Best Commodore 64 shoot 'em ups

The Matrix has 159 shoot 'em ups on file for the Commodore 64, released between 1983–2010. 30 of them support multiplayer, including 7 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the C64 come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.

Typical commitment: quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun). Tip: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.