Fast-paced action, cartoon-style violence, and outrageous humor are what define the classic arcade shooter experience of Alien Hominid. Originally a flash game, Alien Hominid gained popularity for its hand-drawn visuals, chaotic gameplay, and challenging levels. For fans who loved the blend of side-scrolling action and quirky alien antics, there’s a wide range of games like Alien Hominid that offer a similar rush. Whether you enjoy pixelated shooters, run-and-gun gameplay, or cooperative mayhem, there are many alternatives that tap into the same retro-inspired, action-heavy vibe.
Classic Run-and-Gun Alternatives
Many games inspired by the classic arcade genre share mechanics with Alien Hominid. These titles typically involve moving side-to-side through levels, shooting enemies, dodging bullets, and picking up power-ups. They often feature vibrant graphics and tongue-in-cheek storytelling that keeps things light despite the on-screen chaos.
Metal Slug Series
One of the most well-known run-and-gun games, the Metal Slug franchise, is often considered a close cousin to Alien Hominid. With its cartoon-style graphics, exaggerated animations, and nonstop action, it delivers a thrilling and challenging experience.
- 2D hand-drawn sprites with smooth animations
- Lots of vehicle-based levels and enemy types
- Humor mixed with intense shooting gameplay
- Supports two-player co-op mode
Metal Slug’s combination of old-school arcade mechanics and humorous military theme make it a natural recommendation for fans of Alien Hominid.
Cuphead
Though more focused on boss battles and platforming, Cuphead shares a similar hand-drawn aesthetic and punishing difficulty. It is more of a bullet hell game than a traditional run-and-gun, but its spirit of artistic presentation and tight controls aligns well with what Alien Hominid fans enjoy.
- Unique 1930s cartoon animation style
- High difficulty level with memorization-based battles
- Supports two-player couch co-op
- Challenging side-scrolling shooter levels
Cuphead’s blend of vintage design and fast action makes it an eye-catching alternative with plenty of challenge and personality.
Indie Games With Similar Vibes
The indie scene is full of creative takes on the run-and-gun formula. Developers have used the success of Alien Hominid and similar titles to launch their own quirky, intense shooters that deliver fresh and exciting twists.
Broforce
Broforce is a chaotic run-and-gun shooter where everything explodes, including the terrain. Players take control of over-the-top action heroes in pixel-art form, blowing their way through levels and rescuing POWs.
- Destructible environments and explosive physics
- Features parodied versions of iconic action movie characters
- Supports up to 4-player co-op
- Simple controls, but fast-paced gameplay
Broforce is especially appealing to players who like over-the-top gameplay with a dose of satire and cooperative fun.
Bleed and Bleed 2
Bleed is a stylish twin-stick platform shooter that emphasizes acrobatics and speed. The protagonist, Wryn, wants to become the greatest video game hero, and she uses slow-motion abilities and rapid-fire shooting to take down waves of enemies.
- Smooth, responsive controls with wall-jumps and air dashes
- Single-player focus with tight level design
- Fast-paced boss fights and creative enemy patterns
- Retro-inspired visuals and arcade score system
The Bleed series is a great pick for players who want a solo challenge and precise, stylish gameplay.
Cooperative Multiplayer Mayhem
Alien Hominid was well-loved for its chaotic multiplayer mode. If you enjoy blasting enemies side-by-side with a friend, there are several games that keep the spirit of couch co-op alive in modern and retro-inspired formats.
Castle Crashers
Developed by the same studio as Alien Hominid, Castle Crashers offers the same zany humor and hand-drawn look, but in a beat em up format. Instead of guns, you wield swords and magic as you travel across colorful lands battling waves of enemies.
- Supports 4-player local and online co-op
- Leveling system with different character stats and abilities
- Absurd comedy and over-the-top bosses
- Mini-games and replayable arenas
Castle Crashers provides a fresh take on alien-hunting action, with a melee twist and similar chaotic charm.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game
Though more of a side-scrolling brawler than shooter, this game captures the indie spirit and retro art style that fans of Alien Hominid appreciate. With pixel-art animation and plenty of visual effects, it’s a fun romp through levels filled with quirky enemies and comic-book energy.
- 4-player co-op with RPG-style progression
- Unlockable moves, gear, and stats
- Vibrant pixel art and original music
- Strong nostalgic and pop-culture references
If you enjoyed the visual flair and humor of Alien Hominid, this title might hit the right notes despite its different combat style.
Modern Shoot-em-Up Experiences
For players seeking something that leans even more into bullet-hell or twitch reflex gameplay, modern shoot-em-ups and platform shooters can be thrilling alternatives.
Not a Hero
Not a Hero is a 2D cover-based shooter with pixel art and ridiculous storytelling. You play as a group of violent political operatives working for a purple bunny from the future. It’s fast, unforgiving, and hilarious.
- Slide mechanics for dodging and cover
- Unlockable characters with unique weapons and skills
- Short, action-packed levels with increasing difficulty
- Dark humor and exaggerated dialogue
Its quirky theme and rapid-fire gameplay will feel familiar to those who enjoy the chaos of Alien Hominid.
Enter the Gungeon
Though it’s a top-down shooter rather than a side-scroller, Enter the Gungeon is a chaotic bullet-hell roguelike filled with inventive weapons and enemies. Players dodge, shoot, and collect upgrades while trying to survive floor after floor of gun-themed madness.
- Procedurally generated levels with high replay value
- Hundreds of unique guns and items
- Single-player and two-player co-op
- Extremely polished pixel art and animations
If you loved Alien Hominid’s unpredictability and weapon variety, Enter the Gungeon might be a great genre twist worth exploring.
What Makes Games Like Alien Hominid So Fun?
Games similar to Alien Hominid succeed because they focus on a few key elements: fast action, memorable art styles, and a willingness to be ridiculous. These games aren’t trying to be ultra-realistic or overly serious they’re pure fun, often with a challenging edge. They typically offer:
- Intuitive controls that are easy to learn but hard to master
- Chaotic action that keeps the player constantly engaged
- Stylized graphics with personality and charm
- Creative enemy design and unexpected level twists
Whether you’re hunting aliens, blasting through armies, or dodging waves of bullets, these games deliver high energy and nonstop thrills.
Fans looking for games like Alien Hominid have plenty of exciting options across platforms. From the nostalgic feel of Metal Slug to the modern energy of Broforce and Cuphead, the genre is alive with creative variations. Whether you crave solo challenges or couch co-op sessions, the run-and-gun spirit is thriving in both indie and mainstream gaming. Explore these titles and you’re bound to find another favorite that brings the same rush of alien-blasting, cartoon-chaos goodness.