The 7 Best Dual-Stick Shooters for Android

Space Marshals

This dual-stick shooter stands out from everything else on this list due to it's stealthier, more tactical nature. You can't just rush in guns blazing: you have to be smart and use your limited ammo and tools wisely to take out enemies without alerting others. Thankfully, the game gives you great touch controls to work with. It's a change of pace compared to traditional twin-stick shooters, but quite a welcome one.

Crimsonland

Developer 10tons originally made this dual-stick shooter back in 2003, but it's given it some modern tweaks and upgrades along while releasing it on virtually every single platform.

It's apparent 10tons was just ahead of its time with this game: its upgrade systems, large numbers of enemies at once, and co-op action for multiple players (if you have a gamepad) all make it a game that's as good now as it was in 2003.

PewPew 2

Plenty of games have tried to mimic Geometry Wars' style, to varying effect. PewPew 2 might be the best of these clones, as it isn't afraid to go its own way. It features a level-based mode, along with several endless modes that actually go beyond what Geometry Wars games have ever done. Its inspiration may be obvious, but it still has a good reason to exist.

Xenowerk

In case Space Marshals developer Pixelbite had you convinced they couldn't do a fast and brutal dual-stick shooter after Space Marshals' stealthy offering, well, Xenowerk will prove you wrong. This game is all about spraying bug guts over dark corridors with various forms of ever more powerful weaponry. It's a real hoot, and a fun way to sit back and just destroy every mutated creature you can find.

Inferno 2

Radiangames delivers a sizable level-based dual-stick shooter here, as you explore levels for their objectives and secrets, taking out enemies along the way, with periodic boss fights. The structure doesn't sound super-exciting, but it's the kind of game you can sit down and play for hours on end because it's just so well-made. It's a fun, engrossing experience that knows what it's trying to do: provide you with hours and hours of shooting action.

Bullet Storm Arena

This game deserves notice because it manages to do so many things differently from other dual-stick shooters. It's in portrait mode, for starters, although it still requires two hands to play. But the game also uses Battlezone-style controls where you move like a tank, albeit with the ability to move in any direction while facing the same way.

You might not be a huge fan of games that use intentionally odd control schemes, but this one stands out as a particularly unique experience. Add in the fact this one has authentic Japanese design, especially evident in the music and sound effects, and it's certainly worth experiencing.