# Astro Wars — Classic 80s Retro Emulation > Accurate emulation of the classic 80s handheld arcade game Astro Wars. (iPhone/iPad app by Rob Wilmot.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-wars/id665882635 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Rob Wilmot](https://appshunter.io/developer/520672432) - Category: Games, Reference, Casual, Simulation - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 4.20/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 72 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.1 · 28 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2013-09-02 - Data updated: 2026-09-08 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-wars/id665882635/reviews.md ## What is Astro Wars? Astro Wars reviewed in the latest edition of Retro Gamer magazine: "Fans of the old tabletop game from Grandstand will be highly impressed with this accurate IOS port. It looks superb, sounds annoyingly authentic and features every stage and the ship docking from the original game." 72% -Retro Gamer After the success of our Galaxy Invader and Invader from Space games, BeatsNBobs are proud to release our most eagerly anticipated and requested video game emulation, Astro Wars. Also known as Galaxy II *Screenshots show actual app in action and original artwork based on the original packaging. See how close to the real thing it is! Travel back to the 80's and this was THE video game to have in the home. It was one of the most advanced video games of the time with four sub games, coloured fluorescent display and a joystick only seen in the arcades. You could finally have your very own arcade machine in your home. These types of machines were made by companies such as Grandstand, Tomy, Entex, CGL, Tandy, Bandai and Epoch to name but a few. Also known as "Galaxy II" by Epoch • Accurate simulation of the classic handheld /desktop machine • Full retro sounds • 4 waves of attack • Simple and addictive • Totally nostalgic Some reviews so far: Great retro fun ***** by romfordneil - Version 1.0 - Sep 7, 2013 Super gameplay just like the original machine for those of us of a certain age! A blast from the past ***** by Bagpuss1000 - Version 1.0 - Sep 3, 2013 A perfect emulation...... A must for retro fans. Brilliant old skool action ***** by psj3809 - Version 1.0 - Sep 2, 2013 I remember this from the early 80s. It was one if the best tabletop games out there This is a brilliant version for iOS and the memories come flooding back. Well worth picking up TO PLAY: Turn Power ON (menu will disappear and intro music will play). Select Level (Graphics will resemble difficulty level). Press Start (Gameplay will begin after intro music). Fire at all enemies while dodging enemy fire on all phases of attack. If you survive three attack waves,you get the chance for more points if you can dock your rocket-ship. Press fire, left and right for thrusts to land rocket ship. Game is complete when you reach 9999 points or you lose all your lives. To restart, turn off and on Power. If using with iCade or compatible controller, press the iCade button on top left and you can now use joystick and red fire(5) button. NOTE: pressing this without connection to a compatible Bluetooth controller will bring up the keyboard. If this happens just press the button again to turn it off. We have painstakingly analysed every detail of this game and we have managed to achieve 99% of the original. We had to modify the controls as it simply does not work as well on an iPhone or iPad so you now have extra large arrow keys but we have left the joystick in for the purists out there (which you can try to use but we recommend the larger arrow keys). All the sound effects are here. All four phases including the docking sequence. We compared this to two real machines as these also vary with slight details and we are very pleased with the results. We hope you will be too. If you find anything that does not feel quite right let us know from the app. Enjoy this blast from the past and if you like this why not look at our others. More information about this classic game on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro_Wars ## Key features - Accurate simulation of classic handheld machine - Full retro sound effects - Four waves of attack - Simple and addictive gameplay - Nostalgic 80s experience - Ship docking challenge ## What do users think of Astro Wars? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - ✨ Nostalgia trip - 💯 Accurate recreation - 🎶 Authentic sounds - 🕹️ Classic gameplay - 👍 Simple fun - 🤩 Childhood memories - 🚀 Great retro feel - 👌 Faithful to original **Cons** - 👎 Poor controls - 🐌 Laggy controls - 🤷 Unresponsive controls - 🐛 Frequent crashes - 🚫 Doesn't work - 💸 Not worth money - ⚫ Black screen issue - 🤏 Small screen on iPhone - ⏳ Docking sequence timing - 🔇 No sound **Commonly reported bugs** - Lag on left right controls - Constant crashing - Controls don't work - Black screen - Joystick works poorly - Game doesn't switch on - No sound - Controls are so bad - Unresponsive controls - Docking manoeuvre timing out - Cannot move left and right on lander level - Sometimes only takes 2 shots not 3 to knock out aliens - Ship nor the dock moves in the docking sequence - Left right controls need work - Controls are not responsive enough - Ship dock is uncontrollable - No sound on iPad Pro **Most requested features** - Improve slider control responsiveness - Fix docking sequence timing - Make controls more positive - Expand responsive area for controls - Fix lander level movement - Fix alien hit detection timing - Add continuous melody for 10 times in sound - Fix docking maneuver timing out - Fix ship and dock movement in docking sequence - Fix lander level movement and alien hit detection ## Recent user reviews (10 of 72) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-wars/id665882635/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Terrible controls *2026-02-24* The Lag on the left right controls is terrible. Anyone thinking of purchasing this has been warned. How the developers this think is acceptable and done nothing about it is criminal. ### 4/5 — Good simple fun. *2025-08-31* The game is seemingly an accurate replica of the original 1980’s electronic game, it is a fun space shooter, quite enjoyable. I like it. ### 5/5 — Kid Again *2025-06-13* Can’t afford to buy one of these on eBay so this is the next best thing. Makes me feel 11 years old again. Love it and thank you for creating. ### 4/5 — Very Evocative Rendering of a Family Favourite *2024-12-18* This re-creation is pretty much spot on for both the look and sound. Anyone who used one in the 80s (as I did playing against my two sons) will be instantly taken back. It’s a shame the slider control (for L/R movement) couldn’t have been made a bit more positive. In the throes of battle you tend to lose your positioning of whichever digit you use. Maybe a responsive area for that specific control that covers a larger area). That said, it’s worth the price just for the nostalgia value. ### 1/5 — Appalling - DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY *2023-12-23, version 3.2* Absolutely appalling effort to reproduce a classic. The fact they are charging for this pile of crap is a crime. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE! ### 2/5 — When it does work *2023-10-30* Brought back so many good memories, the noise, the graphics but the constant crashing really takes the shine off😕 Please sort it out as I would love to play this more. **Developer response:** Sorry to see this is crashing for you. Can you email me the issues so I can fix it. Thanks ### 5/5 — Childhood reborn *2023-04-15* It’s Astro Wars and it’s Xmas as a kid . Does what it says. It rocks. If you know, you know then buy it. ### 1/5 — Rubbish *2023-03-16* Doesn’t work. The original was more playable than this trash. Controls don’t work and won’t go passed the first level. I want my money back! ### 1/5 — Astro wars *2023-03-14, version 3.0* One of the worst apps I’ve ever played. Really difficult to control, not worth 4p never mind £4. Save your money. ### 1/5 — Rubbish *2023-01-11, version 3.0* Doesn’t work properly ## Frequently asked questions about Astro Wars ### What is Astro Wars? Astro Wars is an accurate emulation of a classic 80s tabletop arcade game, also known as Galaxy II. It features authentic retro sounds, graphics, and gameplay, including four waves of attack and a ship docking challenge. ### What are the key features of Astro Wars? Key features include an accurate simulation of the original handheld machine, full retro sound effects, four waves of attack, simple and addictive gameplay, and a nostalgic 80s experience. It also includes a challenging ship docking sequence for bonus points. ### How much does Astro Wars cost? Based on the provided information, the application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase for the full game. ### What devices is Astro Wars compatible with? The app is described as an iOS port and mentions compatibility with iPhone and iPad. It also supports iCade and compatible controllers for a more authentic arcade experience. ### What is the gameplay like in Astro Wars? Gameplay involves firing at enemies while dodging their fire across different attack phases. Surviving three waves allows players to attempt to dock their rocket-ship for extra points. The game ends upon reaching 9999 points or losing all lives. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.2 — 2023-08-01 Fixed some screen issues with newer phones ### 3.0 — 2018-08-30 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Updated Adjusted layout for iPhone X Fixed some occasions/devices where iCade button wouldn't work ### 2.0 — 2017-06-14 Updated Core Code ### 1.4 — 2015-01-22 Added.improved the touch buttons as an option to control. Touch left or right arrow moves controller left or right once. Let go to press again. Moved these lower down from joystick as it was conflicting with cursor buttons. Added optimization for iPhone6 and iPhone6+. ### 1.3 — 2014-10-29 Updated screen resolution compatibility for all current devices including iPhone 5, iPhone 6, Retina and iPhone Plus. Fixed issue where users noticed Hi-Score does not stay on screen after game play as in original arcade tabletop game. ## Apps similar to Astro Wars | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Power Crazy Fruit Machine Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/power-crazy-fruit-machine-game/id1493023611) | 4.5 (2) | Free | Games | | [Revolver Pub Fruit Machine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/revolver-pub-fruit-machine/id1512279638) | 3.0 (2) | Free | Games | | [DIY Joystick Game 3D](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-joystick-game-3d/id1633717584) | 2.8 (4) | Free | Games | | [ZX81](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zx81/id1180117434) | 4.9 (91) | Free | Games | | [Blue Box Simulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blue-box-simulator/id1557069711) | 4.5 (107) | Free | Games | | [CashRoll Pub Fruit Machine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cashroll-pub-fruit-machine/id1488840301) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Rob Wilmot - [Synthophone Stylophone clone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthophone-stylophone-clone/id539352924) - [Lasertron Laser Harp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lasertron-laser-harp/id554274775) - [Stylo-101 (Stylophone+SH-101)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylo-101-stylophone-plus-sh-101/id580882414) - [TONAL RECALL™ - memory game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonal-recall-memory-game/id636501845) - [ParpoPhone Special Edition Fart Stylophone Machine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parpophone-special-edition-fart-stylophone-machine/id641524520) - [CasioTron Beats: Retro Drums](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/casiotron-beats-retro-drums/id657239449) All apps by Rob Wilmot: https://appshunter.io/developer/520672432 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-08.*