# Helix > Frantic arcade "anti-shmup" with precise touchscreen controls for avoiding and encircling enemies. (iPhone/iPad app by Michael Brough.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helix/id562550427 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Michael Brough](https://appshunter.io/developer/490257881) - Category: Games, Action - Price: $3.99 - Rating: 4.70/5 from 35 App Store ratings · 51 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 12 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2014-10-15 - Data updated: 2026-08-26 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helix/id562550427/reviews.md ## What is Helix? A frantic arcade game from the creator of 868-HACK, Corrypt and Glitch Tank. An "anti-shmup". Precise touchscreen controls to avoid and encircle enemies. Some twists. Honourable mention for IGF Design award 2013/2015. ## Key features - Frantic arcade gameplay - Precise touchscreen controls - Avoid and encircle enemies - Unique gameplay twists - Critically acclaimed design ## Recent user reviews (10 of 51) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helix/id562550427/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Helix - one of the best *2026-06-13* I’m amazed that I can still play this awesome game after all these years on my phone. It’s for sure one of the App Store classics by one of my favorite game designers. If you’re into Arcade action & frenetic pixel gameplay, this is for you. The art style combined with the catchy soundtrack that will stick to your head is everything! I hope that I can play this game forever! Thank you Michael & Andrew! P.S. not to forget 868-Hack! 2 of my absolute favorite games ever made! ;) (+ Zaga-33) ### 5/5 — Fantastic *2025-07-05* action game from a fantastic game designer. ### 2/5 — Doesn’t fit on iPad screen properly *2022-04-11, version 1.02* Game might be good, but about 15% of the game is skewed off the left of the iPad and can’t be seen properly. Makes playing a frantic game nigh on impossible ### 5/5 — One of the greatest games ever created. *2019-01-24, version 1.02* One of the greatest games ever created. If a pop-culture version was released, perhaps to another brand, it would take off like a firecracker. ### 5/5 — Masterful *2018-04-20* anti-shmup arcade game from the mad genius behind 868-HACK. ### 5/5 — GAMERS LETS RALLY AROUND MIKE! *2017-03-12* Want great games then I say lets do it. This man is a once in a lifetime developer. Do you so called gamers understand this mans genius, sometimes I wonder. Support is the name of the game here people. You call yourself a gamer, well Mikes got the games. ### 1/5 — Crummy *2016-09-15* After the hype, I was suprised how crummy this game is. Like a low-end 1985 PC DOS CGA game written by a student. Crude grapics, poor controls, boring. I deleted it after a week. ### 5/5 — Diamond in the bRough *2016-06-09* iOS games don't get better than Brough, one of the true geniuses of the indie game movement. Get this, and get 868-HACK and Imbroglio, his two brilliant roguelikes- his take on the genre is so special it deserves to be considered its own subgenre... Broughlikes! And don't stop playing until you get to the point you can't stop playing. Take it from me, Helix World Champion for two years running, and top 10 player of all Brough's iOS releases. ### 2/5 — It's OK but... *2016-04-21* I feel like I was oversold. I have been eyeing this game for several years decided to try it out. To me, there's just not enough to latch onto. I draw circles around the bad guys? That's the whole game? No upgrades, the different modes are indistinguishable except by difficulty. The art style is cool, but not enough for me to latch onto. I'd direct you to Spirit for a similar but IMO better game. FYI I love the developer's 868-HACK so I feel like I'm being fair! ### 5/5 — iOS 9.3 iPhone 6S *2016-03-25* So, I wasn't having any issues with the game on iOS 9.2.1, but once I updated to 9.3, the game suddenly had black bars on the sides. Like a game that hadn't been updated for widescreen. Which is strange, because I know it's widescreen supported... I have no clue what settings were changed with the iOS 9.3 update, but they messed this game's display up. I doubt it'll ever get fixed (and I don't expect it to, it is Apple's fault anyway and look at how long GameCenter has been broken). Just thought I should let people know that the game might not be as easy to play if you update your OS. ## Frequently asked questions about Helix ### What kind of game is Helix? Helix is a frantic arcade game described as an "anti-shmup." It focuses on precise touchscreen controls for players to avoid and encircle enemies, offering unique gameplay twists. ### What are the key features of Helix? Key features include frantic arcade gameplay, precise touchscreen controls, the ability to avoid and encircle enemies, and unique gameplay twists. The game has also received honorable mentions for IGF Design awards. ### How much does Helix cost? Based on the provided information, Helix is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a one-time purchase model. ### What platforms is Helix available on? The description implies Helix is a mobile application, designed with touchscreen controls. It is likely available on iOS and Android platforms, though specific compatibility details are not provided. ### Who would enjoy playing Helix? This game is ideal for players who enjoy challenging arcade experiences and appreciate precise control mechanics. Fans of unique gameplay concepts and those seeking an "anti-shmup" experience will likely find Helix engaging. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 1.03 — 2022-11-14 Due to the baffling inability of Apple's vast team of highly paid engineers to maintain backwards compatibility while updating their operating system, the rendering area of some applications became displaced off-center on the screens. For this new version, I recompiled Helix to fix this issue. No code changes were necessary. The game itself has not been altered; it is already excellent. I also changed the icon. ### 1.02 — 2018-04-19 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. - fixed problem with colours introduced by an iOS update. ### 1.01 — 2015-01-17 - fast enemy marginally slower - updated localisations (thanks to those who made suggestions!) - adjusted some waves on Vortex Mode - screen mirroring enabled - minor fixes ### 1 — 2014-10-15 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Helix | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Elderand](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elderand/id6446288146) | 4.1 (34) | $6.99 | Games | | [Rocket Adventure!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rocket-adventure/id6739788371) | 4.8 (6) | Free | Games | | [JohnMan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/johnman/id6470610345) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Games | | [JOUST.](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joust/id1559452916) | 4.0 (145) | $4.99 | Games | | [rRootage Online HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rrootage-online-hd/id387008120) | 4.7 (33) | Free | Games | | [Santa Fighter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/santa-fighter/id6473976287) | 4.8 (63) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Michael Brough - [Zaga-33](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zaga-33/id516903940) - [Corrypt](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/corrypt/id588935336) - [868-HACK](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/868-hack/id635749911) - [Imbroglio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imbroglio/id969264934) - [Cinco Paus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cinco-paus/id1249999336) All apps by Michael Brough: https://appshunter.io/developer/490257881 ## Related topics [helix fight](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/helix-fight) --- *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 2026-08-26.*