Shooting games are one of the oldest genres of video games that are still prevalent. A big reason for their popularity is the number of sub-genres like run-and-gun shooters, shooting galleries, light gun shooters, first-person shooters, boomer shooters, third-person shooters, and more. While most of these sub-genres are thriving nowadays, one has been popular since the late 80s.
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Shoot ‘em ups, also known as shmups or STGs, are shooter games that rely on frequently firing, taking on many enemies, and dodging attacks. It’s a sub-genre that encourages fast-paced gameplay and fun co-op implementation. Let us look at the best shmups games players can try today.
Dead Nationfirst came out as aPlayStation 3exclusive back in 2010. It’s a fast-paced shmups game with a top-down camera angle reminiscent of old role-playing video games. As the name suggests, this Sony title is a zombie game where players fight against hordes of undead while managing their guns, ammo, and upgrades.
Dead Nationalso offers a game co-op mode, where players can walk the road of devastation side by side. In 2022,the popular PlayStation shoot ‘em up game is also availableon PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4.
8Metal Slug
Metal Slugis one of the oldest STG games on this list, first appearing in 1996 on Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and more. It’s aside-scrolling shooting game that offers retrogameplay mechanics, platforming, shooting, and 2D colorful 16bit-like visuals.
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Nowadays, theMetal Slugseries is available on almost every platform, includingXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Windows. Moreover, it features a seamless local co-op where players can enjoy a shared screen experience and an online mode for those who wanna play from the comfort of their homes.
7Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2
Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2is aretro-style run-and-gun shooter where players tag alongto take on many enemies while dodging attacks. It’s an explosive game with fun gameplay, excellent level design, great combat, and gruesome enemy dismemberment. The came is a relatively newer title on this list, as it came out in 2018 on various platforms such asNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and more.
Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2is most enjoyable when playing with friends on a shared screen setup, as the game encourages nostalgia for the good old 90s. Moreover, it offers online play with cross-platform multiplayer, so players can play with anyone who has the game.
6Blazing Chrome
Blazing Chromeis an STG that came out in 2019 on various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One,Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna, and more. It’s a 100% authentic retro shooting game with stunning 2D visuals and eye-popping colorful graphics. This shoot ‘em up title is pure metal in terms of setting and takes a lot of inspiration from games like Contra.
Blazing Chromeoffers afun co-op mode where players can run and gunin a shared screen setup. Unfortunately, the game is a bit too old school in its multiplayer implementation and doesn’t offer online play. Instead, it’s nostalgic and local.
5Contra III: Alien Wars
Talking about nostalgia,Contra III: Alien Warsis still one of the greatest shmups ever, and for very good reasons. The game carries Konami’s classic shooting gameplay design from the 1987 game but amps it up in every way. It offers dozens of weapons, great combat mechanics, original visual design, and addictive gunplay that keeps players hooked for hours.
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Contra III: Alien Warsis an old game that came out in 1992 but still carries a punch. Sadly, players must have a compatible device to play the original version, as the game is only available on Super NES, Game Boy, and Nintendo Game Boy Advance. Although, there’s an anniversary version of the game on newer platforms.
4Huntdown
Huntdownis a sci-fi retro shooter with some of the best graphics in its genre. At its core, it is an old-school STG that offers fast-paced gameplay, explosive combat, and unique levels. Additionally, it provides various game options like an action-packed arcade mode and a kick-ass campaign that takes players to the “mayhem-filled streets of the future.”
Huntdownoffers an interesting shared screenco-op with some of the best gameplay mechanics. The game is one of the top-rated shoot ‘em ups, with many perfect scores and awards from popular review sites.
3Resogun
Resogunis hands down one of the best PlayStation-exclusive shmups that feature voxel-based side-scrolling action. While the game is available on platforms such as PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 3, players can also boot it on their PlayStation 5 to experience it in 4K 60FPS. In this game, players assume control of a spaceship attacking cybernetic enemies while flying around a cylindrical background.
Resogunfeatures great physics-based destruction, explosive power-ups, and cool ships. Additionally, it offers amultiplayer mode for players who want to experience co-opwith buddies.
2Sky Force Reloaded
TheSky Forceseries started in 2004 when Polish video game developer Infinite Dreams Inc released the first title on Symbian and Pocket PC. However, the series has come a long way since then and has become one of the most popular shmups in the market.
Sky Force Reloadedcame out in 2006 and is the second main game in the series. However, the developer team has recently released a remake on various platforms, including Android, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The gameoffers a great shared-screen co-opmode.
1Cuphead
Cupheadis hands down the latest and greatest 2D shoot ‘em ups of the modern-day era. Ironically, it is also one of the most retro titles regarding visual design and aesthetic. The game features hand-drawn animation that takes inspiration from cartoons in the 30s.
At the same time,Cuphead’sgameplay takes inspiration from titles like Contra, Metal Slug, and more. The 2D side-scroller is built forco-op and features two characters from the get-go. Hence, it offers an optimized multiplayer experience that would bring players back again and again.
