Similar games

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.

Boss fights as highlights
Shooting and gunplay
Sci-fi setting
Fast pace

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

In short: Games like Thunder Force III

Each of these 10 games shares something of what makes Thunder Force III 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

Truxton

96 %Match

1988PC94 % positive7.79 €

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.

Where to buy

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DoDonPachi

Boss fights as highlights

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.

Satazius

Boss fights as highlights

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.

Gradius V

Boss fights as highlights

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

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.

DoDonPachi Resurrection

Boss fights as highlights

You weave your ship through dense bullet patterns where every millisecond counts. DoDonPachi Resurrection is an uncompromising CAVE shmup with a time-travel plot and a steep difficulty curve.

Crimzon Clover: World Ignition

Shooting and gunplay

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

Fast pace

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.

Earth Defense Force 4.1: Wing Diver the Shooter

Fast pace

You pilot a flying diver in this vertical shoot 'em up spinoff of EDF 4.1, trading the series' ground-based giant monster carnage for fast arcade aerial combat. Dodging and precise shooting matter more than tactics, and the series' campy charm carries over.

Strikers 1945 II

Boss fights as highlights

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.