Similar games

Games like R-Type

1987PEGI 7

A legendary side-scrolling shooter where you pilot the R-9 fighter against the Bydo Empire. The chargeable beam, the detachable Force pod and punishing level design demand memorization and precise reflexes.

Boss fights as highlights
Challenging difficulty
Shooting and gunplay
Sci-fi setting

＋ Combine with my games

More in these topics: Sci-fi games Action games Shoot ’em ups

In short: Games like R-Type

Each of these 10 games shares something of what makes R-Type 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

Darius Gaiden

94 %Match

1994PC, PlayStation

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.

Where to buy

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Similar games →

Gradius V

Challenging difficulty

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.

Einhänder

Sci-fi setting

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.

DoDonPachi

Challenging difficulty

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.

ZeroRanger

Sci-fi setting

You pilot a small ship through a vertical shoot-'em-up where precise dodging matters as much as firing. Each fight unlocks new weapons and abilities, while a mysterious story about the invaders slowly unfolds.

Sine Mora

Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)

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.

RefleX

Sci-fi setting

A Japanese indie shmup where you weave through dense bullet patterns and use sharp reflexes to tear down huge enemies. As the second chapter of the ALLTYNEX trilogy, it delivers short, intense arcade action in a sci-fi setting.

Crimzon Clover: World Ignition

Challenging difficulty

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.

Raiden

Challenging difficulty

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.

Truxton

Sci-fi setting

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.