Results for "Shoot 'em up"

Strikers 1945 II

Strikers 1945 II is a classic vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up that continues the high-octane aerial combat of its predecessor. Players choose from a roster of six distinct WWII-era fighter planes, each equipped with unique primary weapons, charge shots, and devastating bombs to decimate enemy forces. The game is renowned for its intense bullet-hell mechanics, requiring precise movement and quick reflexes to navigate through intricate patterns of enemy fire. The gameplay involves progressing through multiple stages, each culminating in a challenging boss battle featuring multi-phase transformations and intricate attack patterns. Players must strategically manage their bomb supply, unleash powerful charge shots, and effectively dodge incoming projectiles to survive the relentless onslaught of enemy aircraft, tanks, and battleships. The game emphasizes score attack, encouraging players to master stages, chains, and boss strategies to achieve high scores. Originally an arcade hit, Strikers 1945 II has been ported to various modern platforms, allowing a new generation of players to experience its challenging and rewarding gameplay. The game often includes features such as adjustable difficulty, multiple display options to simulate the arcade experience, and sometimes online leaderboards to compete with other players globally. Its pick-up-and-play nature combined with a high skill ceiling makes it a favorite among both casual players and shmup enthusiasts.

85

Buzz

Cotton Rock With You

A cute 'em up shoot 'em up game from SUCCESS Corporation celebrating the Cotton series' 35th anniversary. Features classic Cotton gameplay launching on Switch 2, PS5, and Steam.

68

Buzz

Strikers 1945

Originally released in 1995, Strikers 1945 is a classic vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up that immerses players in intense aerial combat. Set in a post-World War II alternate reality, six elite pilots from a secret organization known as 'Strikers' unite to repel an unknown aggressor that has begun deploying advanced weaponry. Players select from a roster of six iconic WWII-era fighter planes, each with unique primary fire, charge shots, and devastating bombs. The gameplay is characterized by its fast-paced action, bullet-hell elements, and strategic use of power-ups to enhance aircraft capabilities. Players must navigate treacherous environments, dodge barrages of enemy fire, and defeat massive bosses across multiple challenging stages. The game features a scoring system that rewards aggressive play and precise targeting, encouraging players to master each plane's unique offensive and defensive maneuvers. Strikers 1945 offers both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, allowing two players to team up and tackle the alien threat together. The recent re-release on Steam brings enhanced graphics and sound options while retaining the nostalgic arcade experience, making it accessible to both new players and seasoned veterans of the genre.

85

Buzz

Zero Gunner 2

Zero Gunner 2 is a fast-paced, arcade-style shoot 'em up game that immerses players in a thrilling aerial combat experience. As a pilot of a customizable helicopter, players engage in frantic battles against waves of enemies, navigating through vibrant, scrolling levels filled with intricate patterns of enemy fire and explosive action. The game places a strong emphasis on dodge mechanics, allowing players to evade incoming attacks while countering with powerful weaponry, making each encounter dynamic and engaging. The storyline is set in a futuristic world where players must combat a variety of foes, including hostile military forces and advanced robotic adversaries. Each mission presents unique challenges and bosses that require players to adapt their strategies and utilize the helicopter's special abilities effectively. The narrative unfolds through engaging cutscenes and mission briefings, adding depth to the overall experience. Zero Gunner 2 also features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing friends to team up and tackle missions together, enhancing the fun and frantic nature of the gameplay. The game is characterized by its vibrant graphics, diverse environments, and a compelling soundtrack that complements the high-energy action. Players can unlock new weapons and upgrades, adding a layer of progression and customization to their gameplay experience, ensuring that no two runs are the same.

72

Buzz

No cover

Samurai Aces Episode II

Samurai Aces Episode II is a visually stunning shoot 'em up game that combines fast-paced action with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Players take on the role of skilled samurai pilots, navigating their planes through beautifully crafted landscapes filled with enemies and challenging bosses. The gameplay emphasizes precision and quick reflexes, rewarding players for mastering their movements and attacks while dodging a barrage of bullets. Set against a backdrop of feudal Japan infused with fantastical elements, the game's story unfolds as players engage in epic aerial battles to protect their homeland from invading forces. Each character comes with unique abilities and stories, providing depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Players will uncover the rich lore of the world as they progress through multiple levels, each offering distinct challenges and breathtaking visuals. In addition to its captivating single-player campaign, Samurai Aces Episode II offers a co-op mode, allowing friends to join forces and tackle missions together. The game features a robust scoring system that encourages players to replay levels to achieve higher scores and unlock hidden content, adding to its replayability. With a blend of engaging mechanics, stunning art, and a compelling narrative, Samurai Aces Episode II promises to be a memorable addition to the shoot 'em up genre.

72

Buzz

Samurai Aces Episode III

Samurai Aces Episode III: Sengoku Cannon is a classic Psikyo shoot 'em up that brings high-octane arcade action to modern platforms. Players choose from a roster of distinct characters, each with unique abilities and attack patterns, as they battle through hordes of enemies and colossal bosses. The gameplay is characterized by its intense bullet-hell mechanics, requiring precise movement and quick reflexes to navigate treacherous enemy formations. Set in a vibrant, war-torn feudal Japan, the game's story unfolds through stages filled with escalating challenges. While the primary focus is on exhilarating combat, the narrative provides a backdrop for the frantic aerial battles. Players will encounter a variety of traditional Japanese-inspired enemies and environments, all rendered in Psikyo's signature sprite-based art style. Sengoku Cannon offers both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up and tackle the challenges together. The game retains the arcade feel with its scoring mechanics and difficulty scaling, appealing to both seasoned genre veterans and newcomers looking for a thrilling vertical shooter experience. With its straightforward yet deep gameplay, it delivers a faithful rendition of a beloved arcade classic.

45

Buzz

Sol Divide

Sol Divide is a fantasy-themed horizontal scrolling shooter that combines elements of both traditional arcade shooting and melee combat. Players can choose from three distinct characters, each with their own unique abilities and magical spells, offering varied playstyles. The gameplay involves navigating through 2D environments, battling an array of mythical creatures and powerful bosses across several stages. A key feature of Sol Divide is its dual combat system. Alongside standard projectile attacks, players can engage in close-quarters melee combat, adding a layer of strategic depth not commonly found in the genre. This allows for both long-range engagements and more direct, risky attacks. The game also incorporates a magic system where characters can unleash devastating spells, providing tactical options for clearing screens of enemies or inflicting heavy damage on bosses. The narrative unfolds in a dark fantasy world, where an evil emperor seeks to conquer the realm by obtaining powerful ancient artifacts. Players are tasked with stopping him and his forces. The game is known for its challenging difficulty and distinct art style, drawing players into its fantasy setting. Originally an arcade title, it has seen releases on various home consoles, preserving its classic shoot 'em up action.

45

Buzz

Drainus

Drainus is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up developed by Team Ladybug and WSS Playground, the acclaimed creators of Touhou Luna Nights and Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth. Players take command of the "Drainus," a state-of-the-art fighter ship belonging to the Kharlal Empire, to navigate through intense space battles. The game is distinguished by its vibrant pixel art and fluid animation, offering a modern take on the classic arcade shooter genre with high-quality 2D and 3D assets. The core gameplay revolves around the innovative "Reflector" system, which allows the ship to absorb energy-based enemy projectiles. Once absorbed, this energy can be unleashed as a devastating counterattack or stored in energy tanks to purchase a wide array of ship upgrades, such as new weapons and enhanced shields. This mechanic encourages a strategic "risk versus reward" playstyle, as players must decide when to shield themselves and when to capitalize on the enemy's firepower to enhance their own arsenal. Set on the oppressed planet of Halpax, the story follows Irina, a young woman determined to save her father from a terminal illness. After encountering a time-traveling humanoid named Ghenie, who warns of a catastrophic future war, Irina steals the Drainus ship to challenge the Kharlal Empire. Her journey takes her across the galaxy, facing massive bosses and intricate stages in a quest to change fate and reach Earth. With its deep customization options and multiple difficulty settings, Drainus caters to both newcomers and veterans of the shmup genre. The game features a variety of weapons and defensive tools that can be swapped on the fly, allowing for diverse tactical approaches to each encounter. Its combination of tight controls, a compelling narrative, and a high-energy soundtrack makes it a standout title in the indie shooting game scene.

92

Buzz

Samurai Aces

Samurai Aces is a classic Psikyo-developed, vertically scrolling shoot 'em up that first appeared in arcades in 1993. Players take on the role of one of six samurai, each with their own unique weapons and special attacks, as they battle against the evil organization known as the 'Mukuro Army.' The game is known for its challenging difficulty, intricate bullet patterns, and memorable boss encounters. The gameplay features fast-paced aerial combat, with players navigating through diverse environments ranging from feudal Japan to futuristic settings. Power-ups can be collected to enhance the samurai's primary weapon, and a limited supply of bombs provides a screen-clearing attack. The scoring system encourages strategic play, with bonuses awarded for defeating enemies efficiently and without taking damage. This re-release often includes quality-of-life improvements such as customizable screen settings, online leaderboards, and save state functionalities. The game supports both single-player and two-player cooperative modes, allowing friends to team up and tackle the Mukuro Army together. Samurai Aces is a foundational title in the Psikyo shoot 'em up library, offering a blend of traditional arcade action and distinctive Japanese aesthetics.

78

Buzz

R-Type Dimensions III

R-Type Dimensions III is the latest installment in the iconic R-Type series, renowned for its unique blend of challenging gameplay and captivating aesthetics. Players will once again take control of the R-type spacecraft, navigating through beautifully designed levels filled with intricate enemies and formidable bosses. This version features both classic and remastered graphics, allowing fans to experience the retro charm alongside modern enhancements. The gameplay retains its signature side-scrolling shoot 'em up mechanics while introducing new features that enhance player engagement and strategy. The game offers a compelling storyline that follows the ongoing battle against the Bydo Empire, a relentless alien race bent on destruction. Players will embark on an epic journey through various worlds, each with its own distinct visual style and set of challenges. The narrative is woven seamlessly into the gameplay, providing context and motivation for players as they progress through the levels, defeating waves of enemies and uncovering the mysteries of the Bydo threat. In addition to the thrilling single-player campaign, R-Type Dimensions III includes co-op multiplayer modes, allowing friends to team up and tackle the challenges together. The game also features a robust scoring system encouraging players to perfect their runs, adding replayability and depth. With an array of power-ups and weapon upgrades, players can customize their ships to suit their playstyle, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever the same. R-Type Dimensions III aims to honor its legacy while pushing the boundaries of what fans expect from a modern shoot 'em up. With its engaging gameplay, rich visuals, and a blend of nostalgia and innovation, this title is poised to become a beloved addition to the R-Type franchise.

82

Buzz

Strikers 1945 III

Originally released in 1999, Strikers 1945 III, also known as Strikers 1999, is a classic arcade shoot 'em up developed by Psikyo. This vertical-scrolling shooter immerses players in an intense aerial combat experience, continuing the legacy of the Strikers 1945 series with its signature challenging gameplay and intricate bullet patterns. Players select from a roster of six advanced aircraft prototypes, each equipped with unique weapon systems, including a standard shot, a charged shot, and a powerful bomb attack that clears the screen of immediate threats. The game is renowned for its frantic pace and demanding boss battles. The narrative of Strikers 1945 III unfolds at the dawn of a new millennium, as an elite squadron of pilots is tasked with confronting a mysterious and technologically advanced organization known as the 'Nano-Machine' army. This formidable enemy utilizes self-replicating nanomachines and futuristic weaponry to unleash a global assault, threatening to plunge the world into chaos. Players must pilot their state-of-the-art fighter jets through war-torn skies, engaging in a desperate struggle against overwhelming odds to dismantle the Nano-Machine threat and restore peace. Strikers 1945 III features a variety of stages, each culminating in a multi-form boss encounter that tests players' reflexes and pattern recognition. The game includes both solo and local co-operative multiplayer modes, allowing two players to team up and tackle the challenges together. With its vibrant pixel art, memorable soundtrack, and relentless action, Strikers 1945 III offers a nostalgic yet enduring arcade experience for fans of the genre.

78

Buzz

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a retro-inspired beat 'em up that sends players on a time-traveling adventure. The nefarious robotic نسخه of Rita Repulsa, Robo-Rita, has altered the timeline, preventing the formation of the Power Rangers. Players must assemble their own team of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to battle through different eras, facing off against familiar foes and restoring the timeline. The game features 2.5D side-scrolling action with both 16-bit pixel art graphics and 3D models for environments and certain visual effects. Players can choose from all six original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Jason, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, Trini, and Tommy – each with unique abilities. The combat blends classic beat 'em up mechanics with modern twists, allowing for special moves, combos, and environmental interactions. As players progress, they will unlock new abilities and upgrades for their chosen Rangers. Beyond the core beat 'em up gameplay, Rita's Rewind incorporates a variety of other genres, including a top-down shoot 'em up section recalling the original Megazord sequences. The game supports both local and online co-op for up to five players, encouraging teamwork and different strategic approaches to combat. The storyline is original but deeply rooted in the lore of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, offering a nostalgic experience for long-time fans while also being accessible to new players.

82

Buzz

Azur Lane

Azur Lane is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up and RPG developed by Shanghai Manjuu and Xiamen Yongshi. Set in an alternate timeline of World War II, the game features moe anthropomorphic versions of historical warships, known as "shipgirls." Players take on the role of a Commander, leading these personified vessels from various global factions—such as the Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Sakura Empire, and Iron Blood—to defend humanity against a mysterious alien threat known as the "Sirens." The core gameplay revolves around tactical fleet management and real-time combat. Players organize their shipgirls into fleets of up to six members, divided into a vanguard (frontline) and a main fleet (backline). During battles, players navigate their vanguard to dodge incoming "bullet hell" projectiles while timing powerful air strikes, torpedo volleys, and battleship salvos. While manual control allows for precise maneuvering, an auto-battle mode is also available for more casual play or resource farming. Beyond combat, Azur Lane is a deep collection game featuring hundreds of unique characters, each with distinct personalities, voice acting, and skill sets. The game utilizes a gacha system for acquiring new ships and offers extensive customization through equipment upgrades, skill leveling, and "retrofitting" to enhance a ship's rarity and power. Players can also interact with their favorite characters in a customizable dorm, participate in seasonal events, and even "oath" their most trusted shipgirls to unlock special bonuses and unique wedding skins. Since its initial launch in 2017, Azur Lane has grown into a massive multimedia franchise, spawning an anime series, manga, and a 3D console spin-off titled Azur Lane Crosswave. It is widely recognized for its generous gacha mechanics, high-quality character art featuring Live2D technology, and its active community. The game continues to receive regular updates, introducing new factions, historical ships, and collaborative events with other popular franchises, maintaining its status as a titan in the mobile gaming industry.

75

Buzz

Truxton Extreme

The first new Truxton title in 38 years. A vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up with full 3D visuals, 18 stages, co-op Team Mode, and a narrative told through comic-style sequences illustrated by Junya Inoue.

60

Buzz

Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium

Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium is a comprehensive digital collection that brings 32 of Capcom's most iconic arcade classics to modern platforms. Serving as a sequel to the original Capcom Arcade Stadium, this compilation features a diverse lineup of titles spanning from 1984 to 2004, including legendary entries from the Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and Mega Man series. The base game is free to download and includes the classic title 'SONSON,' with additional games available for purchase individually or as part of a bundle. This collection is designed to bridge the gap between retro charm and modern convenience by introducing several quality-of-life features. Players can utilize a 'Rewind' function to correct mistakes on the fly, adjust game speed and difficulty levels to suit their skill, and use a robust save/load system to pick up exactly where they left off. Competitive players can also test their skills against others worldwide via online leaderboards for high scores and time attacks. To enhance the nostalgic experience, Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium offers extensive visual customization options. Players can choose to play within 3D-rendered arcade cabinets that feature moving joysticks and buttons, or apply various scanline filters to replicate the look of vintage CRT monitors. The display can even be rotated to support vertical orientations for authentic 'TATE' mode gameplay in classic shooters. The library covers a wide array of genres, including side-scrolling action, intense shoot 'em ups, competitive fighting games, and strategic puzzles. Notable titles in the collection include Street Fighter Alpha 3, Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition, Knights of the Round, and Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire, ensuring a rich variety of gameplay for both long-time fans and newcomers to arcade history.

62

Buzz

Psyvariar 3

Psyvariar 3 revives the cult-classic bullet hell shoot-em-up franchise after more than two decades, returning with its signature 'buzz' mechanic where grazing enemy bullets levels up the player's ship. The numbered entry brings modernized visuals, multiple ships, and the series' deep scoring systems back to a new generation of arcade-style shooter fans. Originally scheduled for March 2026 and delayed twice, the game launched May 21, 2026 on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Physical editions are also planned in Japan and via global publishers.

78

Buzz

DoDonPachi Resurrection Reignite

Refined version of CAVE's classic bullet hell shooter with new stages, characters, music, and assist features. Coming to PC via Steam.

72

Buzz

Fastlane: Fun Car Racing Game

Fastlane: Fun Car Racing Game (originally known as Fastlane: Road to Revenge) is a high-octane mobile title that fuses classic arcade shoot-’em-up mechanics with fast-paced combat racing. Set in a city overrun by ruthless gang bosses, players must reclaim their territory by blasting through traffic and taking down rivals. The game features a vibrant, modern art style and a top-down perspective that emphasizes quick reflexes and strategic destruction. The gameplay revolves around collecting and upgrading a fleet of 22 exotic vehicles, each capable of being equipped with powerful weaponry. Players can further enhance their destructive potential with 10 unique drones and game-changing vehicle transformations, such as the Talon Gunship and Vulcan S-22. Beyond the standard racing, the game offers a rich story campaign where players face off against 11 crazed bosses to uncover the identity of the mastermind who stole their turf. Competitive players can test their skills in global 30-player leagues with escalating difficulty, overtaking rivals to steal score bonuses and climb the leaderboards. A standout feature of the experience is the deep audio customization; players can tune into various in-game radio stations or connect their own Apple Music account to race to their personal soundtrack. Whether playing offline or competing online, Fastlane delivers a polished and addictive arcade experience.

65

Buzz

Evoland 2

Evoland 2: A Slight Case of Spacetime Continuum Disorder is an epic adventure that takes players on a journey through the history of video games. Following the story of an amnesiac hero named Kuro, players must travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe. The game's unique hook is its evolving art style and gameplay: as you move between the past, present, and future, the graphics shift from 8-bit and 16-bit pixels to modern 3D environments, reflecting the technological progress of the gaming industry. Gameplay is a massive mashup of genres, seamlessly blending action-RPG exploration with 2D platforming, turn-based strategy, card games, shoot 'em ups, and even fighting game segments. Each genre shift is tied to the narrative, ensuring that the experience remains fresh and unpredictable over its 20+ hour campaign. Players can also recruit allies with unique abilities to solve environmental puzzles and overcome challenging bosses. Rich with humor and nostalgia, Evoland 2 is filled with clever references to classic titles like Chrono Trigger, Zelda, and Mario. Whether you are exploring the overworld, collecting hidden stars, or mastering the in-game card quest, the game offers a polished and varied experience that celebrates the evolution of the medium. Originally released on PC, it has since been adapted for mobile and consoles, often appearing as part of the 'Legendary Edition' compilation.

Wind Runners

Vibrant anime-infused bullet hell where you dart around colossal mechanised war machines. Enters early access September 23, 2026.