The 10 best FREE shoot 'em ups

Ad Nauseum 2
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This abstract shooter will launch more phalluses at you than a Second Life prank. Early enemies spawn tentacles that grow and quickly take over the entire screen if you don’t blast them down to size with your batter-pumping blaster. But despite the bodily references, Ad Nauseum 2 never feels like a lame pull-my-finger joke. It’s incredibly difficult. It’s fun to blow things up. And it’s an excellent shoot ‘em up. Ad Nauseum 2 is pretty short, but it’s completely free. Give it a chance and download it now by hitting the link above.

Above: When enemies take a hit, they release a satisfying spray of guts and goo

Above: Ad Nauseum 2 uses a cool blur effect when you strike enemies and compliments it’s visual style nicely

Below: A speed run through Ad Nauseum 2. Trust us. It’s harder than it looks. Click here to download it now if you think you’ve got what it takes

Detritus
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Detritus starts off as a stupidly easy clone of Asteroids, but give the game about 10 seconds. Before you know it, Detritus will begin kicking your ass left and right as hostile asteroid shapes begin assaulting you with no mercy. You can collect nifty power-ups to help you keep up with taking enemies down, but resistance is futile. Detritus is all about staying alive as long as you possibly can. If you think you’re hot stuff, compare your best score against the best of the best by visiting the game’s online leader board. This one’s definitely worth checking out. Click the link above to download it now.

Above: This is what Detritus looks like when you start a new game. Enjoy owning the asteroids while you can

Above: Who said shooters should be fair? You will die in Detritus. And you’ll enjoy it too

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