Cover of Gradius

Similar games

Games like Gradius

1985PEGI 7

A classic side-scrolling shooter where collected power-ups advance a selector bar and you choose when to activate the upgrade you want. This power meter system combined with punishing arcade difficulty helped define the genre.

Shooting and gunplay
Strong soundtrack
Sci-fi setting
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)

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More in these topics: Sci-fi games Action games

In short: Games like Gradius

Each of these 10 games shares something of what makes Gradius special. The reasons are listed right on each game.

Similar in what way?

0 of 3

Up to three areas count more, the rest steps back.

Not for me Exclude horror, turn-based combat, pixel art …

Games where this is clearly part of it are left out, no matter how well the rest fits.

Horror Turn-based combat High difficulty Roguelike runs Shooter Pixel art Grind Survival PvP Open world Card game

Best match

Crimzon Clover: World Ignition

96 %Match

2014PC, Steam Deck playable93 % positive

A fast arcade bullet-hell shooter with three ships and multiple modes ranging from beginner-friendly to brutal. The Break Meter for bombs and power-ups rewards aggressive, risky play.

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Darius Gaiden

Boss fights as highlights

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.

Raptor: Call of the Shadows

Sci-fi setting

A classic 1994 vertical scrolling arcade shooter where you fly the Raptor as a mercenary, earning cash to buy and upgrade weapons between missions. Fast action, swarms of enemies and a driving soundtrack define the experience.

Zenodyne R

Boss fights as highlights

A 16-bit era style shoot-'em-up with a Mega Drive-flavored soundtrack, six boss-filled stages, five ships and branching paths. Your reflexes and patience get a serious workout.

Zero Wing

Sci-fi setting

A classic side-scrolling shoot 'em up that became a cult name thanks to the infamous Mega Drive translation and the "All your base are belong to us" meme. Its signature twist is grabbing enemies with a tractor beam and using them as shields.

Gyruss

Sci-fi setting

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.

Zanac

Sci-fi setting

A classic 1986 vertical space shooter in which you pilot a fighter against a hostile artificial intelligence. Eight special weapons and fast arcade action define the experience.

Einhänder

Boss fights as highlights

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.

Danmaku Unlimited 2

Boss fights as highlights

A classic vertical bullet-hell shooter in the spirit of Japanese doujin games, with dense bullet patterns, punishing boss fights and a driving soundtrack. Pure arcade play built on reflexes and pattern recognition.

Asteroids: Recharged

Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)

A modernized take on the arcade classic: pilot a ship, dodge and blast asteroids, chase high scores and tackle challenge levels with new abilities, neon visuals and a fresh soundtrack.

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