Comparison

Disaster Detector vs Volcano Eruption Simulator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Disaster Detector

This educational game allows players to predict and prepare for natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes. By analyzing data from various scientific tools, users can help cities mitigate damage and save citizens. It's designed for learning but fun for all ages.

Highlights
  • Predict tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes
  • Analyze data from Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometers
  • Learn to forecast events using current and historical data
  • Generate printable reports
  • Suitable for classroom or home use
  • Audio and text interplay
Features
Read full description

The citizens of Smithsonville are in dire need of a Disaster Detector! Help Smithsonville and other cities predict and prepare for natural disasters. Use tools to make predictions and save the city from damage by helping citizens prepare properly. Are you up for the challenge? From the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Disaster Detector teaches players how to analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and how to implement tools to mitigate the effects of those disasters. FEATURES - Prepare the city for possible tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes - Analyze data from tools such as Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometer - Players learn how to analyze current and historical data to make predictions - Printable reports - For use in the classroom or at home - Aligned to national science standards for middle school but great for players of any age - Audio and text interplay

About

Volcano Eruption Simulator

Experience the awe of a volcanic eruption with this simulator. Control lava, smoke, and wind effects to create a realistic and immersive natural phenomenon. Choose from various locations and adjust the time of day for a unique visual experience.

Highlights
  • Realistic eruption simulation
  • Control lava, smoke, and wind
  • Adjust time of day
  • Choose from 6 locations
  • Immersive visual effects
Features
Read full description

This simulator app allows you to meditatively watch a fascinating volcanic eruption - just touch the volcano and the elements come to life. Fire, lava and smoke create a realistic effect, giving you the feeling of being at the foot of a volcano. A volcanic eruption is a powerful natural phenomenon in which magma, gases and ash are ejected from the Earth's interior to the surface. Control the eruptions, wind and lava sounds, change the time of day and watch the elements come to life. Have a good game! How to play: - Choose one of 6 locations from the main menu - Enjoy a realistic simulation of eruptions - Control the sounds of gurgling lava, wind noise, thick smoke and other effects with the buttons at the bottom of the screen Attention: The application is created for entertainment purposes only and does not cause any harm!

Screenshots

Volcano Eruption Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Disaster Detector at none against Volcano Eruption Simulator's shown. Disaster Detector also leads on ratings volume (59 vs 1) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Volcano Eruption Simulator's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.1 for Disaster Detector against 4.0 for Volcano Eruption Simulator. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Disaster Detector has 59 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Disaster Detector ships an update every 3 months, Volcano Eruption Simulator every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Disaster Detector versus Volcano Eruption Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDisaster DetectorVolcano Eruption Simulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (59 ratings) — better4.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings59 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS5.1.1 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size57 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSmithsonian InstitutionYaroslav Novytskyi

In-app purchases

None

Disaster Detector

No in-app purchases

None

Volcano Eruption Simulator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Disaster Detector free?
Disaster Detector is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Volcano Eruption Simulator free?
Volcano Eruption Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Disaster Detector or Volcano Eruption Simulator?
Disaster Detector is rated higher. Disaster Detector averages 4.1 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while Volcano Eruption Simulator averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Disaster Detector or Volcano Eruption Simulator have ads?
Volcano Eruption Simulator shows ads; Disaster Detector does not.
Which is updated more often, Disaster Detector or Volcano Eruption Simulator?
Disaster Detector ships an update every 3 months, and Volcano Eruption Simulator every 4 months. Most recently, Disaster Detector was updated on October 24, 2026 and Volcano Eruption Simulator on October 20, 2026.

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