# Critical Mass - war in space

> Future space combat strategy game with turn-based missions and homing missiles. (iPhone/iPad app by Sean O'Connor.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/critical-mass-war-in-space/id1313190924 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Sean O'Connor](https://appshunter.io/developer/305324345)
- Category: Games, Simulation, Strategy
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 25 App Store ratings · 23 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 18 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-11-28
- Data updated: 2026-09-14
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/critical-mass-war-in-space/id1313190924/reviews.md

## What is Critical Mass?

Critical Mass is a game set in the future, where you are the commander of a squadron of spaceships. You will be sent on one of 40 different types of mission, ranging from protecting a convoy, to attacking an enemy starbase, to defending Earth.

You fight enemy spaceships using six different types of missiles which home in on the nearest target, so you have to be careful not to destroy your own friends...

The game is turn based, but with missiles homing in on your tail, enemy ships weaving to get out of your line of sight and sirens screaming warnings at you it can get pretty frantic!

## Key features

- Space combat command
- Turn-based gameplay
- 40+ mission types
- Homing missile combat
- Squadron management

## Recent user reviews (10 of 23)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/critical-mass-war-in-space/id1313190924/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Best version since the original

*2026-01-22*

Critical Mass has undergone a lot of versions since the original back in the 90s. This is the first that I think is better than the original, with a tight roster of well-balanced ships, and battles that don’t scale so grand that you feel like a cog.

Where the game does slip is in failing to end missions once you leave. I don’t need to spend several minutes watching the enemy slowly win, or be beaten back. Just let me skip to a defeat screen and get on with actually playing the game.

### 4/5 — Missing mute for audio?

*2025-09-27*

The game is great. The only thing I do t like is that it is missing the mute for the audio.

### 5/5 — Tolles Spiel!

*2025-05-29*

Wer auf alte 2D-PC-Spiele steht, die zwar einfach, aber genial durchdacht sind, kommt hier voll auf seine Kosten. Immer wieder gut, auch nach Jahren.

### 5/5 — Love this game!

*2025-02-16*

I first got this game as a shareware title in the 90’s, I think on an issue of PCGamer.

Played it for months.  Then somehow found it on iOS a few year ago and have been playing it on and off ever since.

Love this game.  It’s not modern but its a simple, addictive concept that just works really well.

At almost 30 years, this has to be the longest a game has kept me engaged.  Well done!!!

### 5/5 — Please

*2024-03-01*

Please update this amazing game!!

### 5/5 — Very addicting and fun

*2023-10-26*

I played this game as a kid back in the late 90s, and was happily surprised when I found it on here. My only complaint is that I wish you could reset the Honor Roll.

### 5/5 — Utterly addictive and re-playable

*2022-10-27*

Been playing this on Windows for 20 years and loving this iOS version. It's one of those "just one more go" types of games. Very unique synchronous turn-based game (where you and the enemy both plot out your next one second's flight path and choice of missiles). Great enemy AI too. Patience is key. Greed is not.

### 5/5 — Love it

*2022-07-08*

This game is so awesome I only wish it was more like the old original version from windows with the design your own ship feature

### 5/5 — My favorite!

*2022-01-06*

I recommend downloading Critical Mass! 2022

Missions are played in quick turns, and it feels like intense dogfighting in space. In a turn, the player adjusts the course of their spaceship, decides what types of missiles to fire, and can eject or use the ‘cloak’ or ‘forcefield’ ability.

Before missions, the player is allotted points (rewarded by success) to assemble their squadron. Also, the mission briefing is given.

After missions, the game reports the mission outcome and awards you and your surviving squadron. It feels good if you manage to keep your entire squadron alive.

Here are a few tips I’d tell my past self:
- Don’t shoot your buddies down!
- Learn behavioral patterns!
- Think two moves ahead.
- You don’t have to fire at every chance.
- READ MISSION BRIEFINGS!

My best game just ended and lasted 14 missions, and I was awarded 2 gold medals (among others). Update: I’ve reached 20 missions with 4 gold medals! Update again: I'm a pro!

### 3/5 — Flawed fun.

*2020-12-30*

It’s enjoyable but it has an annoying bug where it occasionally turns in the opposite direction to what I set it to.

## Frequently asked questions about Critical Mass

### What is Critical Mass - war in space about?

Critical Mass is a turn-based strategy game where you command a squadron of spaceships in future space combat. You'll undertake various missions, from defending Earth to attacking enemy starbases, using different types of missiles.

### What are the main gameplay features?

The game features over 40 different mission types, tactical combat using six types of homing missiles, and turn-based gameplay that can become quite frantic. You'll need to manage your squadron and avoid friendly fire.

### Is Critical Mass - war in space free to play?

Yes, the application data indicates that the game is free to play and does not have in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What kind of missions can I expect in the game?

You can expect a wide variety of missions, including protecting convoys, attacking enemy starbases, and defending Earth. There are over 40 distinct mission types available.

### How does combat work in Critical Mass?

Combat is turn-based but can be intense. You'll use six different types of missiles that home in on targets. Players must be strategic to avoid hitting their own ships while engaging the enemy.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5.0 — 2022-05-18

- added the option to start a new commander from the rank of your highest previous commander

### 1.4.0 — 2021-10-28

- replay the entire mission as a video from any squadron member's point of view

### 1.3.0 — 2021-10-17

- improved ship AI

### 1.2.2 — 2021-09-23

- fix for issues with iOS 15

### 1.2.1 — 2020-03-06

- fixed the top and bottom boundary lines being drawn in the wrong place

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## More apps by Sean O'Connor

- [Slay](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slay/id305324342)
- [Conquest (+ all maps)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/conquest-plus-all-maps/id307662507)
- [The General](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-general/id310914488)
- [Rats!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rats/id320729279)
- [Four Tribes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/four-tribes/id366798640)
- [Topple!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topple/id378123895)

All apps by Sean O'Connor: https://appshunter.io/developer/305324345

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*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 2026-09-14.*