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Cover of Thunder Force III

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Games like Thunder Force III

1990

You pilot a starship through scrolling space levels packed with enemy waves and bullets. Fast blasting, weapon upgrades and demanding bosses make this Genesis-era classic stand out.

  • Shooting and gunplay
  • Sci-fi setting
  • Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
  • Lavish presentation
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More in these topics: Sci-fi games Action games Shoot ’em ups

The closest matches for Thunder Force III are Strikers 1945 II, Gradius V and Earth Defense Force 4.1: Wing Diver the Shooter. Each of these 10 games shares something of what makes Thunder Force III special – the reasons are listed right on each game.

In short: games like Thunder Force III

10 games with a similar feel, sorted by match

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Best match

Strikers 1945 II

96 %Match

1997PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable93 % positive

Brings what grabs you about Thunder Force III: good gunplay, a sci-fi setting and 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.

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Gradius V

Shooting and gunplay

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.

Truxton

Challenging difficulty

Truxton is a classic vertical shoot 'em up from the arcade era, where you pilot a small spaceship through five large levels packed with enemy waves. With just a shot and a bomb button, you fight through bosses that loop endlessly at higher difficulties.

Einhänder

Shooting and gunplay

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.

Satazius

Shooting and gunplay

A classic side-scrolling arcade shooter with 13 upgradeable weapons, selectable side weapons and a charge attack. Demanding boss fights and dense enemy waves are aimed at arcade veterans.

DoDonPachi

Shooting and gunplay

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.

Gyruss

Shooting and gunplay

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.

Drainus

Shooting and gunplay

You pilot a side-scrolling fighter that can absorb enemy energy bullets and turn them against the swarms of ships zipping through space. Its appeal lies in the tight timing between dodging and absorbing.

Darius Gaiden

Shooting and gunplay

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.

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