Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Zero Wing (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Zero Wing on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Ikaruga, which both science fiction.
- Zero Wing is tagged Side Scroller, Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade, Action, 2D, Controller, Pixel Graphics, Sci-fi by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 3 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade and Sci-fi.
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Ikaruga at a glance Released 2001 Studio Treasure Player sentiment 95% positive of 2,364 Price $9.99 Shoot 'Em UpArcadeSci-fiLocal Co-Op2DRetroSpaceController
- 2
Distant Space
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade and Space.
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Distant Space at a glance Released 2016 Studio PixelMouse Player sentiment 82% positive of 3,458 Price $0.99 Shoot 'Em UpArcadeSpacePixel Graphics2D1980sRetroSci-fi
- 3
Risk of Rain Returns
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including 2D, Local Co-Op and Sci-fi.
Carefully designed, beautifully remastered, and loaded with new ways to play—Risk of Rain is back and better than ever! Dive into the iconic roguelike full of unique loot combinations, enhanced with new Survivors, overhauled multiplayer, fan favorite content from Risk of Rain 2, and more!
Risk of Rain Returns at a glance Released 2023 Studio Hopoo Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 28,691 Price $7.49 2DLocal Co-OpSci-fiControllerArcadeSpacePixel GraphicsCombat
- 4
METAL SLUG 3
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Arcade, Side Scroller and Retro.
“METAL SLUG 3”, the masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
METAL SLUG 3 at a glance Released 2014 Studio SNK CORPORATION Player sentiment 90% positive of 9,156 Price $7.99 ArcadeSide ScrollerRetroLocal Co-Op2DShoot 'Em UpPixel GraphicsOld School
- 5
RetroArch
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Retro, Arcade and Local Multiplayer.
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications
RetroArch at a glance Released 2022 Studio Libretro Player sentiment 89% positive of 9,741 Price Free RetroArcadeLocal MultiplayerOld School1990'sPixel Graphics2D1980s
- 6
Flashback
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Retro, 1990's and Sci-fi; released around the same time (1992).
FLASHBACK™, the hit action-adventure game with over 2.2 million units sold, is back!
Flashback at a glance Released 1992 Studio Delphine Software International Player sentiment 78% positive of 603 Price $9.99 Retro1990'sSci-fi2DOld SchoolSide ScrollerPixel Graphics
- 7
Capcom Arcade Stadium
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Arcade, 1990's and 1980s.
Relive the Capcom classics! Get 1943 -The Battle of Midway- and game logo wallpapers free with your download!
Capcom Arcade Stadium at a glance Released 2021 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 55% positive of 4,765 Price Free Arcade1990's1980s2DRetroLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpPixel Graphics
- 8
Dome Keeper
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Sci-fi, Combat and Pixel Graphics.
Defend against waves of alien monsters in this unique roguelike action miner. Dig for resources, collect useful gadgets, and upgrade equipment to increase odds of survival – just hurry back before your dome is destroyed!
Dome Keeper at a glance Released 2022 Studio Bippinbits Player sentiment 92% positive of 22,239 Price $5.39 Sci-fiCombatPixel GraphicsSpaceRetro2DController
- 9
Awesomenauts
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including 2D, Local Co-Op and Controller.
Use your power, show your might! Play this Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game! AWESOMENAUTS combines 2D platforming with team-based strategy and hero based action. Whether you are a new recruit or an intergalactic legend, play AWESOMENAUTS!
Awesomenauts at a glance Released 2012 Studio Ronimo Games Player sentiment 85% positive of 26,853 Price $8.99 2DLocal Co-OpControllerLocal MultiplayerSci-fiSpaceSide Scroller
- 10
Vampire Survivors
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Arcade.
Mow down thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn! Vampire Survivors is a gothic horror casual game with rogue-lite elements, where your choices can allow you to quickly snowball against the hundreds of monsters that get thrown at you. Be the bullet hell!
Vampire Survivors at a glance Released 2022 Studio poncle Player sentiment 98% positive of 265,103 Price $3.74 Pixel Graphics2DArcadeControllerRetroScore AttackLocal Co-Op1980s
- 11
Another World
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Retro, Sci-fi and 2D; released around the same time (1991).
Also known as Out Of This World™, Another World is a pioneer action/platformer that released across more than a dozen platforms since its debut in 1991. Along the years, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike.
Another World at a glance Released 1991 Studio Éric Chahi Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,044 Price $9.99 RetroSci-fi2DOld SchoolController1990's
- 12
Strider
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Side Scroller, Arcade and Retro; released around the same time (1989).
Strider returns in a brand new adventure, complete with incredible side-scrolling action, and lightning fast combat all in a massive interconnected world! Download the full game February 19th and become the original assassin!
Strider at a glance Released 1989 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 81% positive of 4,245 Price $4.49 Side ScrollerArcadeRetroSci-fiController2D
- 13
Metal Slug
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Shoot 'Em Up.
“METAL SLUG ”, the very first title in SNK’s legendary 2D run & gun action shooting game series where all began, returns to the missions on the Steam gaming platform!
Metal Slug at a glance Released 1996 Studio Nazca Corporation Player sentiment 89% positive of 5,258 Price $7.99 Arcade2DShoot 'Em UpSide ScrollerRetroLocal MultiplayerPixel GraphicsLocal Co-Op
- 14
Metal Slug 2
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Side Scroller.
“METAL SLUG 2”, the 2nd entry in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game returns to the battlefield on the Steam gaming platform!
Metal Slug 2 at a glance Released 1998 Studio SNK Player sentiment 89% positive of 1,432 Price $6.99 Arcade2DSide ScrollerRetroShoot 'Em UpLocal Co-OpPixel GraphicsLocal Multiplayer
- 15
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Arcade, Side Scroller and 2D.
Play more of your favorite arcade hits from yesteryear. Includes SONSON for free!
Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium at a glance Released 2022 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 68% positive of 1,269 Price Free ArcadeSide Scroller2D1990's1980sLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpRetro
- 16
Live A Live
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including 2D, Pixel Graphics and Controller.
The legend is alive! LIVE A LIVE, originally only released for the Super Famicom in Japan, is being revived on Steam! Experience this legendary RPG, brought alive in the same HD-2D visual style as OCTOPATH TRAVELER.
Live A Live at a glance Released 1994 Studio Square Player sentiment 86% positive of 938 Price $49.99 2DPixel GraphicsControllerSci-fi1990'sRetro
- 17
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Retro and 2D.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at a glance Released 2014 Studio Yacht Club Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,898 Price $39.99 Pixel GraphicsRetro2DSide ScrollerOld SchoolArcadeLocal Co-Op
- 18
Doom 64
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 5 player tags including 1990's, Retro and Sci-fi.
Play the enhanced version of the original game released on the Nintendo 64 in 1997. Years have passed since you stopped Hell’s invasion of Earth. Quarantined for humanity’s safety, the UAC research facilities on Mars were abandoned and forgotten...until now.
Doom 64 at a glance Released 1997 Studio Midway Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,793 Price $4.99 1990'sRetroSci-fiPixel GraphicsOld School
- 19
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Retro, 1990's and 2D.
SEGA’s collection of Mega Drive & Genesis Classics comes to a new generation, now updated with even more features: online multiplayer, achievements, mirror mode, rewind, save states, VR and more! Over 50 classic games in one great package. Get into the classics!
SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics at a glance Released 2010 Studio D3T Limited Player sentiment 79% positive of 12,207 Price Not listed Retro1990's2DArcadePixel GraphicsOld SchoolLocal Multiplayer
- 20
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Local Co-Op, Sci-fi and Local Multiplayer.
Kick Some Brick in I through VI! Play through all six Star Wars movies in one videogame! Adding new characters, new levels, new features and for the first time ever, the chance to build and battle your way through a fun Star Wars galaxy on your PC!
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga at a glance Released 2007 Studio Feral Interactive Player sentiment 97% positive of 25,467 Price $19.99 Local Co-OpSci-fiLocal MultiplayerSpaceController
- 21
LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Local Co-Op, Sci-fi and Local Multiplayer.
Kick Some Brick in I through VI! Play through all six Star Wars movies in one videogame! Adding new characters, new levels, new features and for the first time ever, the chance to build and battle your way through a fun Star Wars galaxy on your PC!
LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga at a glance Released 2009 Studio Traveller's Tales Player sentiment 97% positive of 25,469 Price $19.99 Local Co-OpSci-fiLocal MultiplayerSpaceController
- 22
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Retro and 2D.
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 Pixel GraphicsRetro2DSci-fiSpace
- 23
Brotato
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Sci-fi, Local Co-Op and Arcade.
Brotato is a top-down arena shooter roguelite where you play a potato wielding up to 6 weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens. Choose from a variety of traits and items to create unique builds and survive until help arrives.
Brotato at a glance Released 2023 Studio Blobfish Player sentiment 96% positive of 118,244 Price $4.99 Sci-fiLocal Co-OpArcadeController2D
- 24
DOOM II
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 5 player tags including 1990's, Retro and Old School.
Hell has invaded Earth, and to save it, you must battle mightier demons with even more powerful weapons. This beloved sequel to the groundbreaking DOOM (1993) introduced players to the brutal Super Shotgun, the infamous Icon of Sin boss, and more intense FPS action.
DOOM II at a glance Released 2007 Studio id Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 9,057 Price Not listed 1990'sRetroOld SchoolSci-fiPixel Graphics
Common questions
What game is most like Zero Wing?
Ikaruga, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Zero Wing" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Zero Wing. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.