16 Underrated Top-Down Shooter Games on Steam
16 Underrated Top-Down Shooter Games on Steam
The Top-Down Shooters You’re Probably Overlooking
Let’s face it, first-person shooters are like looking through a peephole compared to the wide-open view of top-down shooters. Sure, games like Enter the Gungeon, The Ascent, and Hotline Miami may be all the rage, but there are plenty of other top-down shooters that deserve some love. So, let’s broaden our perspective and take a look at these underrated gems that are just waiting to be discovered.
16. Westerado: Double Barreled
– Release Year: 2015 – Platforms: PC, Xbox One – Steam Page
Step into the wild west with Westerado: Double Barreled, an open-world top-down shooter that offers replayability like no other. With its procedurally-generated elements and a gripping revenge plot, this underrated indie game is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
15. Grand Theft Auto 2
– Release Year: 1999 – Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Game Boy – Steam Page
Before Grand Theft Auto went all fancy with its over-the-shoulder perspective, there was Grand Theft Auto 2. This arcade-style top-down shooter takes players to a gritty and chaotic world where causing mayhem and completing missions is the name of the game. Explore the historic roots of the beloved franchise and have a blast in retro London.
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14. Neon Chrome
– Release Year: 2015 – Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One, Mobile – Steam Page
If you’re craving a top-down shooter with powerful weapons and a cyberpunk aesthetic, look no further than Neon Chrome. This roguelite title not only offers stylish visuals but also an abundance of destruction and upgrades. Get ready to unleash chaos on your enemies and enjoy the co-op gameplay feature with a friend!
13. Nuclear Throne
– Release Year: 2015 – Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One – Steam Page
Step into a post-apocalyptic world where mutants hold the key to salvation in Nuclear Throne. This fast-paced bullet-hell shooter allows you to collect radiation and mutate into a powerful being while mowing down enemies with an arsenal of guns. Prepare yourself for intense shootouts and a killer soundtrack.
12. Brotato
– Release Year: 2023 – Platforms: PC, Mobile, Nintendo Switch – Steam Page
Potatoes in space? That’s right! Brotato is a highly-rated top-down shooter that takes you on an intergalactic adventure. Crash-landed on an alien planet, it’s up to Brotato to survive wave after wave of hostile aliens. With its cute aesthetic and addictive gameplay, Brotato is definitely worth a play.
11. Red Hot Vengeance
– Release Year: 2019 – Platforms: PC – Steam Page
Ever wondered what would happen if Superhot and Hotline Miami had a baby? Look no further than Red Hot Vengeance. This stylish top-down shooter features stickman art, intense action, and an intriguing revenge plot. Blow your enemies away in this satisfying, blood-soaked adventure, and don’t forget to check out the level editor for endless fun.
10. Snake Force
– Release Year: 2021 – Platforms: PC – Steam Page
Take a classic like Snake, mix it with a top-down shooter and FPS elements, and you get Snake Force. Play as a lone gunman in first-person view, then recruit and control a gun-toting snake in top-down mode. It’s a unique twist on the genre that offers a fun and cute aesthetic along with innovative gameplay.
9. Akane
– Release Year: 2018 – Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC – Steam Page
Get ready for a cyberpunk action extravaganza in Akane. This game draws inspiration from classics like Ghost in the Shell and Akira, offering a stylish and immersive experience. As the titular character, you’ll embark on a Kill Bill-esque journey, slicing and shooting your way through hordes of cyber-Yakuza. Prepare for blood, death, and neon lights.
8. Synthetik: Legion Rising
– Release Year: 2018 – Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One – Steam Page
Dive into the intense world of Synthetik: Legion Rising, a shooter that combines the best elements of top-down action and roguelike gameplay. With its 16-bit visual style and booming gunfire, this game offers an adrenaline-fueled experience that rivals even FPS titles. Take on the Machine Legion and their gods in this relentless battle for freedom.
7. Helldivers Dive Harder Edition
– Release Year: 2015 – Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PC – Steam Page
If you’re in the mood for intense intergalactic warfare, look no further than Helldivers Dive Harder Edition. This twin-stick shooter puts you in the boots of an elite team of soldiers fighting against the enemies of mankind. With its co-op gameplay and thrilling battles, Helldivers is a must-play for shooter enthusiasts.
6. 20 Minutes Till Dawn
– Release Year: 2022 (early access) – Platforms: PC, Mobile – Steam Page
Lovecraftian horror meets anime girls in 20 Minutes Till Dawn. Take control of these 16-bit heroines and unleash their unique strengths, weapons, and abilities against nightmarish creatures. With its stunning visuals and challenging gameplay, this game is a must-play for fans of bullet-hell shooters like Enter the Gungeon.
5. Foxhole
– Release Year: 2017 (early access) – Platforms: PC – Steam Page
Step into the boots of a soldier in Foxhole, a unique take on the WW2 genre. Instead of the usual cramped first-person perspective, Foxhole offers a top-down view of the battlefield. Coordinate with other players in this massively multiplayer game and engage in strategic warfare. Whether storming bunkers or driving tanks, Foxhole is a war game fan’s dream come true.
4. Ruiner
– Release Year: 2017 – Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC – Steam Page
Before cyberpunk was all the rage, Ruiner was already ahead of its time. Dive into a dystopian cyberpunk world filled with philosophical depth and relentless action. Fast, stylish, and unrelenting, Ruiner offers a unique shooter experience that will leave you craving for more.
3. Voidigo
– Release Year: 2021 (early access) – Platforms: PC – Steam Page
Looking for a vibrant and chaotic top-down shooter? Voidigo has got you covered. With its colorful visuals and dynamic combat, this game is a feast for the eyes. Take on challenging boss fights and embrace the rogue-lite elements as you face off against piñata-like enemies. Voidigo is a joyride that will keep you coming back for more.
2. Star Valor
– Release Year: 2022 – Platforms: PC – Steam Page
Explore the vast expanse of space in Star Valor, a space-themed top-down shooter that offers the perfect blend of RPG elements and action-packed gameplay. Choose your path and become a pirate, bounty hunter, merchant, miner, or business magnate in this expansive universe. Star Valor is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.
1. Brigador: Up-Armored Edition
– Release Year: 2016 – Platforms: PC – Steam Page
Brigador: Up-Armored Edition is the cyberpunk shooter that you need in your life. With its stunning visuals and electrifying soundtrack, this game immerses you in a world of chaos and destruction. Pilot a mech through neon-lit streets and take on the oppressive autocracy. Brigador is a tour de force that deserves all the accolades.
There you have it, folks! These top-down shooters may not be getting the attention they deserve, but they are true gems in the gaming world. So, strap in, lock and load, and prepare for some exhilarating action in these underrated titles. Happy shooting!
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