Vampire Survivors | Poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
Vampire Survivors is a game that has taken the gaming world by storm, with even Xbox’s Phil Spencer confessing his obsession with it. This auto-shooter has not only continued to thrive but has also inspired a wave of similar games in the genre. With a variety of playable characters, unlockable levels, and secrets to uncover, Vampire Survivors offers a captivating gameplay experience that is hard to resist.
What sets Vampire Survivors apart is its intuitive controls and straightforward gameplay, making it easy to get lost in its charm. With low starting costs and reasonably priced DLC expansions, the game offers a generous amount of content for players to explore. The game’s expansions, including Among Us and Contra, have only added to its popularity, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Picayune Dreams | Stepford, Andyland, Milkypossum | PC (Win)
For those looking for a reverse bullet hell experience similar to Vampire Survivors, Picayune Dreams is a surreal space shooter that offers a unique twist on the genre. With toggleable auto-shooter elements, transmogrification mechanics, and boss battles that descend into bullet hell, Picayune Dreams stands out as one of the best games in its category.
The game’s surreal enemy designs, enigmatic story, and thematic independence make it a refreshing addition to the genre. Players can expect a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience that is sure to keep them engaged from start to finish.
Brotato | Blobfish | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PlayStation, Switch, Xbox
Brotato offers a fun and lighthearted take on the auto-shooter genre, with tightly controlled arenas and a focus on quick, nimble gameplay. Players can combine different weapons to create powerful combinations, adding a layer of strategy to the game. With short and sweet rounds and thousands of combinations to experiment with, Brotato promises an entertaining and engaging experience for players.
The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and variety of weapons make each run feel different, ensuring that players will always have something new to discover. Brotato’s silly yet rewarding gameplay makes it a standout title in the genre that is worth checking out.
The Best of the Rest
Here are a few more games in the survivors-like genre that are worth exploring:
– **Conquest Dark | Eldritch Sword Games | PC (Win)**: A brutal survivors-like with a razor-sharp gameplay loop and a unique overworld map mechanic.
– **Hive Jump 2: Survivors | Graphite Lab, Joystick, Sonamu Games | PC (Lin, Win)**: Inspired by Starship Troopers, this challenging shooter offers tense gunplay and unique gameplay mechanics.
– **Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors | Funday Games | PC (Win)**: Set in the DRG universe, this game offers a twist on the survivors-like formula with mining mechanics and futuristic weaponry.
– **Boneraiser Minions | caiys | PC (Win)**: Control an evil army of reanimated corpses in this deep and visually striking game with a unique color palette.
– **Death Must Die | Realm Archive | PC (Mac, Win)**: A fantasy action-RPG with gothic vibes and powerful abilities, perfect for those who enjoy narrative-driven roguelikes.
– **Soulstone Survivors | Game Smithing | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS5, Xbox**: A slick action-RPG with deep systems and engaging gameplay, featuring a bold low-poly art style and a pumping soundtrack.
– **Yet Another Zombie Survivors | Awesome Games Studio | PC (Win)**: A technically polished survivors game with a variety of zombie types and unique gameplay mechanics.
– **20 Minutes Till Dawn | flanne | Android, PC (Mac, Win)**: A heart-pounding action-roguelite with minimalist art and tightly controlled gameplay loop.
– **Breaking Survivors | Axel Born | PC (Lin, Win)**: A unique take on classic Breakout gameplay with new mechanics and addictive gameplay.
– **Halls of Torment | Chasing Carrots | PC (Lin, Win)**: An action-packed survivors-like with grim-faced pixel-art graphics and a proper challenge.
– **Void Scrappers | 8BitSkull | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)**: A fast-paced sci-fi shooter with upgradeable ships and chaotic gameplay.
– **Chess Survivors | Aarimous | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)**: A unique survivors-like game that combines Chess mechanics with engaging gameplay.
A Couple of Freebies
For those looking for free games in the genre, here are two recommendations:
– **Disfigure | Cold Brew Entertainment | PC (Win)**: A horror shooter set in total darkness, offering a tense and thrilling gameplay experience.
– **HoloCure – Save the Fans! | KayAnimate | PC (Win)**: A fan-made game based on HoloLive, offering a unique bullet heaven experience with a distinct identity.
