Dodge, shoot, survive: games where you fight through waves of enemies and bullets, from classic space shooters to bullet hell.
♥
How to find games that really suit you:
Select up to 5 games you have played and enjoyed. Playalike compares 36 traits such as combat, story and atmosphere and suggests games that hit exactly the same spot, even across genres.
A tough, pun-filled bullet-hell roguelike where you dodge-roll and flip tables through procedural floors with hundreds of wildly creative guns. Every run plays differently, and mastering the dense projectile patterns is deeply rewarding.
A brutally tough boss-rush shooter animated like a 1930s cartoon, where precise dodging, parrying and shooting decide every fight. A swinging big-band jazz score and local co-op round it out.
A classic arcade shooter where you pilot a fighter along the bottom of the screen and blast waves of insect-like aliens. The tractor beam that captures your ship, which you can rescue for double firepower, gives it its hook.
A tough, pun-filled bullet-hell roguelike where you dodge-roll and flip tables through procedural floors with hundreds of wildly creative guns. Every run plays differently, and mastering the dense projectile patterns is deeply rewarding.
A tough, pun-filled bullet-hell roguelike where you dodge-roll and flip tables through procedural floors with hundreds of wildly creative guns. Every run plays differently, and mastering the dense projectile patterns is deeply rewarding.
A brutally tough boss-rush shooter animated like a 1930s cartoon, where precise dodging, parrying and shooting decide every fight. A swinging big-band jazz score and local co-op round it out.
A brutally tough boss-rush shooter animated like a 1930s cartoon, where precise dodging, parrying and shooting decide every fight. A swinging big-band jazz score and local co-op round it out.
A classic arcade shooter where you pilot a fighter along the bottom of the screen and blast waves of insect-like aliens. The tractor beam that captures your ship, which you can rescue for double firepower, gives it its hook.
A classic arcade shooter where you pilot a fighter along the bottom of the screen and blast waves of insect-like aliens. The tractor beam that captures your ship, which you can rescue for double firepower, gives it its hook.
A frantic arcade shoot 'em up set in destructible voxel worlds, where you rescue survivors and keep your multiplier alive. Great for score chasers, solo or in online co-op.
A frantic arcade shoot 'em up set in destructible voxel worlds, where you rescue survivors and keep your multiplier alive. Great for score chasers, solo or in online co-op.
A classic top-down arcade shooter where you blast alone through swarms of aliens in an infested research base. Light RPG elements like weapon purchases and stat upgrades add some long-term motivation.
2003PCPlayStation5.19 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 4,285 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Action-packed real-time combat
A classic top-down arcade shooter where you blast alone through swarms of aliens in an infested research base. Light RPG elements like weapon purchases and stat upgrades add some long-term motivation.
A frantic twin-stick arcade shooter from Housemarque and Eugene Jarvis built around high scores, precise dodging and short, intense runs. Voxel explosions and tight controls make every run a spectacle.
2017PCPlayStation87 % positive
Very positive, 2,123 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Lavish presentation
A frantic twin-stick arcade shooter from Housemarque and Eugene Jarvis built around high scores, precise dodging and short, intense runs. Voxel explosions and tight controls make every run a spectacle.
A classic vertically scrolling arcade shooter with a roster of quirky pilots from different nations whose home countries serve as stages. Fast action, bullet dodging and two-player fun are the focus.
A classic vertically scrolling arcade shooter with a roster of quirky pilots from different nations whose home countries serve as stages. Fast action, bullet dodging and two-player fun are the focus.
A classic vertical arcade shooter where you dodge enemy fire across eight missions, blast targets and collect power-ups. Built around score chasing and replays, with a steep challenge.
A classic vertical arcade shooter where you dodge enemy fire across eight missions, blast targets and collect power-ups. Built around score chasing and replays, with a steep challenge.
A classic Square side-scrolling shooter where you pilot a nimble fighter and steal weapons from enemies to use as your own. Driving techno music, imposing bosses and demanding precision make it a PlayStation cult favourite.
A classic Square side-scrolling shooter where you pilot a nimble fighter and steal weapons from enemies to use as your own. Driving techno music, imposing bosses and demanding precision make it a PlayStation cult favourite.
Cygni is a twin-stick vertical shoot-em-up with a cinematic flair. You fight through a relentless flood of enemies while bold visuals and loud soundscapes keep the pressure high.
Cygni is a twin-stick vertical shoot-em-up with a cinematic flair. You fight through a relentless flood of enemies while bold visuals and loud soundscapes keep the pressure high.
An Xbox arcade space shooter where you fend off an Araxian invasion solo or with up to three friends. Insane mode offers bigger rewards but lives up to its punishing name.
An Xbox arcade space shooter where you fend off an Araxian invasion solo or with up to three friends. Insane mode offers bigger rewards but lives up to its punishing name.
A landmark Cave arcade bullet-hell shooter where you thread through dense bullet patterns, build huge scores with a chain system, and unlock a hidden, tougher true ending through masterful play.
A landmark Cave arcade bullet-hell shooter where you thread through dense bullet patterns, build huge scores with a chain system, and unlock a hidden, tougher true ending through masterful play.
A classic vertically scrolling Capcom arcade shooter where you fly a World War II fighter, blast waves of enemy planes, dodge bullets with loop-the-loops and grab power-ups. Short, reflex-driven, score-chasing runs with steep difficulty.
A classic vertically scrolling Capcom arcade shooter where you fly a World War II fighter, blast waves of enemy planes, dodge bullets with loop-the-loops and grab power-ups. Short, reflex-driven, score-chasing runs with steep difficulty.
A classic side-scrolling shoot'em up where you pilot the Silver Hawk against giant mechanical fish bosses, with branching stage routes. Upgradable weapons and the new black hole bomb drive intense arcade action.
A classic side-scrolling shoot'em up where you pilot the Silver Hawk against giant mechanical fish bosses, with branching stage routes. Upgradable weapons and the new black hole bomb drive intense arcade action.
An uncompromising side-scrolling shooter in which you weave through hazards and bullet fire while aiming your Options with the analog stick. Memorizing stages and precise positioning are the heart of the challenge.
An uncompromising side-scrolling shooter in which you weave through hazards and bullet fire while aiming your Options with the analog stick. Memorizing stages and precise positioning are the heart of the challenge.
A frantic Cave arcade bullet-hell shooter where you fly through insect-filled forests, weaving through dense bullet patterns. Precise dodging and quick reflexes are the core of the experience.
2004PlayStationSteam Deck playable−50 %19.50 € 9.75 € 5 days left97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 1,417 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
A frantic Cave arcade bullet-hell shooter where you fly through insect-filled forests, weaving through dense bullet patterns. Precise dodging and quick reflexes are the core of the experience.
You pilot your starfighter through the organic, biomechanical levels of the Bydo, with the series' first full 3D environments stepping in for the classic flat look. Its demanding enemy patterns and the Force pod's mix of weapons reward precise timing and quick decisions.
You pilot your starfighter through the organic, biomechanical levels of the Bydo, with the series' first full 3D environments stepping in for the classic flat look. Its demanding enemy patterns and the Force pod's mix of weapons reward precise timing and quick decisions.
DonPachi is a relentless vertical shmup from the arcades where you weave through dense bullet patterns against military vehicles and robots. Pick one of three weapon setups and power it up with dropped items until you face the giant robotic bee boss.
DonPachi is a relentless vertical shmup from the arcades where you weave through dense bullet patterns against military vehicles and robots. Pick one of three weapon setups and power it up with dropped items until you face the giant robotic bee boss.
A frantic top-down roguelike shooter where Isaac fires tears through randomly generated basements. Hundreds of items stack into wild combinations, making every run different and grotesquely strange.
A frantic top-down roguelike shooter where Isaac fires tears through randomly generated basements. Hundreds of items stack into wild combinations, making every run different and grotesquely strange.
Earthion is an upcoming shoot-'em-up built in the spirit of classic Mega Drive arcade shooters, with physical retro releases planned. You get old-school arcade action with retro charm and a 16:9 version for modern platforms.
2025PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified17.99 €95 % positive
Very positive, 485 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Distinctive, stylised art style
Action-packed real-time combat
Earthion is an upcoming shoot-'em-up built in the spirit of classic Mega Drive arcade shooters, with physical retro releases planned. You get old-school arcade action with retro charm and a 16:9 version for modern platforms.
You defend Earth in a chaotic third-person shooter against giant bugs and alien machines, ideally with up to four players in co-op. Its campy B-movie charm and sheer scale of destruction make the series stand out.
2022PCPlayStationNintendo SwitchSteam Deck playable−56 %59.99 € 26.39 € until tomorrow69 % positive
Mixed, 6,281 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Playing together in co-op
Action-packed real-time combat
You defend Earth in a chaotic third-person shooter against giant bugs and alien machines, ideally with up to four players in co-op. Its campy B-movie charm and sheer scale of destruction make the series stand out.
You fly a plane through waves of enemies and bullets in an alternate postwar world full of mechs and rockets. It rewards quick reflexes, dodging and collecting power-ups.
1995PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable91 % positive
Very positive, 224 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
You fly a plane through waves of enemies and bullets in an alternate postwar world full of mechs and rockets. It rewards quick reflexes, dodging and collecting power-ups.
You pilot your fighter through relentless alien waves in a modernized take on the classic Galaga arcade shooter. Hitting enemy weak spots earns bonuses and fuels the chase for a huge score.
You pilot your fighter through relentless alien waves in a modernized take on the classic Galaga arcade shooter. Hitting enemy weak spots earns bonuses and fuels the chase for a huge score.
A frantic arcade plane shooter from Vlambeer where you mix and match weapons, bodies and engines to take down aircraft and ships. Punchy feel, a stylish sepia look and relentless high-score chasing keep you coming back.
2014PCPlayStationSteam Deck playable9.75 €91 % positive
Very positive, 4,426 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Distinctive, stylised art style
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A frantic arcade plane shooter from Vlambeer where you mix and match weapons, bodies and engines to take down aircraft and ships. Punchy feel, a stylish sepia look and relentless high-score chasing keep you coming back.
Habroxia is an arcade-style scrolling shooter where you fight through fifteen levels of alien incursions, boss battles and rescue missions. Customizing your ship and unlocking endless side modes gives the classic shoot-em-up loop some extra variety.
Habroxia is an arcade-style scrolling shooter where you fight through fifteen levels of alien incursions, boss battles and rescue missions. Customizing your ship and unlocking endless side modes gives the classic shoot-em-up loop some extra variety.
A frantic pixel-art space shmup blending roguelike elements: randomized stages, a large weapon arsenal and punishing boss fights make every run feel different.
2015PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable12.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 619 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Sci-fi setting
Action-packed real-time combat
A frantic pixel-art space shmup blending roguelike elements: randomized stages, a large weapon arsenal and punishing boss fights make every run feel different.
A fast isometric arcade shooter where you blast through swarms of eldritch horrors with a hefty arsenal. Quick reflexes and constant movement are key, wrapped in a grim dark-fantasy look.
2024PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified14.79 €94 % positive
Very positive, 1,576 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Action-packed real-time combat
Fantasy setting
A fast isometric arcade shooter where you blast through swarms of eldritch horrors with a hefty arsenal. Quick reflexes and constant movement are key, wrapped in a grim dark-fantasy look.
A top-down zombie shooter from Housemarque where you fight through hordes using guns, traps and exploding cars. Score multipliers and weapon upgrades drive the arcade-style chase for high scores, including in co-op.
A top-down zombie shooter from Housemarque where you fight through hordes using guns, traps and exploding cars. Score multipliers and weapon upgrades drive the arcade-style chase for high scores, including in co-op.
An arcade twin-stick shooter where your own music library drives the enemy waves and your ship's firepower. Every song creates a unique, chaotic and flashy experience.
2009PCXbox9.75 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 7,379 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Distinctive, stylised art style
An arcade twin-stick shooter where your own music library drives the enemy waves and your ship's firepower. Every song creates a unique, chaotic and flashy experience.
A 1982 arcade classic in which you pilot the Solvalou fighter through vertically scrolling waves of alien enemies, shooting air targets and bombing ground ones at once. It was a pioneering title for the shoot-'em-up genre.
A 1982 arcade classic in which you pilot the Solvalou fighter through vertically scrolling waves of alien enemies, shooting air targets and bombing ground ones at once. It was a pioneering title for the shoot-'em-up genre.
A frantic twin-stick arena shooter where you play police android Cactus, blasting hordes of malfunctioning robots and chaining combos. Features a bright, stylish look, a roster of androids with distinct weapons, and up to four-player co-op.
2015PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified16.79 €94 % positive
Very positive, 1,958 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Playing together in co-op
Distinctive, stylised art style
A frantic twin-stick arena shooter where you play police android Cactus, blasting hordes of malfunctioning robots and chaining combos. Features a bright, stylish look, a roster of androids with distinct weapons, and up to four-player co-op.
Super Stardust HD is a fast arcade shooter where you blast through asteroids and enemy swarms across five detailed 3D planets. Its mix of destructive chaos and physics-driven play makes it stand out.
Super Stardust HD is a fast arcade shooter where you blast through asteroids and enemy swarms across five detailed 3D planets. Its mix of destructive chaos and physics-driven play makes it stand out.
A humorous, extremely bloody run-and-gun platformer in which mobster Vinnie Cannoli blasts his way through World War 2 battlefields. Fast arcade action with over-the-top dark humor, playable in co-op.
2018PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified12.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 4,952 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Action-packed real-time combat
Distinctive, stylised art style
A humorous, extremely bloody run-and-gun platformer in which mobster Vinnie Cannoli blasts his way through World War 2 battlefields. Fast arcade action with over-the-top dark humor, playable in co-op.
A gorgeous side-scrolling shmup from Grasshopper and Digital Reality where time is your health and a tool you can slow down. It features huge bosses, a soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka, and a surprisingly dark, fragmented story about anthropomorphic animal pilots.
2012PCPlayStationXbox9.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 941 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Distinctive, stylised art style
A gorgeous side-scrolling shmup from Grasshopper and Digital Reality where time is your health and a tool you can slow down. It features huge bosses, a soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka, and a surprisingly dark, fragmented story about anthropomorphic animal pilots.
A frantic twin-stick arcade shooter where you pilot a geometric ship through a glowing neon grid, fending off swarms of enemies in pursuit of a high score. Simple controls, short rounds and demanding reflexes make it highly addictive.
2005PCXbox91 % positive
Very positive, 1,044 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Action-packed real-time combat
Distinctive, stylised art style
A frantic twin-stick arcade shooter where you pilot a geometric ship through a glowing neon grid, fending off swarms of enemies in pursuit of a high score. Simple controls, short rounds and demanding reflexes make it highly addictive.
A classic Konami arcade shooter where you rotate your ship around the edge of the screen, blasting waves of enemies that swoop in from the center. Known for its tube-shooter design and its memorable Bach-based soundtrack.
A classic Konami arcade shooter where you rotate your ship around the edge of the screen, blasting waves of enemies that swoop in from the center. Known for its tube-shooter design and its memorable Bach-based soundtrack.
A punchy 2D space shooter with physics-driven flight, roguelike structure and a look inspired by 80s mecha anime. Intense dogfights demand quick reflexes and smart resource management.
A punchy 2D space shooter with physics-driven flight, roguelike structure and a look inspired by 80s mecha anime. Intense dogfights demand quick reflexes and smart resource management.
A brutal top-down shooter for the PlayStation featuring six deformed, bizarre characters such as a psychotic clown and a giant baby. You blast through hordes of enemies in grim prison-style missions, solo or with a second player.
A brutal top-down shooter for the PlayStation featuring six deformed, bizarre characters such as a psychotic clown and a giant baby. You blast through hordes of enemies in grim prison-style missions, solo or with a second player.
A classic Irem side-scrolling arcade shooter where you pilot a submarine through hostile waters. Detailed pixel art, explosive action and punishing difficulty define the experience.
A classic Irem side-scrolling arcade shooter where you pilot a submarine through hostile waters. Detailed pixel art, explosive action and punishing difficulty define the experience.
A Space Invaders-style arcade shooter in which you play Earth's last tank commander, blasting waves of alien invaders as you fight across the Solar System to the Titans' homeworld. Upgrades and simple, addictive action drive the gameplay.
2012PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable9.75 €91 % positive
Very positive, 968 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A Space Invaders-style arcade shooter in which you play Earth's last tank commander, blasting waves of alien invaders as you fight across the Solar System to the Titans' homeworld. Upgrades and simple, addictive action drive the gameplay.
A twin-stick zombie shooter blended with tower defense: you set up barricades and turrets to hold off waves of zombies for as long as you can, solo or in co-op.
2010PCXboxfree87 % positive
Very positive, 12,053 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
A twin-stick zombie shooter blended with tower defense: you set up barricades and turrets to hold off waves of zombies for as long as you can, solo or in co-op.
You plummet down a well with gun boots, blasting enemies while collecting gems. This minimalist roguelike thrives on fast reflexes, precise air control, and a striking limited-palette look.
You plummet down a well with gun boots, blasting enemies while collecting gems. This minimalist roguelike thrives on fast reflexes, precise air control, and a striking limited-palette look.
A vertical arcade shoot 'em up with frantic bullet-dodging action, where you upgrade your plane between missions and replay stages to hit every objective and earn all the stars.
2016PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified9.75 €93 % positive
Very positive, 2,457 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Action-packed real-time combat
A vertical arcade shoot 'em up with frantic bullet-dodging action, where you upgrade your plane between missions and replay stages to hit every objective and earn all the stars.
A fast-paced 2D twin-stick shooter with platforming elements where you pilot a spider-tank through hordes of robots. Hacks let you alter enemy behavior, and a tongue-in-cheek tone keeps things light.
2016PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck playable10.75 €84 % positive
Very positive, 999 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A fast-paced 2D twin-stick shooter with platforming elements where you pilot a spider-tank through hordes of robots. Hacks let you alter enemy behavior, and a tongue-in-cheek tone keeps things light.
A fast 2D arcade shooter in the vein of Pang, where exterminator Harry blasts swarms of bugs falling from above in a research facility. Short, intense levels, power-ups and a tongue-in-cheek tone make for quick fun, including co-op.
2016PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck playable7.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 1,194 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A fast 2D arcade shooter in the vein of Pang, where exterminator Harry blasts swarms of bugs falling from above in a research facility. Short, intense levels, power-ups and a tongue-in-cheek tone make for quick fun, including co-op.
A modern arcade shooter that revamps the classic Space Invaders formula with bonus stages, combo chains and power-ups. Gameplay and music blend into a flashy, pulsing electronic presentation.
2008PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified−75 %19.50 € 4.87 € 5 days left91 % positive
Very positive, 236 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Distinctive, stylised art style
Sci-fi setting
A modern arcade shooter that revamps the classic Space Invaders formula with bonus stages, combo chains and power-ups. Gameplay and music blend into a flashy, pulsing electronic presentation.
A chaotic arcade shoot'em up where a muscle-bound fish with a terrible memory picks new upgrades every 10 seconds. The frantic randomized pace and goofy humor make every run different.
A chaotic arcade shoot'em up where a muscle-bound fish with a terrible memory picks new upgrades every 10 seconds. The frantic randomized pace and goofy humor make every run different.
A classic vertically scrolling arcade shooter in the vein of Xevious, where separate weapons for air and ground targets are used against waves of enemies. Short, demanding action with power-ups.
A classic vertically scrolling arcade shooter in the vein of Xevious, where separate weapons for air and ground targets are used against waves of enemies. Short, demanding action with power-ups.
A Konami arcade classic where you fly freely in every direction across an endlessly scrolling sky, dogfighting through different eras, from biplanes to jets and futuristic craft.
A Konami arcade classic where you fly freely in every direction across an endlessly scrolling sky, dogfighting through different eras, from biplanes to jets and futuristic craft.
A bright, cartoonish vertical shoot 'em up from Konami where you shoot clouds to reveal bells that power up your ship, with two-player co-op. A charming arcade classic built around short, reflex-driven runs.
A bright, cartoonish vertical shoot 'em up from Konami where you shoot clouds to reveal bells that power up your ship, with two-player co-op. A charming arcade classic built around short, reflex-driven runs.
A 2D run-and-gun platformer in the vein of classic Mega Man: as the robot Beck you jump through twelve stages, blast enemies and absorb their powers with a dash attack. It is widely regarded as an uneven execution of its promising concept.
A 2D run-and-gun platformer in the vein of classic Mega Man: as the robot Beck you jump through twelve stages, blast enemies and absorb their powers with a dash attack. It is widely regarded as an uneven execution of its promising concept.
You weave your ship through dense bullet patterns where every millisecond counts. DoDonPachi Resurrection is an uncompromising CAVE shmup with a time-travel plot and a steep difficulty curve.
2008PCXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified−50 %28.99 € 14.49 € 5 days left95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 989 reviews on Steam
Challenging difficulty
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Sci-fi setting
You weave your ship through dense bullet patterns where every millisecond counts. DoDonPachi Resurrection is an uncompromising CAVE shmup with a time-travel plot and a steep difficulty curve.
2002PCPlayStationXbox−50 %4.99 € 2.49 € 3 days left91 % positive
A fast, frantic arcade shoot-'em-up with a tongue-in-cheek premise about an overcrowded city invading its neighbour. You pilot a ship through waves of enemies in classic score-chasing style.
2002PCPlayStationXbox−50 %4.99 € 2.49 € 3 days left91 % positive
Very positive, 552 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Distinctive, stylised art style
Action-packed real-time combat
A fast, frantic arcade shoot-'em-up with a tongue-in-cheek premise about an overcrowded city invading its neighbour. You pilot a ship through waves of enemies in classic score-chasing style.
BroodStar is an arcade shoot-em-up with roguelike twists, where you fight through swarms of alien creatures gathering upgrades along the way. Each run builds your ship up against towering bosses on the way to destroying the living planet at the heart of the story.
2020PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck playable8.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 82 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Sci-fi setting
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
BroodStar is an arcade shoot-em-up with roguelike twists, where you fight through swarms of alien creatures gathering upgrades along the way. Each run builds your ship up against towering bosses on the way to destroying the living planet at the heart of the story.
You pilot a nimble fighter through jewel-colored alien worlds, blasting swarms of crystal enemies with dashes and combo chains. Its appeal is the fast, rhythmic shoot-'em-up flow, where precise timing and evasion keep you in control.
You pilot a nimble fighter through jewel-colored alien worlds, blasting swarms of crystal enemies with dashes and combo chains. Its appeal is the fast, rhythmic shoot-'em-up flow, where precise timing and evasion keep you in control.
Deathsmiles is a relentless CAVE bullet-hell shooter where you play as one of five angels defending a magical kingdom from demonic invaders. Its appeal lies in weaving through dense walls of projectiles with razor-sharp dodging.
2007PCXboxSteam Deck verified−50 %19.50 € 9.75 € 5 days left95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 578 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Challenging difficulty
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Deathsmiles is a relentless CAVE bullet-hell shooter where you play as one of five angels defending a magical kingdom from demonic invaders. Its appeal lies in weaving through dense walls of projectiles with razor-sharp dodging.
You pilot your starship through waves of enemies and projectiles, picking from a range of weapons in this modernized take on the classic side-scrolling shooter. Its 3D-rendered stages keep the demanding, pattern-reading gameplay of the original intact.
You pilot your starship through waves of enemies and projectiles, picking from a range of weapons in this modernized take on the classic side-scrolling shooter. Its 3D-rendered stages keep the demanding, pattern-reading gameplay of the original intact.
You pilot a fighter through waves of bullets and massive mech enemies in this vertically scrolling arcade shmup. It is a tight, demanding shoot 'em up that rewards repeated attempts with sharper reflexes.
1997PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable93 % positive
Very positive, 140 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Action-packed real-time combat
You pilot a fighter through waves of bullets and massive mech enemies in this vertically scrolling arcade shmup. It is a tight, demanding shoot 'em up that rewards repeated attempts with sharper reflexes.
You pilot planes and ships through waves of enemies in an alternate World War II timeline, in the spirit of Capcom's classic 194X vertical shooters. It pairs the familiar top-down shoot-'em-up action with a full 3D engine.
You pilot planes and ships through waves of enemies in an alternate World War II timeline, in the spirit of Capcom's classic 194X vertical shooters. It pairs the familiar top-down shoot-'em-up action with a full 3D engine.
You pilot a ship along the bottom of the screen and fight off waves of Galaxian-style attackers while a moving starfield suggests vertical scrolling. A classic early arcade shooter whose simple rules quickly demand precise dodging and shooting.
You pilot a ship along the bottom of the screen and fight off waves of Galaxian-style attackers while a moving starfield suggests vertical scrolling. A classic early arcade shooter whose simple rules quickly demand precise dodging and shooting.
Shoot 'em ups boil action down to moving, shooting and reading patterns. Most are built around short, repeatable runs, so you get better by learning where enemies appear and where the gaps in the bullets are. The list covers a wide range, from 1980s and 1990s arcade-style games to modern takes that mix in roguelike or platforming ideas.
Start by deciding how you want to play. If you like the classic arcade feel, Galaga and Raiden are simple, old-school examples of the genre. If you want something more atmospheric on PlayStation, Einhänder is tagged for its soundtrack and stylish look. For modern, colorful arcade action with co-op, Resogun is a good pick, and Nex Machina is tagged as stylish with a great soundtrack.
Also consider how much you want the genre to change shape. Enter the Gungeon combines shooting with roguelike runs, a comedic tone and co-op, so each attempt plays differently. Cuphead mixes shooting with platforming and parrying in a hand-drawn style, and it also offers co-op. Nearly every game here is tagged Difficult, so expect to lose often and treat each failure as practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shoot 'em up for beginners?
Galaga is a good starting point because it is a simple, classic shooter from 1981. Enter the Gungeon is another option if you prefer a roguelike structure with co-op, though it is tagged as difficult.
Which shoot 'em ups can you play in co-op?
Resogun, Aero Fighters, Enter the Gungeon, Cuphead and Synthetik: Legion Rising are all tagged with co-op. Resogun is also tagged as multiplayer.
Which shoot 'em ups have the best soundtracks?
Nex Machina, Einhänder and Raptor: Call of the Shadows are all tagged with a great soundtrack. Nex Machina is the most modern of the three, while the other two are 1990s games.
Not quite your taste?
Tell us your favourite games and we'll find recommendations that fit you exactly.
