain of Faith features two playable characters, each with three weapon types, but no personalized spell card bombs. Collecting power items results in an increase in "option" satellites around the character (for a total of four), which behave differently according to the character and weapon type. Each characters' options also fire bullets, and either shift position or freeze in place in focus-… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Touhou Fuujinroku: Mountain of Faith.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

72% User Score Based on 273 reviews

Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 1993 Space Machine.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

73% User Score Based on 371 reviews

DSP is side-scrolling, roguelike, shoot 'em up set in the Starr Mazer universe. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starr Mazer: DSP.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

92% User Score Based on 53 reviews

"Murasaki" is a puzzle explosion game. Use explosions to clear the screen of pesky obstacles filling it up. The only controls you need are the directional buttons and two other buttons (Z and X)! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Murasaki.

46%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

75% User Score Based on 12 reviews

Hypnorain is a vertical bullet hell shooter. The player guides a character through handcrafted levels, shooting and dodging their way through an army of enemies and their mesmerizing bullet patterns. Each stage is divided into two parts - it starts with you being thrown into an area full of varied enemies and ends with an intense boss fight. Hypnorain is different from most other Shoot 'Em Up (… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hypnorain.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

86% User Score Based on 132 reviews

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

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability

89% User Score Based on 76 reviews

A mysterious meteorite from deep space was detected approaching the Solar System, before the meteorite is due to hit the Earth, three of the girls who had their bodies modified as weapons are sent, along with all the hopes of humanity, to destroy the meteorite and save mankind... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gun Wings.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

94% User Score Based on 2,845 reviews

A malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous enemies! Dodge and shoot your way back up the tower, and blast down waves of enemies as you make your way towards the top! As you progress, you unlock CDs that not only give you new tracks to play to, but also grant you powerful new abilities! You play as the powerful Alchemist, a mechanical wizard who… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Savant: Ascent.

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.

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.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

96% User Score Based on 1,699 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Super Amazing Wagon Adventure is a fast-paced 2d shooting game with a random story. You control a group of three migrants traveling west along a wagon trail. The game consists of short scenes that are sequenced together in a semi-random way to tell a crazy adventure story. One minute you could be massacring a herd of buffalo, the next attacked by eagles while falling off a cliff. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Amazing Wagon Adventure.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

95% User Score Based on 750 reviews

Critic Score 81%Based on 2 reviews

Turbo charged pinball returns! Now with bigger sprites, more baddies, more secrets & more bullets! Demon's Tilt pushes the limits of the Video Pinball genre with Shump & Hack N' Slash elements. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DEMON'S TILT.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

82% User Score Based on 169 reviews

You play the psychotic A.I. of a warship lost in space which tries to come back to Earth. Build your spaceship from scratch. Load it with weapons. And use your creation to destroy waves of innocent aliens throughout numerous levels. Loot their carcasses, extend your ship and jump to the next sector for more action! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Psycho Starship Rampage.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, atmosphere

78% User Score Based on 98 reviews

Bezier is a twin-stick blaster set inside a vast computer built deep underground. The story traces the principal's escape from this "Noah's Ark" gone wrong. A simple shooter on the surface, the deeper narrative pulls in his relationship between evolution and god, family and love. These themes question his motives, force him to confront what is real, and lead him to salvation. Powered by BezierSynt… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bezier: Second Edition.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

81% User Score Based on 36 reviews

Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zenodyne R.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, atmosphere

98% User Score Based on 321 reviews

Touhou Chireiden: Subterranean Animism is the eleventh main game of the Touhou Project scrolling shooter series. Subterranean Animism features two playable characters, each with three weapon types representing a youkai assisting them from above ground. Like Mountain of Faith, collecting power items adds up to four "option" satellites around the character, which behave differently according to the … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Touhou Chireiden: Subterranean Animism.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

88% User Score Based on 17 reviews

Jump down the esophagus of a body plagued by viruses and big bad bosses in this reverse vertical scrolling shoot'em up! Collect eye crusties, upgrade your pupils, and clear the screen of bullets with your cornea crushing eye blasts! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rheum.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

94% User Score Based on 128 reviews

Critic Score 60%Based on 1 reviews

On Christmas, the night of miracles, someone has stolen all the presents that were supposed to go to the children around the world. In order to get them back, Aru, the bunny-eared Santa, has taken off into the sky, following a subtle trace of the presents. Help Aru save Christmas in this humorous, action-packed shooter set in the universe of QP Shooting - Dangerous!! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xmas Shooting: Scramble!!.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

73% User Score Based on 59 reviews

Classic multi-directional (360°) shoot 'em up. Navigate your UFO through hazardous environments with dangerous enemies and beat huge bosses If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Void Source.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

91% User Score Based on 46 reviews

Neutral. Shield. Danger. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Schildmaid MX.