Space Invaders Classic
Best PlayStation shoot 'em ups
The Matrix has 60 shoot 'em ups on file for the PlayStation, released between 1995–2002. 30 of them support multiplayer, including 12 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the PS1 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.
Jikkyō Oshaberi Parodius Co-op
Salamander 2 Co-op
Gradius Gaiden Co-op
Descent Co-op
Salamander Co-op
Crypt Killer Deep cut
Machine Hunter Deep cut
Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters Deep cut
Raiden Deep cut Co-op
Raiden II Deep cut
Creature Shock Deep cut
In the Hunt Deep cut
Jupiter Strike Deep cut
Novastorm Deep cut
Strikers 1945 II Deep cut Co-op
X2 Deep cut
70's Robot Anime Geppy-X Deep cut
Galaxian3: Project Dragoon Deep cut
Sanvein Deep cut
Tiger-Heli Deep cut
Detana!! TwinBee Deep cut
Detana TwinBee Yahho! Deluxe Pack Deep cut
Asteroids Deep cut
DoDonPachi Deep cut Co-op
DonPachi Deep cut Co-op
Millennium Soldier: Expendable Deep cut
Night Striker Deep cut
Project Overkill Deep cut
Revolution X Deep cut
Viewpoint Deep cut
Shooter: Space Shot Deep cut
Twin Cobra Deep cut Co-op
Black Widow Deep cut
1943 Kai: Midway Kaisen Deep cut
Märchen Adventure Cotton 100% Deep cut
Re-Loaded Deep cut Co-op
Shienryu Deep cut
Space Invaders Deep cut Co-op
Total Eclipse Deep cut
Harmful Park Deep cut
Starblade Deep cut
Shoot 'em ups on other systems
Jaguar shoot 'em upsN64 shoot 'em ups32X shoot 'em upsSaturn shoot 'em ups3DO shoot 'em upsDreamcast shoot 'em ups