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Pixel-art shooters span more than one kind of game. If you want side-scrolling run-and-gun action, Huntdown and Blazing Chrome are strong starting points; if you prefer top-down combat built around repeat runs, Nuclear Throne offers a different fit. This is a short, source-backed selection—not a verified ranking of ten—so use the format and play-mode notes to find the right kind of shooter.
How to choose a pixel-art shooter
Start with perspective and structure. Side-scrolling run-and-gun games move through staged environments, while a top-down roguelike shooter such as Nuclear Throne centers on repeat runs. Then check whether you want to play solo or locally with someone else; cooperative support varies by game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sniper Elite 4 - Nintendo Switch | $29.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Metro Redux - Nintendo Switch | $27.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition - Nintendo Switch | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection - Nintendo Switch | $23.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Cabela's: The Hunt Championship Edition - Nintendo Switch | $31.12 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Side-scrolling run-and-gun: Look at Huntdown for a crime-themed arcade setup or Blazing Chrome for apocalyptic stages, bosses, and vehicle sequences.
- Top-down roguelike: Choose Nuclear Throne if you want mutant combat and a repeat-run structure.
- Play arrangement: The official descriptions for all three establish solo and/or local cooperative options, but confirm the details for the edition you plan to play.
Three pixel-art shooters to start with
1. Huntdown — cinematic side-scrolling action
Huntdown is a hard-boiled arcade shooter set in a future city ruled by criminal gangs. Its official site describes hand-painted 16-bit pixel art and hand-drawn animation, giving the game a deliberately staged, animated presentation. It supports solo play as well as co-op, making it a good fit for players who want a crime-comedy setting and the option to play together. Huntdown official site
2. Blazing Chrome — fast-paced run-and-gun stages
Blazing Chrome is a side-scrolling run-and-gun built around fast action. Its Steam listing highlights local co-op, five apocalyptic environments, pixel art, boss encounters, and vehicle sequences. Pick it if you want a classic arcade-style structure with a local partner option. Blazing Chrome on Steam
#1 Best Overall
- Genre-leading sniping defined by advanced, Authentic ballistics
- An expansive campaign featuring massive maps and Boundless strategy
- Trademark X-ray Kill cams, including melee and explosive takedowns
- Iconic Ww2 weaponry; Sniper rifles, pistols, smgs, traps, grenades and more
- Upgrade and customize your skills and weaponry as you progress
3. Nuclear Throne — top-down combat and repeat runs
Nuclear Throne is Vlambeer’s action roguelike-like about mutants in a post-apocalyptic world. It differs from a linear run-and-gun campaign: its top-down battles are organized around repeated attempts. Vlambeer’s official site lists 12 playable characters, over 120 weapons, and local co-op. It also lists PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita, and describes a purchase route that includes a DRM-free build and Steam key; availability and terms may change. Nuclear Throne official site
At a glance
| Game | Format | Structure and setting | Play options established by the cited source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntdown | Side-scrolling arcade shooter | Crime-themed future city | Solo and co-op |
| Blazing Chrome | Side-scrolling run-and-gun | Five apocalyptic environments; bosses and vehicle sequences | Local co-op |
| Nuclear Throne | Top-down action roguelike-like | Mutants in a post-apocalyptic world; repeat-run structure | Local co-op |
Descriptions and feature details come from the games’ official pages or storefront listing; the table is a format guide, not a comparative review. Store availability and platform support can change, so check the linked official page or store before buying.
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in the Moscow Metro - witness One of the most atmospheric worlds in gaming brought to life on Nintendo Switch
- Brave the horrors of the Russian Apocalypse - equip your gasmask and an arsenal of hand-made weaponry as you face the threat of deadly mutants, human foes, and the terrifying environment itself
- Two campaigns, and all DLC included - Metro Redux includes two complete campaigns that combine to create One epic solo adventure, plus a further 10 hours of bonus content
- Two unique play styles: 'spartan' And 'survival' - approach the campaign as a slow burn survival horror, or tackle it with the combat skills of a spartan ranger in these two unique modes
What about Kill the Crows and Colt Canyon?
Both titles have been suggested in discussions of pixel-art 2D shooters, but the available source for those suggestions does not establish their official descriptions, features, platforms, or current availability. Treat them as leads to investigate rather than confirmed picks in this list.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Multiple modes allow players to jump in or play for hours at higher difficulty levels. Cabela's: The Hunt offers modes for casual & dedicated players - Quick Hunt, Season Hunt & Cabela's Challenges. Gun is not included
- Adding authenticity, once the hunter finds the target, many factors come into play before pulling the trigger: range, scent, stalking ability, and more.
- Players' arsenal includes rifles, shotguns, side arms, & bows as well as a variety of calls, scents, blinds, decoys, scopes, an ATV, & state-of-the-art GPS mapping technology to aid in their hunt.
- Hunters will have ten beautiful realistic expansive environments to explore, each filled with a variety of prey, dangerous animals, hidden landmarks, and fun quick-action missions.
- Hunting Locations: Washington, Georgia, Wyoming, Maine, Missouri, New Mexico, Minnesota, Florida, Alberta, Alaska.
Rank #4
- Includes both Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue, plus all single-player DLC.
- Become the most feared pirate in the Caribbean in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag. Take part in an award-winning naval experience and explore a massive open world.
- Become the ultimate assassin hunter in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, and play as a Templar for the first time in franchise history.
- Additional bonus content: Black Beard: The Lost Journal (pp. 1– 55) and Assassin’s Creed: Awakening Volumes 1 & 2.
- Experience enhanced features like handheld mode, HD Rumble, a touch screen interface, and motion control aiming.
Rank #3
- YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE: Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options.
- LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT: With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
- A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE: Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more!
- QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION: Play with a friend in online co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone—no one misses out on loot.
- Includes: Borderlands 3 base game, Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock, Bounty of Blood, Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck, Designer's Cut, Director's Cut, and 30+ cosmetic items.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
