Skip to main content
Games like Solo Defender

Games like Solo Defender

Games like Solo Defender

Looking for games like Solo Defender? Here are top arcade shooter recommendations with a science fiction focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Starlight Squad, GAZAR or BroodStar.

Change display type

Skip Platform filter

Skip Play Mode filter

Skip Price filter
  1. The Merlian Empire has seized control of the Five Worlds. With the galaxy under threat, hope lies in the hands of the Starlight Squad—a fearless team of heroines ready to fight back. Starlight Squad is a fast-paced vertical shoot 'em up featuring handcrafted pixel art, epic boss battles, and explosive arcade action. Choose one of three playable pilots—each with a unique ship, playstyle, and speci… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starlight Squad.

    View Game
  2. View Game

    WHAT'S IN THIS DEMO Experience GAZAR's core gameplay in two specially designed demo modes that showcase the game's mechanics and how elite enemies create unique threats when working together. Story Mode: Play through the first two planets and unlock the third planet featuring a semi-boss encounter. Get an early taste of the campaign direction with a preview of the cutscene system that introduces… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GAZAR.

    View Game
  3. 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.

    View Game
  4. 71%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story
    96% User Score Based on 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
  5. 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!.

    View Game
  6. 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.

    View Game
  7. 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.

    View Game
  8. 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.

    View Game
  9. 97%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    97% User Score Based on 296 reviews

    Beat Invaders is a cool space Shoot-Em-Up. Blast your way through enemy fleets! Upgrade your ship with rockets & armor! Defeat the final boss! All to flashy neon musically charged visuals! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beat Invaders.

    View Game
  10. 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.

    View Game
  11. A biomechanical nightmare comes to life in this side-scrolling shmup inspired by arcade classics. Dive into a grotesque universe where technology and flesh fuse into living aberrations. Pilot your ship through relentless waves of biomechanical horrors in a fast-paced action shooter that combines classic R-Type gameplay with a visceral aesthetic inspired by H.R. Giger. Key FeaturesDynamic Co… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The X-Type.

    View Game
  12. Battle for Asciion is a classic horizontal shoot 'em up built entirely from real text characters. No sprites. No pixels. No images. Just pure ASCII action, massive bosses, weapon upgrades and retro arcade challenge. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battle for Asciion.

    View Game
  13. 95%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability
    95% User Score Based on 110 reviews

    Deep in the Nevada desert, in a secret underground government facility, a young robot boy is awakened by an unknown force. He finds the building infected with alien creatures and hostile robots… With his memory wiped, he sets out to uncover secrets of his - and the facility’s - past. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Roboy.

    View Game
  14. 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.

    View Game
  15. 87%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    88% User Score Based on 609 reviews
    Critic Score 82%Based on 1 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.

    View Game
  16. 82%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development
    85% User Score Based on 57 reviews
    Critic Score 78%Based on 7 reviews

    The Aqua Kitty cats have launched into space in an all new action RPG shoot-em-up adventure! Pick your crew, then blast off to investigate mysterious water filled asteroids. Battle bizarre enemies, mine magnificent gems, grab new weapons, install enhancing devices, and unlock your crews' unique skills as you level up XP. Just watch out for marauding pirate rabbits, always trying to be first to … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ASTRO AQUA KITTY.

    View Game
  17. 90%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay
    95% User Score Based on 95 reviews
    Critic Score 75%Based on 2 reviews

    Trash Quest is a compact metroidvania with a single spawn point, run and gun action and tight platforming. Navigate an interwoven maze of rooms through this space station, destroying robots, collecting power ups and unlocking shortcuts. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Trash Quest.

    View Game
  18. 91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization
    92% User Score Based on 5,600 reviews
    Critic Score 90%Based on 1 reviews

    You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Out There Somewhere.

    View Game
  19. Dive into ZERO CONTACT, a relentless top-down arcade shooter that combines classic Asteroids gameplay with modern roguelite progression. Destroy endless waves of hostile forces in a vibrant, neon-drenched universe. Your only goals: survive, reach the high score, and become a legend of the void. ---KEY FEATURES--- Dynamic, Endless Gameplay: Ever-growing frontal waves of aggressive enemy ships … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zero Contact.

    View Game
  20. View Game
    70%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    100% User Score Based on 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
  21. View Game
    91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization
    91% User Score Based on 373 reviews

    Seek out new weapons and equipment to delve deeper into the dangerous world of Cypher-X72! Be warned, you aren't the only one seeking the forbidden technology known as Zexion! It will take cunning and valor to succeed in this action-packed sci-fi adventure! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zexion.

    View Game
  22. 79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability
    79% User Score Based on 170 reviews

    Embark on an action-packed adventure in Castaway, diving players into a pixelated and retro universe. Assume the role of Martin, whose spaceship crash-landed on an uncharted island where his faithful pet was taken by hostile creatures. Retrieve your weapons and venture out to rescue your kidnapped companion in this endearing and unexpectedly dynamic world. Beat the 3 bosses in the concise and deli… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castaway.

    View Game
  23. 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.

    View Game
  24. 98%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, atmosphere
    98% User Score Based on 347 reviews

    Iron Meat is a run-and-gun shooter with an onslaught of mechanics ripped from arcade and console classics. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Iron Meat.

    View Game
  25. 90%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding
    90% User Score Based on 2,358 reviews

    Chicken Invaders needs no introduction. Well, fine, if you insist. Chicken Invaders is the most successful chicken game of this millennium (not to mention the previous one). The game puts you at the forefront of a battle against invading intergalactic chickens, bent on revenge against the human race for our oppression of Earth chickens. In Chicken Invaders Universe, you assume the role of a new … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Chicken Invaders Universe.

    View Game
  26. View Game
    98%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, replayability
    98% User Score Based on 102 reviews

    Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pewt 'em Up!.

    View Game
  27. View Game
  28. 91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    91% User Score Based on 698 reviews

    Say hello to a fantasy themed action arcade brick breaker! Featuring cute characters, powerful magic, crazy bosses, and even local 2 player co-op mode! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Strikey Sisters.

    View Game
  29. 72%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    73% User Score Based on 132 reviews
    Critic Score 67%Based on 2 reviews

    -A magical world beautifully depicted through in-game graphics. -Diverse levels that provide a fair challenge. -Additional bonuses that reward those who replay the game. -3 difficulty modes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Legend of Dark Witch.

    View Game
  30. 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.

    View Game
  31. Claw your way through 5 action-packed worlds in this fast-paced 2D platformer-shooter! Upgrade your feline hero, battle bosses, and unlock minigames like Coconut Catch and Ice Climb. Master every level and top the leaderboards! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cat Gunner.

    View Game
  32. Blitloop is a fast-paced, retro-styled space arcade shooter. You play as “Blit” on a mission to rescue orb pods and save the galaxy. Take down countless enemy ships and face massive bosses as you zip through a stylish world. And at the same time, rush to rescue the pods scattered across the level before they are captured by the enemy. Blitloop blends the spirit and intensity of 1980s arcade old-s… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Blitloop.

    View Game
  33. View Game
    62%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, character development
    94% User Score Based on 17 reviews

    When scientists create a portal into space, a race of robotic aliens seek to use it to invade earth. The fate of the planet lies in the super-sized hands of a lone android, who must journey out into space and take down each of the alien motherships. Project Starcrash is a side-scrolling action platformer that consists of two gameplay modes: Space Battles, where you fight off incoming alien inva… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Project Starcrash.

    View Game
  34. Xentra Station is a retro-inspired 2D shooting platform set in a futuristic mysterious world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xentra Station.

    View Game
  35. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, story
    97% User Score Based on 290 reviews
    Critic Score 87%Based on 7 reviews

    Earthion is a side-scrolling space shooter developed natively for 16-bit systems. Guide space fighter pilot Azusa Takanashi in her fight to repel the alien invaders and save planet Earth. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Earthion.

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

    STORYYour galaxy has been invaded by an alien race intent on the total destruction of your species. You must take to your ship as a defending astro fighter to defend your star system from the unrelenting evil of a far superior enemy.  Use all your skills as a pilot to dodge and weave your ship past the onslaught of bullets, deploy special weapons, bombs and even slow down space time itself … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astro Fighters.

    View Game
  37. 74%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    73% User Score Based on 882 reviews
    Critic Score 76%Based on 16 reviews

    Xeodrifter is an action-packed exploration game with a retro graphical style. Blast your way through alien landscapes, seek out valuable secrets, and defeat ancient guardians to unlock powers from a legendary supreme culture in this exciting journey of mystery and adventure. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xeodrifter.

    View Game
  38. Venture into the cosmos in this unique, multi-genre space combat game. Take control of your own spaceship, shooting bricks to shatter asteroids and solve intricate puzzles. As you journey further from your home star system, the challenges grow, testing your reflexes, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Uncover the secrets of the universe, upgrade your ship, and uncover the legendary spaceship t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starwulf.

    View Game
  39. 94%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    96% User Score Based on 85,966 reviews
    Critic Score 89%Based on 4 reviews

    In FTL you experience the atmosphere of running a spaceship trying to save the galaxy. It's a dangerous mission, with every encounter presenting a unique challenge with multiple solutions. What will you do if a heavy missile barrage shuts down your shields? Reroute all power to the engines in an attempt to escape, power up additional weapons to blow your enemy out of the sky, or take the fight to … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to FTL: Faster Than Light.

    View Game
  40. 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.

    View Game
  41. View Game
  42. 88%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    96% User Score Based on 706 reviews
    Critic Score 81%Based on 13 reviews

    "Bleed 2 is a relentless arcade action game about shooting, dodging, reflecting bullets, slowing time, and lots and lots of bosses. The player controls a young girl named Wryn -- the world's greatest (and only remaining) hero. Together, they must battle an invading force of villains and live up to her title as the Greatest Hero of All Time!" If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bleed 2.

    View Game
  43. 85%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability
    91% User Score Based on 158 reviews
    Critic Score 78%Based on 7 reviews

    Once upon a time… Andro Dunos is a side scrolling arcade game from shoot’em up category (Shmup). It's the sequel to the famous shoot’em up from Visco studio is coming to PixelHeart. It’s time to bring out your good old spaceship fighter in Andro Dunos II. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Andro Dunos 2.

    View Game
  44. View Game
    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 83%Based on 3 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.

    View Game
  45. View Game
    86%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    86% User Score Based on 331 reviews

    Iron Fisticle is a challenging twin-stick shooter that requires reflexes, speed and quick thinking to master. It takes the classic arcade arena shooters of the mid 80s and drags them, axes flying, into the 21st century. Inspired by truly old school arcade games right down to the (optional) scanlines themselves, Iron Fisticle is both a retro game and a reinvention of a classic genre, with multiple… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Iron Fisticle.

    View Game
  46. 84%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability
    93% User Score Based on 42 reviews

    An inferno roars over a destroyed secret military base. Then, from the flaming rubble...an invincible super robot is reborn! Mechs born of advanced science and modern weaponry battle in heavy weight Run 'n Gun mech shooter!! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MECHBLAZE.

    View Game
  47. 89%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability
    91% User Score Based on 77 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

    Slash through enemies with the Sun Blade, the most powerful weapon in Shmup's history! Overwhelm hordes of enemies with flashy on-screen effects in this super-aggressive vertical scrolling shump! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grand Cross Renovation.

    View Game
  48. 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.

    View Game
  49. Zerion-X9Zerion-X9 is a 2.5D vertical bullet-hell shooter where you join Operation Zerion-X9—the final mission to reclaim Earth’s lost territories from the invading Starfarers. Once welcomed as peaceful visitors from the stars, the Starfarers betrayed humanity and seized the Shared Coexistence Zones across the planet. As the last remaining fighter pilot, you must take back every occupied region. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zerion-X9.

    View Game
  50. 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.

    View Game