There have been many changes to Bootansoft's horizontal shooter Arachnos since it's initial release. In the latest version (1.84), the author has included a difficulty setting and the option to increase the number of ships for each game.

Arguably the best freeware Gradius tribute available. [gameplay videos]

Name: Arachnos
Developer: Bootansoft
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB
Direct download link: Click here

Labels: sh0807

Honeyblaster is the latest release from the low key game development team LowFuel, though they have been quite prolific in other areas such as the demo scene and design related work. This particular demo features three levels with a colored background option included for players who are not keen on playing the game in it's original black and white format.

Each stage has it's own setting and offers a variety of enemies to blast at, but undeniably the Doom tribute level was designed to impress the most.

Name: Honeyblaster
Developer: LowFuel
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

Labels: sh0807

Cyclops is a new arena shooter from the author of Warning Forever, in which the player has to protect a turret from destruction by eliminating enemy ships or bullets with the help of a mounted laser beam weapon.

Your primary weapon requires a short recharge period after each use, and at times the turret doesn't turn quick enough to combat the arriving enemy waves. Reflection panels can be used to your advantage in this situation, as your beam bounces off them at a certain angle when they're shot at. Asteroids cannot be destroyed, but green enemy ships will attempt to collide with the turret to inflict a damage of five percent.

The number of enemies to eliminate in each round is shown at the bottom left of the screen, and a ten percent damage restoration bonus is awarded before the start of a new level. Shields are unlimited and protect against nearly all danger except for collision with a certain green object twice the size of your turret.

The cyclops.ini text file can be edited to enable full screen mode. Sound will be implemented in future releases.

Name: Cyclops
Developer: Hikware
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Labels: sh0807

Least Best Room is a new Flash game by Kenta Cho which attempts to simulate gravity and physics in a tight space. This experimental project involves moving your avatar forward and trying to avoid mines, all the while squeezing through inflatable red balls or collecting green energy items.

Use the cursor keys to move your character around, and hold the Z key to shoot. Your personal best distance is shown at the title screen but never saved when the browser window is refreshed or closed.

Name: Least Best Room
Developer: Kenta Cho
Category: Shooter
Type: Browser

Labels: sh0807

In xWUNG, you play by moving the mouse to swing a ball. The ball's attached to a wire, and both of them kill enemies on contact. Be careful of the debris as it's deadly. There are bosses that appear with regular intervals. Make large combos to get good scores. [source: the2bears]

Online high score table

Name: xWUNG
Developer: cactus
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB
Direct download link: Click here

Labels: cactus, sh0807

Jph's Black Bullet Hell is a game with a simple control scheme and minimal use of colors. Hold the left control key to shoot and press the left shift key to aim. Collect glowing white orbs to increase your shot range and ship's health.

Acquire 512 orbs to win the game, or use the escape key to quit.

Name: Black Bullet Hell
Developer: Jph
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Labels: sh0807

DNA is an arena shooter with some resemblance to Jenova Chen's flOw. Shoot at enemies to generate planktons, which can be collected and used to barter for a variety of upgrades.

Use the left and right cursor key to turn, and hold the up arrow key to move forward. Press the enter key to select an upgrade, or tap the F4 function key to switch between full screen and windowed mode.

Name: DNA
Developer: Jan Willem Nijman
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB
Download page: Click here

Labels: sh0807

ad2 is a minimalistic 3D arena shooter with RPG elements, though the game is too short with very little depth to sustain interest of players after completing a mission for the first time.

The map shows available paths and enemy encounters for a player to gather invasion points, which can then be used to evolve the ship in several ways. Hold the Z key to shoot, and press the X key to launch a bomb.

Name: ad2
Developer: KMC
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB
Direct download link: Click here

Labels: sh0807

Tatan is a simple vertical shooter by HIZ with minimal movement controls, but still manages to offer a couple minutes' worth of action. Use the space key to switch sides, and aim your shots by moving the target around with the mouse.

One short level only.

Name: Tatan
Developer: HIZ
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB
Direct download link: Click here

Labels: sh0807

Sonic Ironstorm is the latest vertical shooter by DHC, developer of Demolition Gunner and the commercial project Vulkaiser. Much like their recent releases, four difficulty levels are included for the convenience of beginners and to offer a decent challenge for veterans as well.

Use the Z key to shoot, and press the X key to launch a missile. Collectibles marked S increases your shield count, while collecting items marked P upgrades your firepower in small increments. Three stages only.

Name: Sonic Ironstorm
Developer: DHC
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 3MB
Direct download link: Click here

Labels: sh0807

Shoot 'em is a 3D turret action game made completely out of ASCII characters. Your goal is to destroy the falling objects before they reach the ground and to survive for as long as possible. The longer you survive, the more points you will get. You will also get extra points for each object destroyed.

Use the mouse to aim and fire. Left click to activate the machine gun, or right click to launch a mine towards the distance. Health is reduced whenever an object reaches the bottom grid. Increase health by destroying a green diamond.

Shrapnels and particles from destroyed objects are harmless but can be distracting. These can be turned off or doubled by using the command line option 'c' or 'p'. A working online high score table is included for your amusement. [source: TIGS]

Name: Shoot 'em
Developer: Jan Ringos
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Labels: sh0807