Games like The Bug Butcher

2D arcade shooter with vertical shooting mechanics. Blast bugs, collect coins, and protect scientists in a humorous, action-packed setting.

91% positive from 1,203 · 2016 · Steam Deck Playable · $7.99 $2.39 -70% · Lowest ever $1.59 (2018-12-20)

IndieActionShoot 'Em Up Arcade Local Co-Op Co-op

Six games like The Bug Butcher

Sky Force Reloaded

93% positive from 2,718 reviews20172% finish itDeck Verified

This is a modern arcade shoot 'em up with a core loop of blasting enemies, upgrading your plane, and completing missions. It offers intense action with beautiful environments and a deep progression system.

What players likedPlayers praise it as a modern, replayable arcade classic with balanced difficulty, rewarding weapon upgrades after initial grinding.

The catchProgress demands replaying the same stages endlessly to farm currency for upgrades.

Both are tagged Local Co-Op, Shoot 'Em Up and Arcade.

Games like Sky Force Reloaded →

Jamestown

94% positive from 2,362 reviews201119% finish itDeck Verified

A 4-player co-op top-down shooter with a steampunk Mars setting. Its core loop features reviving teammates to ensure collective survival.

What players likedPlayers praise this short, excellent bullet-hell shooter for its art, music, and writing.

The catchOften fails to run on modern systems and has gone years without any fix.

Both are tagged Local Co-Op, Shoot 'Em Up and Arcade.

Games like Jamestown →

Voidigo

96% positive from 2,762 reviews20234% finish itDeck Verified

Voidigo is a roguelite shooter with dynamic boss fights and weapon customization. Players dodge, stomp, and pursue fleeing enemies in a humorous, chaotic world.

What players likedPlayers praise Voidigo as a chaotic, charming, and fluid bullet-hell roguelike, often compared to Gungeon and Binding of Isaac.

The catchMost weapons and perks feel weak, leaving runs unrewarding and progression underwhelming.

Both are tagged Local Co-Op, Shoot 'Em Up and Action.

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Renegade Ops

85% positive from 2,860 reviews2011Deck Unsupported

Top-down vehicular combat shooter. Players destroy enemies in co-op or solo, upgrading vehicles and weapons.

What players likedPlayers praise this fast-paced, explosive top-down arcade shooter for its destructible environments and fun local co-op, reminiscent of old-school games.

The catchFrequent mid-mission crashes force a full level restart because there are no checkpoints.

Both are tagged Local Co-Op, Arcade and Co-op.

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Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara

81% positive from 1,983 reviews201330% finish itDeck Playable

Capcom's two D&D arcade beat 'em ups, Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara, with four-player drop-in online co-op, class picking, and House Rules toggles like infinite item durability.

What players likedPlayers praise this compilation of faithful D&D arcade beat 'em ups for its incredible pixel art and online multiplayer.

The catchController support is broken or missing and the keyboard controls cannot be rebound.

Both are tagged Local Co-Op, Arcade and Action.

Games like Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara →

METAL SLUG X

88% positive from 3,922 reviews20142% finish itDeck Verified

This is a 2D run-and-gun action shooter with arcade and mission modes. Players shoot enemies and vehicles while navigating challenging levels.

The catchThe port emulates badly, with constant lag spikes, stutter and noticeable input delay.

Both are tagged Shoot 'Em Up, Arcade and Co-op.

Games like METAL SLUG X →

More like this: Arcade Co-op Local Co-Op Shoot 'Em Up

More about The Bug Butcher

What players liked

Players praise its fast-paced vertical combat, reminiscent of Pang!, and its fun cooperative gameplay.

The catch

The simple shoot upward loop and thin variety turn repetitive well before the end.

Reviews: 91% positive from 1,203
Released: 2016
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $7.99 $2.39 -70% · Lowest ever $1.59 (2018-12-20)
Play: Single-playerCo-opMulti-playerFull controller supportRemote Play Together

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 91% positive, but with 1,203 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

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