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.

9 Dead Nation

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Dead Nation first came out as a PlayStation 3 exclusive 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 Nation also 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 available on PlayStation Vita & PlayStation 4.

8 Metal Slug

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Metal Slug is 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 a side-scrolling shooting game that offers retro gameplay mechanics, platforming, shooting, and 2D colorful 16bit-like visuals.

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Nowadays, the Metal Slug series is available on almost every platform, including Xbox 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.

7 Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2

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Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 is a retro-style run-and-gun shooter where players tag along to 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 as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and more.

Guns, Gore & Cannoli 2 is 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.

6 Blazing Chrome

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Blazing Chrome is 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 Chrome offers a fun co-op mode where players can run and gun in 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.

5 Contra III: Alien Wars

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Talking about nostalgia, Contra III: Alien Wars is 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 Wars is 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.

4 Huntdown

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Huntdown is 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.”

Huntdown offers an interesting shared screen co-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.

3 Resogun

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Resogun is 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.

Resogun features great physics-based destruction, explosive power-ups, and cool ships. Additionally, it offers a multiplayer mode for players who want to experience co-op with buddies.

2 Sky Force Reloaded

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The Sky Force series 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 Reloaded came 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 game offers a great shared-screen co-op mode.

1 Cuphead

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Cuphead is 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’s gameplay takes inspiration from titles like Contra, Metal Slug, and more. The 2D side-scroller is built for co-op and features two characters from the get-go. Hence, it offers an optimized multiplayer experience that would bring players back again and again.

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