17 Best SNES Shoot 'Em Up Games

The mighty Super Nintendo was one of the most highly regarded game consoles of all time. The system dominated the 16-bit era with one of the most iconic hardware and games. The Shoot ’em-up genre was not an exception since the SNES era was the golden age of Shooters.

From classic titles like Gradius and R-Type to obscure hidden gems like Phanlax and Axelay. The Snes library was swarming with outstanding Shoot ’em up titles delivering one of the greatest 2d art styles at the time, and the true old-school challenge for veteran players. Whether you like some hardcore boss fights or some hardcore old-school challenges, we got you covered with a list of the best Super Nintendo Shoot ’em up games.

U.N. Squadron 1991

About
	Release Date July 26, 1991
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

U.N. Squadron is the definition of a pure classic shooter. The game takes inspiration from the classic manga under the name Area 88. The manga tells the story of Shin Kazama, a young boy who has been tricked into signing a mercenary contract to work as a pilot for a foreign country.

The game offers a 2d horizontal shooter where the player controls one of three playable pilots as they venture into nine different levels. The goal on each level is to shoot down different enemies while avoiding obstacles and incoming foes’ fire. While the game was known for its intense difficulty, many players consider this game a cult classic that should be played by any shooter fan at least once.

Space Megaforce 1992

About
	Release Date April 28, 1992
	Developer Compile
	Publisher Toho
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Space Megaforce known in Europe and Japan as Super Aleste is another exciting fast-paced shooter that offers a fair challenge for players of all skill levels. The story takes place in the distant future where humanity must fight a fearsome alien specie known as Vios. In order to fight the Vios humanity made an advanced battleship known as Super Aleste.

The player takes control of the Super Aleste visiting nine different levels. Every level offers a fair challenge where the player must battle his way through hordes of enemies and encounter a boss at the end of each one. Overall, the game is yet another Japanese classic on the SNES if you want to try a good shmup with a fair challenge to sharpen your skills, I hugely recommend this game.

R-Type® III 1993

About
	Release Date December 10, 1993
	Developer Raylight Studios
	Publisher Irem
	Franchise R-Type®
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases
1994-08-02

R-Type III continues the legacy of the well-known R-Type series marking the third title in the series and the first one on the Super Nintendo. This follow-up takes place in 2112, where humanity is under attack by a mysterious alien race. The player takes control of the last line of defense, a ship known as the R-9A arrowhead.

The goal of each stage is to take down the enemy ship while avoiding obstacles and incoming fire. In each stage, the player is confronted by new powerful enemies including many foes and a few boss encounters. The game features a total of seven stages and a dozen of powerups and bosses. Overall, the game is a cult classic offering crisp 2d pixel art style and of course a crushing difficulty for challenge seekers.

Phalanx 1992

About
	Release Date August 07, 1992
	Developer Zoom
	Publisher Kemco
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Phalanx is an outstanding sci-fi side-scrolling shmup. The game story is centered around the Phalanx, an advanced humanoid alien specie that has invaded planet earth. Controlling one of their advanced ships the player must battle these invaders to save the planet earth and humanity.

The game features seven different levels, each with its own unique enemies and bosses. The player must venture through these levels beating down many foes in order to reach the mothership and beat the Phalanx once and for all. Players have access to a range of weapons and upgrades which can be used to defeat the Phalanx’s forces.

Biometal 1993

About
	Release Date March 19, 1993
	Developer Athena
	Publisher Activision
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Biometal is an outstanding side-scrolling shooter, everything falls off in the perfect place from the smooth animation to the exciting soundtrack. The story takes place in the far future where a mysterious alien specie known as the Biometals threaten the whole galaxy. The player takes control of one of the Galactic Council’s pilots who take on a mission to destroy these creatures before it’s too late.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective and the player must battle enemies and obstacles while collecting power-ups and health. The game features a unique weapon system, known as the Biometal System, which allows the player to switch between four different forms, each with their own abilities and attacks. Each form also has its own boss to defeat. The player must also collect energy items to restore health and increase their power.

Axelay 1992

About
	Release Date September 11, 1992
	Developer Konami
	Publisher Konami
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases
1992-09-30
1993-09-30

Axelay is a unique 2d shooter the game is known for its beautiful blending of horizontal and vertical shooting levels, and its outstanding soundtrack music. As always the story is not that original, aliens have taken over the earth one more time, and it’s your job to fight off these invaders until the earth is free.

The player takes control of a battleship known as the Axelay, the goal in each stage is to use your skills to evade enemies and shoot down as many aliens as you can. You can also collect various power-ups that could help you in your journey. The game features six unique stages each with its own feel and atmosphere, offering many enemies and one boss encounter at the end of each stage. On the whole, the game was highly praised during its launch time and it still holds up to this very day with crisp 2d spirits, responsive controls, and of course a brutal challenge that will crush your soul. 

Aero Fighters 1993

About
	Release Date June 30, 1993
	Developer Video System
	Publisher Tecmo
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Aero Fighters was one of those pure classics that drew the right line for good shooters for years. To my surprise, the game still holds up to this very day with amazing animation and a good challenge for veteran players. The player takes control of one of eight fighter planes venturing into many levels full of enemies.

Each stage consists of a series of enemy attacks where the player must focus on both avoiding enemies’ bullets and attacking. The player can also collect various power-ups that drop from the enemies which can help in the difficult parts of the game. Overall, the game is a pure classic and marks one of the best classics Shoot ’em up in the early to late 90s.

BlaZeon The Bio-Cyborg Challenge 1992

About
	Release Date July 24, 1992
	Developer A.I Co.
	Publisher Atlus
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

BlaZeon The Bio-Cyborg Challenge is a 2d side-scrolling shooter. The player controls a cyborg named BlaZeon who was sent on a mission by United Nations to investigate a mysterious alien incident on Earth.

Player control BlaZeon who can transform back and forth between a battleship and a full-blown mech suit. The player battles in six stages, shooting and avoiding enemies’ fires while collecting different power-ups. The game also throws at you a bunch of boss encounters raising the challenge more and more. On the whole, the game is a cult classic that should be experienced at least once by any Shmup fan.

Firepower 2000 November, 1992 TBC

About
	Release Date November, 1992 TBC
	Developer SCi Games
	Publisher Sunsoft
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

SNES Releases

Firepower 2000 is one of the few non-Japanese shooters on this list. While I hugely favor Japanese shooters, I think you should give this a try as an exception. Set in the near future the game tells the story of a powerful terrorist organization known as the Red Falcon. Your job is to take down the Red Falcon as they put their hands on a powerful weapon known as the Super SWIV.

The player takes control of a battle helicopter venturing through four stages. The game features two types of stages: air-to-air combat, and ground attack missions. The player must shoot down enemy aircraft and destroy ground targets while avoiding enemy fire and collecting power-ups. The player also has the ability to deploy bombs and use special weapons such as a homing missile. Overall, the game is well-balanced with a decent challenge, while the art is not my thing I hugely recommend this for the unique gameplay.

Parodius 1990

About
	Release Date November 03, 1990
	Developer Konami
	Publisher Konami
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Parodius was originally meant to be a Gradius parody as the name shows, instead, the series had a huge success popping up several sequels and spin-offs. While the first game didn’t make it to the west unfortunately the sequel was delivered to Europe under the name of Parodius. You take control of one of several playable characters trying to save the earth from the frightening Great Octopus.

As the title says the game takes huge inspiration from Gradius implementing the same gameplay with a few tweaks here and there. For example, the game adds the bell power-ups from the TwinBee series, you can use these power-ups as a one-time attack to clear the screen when things get thigh. Also, the game retains the ability to choose four different weapons and implement them in four different playable characters. In a word, the game is a classic Cute ’em Up that still holds up to this very day, smooth gameplay, a fair challenge, and crips 2d art that ages like fine wine.

Gradius III 1990

About
	Release Date December 21, 1990
	Developer Konami
	Publisher Konami
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases
1990-12-21

Gradius III is a port of a full-blown arcade hit, while the Super Nintendo is clearly underpowered compared to an arcade system developers did a good job on this port, making a true 16-bit classic. While the game borrows a lot from its successful predecessor it adds some tweaks, perfecting the formula both for new and old players. 

The game features six different stages where you fight off many enemies including a boss encounter at the end of each one. Many power-ups are implemented here to fit the style of every gamer including exclusive weapons and power-ups for the Super Nintendo version. Visually the game looks stunning by today’s standards, offering a crisp image with beautiful 2D art and animation.  On the whole, this is a solid sequel, marking a true classic that should be looked at at least once.

Earth Defense Force 1991

About
	Release Date October 25, 1991
	Developer Jaleco
	Publisher Jaleco
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Earth Defence Force is a classic fast-paced side-scrolling shoot ’em up. The Super Nintendo version is a loose port of a bigger arcade game released under the name of E.D.F. exclusively in Japan. The story focuses on the struggle between the earth’s defense force and an invading alien nation under the name of the Azyma Empire. The player takes control of one of the E.D.F. fighters, taking a mission on the moon investigating a mass destruction weapon being developed on the dark side of the moon by the Azyma Empire.

The goal of each stage is to take down the enemy ships while avoiding damage, at the end of each level the player is confronted with a challenge in the form of a boss battle. The game also adds a unique leveling system where the player can level up and gain more powerful weapons and powerups by taking down the enemies. In addition to the amazing gameplay, the game offers a smooth animation with crisp and colorful level design that goes well with the outstanding soundtrack.

Imperium 1992

About
	Release Date December 14, 1992
	Developer Jorudan
	Publisher Tokai Communications
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Imperium is a vertical scrolling shoot ’em up offering a heavy Japanese style both in its art direction and fast-paced animation. The game takes place in the far future where a mysterious alien race invades planet earth using a moving space fortress.

You take control of a mech suit called Imperium, the goal on each stage is to shower the invading enemies with bullets while avoiding multiple missiles and obstacles. Instead of the typical scoreboard and pick-up power-ups, the game offers an exp system where the player can upgrade the mech suit by collecting as many exp points as possible. The game also offers a five-hit health bar with no lives, if your ship is wrecked its game over. While this might be too challenging for some players’ taste I’m sure veteran players will enjoy some crushing retro difficulty.

Thunder Spirits 1991 Enhanced Port

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: June 08, 1990
	Developer Technosoft
	Publisher Technosoft
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

SNES Releases

Thunder Spirits is a port of a classic hit on the mighty Sega Genesis Thunder Force III. The Super Nintendo port adds more to the plate with modified levels and soundtracks. The player takes control of a super-powered starship that is under attack by mysterious foes. Your goal is to make it out safely through eight intergalactic stages.

While the first three levels might be familiar to those who played the original game, this port is very different especially further up in the game. The game starts off casually the challenge picks up little by little which makes this game a fair bargain for beginners just like myself. visually the game doesn’t differ a lot from the original game but the soundtrack is hugely improved with new music fitting the Snes library.

Spriggan Powered 1996

About
	Release Date July 26, 1996
	Developer Naxat Soft
	Publisher Naxat Soft
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Super Famicom Releases
1996-07-26

Spriggan Powered is another Super Famicom title that never left japan, but it’s fine you don’t need any Japanese knowledge to appreciate this little gem. The player controls a flying mech suit similar to Mobile Suit Gundam mechs. There are a total of six total stages with no saves or passwords, the goal is to fly through these levels taking down enemies’ mechs and collecting power orbs to power up your shield and super attack.

Aside from the normal attacks, the super attack can help you clear the screen and get out of tight situations when you have too many enemies to handle. The visuals are also a plus on this game offering one of the greatest visuals on the Super Nintendo console and of course an outstanding soundtrack selection. The challenge is also here with some unforgiving conditions and a system that will make you see the game over screen a lot.

Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie 1993

About
	Release Date October 29, 1993
	Developer Winkysoft
	Publisher Zamuse
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Super Famicom Releases
1993-10-29

Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie was the result of Macross anime’s huge success both in and outside Japan. While this game is still a Japan-only title to this day, fans didn’t disappoint offering a full-blown fan translation for hardcore anime fans. Taking place in a different parallel universe the game takes place right after Macross: Do You Remember Love events.

The game offers three playable characters from the anime universe fighting their way against a new alien invasion. You fly your way through hordes of enemies operating a mech suit that can act both as a humanoid mech and a fighting jet. The game features five levels, each featuring its own unique environment, enemies, and boss. In addition, the player can customize their Variable Fighter by equipping different weapons, items, and parts, allowing them to tailor their combat style to their own preferences.

Märchen Adventure Cotton 100% 1994

About
	Release Date April 22, 1994
	Developer Success
	Publisher Success
	Genre Shoot 'Em Up
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

Super Famicom Releases
1994-04-22

Cotton 100% is yet another masterpiece that unfortunately didn’t make it to the west until very very late. The game is more of cute ’em up being more colorful and cutesy compared to many games on this list. The player assumes the role of a young witch known as Cotton, together with her fairy companion Cotton ventures into this magical world shooting down enemies with her wand and collecting candies yeah you heard it right candies!

While the game is notable for its colorful and cuteys approach, it doesn’t hold your hands at all. The challenge is here and you will die a lot in the game. But fear not since practicing on this will make you the best on any other shooter. You can get this on the Super Famicom if not you can always purchase the English port both on the Switch and the PlayStation 4.