The Best Shoot 'em Up Games Ever Made, Ranked
- 1Jan 17 2001
Progear is a steampunk-inspired shoot-'em-up classic that combines elegant visuals and hair-raising action as players pilot vintage aircraft in a battle against an oppressive regime. The game's unique rotating mechanic allows players to navigate through intricate bullet patterns by changing their plane's orientation, offering a fresh twist on familiar gameplay. Progear's gorgeous art style and innovative mechanics have solidified its status as a true gem in the genre.
- 22001
Ikaruga is a masterclass in bullet hell gaming, offering a stunning sensory overload experience as players weave through waves of colorful projectiles to defeat relentless foes. The game's unique polarity-switching mechanic adds a layer of strategy to its frenetic gameplay, making every encounter a nail-biting challenge. Ikaruga's mesmerizing visuals and innovative mechanics have solidified its status as a classic in the genre.
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- 3Nov 20 1997
Einhänder plunges gamers into a futuristic war-torn world, piloting customizable weapon-laden spacecraft in a bid to turn the tide of battle. The gameplay blends fast-paced shooting action with strategy, as players choose the best weapons loadout for each mission. Its groundbreaking 3D graphics and innovative control scheme have left a lasting impact on the shoot 'em up genre.
- 41981
Galaga is a cornerstone of the golden age of arcade gaming, challenging players to blast away at descending swarms of alien insects while avoiding return fire. The game offers simple yet addicting gameplay that speaks to its timeless appeal and has ingrained it in the hearts and minds of gamers around the world. Its charming retro visuals and intuitive mechanics have made Galaga a true classic that continues to inspire nostalgia and challenge gamers.
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- 5Jan 01 19841942 is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up made by Capcom that was released for the arcade in 1984. It was the first game in the 19XX series. It was followed by 1943: The Battle of Midway. 1942 is set in the Pacific theater of World War II. The goal is to reach Tokyo and destroy the entire Japanese air fleet. The player pilots a plane dubbed the "Super Ace". The player has to shoot down enemy planes; to avoid enemy fire, the player can perform a roll or "loop-the-loop". During the game the player may collect a series of power-ups, one of them allowing the plane to be escorted by two other smaller fighters in a Tip Tow formation. There were few enemies: Kawasaki Ki-61s, Mitsubishi A6M Zeros and Kawasaki Ki-48s. The boss plane is a Nakajima G8N. The game was later ported to the NES, MSX, NEC PC-8801, Windows Mobile Professional, and Game Boy Color. It was ported by the European games publisher Elite Systems to the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. The game was included as part of Capcom Classics Collection for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in 2005.More 1942
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- 6Jan 01 1987
The pioneer of horizontal scrolling shooters, R-Type challenges players to navigate treacherous alien-infested lands while piloting a powerful spaceship. It offers strategic gameplay by allowing players to customize their ship's weapons and shields. As the granddaddy of the genre, R-Type has cast an immense shadow on the gaming landscape, influencing countless titles that followed it.
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- 71996
Metal Slug is a thrilling ride of frenzied action as players blast their way through hordes of enemy soldiers, tanks, and monstrous bosses. The gameplay incorporates rogue-like elements, with fantastic hand-drawn graphics and fast-paced platforming that delivers an addictive experience. Its impact on the gaming world is indisputable, having spawned numerous sequels and becoming a beloved staple in the '90s arcade scene.
- 8Jan 01 1997
G-Darius is a stunning entry in the iconic series, taking players on an eye-popping journey through a universe teeming with mechanical sea creatures. Combining blistering side-scrolling shooter gameplay with a unique capture mechanic, players can harness the power of their defeated foes to unleash devastating attacks. G-Darius's awe-inspiring visuals, innovative mechanics, and heart-pounding action have secured its place as a standout title in the franchise.
- 9Jan 01 1988
Blaster Master combines side-scrolling action-adventure with top-down shooting mechanics, making this game a truly unique experience. Players are put in the driver's seat of a high-tech tank, battling mutated creatures while searching for a missing pet frog. Its innovative gameplay and genre-blending mechanics have left an indelible mark on gaming history and continue to inspire modern titles.
- 10Jan 01 1987
Contra is a white-knuckle romp through enemy-infested jungles and futuristic bases, as players mow down legions of foes in this iconic run-and-gun experience. The game's frantic action, pulse-pounding soundtrack, and notorious difficulty have made it a beloved classic that still resonates with gamers today. Contra's influence on the genre is unmistakable, setting the stage for countless iterations and imitators over the years.
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- 11Feb 16 1990
1941: Counter Attack is a World War II-themed vertical-scrolling shoot-'em-up that puts players in the cockpit of a high-powered fighter plane. Players must fend off waves of enemy aircraft, tanks, and ships as they strive to save the world from tyranny. Its intense action, historical setting, and engaging gameplay have endeared 1941: Counter Attack to fans of the genre.
- 12Dec 20 1990
Darius II transports players to a sprawling sci-fi universe teeming with mechanical sea creatures bent on humanity's destruction. The side-scrolling shooter gameplay features branching paths and multiple endings, adding replayability and depth to the exciting action. Its memorable bosses, innovative level design, and epic soundtrack have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.
- 13Nov 16 2005
Geometry Wars blends intense, rapid-fire shooting gameplay with mesmerizing vector-style visuals, creating a vibrant and addicting arcade experience. Players maneuver their ship through a geometric landscape, blasting away at colorful enemies while dodging an ever-increasing onslaught of projectiles. This game's uniquely captivating aesthetic and challenging gameplay have etched it into the annals of gaming history and inspired a slew of copycats and sequels.
- 14Jan 01 1993
Blaster Master 2 brings back the much-loved fusion of side-scrolling action-adventure and top-down shooter gameplay, as players once again pilot their high-tech tank to battle mutated creatures. The sequel expands upon its predecessor's formula with new weapons, enemies, and locations while retaining the challenging gameplay and infectious exploration that made the original a classic. Blaster Master 2 continues to influence modern titles with its unique blend of genres and inventive game design.
- 15Nov 01 1995
DonPachi is a bullet hell masterpiece, delivering a seemingly insurmountable barrage of enemy fire that tests the mettle of even the most seasoned gamers. The game offers fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping shoot-'em-up action, with players unleashing a hail of gunfire against an endless swarm of adversaries. DonPachi's legendary difficulty and addictive gameplay have made it a fan favorite, inspiring countless sequels and imitators.
- 16Jan 01 1993
Gunstar Heroes delivers a rollercoaster ride of non-stop action and over-the-top boss battles as players fight to save the planet from an evil empire. Combining frantic 2D platforming and run-and-gun gameplay, this gem pushes the limits of the 16-bit era. Its unforgettable characters and intense action have made it a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
- 17Oct 31 1998
Centipede is a classic arcade hit that pits players against an onslaught of creepy-crawlies and mushrooms as they navigate a psychedelic garden. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Centipede's shoot-'em-up mechanics are simple enough for anyone to pick up and play but require skill to master. This arcade gem's enduring legacy has cemented its place as one of the most iconic video games in history.
- 18Jan 01 1993
Raiden II is a high-octane sequel that amps up the action with more weapons, enemies, and jaw-dropping environments. Players once again pilot their legendary Raiden fighter jet through the heart of enemy territory, decimating waves of foes in this thrilling vertical-scrolling shooter. With its improved graphics and expanded gameplay options, Raiden II continues to set the standard for the genre.
- 19Jan 01 1993
RayForce transports players to a futuristic sci-fi setting where they pilot advanced fighter jets to battle an evil empire. Featuring a unique lock-on shooting mechanic, RayForce seamlessly blends traditional shoot-'em-up gameplay with strategic targeting. The game's stunning 2D and 3D graphics, combined with its innovative controls, have left a lasting impact on the genre.
- 20Jan 01 2002
DoDonPachi Dai-Ou-Jou takes bullet hell gaming to new heights, pitting players against a relentless onslaught of enemy fire and massive, screen-filling bosses. The game offers a unique hyper mode mechanic that exponentially increases the chaos, pushing players to their limits. Its polished gameplay, incredible challenge, and memorable boss battles have made DoDonPachi Dai-Ou-Jou an enduring classic among shmup enthusiasts.
21Jun 29 2010Deathsmiles Mega Black Label is a devilishly delightful shoot-'em-up experience, pitting players against a menagerie of macabre foes in a gothic, horror-themed setting. This enhanced edition of the original game offers additional characters, levels, and game modes, providing even more nail-biting challenges for veteran players. Its distinctive art style and pulse-pounding gameplay have cemented Deathsmiles Mega Black Label as a fan favorite within the genre.
- 22Nov 18 2004
Alien Hominid offers a quirky and colorful twist on the run-and-gun genre, as players control a misunderstood extraterrestrial trying to escape Earth's military forces. The hand-drawn art style and cartoony characters contrast the brutal and chaotic action, creating an experience that is both endearing and engaging. Its unique take on a classic genre has earned Alien Hominid a dedicated fanbase and inspired other developers to think outside the box.
- 23Jun 01 1978Space Invaders is an arcade video game developed by Tomohiro Nishikado and released in 1978. It was originally manufactured and sold by Taito in Japan, and was later licensed for production in the United States by the Midway division of Bally. Space Invaders is one of the earliest shooting games and the aim is to defeat waves of aliens with a laser cannon to earn as many points as possible. In designing the game, Nishikado drew inspiration from popular media: Breakout, The War of the Worlds, and Star Wars. To complete it, he had to design custom hardware and development tools. It was one of the forerunners of modern video gaming and helped expand the video game industry from a novelty to a global industry. When first released, Space Invaders was very successful. The game has been the inspiration for other video games, re-released on numerous platforms, and led to several sequels. The 1980 Atari 2600 version quadrupled the system's sales and became the first "killer app" for video game consoles. Space Invaders has been referenced and parodied in multiple television shows, and been a part of several video game and cultural exhibitions.More Space Invaders
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- 24Jan 01 1988
Gradius II: Gofer's Ambition is a legendary side-scrolling shooter that once again puts players in the cockpit of the iconic Vic Viper spaceship. The game expands upon its predecessor's formula by offering new weapons, levels, and fearsome bosses for players to overcome. Gradius II's enhancements and improvements have made it a standout title, solidifying its place as a definitive classic in the shoot-'em-up genre.
- 25Jan 01 1989
Badlands transports players to a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where they must navigate their bullet-laden speedsters through desolate and dangerous terrains. The game mixes elements of racing and shooting while providing a gritty atmosphere and captivating story. Its influence can be felt in numerous post-apocalyptic-themed games that have followed suit.
- 26Jan 01 1990
Aerial Assault thrusts players into the cockpit of a high-tech jet fighter, soaring through enemy skies to thwart an evil empire's nefarious plans. The gameplay combines exhilarating shoot-'em-up action with strategic weapon choices, letting players decide how best to tackle each challenge. Its unique fusion of aerial combat and side-scrolling shooting has cemented Aerial Assault's position as a sleeper hit among retro enthusiasts.
- 271999
Duke Nukem is a testosterone-fueled, action-packed adventure starring a wise-cracking, musclebound hero who battles aliens and rescues damsels in distress. This side-scrolling shooter combines pulse-pounding action with tongue-in-cheek humor in a bawdy, over-the-top experience that helped define the irreverent tone of '90s gaming. Duke Nukem's impact on gaming culture is undeniable, with its audacious protagonist and outrageous scenarios setting the stage for countless imitators.
- 28Dec 15 2006
The Metal Slug Anthology delivers a veritable smorgasbord of run-and-gun excitement, featuring all the high-octane entries from the iconic series. Gamers are treated to fast-paced gameplay filled with outrageous vehicles, insane boss battles, and delightful hand-drawn visuals. This collection serves as a tribute to the lasting legacy of the Metal Slug franchise, which has inspired countless titles over the years.
- 29May 01 1985
Commando drops you right into the thick of enemy territory, where you must blast your way through hordes of hostile forces to complete your mission. This top-down shooter blends heart-pounding action with military tactics, as players navigate treacherous environments filled with foes, traps, and ambushes. Commando's lasting impact on the genre can be felt in countless war-themed games that have followed it.
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- 30Jan 01 1990
Crack Down immerses players in a gritty world where they must eliminate a sinister criminal organization. This top-down shooter emphasizes strategy over brute force, with players using stealth and gadgets to navigate the labyrinth-like levels. Crack Down's innovative gameplay and engaging story have left a lasting impression on the genre, inspiring countless titles that blend action and strategic planning.
