The Best Bullet-hell Games

Update : Shogun added at rank #13.
1

NieR: Automataa (2017)

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93
Review score
Logo of NieR: Automataa Screenshot of NieR: Automataa Screenshot of NieR: Automataa Screenshot of NieR: Automataa

PC Windows Android

NieR: Automata is a stunning and thought-provoking game that combines the unconventional storytelling of Yoko Taro with the smooth and intense combat of Platinum Games.


What we like:
  • Engaging story
  • Unique gameplay mechanics
  • Memorable characters
  • Stunning visuals
  • Thought-provoking themes
What could be improved:
  • Replaying Route B can be tedious
  • Overused twin stick shooter minigames
  • Difficulty balance issues
  • Lack of difficulty between normal and hard

  • rpg
  • bullet-hell
  • open-world
  • robots
  • action
  • shooter
  • combat
  • post-apocalyptic
  • japanese
  • twin-stick
  • narrative
  • fight
  • hack-and-slash
  • battle
  • boss

2

Disc Room (2020)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Linux Mac OS

Disc Room is an exciting game that takes place in 2089 when a gigantic disc appears around Jupiter. You play as a scientist on board to explore the strange and dangerous environment and dodge discs while surviving for as long as possible. Underneath the surface, there are various tasks and objectives to complete in each room which require you to think creatively.


What we like:
  • Unique concept
  • Inventive challenges
  • Ability upgrades
  • Comic-style cutscenes
  • Visually appealing art style with themed visuals per region
  • Exciting soundtrack by doseone
What could be improved:
  • Challenging difficulty requiring quick inputs and reflexes
  • Obtuse 8-bit era inspired mechanics

  • arcade
  • puzzle
  • bullet-hell
  • survival
  • cartoony
  • gore
  • platform
  • 2d
  • twitch-action
  • difficult
  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • precision
  • retro
  • room-by-room

3

Dungeon Munchies (2019)

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97
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Mac OS Android IOS iPhone Playstation 4 Playstation 5

Dungeon Munchies is a unique 2D platformer that combines zombie cooking action with RPG elements. Explore a collapsed world filled with mutated potatoes, killer wasps, electric snails, and more. Collect ingredients from defeated enemies, cook new recipes, and unlock different buffs and weapons. The game offers a mix of gross-out humor and a compelling storyline.


What we like:
  • Unique combination of cooking and platforming
  • Compelling storyline
  • Customization options for combat
  • Impressive art style and monster designs
  • Diverse soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Imprecise controls for ranged weapons, shields, and platform jumping

  • cooking
  • platform
  • bullet-hell
  • rpg
  • comedy
  • scroller
  • post-apocalyptic
  • anime
  • pixel
  • 2d
  • funny
  • action
  • action-adventure
  • food
  • zombies

4

Deathsmiles III (2021)

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78
Review score
Logo of Deathsmiles III Screenshot of Deathsmiles III Screenshot of Deathsmiles III Screenshot of Deathsmiles III

Xbox One PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Angels swooping across a disastrous sky! The shoot 'em up of gothic horrors is back


  • gothic
  • bullet-hell
  • shooter
  • arcade
  • shoot
  • anime
  • 2d
  • horror
  • boss
  • side-scrolling
  • shoot-em-up
  • demons
  • scroller
  • alternate
  • cooperative

5

BLASTER (2022)

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79
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Android

Let's play a new twin stick shooter arcade game called BLASTER BLASTER 2 BLASTER 3


  • bullet-hell
  • shooter
  • arcade
  • wave
  • boss

6

The Knight Witch (2022)

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73
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Playstation 5

The Knight Witch is a Metroid Vania shoot 'em up with spell casting and rogue lite elements. You take control of Rayne, a former Knight Witch trainee on a mission to save her town from an evil emperor's revived golem army. Experience the thrill of battle as you level up and choose between "Knight" and "Witch" skill sets to customize your playstyle.


What we like:
  • Non-linear and utility gated map exploration
  • 360 degree aiming system
  • Accessible shooting mechanics
  • Card system for spell casting
  • Rogue lite elements like hidden bosses and ambushes
  • Armor purchasing with durability and perks
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty of bosses/ambushes not always consistent or explained in game

  • card
  • twin-stick
  • bullet-hell
  • deckbuilder
  • metroidvania
  • shooter
  • battler
  • shoot-em-up
  • exploration
  • boss
  • hand-drawn
  • choices
  • boss-fight
  • fight
  • action-adventure

7

Returnal (2023)

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86
Review score
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Playstation 5 PC Windows

Returnal is an intense third-person shooter and horror game with roguelike elements. Players take on the role of Selene, a determined protagonist stuck in a seemingly endless cycle on an alien planet. As you learn more about the alien world you've come to inhabit, you'll be better prepared to deal with its menacing creatures and picturesque locales that are as dangerous as they are beautiful. With plenty of upgrades, parasites, and malignancy to contend with, Returnal offers an unpredictable roguelike experience that will keep players engaged for hours.

Buy

What we like:
  • Varied upgrades
  • Challenging gameplay
  • Online co-op available
  • Content-rich game world
  • Visually stunning environments
What could be improved:
  • Intense difficulty level may prove frustrating for some players
  • Special trigger mechanics require DualSense controller for optimal experience

  • rogue-like
  • bullet-hell
  • tps
  • shooter
  • boss
  • controller-support
  • sci-fi
  • narrative
  • horror

8

Archvale (2021)

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79
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One

Take up your weapon in this RPG bullet-hell world and embark on a journey to right wrongs from long ago. Only you can defeat the evil forces of the Undying guardians and reunite the world with the fabled Archvale.


  • bullet-hell
  • said-to-be-mythic
  • crafting
  • rpg

9

Akai Katana Shin (2022)

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78
Review score
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Xbox 360 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows

Be guided anew into an epic tale set in the Taisho era with three titles from Cave's Akai Katana series that has captured the hearts of passionate shoot 'em up fans. New features include an online leaderboard and new musical arrangements.


  • bullet-hell
  • shoot-em-up
  • scroller
  • arcade
  • military
  • dark
  • horizontal
  • drama
  • shooter
  • tanks
  • 2d
  • ninja
  • retro
  • fantasy
  • economy

10

The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia (2019)

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85
Review score
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Mac OS PC Windows

Dodge bullets while typing exorcisms at the very same time: Get ready for an electrifying mix between bullet hell and typing game! Turn on both sides of your brain and jump into the adventure of private exorcist Ray Bibbia!


  • bullet-hell
  • typing
  • demons
  • boss

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