Skip to main content
Games like When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears

Games like When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears

Games like When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears

Looking for games like When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears? Here are top arcade shooter recommendations with a science fiction focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Star Control II, Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters or Silent Sector.

Change display type

Skip Platform filter

Skip Play Mode filter

Skip Price filter
  1. View Game
    79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding
    79% User Score Based on 147 reviews

    Star Control II, the sequel to the original Star Control, is a space adventure game that features role-playing elements alongside a 2D space ship melee combat system. The player assumes the role of The Captain of a single starship wandering a detailed environment of solar systems, gradually gathering information and resources in order to defeat a mysterious and implacable enemy. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Control II.

    View Game
  2. 95%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development
    95% User Score Based on 353 reviews

    You are the captainFree Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters® is a classic space game that captures the charm of retro science-fiction, space combat, and high adventure. Your story begins as the captain of the last human starship, with Earth trapped under a hostile forcefield. You are the last hope for humanity in a fight for control of the galaxy, as you explore thousands of unknown worlds and get dozens o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters.

    View Game
  3. 84%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability
    84% User Score Based on 127 reviews

    Silent Sector is a crazy sci-fi action rpg from a new distant Wild West dominated by powerful corporations locked in a fight for a rare mineral called Eldorite. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Silent Sector.

    View Game
  4. 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
  5. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    93% User Score Based on 3,472 reviews

    Starcom: Unknown Space is an action adventure RPG of space exploration, ship building and fast-paced tactical combat. Enter a vast open-world universe filled with alien factions vying for power, strange worlds to explore, mysteries to investigate, and a sinister enemy that threatens the galaxy with an ancient power.Explore Explore a fully-open world universe with over a hundred star systems filled… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starcom: Unknown Space.

    View Game
  6. 53%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, humor
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay
    76% User Score Based on 21 reviews

    Beyond the Storm is a love-letter to the iconic shmup Tyrian, bringing back the same experience from the past while adding improved visuals, new stories and a lot of more content! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beyond the Storm.

    View Game
  7. Intergalactic Defenders is a retro-inspired space shooter combining fast-paced arcade action with rogue-like progression and handcrafted pixel art. If you love classic shoot 'em up (shmup) gameplay with modern upgrades and replayability, this is your next obsession. The year is 2187. Humanity's colonies are under siege. The alien Caedons have launched a merciless invasion — and you're the United … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Intergalactic Defenders.

    View Game
  8. A retro style space sim where you mine, trade, bounty hunt, pillage, and explore. In this game you choose you own path as you navigate the galaxy while balancing faction alligence and legality of your actions. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astro Traveler.

    View Game
  9. 96%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability
    96% User Score Based on 55 reviews

    Galaxy Highways is a sci-fi space shooter where you're doing pirate raids into star systems inhabited by aliens. You destroy enemy ships, space stations, mother ships or bosses and complete all missions as soon as possible before enemy defense system destroys you with its powerful waves of attacks. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galaxy Highways.

    View Game
  10. 64%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, replayability
    88% User Score Based on 24 reviews

    Join KAOTIX Fury, his brother Slade, and their two bow-wow companions on a thrilling mission to save the Fennyverse! Dive into a heart-pounding arcade shooter solo or couch co-op, packed with intense battles and unforgettable moments. A faithful arcade style game with 16 bit graphics and gameplay. Steam Deck support. XINPUT Support up to two control pads. Keyboard controls. (One player… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Peraglees - The Ooloufian Resistance.

    View Game
  11. 57%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, monetization
    84% User Score Based on 19 reviews

    Fight back against the evil Galactic Federation! It'll be good for humanity and probably OK for you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Liberation.

    View Game
  12. View Game
    74%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    74% User Score Based on 328 reviews

    Gaia Beyond is a handcrafted 2D Action-RPG, an exploration mix built around the core features fighting, mining and trading. Your decisions are footprints within a vast non-linear solar system. Forge alliances among numerous factions and develop relations with hundreds of NPCs. Focus on trading and personal interaction or embark on science missions – hunt down pirates and collect their bounty. Inf… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gaia Beyond.

    View Game
  13. 81%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    81% User Score Based on 211 reviews

    A single star fighter trying to save as many civilians as possible before they are overrun by a marauder armada. You'll need to gather new weapons, upgrade your ship, find resources, trade with other ships and more to overcome the challenge before you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Power of Ten.

    View Game
  14. Humanity is turning its gaze towards space in the near future. A brand-new era has begun - the era of space exploration. When the planets of our solar system were settled, it was time to explore and colonize other worlds and star systems. A once-impossible dream became a reality. As science has reached unprecedented heights, people across the globe have become more united, forgetting about age-old… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to One Way Road.

    View Game
  15. Robo Legend is a twin-stick shooter RPG where you blast your way through hordes of crazy robots, minigames, and puzzles. Choose to save Gear Town, or conquer it, when Voidbot and his forces invade. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Robo Legend.

    View Game
  16. Aniquilation is a Twin stick action-shooter game where your objective is to destroy all the buildings and enemies that are destroying the planets of your galaxy. Play in multiplayer player split-screen couch-coop mode through story mode, or compete with your friends in the 4 PVP VS modes! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Aniquilation.

    View Game
  17. Welcome to All the Stars, a retro-inspired space shooter where thrilling combat meets a cosmic narrative. Face waves of enemies, alien horrors, and a galaxy-changing choice. It’s an amateur passion project but it just might surprise you, no load screens, no microtransactions, just pure arcade action. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to All The Stars.

    View Game
  18. SFERA - Action platformer. A mix of 3D and retro 2D graphics. You are an assassin for the SFERA corporation. You are tasked with destroying a gang of robots. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SFERA.

    View Game
  19. View Game
    99%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story
    99% User Score Based on 162 reviews

    Inspired by a certain 1988 cult classic, ASTROLANCER carries the 8-bit mantle into a retro-styled adventure with modern appeal. Alternating between top-down shooting and high-flying shoot 'em up sections, the player will fight to destroy the FORMATROID threat while expanding their arsenal along the way. If you get into a tight spot, use your invincible THRUST ATTACK to break through! ASTROLANCER … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ASTROLANCER.

    View Game
  20. View Game
    79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    100% User Score Based on 30 reviews

    Rampage through your enemies in this twin-stick kiter fighter. Kill your foes and power up your mech in this combat-heavy game of destruction and mayhem. Maneuver around the battlefield, avoiding enemy fire while dishing it out in kind. This game is all about tanky bullet-hell combat while exploring a power fantasy through various upgrade paths. The Battle for Sansil Prime As you battle thro… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Sand Knight.

    View Game
  21. 72%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    83% User Score Based on 36 reviews
    Critic Score 75%Based on 1 reviews

    Jett Rider, the most unlikely hero stars in the biggest 2D adventure of the year. Save the planet Gravos, free its people, face the toughest bosses... And don't forget to recycle! A collision in the orbit of the planet Gravos is the starting point of an unforgettable adventure with tons of fun and love for the classics. Jett, the space sweeper, was only supposed to pick up the wreckage of the AC-1… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Jett Rider.

    View Game
  22. View Game
    84%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization
    84% User Score Based on 74 reviews

    Earth Headquarters lost contact with a remote colony on the unremarkable planet VL-744, and you, Major, along with your trusty war machine, were sent on a seemingly completely ordinary reconnaissance mission to find out the fate of the colony. What awaits you on this godforsaken planet? What depths will you have to visit, how many will you have to kill, and what secrets will you uncover? Exciting … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Steelborn.

    View Game
  23. 88%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding
    88% User Score Based on 108 reviews

    The Wraith of the Galaxy is a third-person space combat game. Aliens have taken over outer space in order to conduct experiments on entire planets. Destroy them or they will destroy you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Wraith of the Galaxy.

    View Game
  24. 91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story
    91% User Score Based on 150 reviews

    Millions of players worldwide have flown, built, and fought their way through Captain Forever. CF Trilogy brings Captains Forever, Successor, and Impostor to Steam with a beautiful new renderer, new modules, and a reimagined world written by acclaimed novelist Cassandra Khaw. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Captain Forever Trilogy.

    View Game
  25. 84%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay
    84% User Score Based on 102 reviews

    Navigate your spacecraft through a galactic-scale mystery. Make sure to loot, craft and upgrade your space fleet: your combat skills will be tested against machine-learning AI, as well as your friends in versus mode. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Singularity.

    View Game
  26. 91%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability
    91% User Score Based on 1,860 reviews

    Suddenly thrown into an unknown galaxy, you must explore, fight or befriend aliens and transform your ship from a small survey vessel into a powerful battlecruiser to unravel the mystery of the forces that brought you here and find your way home. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starcom: Nexus.

    View Game
  27. 78%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, optimization
    78% User Score Based on 108 reviews

    In a city driven by corruption, three hardened citizens rise to uncover a conspiracy threatening its fate. Define your playstyle and engage in lethal high-octane combat, or keep out of sight in gripping stealth action. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Disjunction.

    View Game
  28. Where is Earth is a top-down vehicular combat game. Traverse planets, evading threats and obstacles, in search of your crew. Gather resources to assemble upgrades, landing vehicles, space craft, weaponry and support modules to aid you in your fight against an unknown enemy.PLOT 2050 AD Earth's natural resources are depleted and corporations are forced to expand their mining operations to neighbour… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Where is Earth?.

    View Game
  29. Escape from Andromeda is an overhead 2D sci-fi spaceship looter shooter based in a procedurally generated galaxy. In Escape from Andromeda, every planet is a level, and every star is a part of your story. Mine, trade, battle, customize, and explore your way to the top in Escape from Andromeda. Mining Shoot asteroids and pick up their ores to use for repairing and refueling ships. Realistic… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Escape from Andromeda.

    View Game
  30. Fly your flagship in fast 2D dogfights, then win the galaxy world by world: settle ruins, buy neutral markets, breach and board enemy planets. A guided tutorial, a ten-level campaign, endless scenarios and 13 factions that each fight their own way. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Dominion.

    View Game
  31. 51%Game Brain Score
    51% User Score Based on 2 reviews

    black screen is a space trading game inspired by GTA: Chinatown Wars, Elite, and Asteroids, which I'm currently developing for the Dreamcast (and later PC if it's any good!) While the final version will have a full story, upgrades, enemies, and a more alive world, that's maybe 3 or 4 months away. I don't really like working on things for a long time without getting to show them off anymore, so I… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to black screen.

    View Game
  32. No ads. Just pure arcade action. Solo Defender is a vertically scrolling space shooter where you take on waves of enemies and mini-bosses to liberate the Janera star system from the ruthless Kalae occupiers. With a single-life challenge and escalating difficulty, each run delivers fast-paced, high-stakes gameplay. Battle across multiple planets, crush enemy fleets, and face off against powerful … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Solo Defender.

    View Game
  33. Space Grunts is a combination of turn-based tactics and fast paced arcade action. Navigate your way through procedurally generated space stations, taking out enemies or using the shockwave of your rockets, grenades and other explosions to simply move those enemies out of the way on your path to the end goal. (Planned) Key features Fast turn-based gameplay (as seen and enjoyed in the original S… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Grunts 3.

    View Game
  34. 51%Game Brain Score
    51% User Score Based on 3 reviews

    Pilot a variety of airships through dangerous cities, caves, forests, and more to deliver packages, collect items, earn credits, expand your crew, and experience the drama of climbing the corporate ladder in a megacompany. Inspired by retro classics, sidescrolling shoot-em-ups, and more modern twinstick shooters, Amazoom Blimp Jockey '69 delivers a fast-paced blend of exploration, combat, and co… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AMAZOOM BLIMP JOCKEY '69.

    View Game
  35. 59%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music
    100% User Score Based on 10 reviews

    Blast off for fortune in Epic Space Trader, a classic trading adventure! Live the dream of a spacefaring tycoon! Embark on a thrilling voyage through a vast galaxy in this addictive space trading simulation. Chart your course across a living galaxy: Buy low, Sell high: Explore a dynamic marketplace and exploit fluctuating prices to become a galactic mogul. Beware of space hazards: Naviga… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Epic Space Trader.

    View Game
  36. View Game
    62%Game Brain Score
    62% User Score Based on 14 reviews

    Blast off into space! Help Monica and her team explore the galaxy, fight off hordes of enemies, and clean up the mysterious cosmic gel in this retro-arcade inspired action shooter! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmogelica.

    View Game
  37. Your journey through the cosmos begins at your own pace.Astrosphere is a relaxed sci-fi strategy game about exploration, station building, and slowly expanding your presence in space. You are not commanding a frantic war fleet. Instead, you develop your own space station step by step, design custom ships, and set out on expeditions into unknown star systems. Explore distant sectors, gather valuab… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Astrosphere.

    View Game
  38. View Game
    86%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:atmosphere, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:music
    95% User Score Based on 41 reviews

    Deadfall is a dark, bloody, atmospheric, dynamic, brutal shooter in the spirit of action movies of the 80s and 90s. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Deadfall.

    View Game
  39. 47%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, replayability
    80% User Score Based on 10 reviews

    Legendary game from the Golden age of Russian gaming industry! Hybrid gameplay combines elements of space simulator, shooter, strategy and RPG. Explore the outer space, colonize planets, negotiate with clans of robots, fight in space battles and become mercenary, trader or pirate! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to PARKAN: THE IMPERIAL CHRONICLES.

    View Game
  40. View Game
    59%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story
    100% User Score Based on 10 reviews

    Stellaxy is a space exploration RPG adventure game with a massive Universe with over a billion planets to explore! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stellaxy.

    View Game
  41. Dodge waves of bullets in cover shooter + shmup-inspired combat, as you strike back with powerful attacks of your own! Use clever cover spots to gain an advantage over your enemies, find treasures to make yourself stronger, and avoid taking damage to raise your score! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mortal Mythos: Island of Fairies.

    View Game
  42. We are in the future, raw material resources on the Earth have been depleted. With the support of civil society and modern robotics, the private companies have colonized the surrounding planets and utilizing their natural sources worldwide. Since the new mining technology is not achievable for everybody, lots of people are organized in groups, building robots and looting the planets. War is inevit… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Red Siren: Space Defense.

    View Game
  43. 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
  44. View Game
    81%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization
    81% User Score Based on 105 reviews

    Jitter is an immersive sci-fi exploration and survival game set on a mining colony and its outskirts in the Main Asteroid Belt. You assume the role of an experimental AI that maintains ship functions and engages with the crew on board. As you explore the mining colony, you will take on new missions, expand ships and bases using various modules, add survivors to your crew, engage in space fights, a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Jitter.

    View Game
  45. 94%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding
    94% User Score Based on 158 reviews

    Pilot the Megacopter, a sentient weapon that gains power by feeding on the blood of its enemies. Play through the campaign featuring seek and destroy, boss, rescue, and defense missions against the evil reptoid army. Upgrade Megacopter with the fabled AZ-TECH: ancient weaponry and armor. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Megacopter: Blades of the Goddess.

    View Game
  46. 24%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, music
    38% User Score Based on 13 reviews

    Game ModesCosmic Armada is an action-packed space combat and exploration game that takes you on a journey from refugee to galactic conqueror.There are three different game modes: campaign, custom game, and scenario. The game includes a map editor which allows you to create scenarios and mods.In the campaign, you start out as a refugee who's home planet has just been conquered by the tyrannical Sol… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cosmic Armada.

    View Game
  47. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics
    100% User Score Based on 44 reviews

    An explosive, story-driven top-down shooter with vibrant pixel graphics and a pumping soundtrack. Fight your way through hallways of castle-like spaceships, neon lit alleys and futuristic medieval fortifications using an array of powerful weapons and special devices. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Redgar: The Space Viking.

    View Game
  48. 82%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    89% User Score Based on 11,908 reviews
    Critic Score 57%Based on 2 reviews

    EVERSPACE 2 is a fast-paced single-player space shooter with deep exploration, tons of loot and classic RPG elements. Experience a thrilling story set in a vivid, handcrafted open-world full of secrets and perils on your journey to become human after all. EVERSPACE 2 successfully achieved Kickstarter funding on November 4th 2019. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Everspace 2.

    View Game
  49. View Game
  50. 64%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics
    64% User Score Based on 50 reviews

    Vzerthos is a 2D isometric old-school techno-fantasy styled Top-Down Shooter. Player's arsenal includes skills of the Thunder God's heir and three types of guns - use them to slice and dice, burn and blow up your enemies! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vzerthos: Heir of Thunder.

    View Game