# A Study in Steampunk vs Empyrean

The clearest difference is review sentiment: A Study in Steampunk at 88% against Empyrean's 70%. A Study in Steampunk also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (122 vs 25). Empyrean's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

A Study in Steampunk costs $6.99 and Empyrean $6.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

A Study in Steampunk holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 122 and 25 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of A Study in Steampunk's written reviews are positive against 70% of Empyrean's.

A Study in Steampunk ships an update every 24 months, Empyrean every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | A Study in Steampunk | Empyrean |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | $6.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-study-in-steampunk/id1048462303/reviews)** | [4.5 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/empyrean/id1162794046/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **122** | 25 |
| Positive reviews | **88.4% of reviews** | 69.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Every 16 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 31 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Hosted Games LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/482415564) | [Choice of Games LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/348940935) |

## What reviewers say

### A Study in Steampunk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-study-in-steampunk/id1048462303)

Embark on an epic text-based mystery novel set in a steampunk world. Your choices shape the narrative, allowing you to explore themes of science, sorcery, romance, and espionage. Will you defend the Empire or plot its downfall?

**Highlights:** Text-based interactive novel, Branching narrative choices, Steampunk and sorcery themes, Romance options, Multiple character endings, Inspired by classic literature

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📖 Engaging and well-written story
- 🎭 Deep character development
- 🔄 High replayability with divergent outcomes
- 🌍 Richly detailed world-building
- 💡 Meaningful choices that impact the narrative

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🙅‍♂️ Male protagonist only (major complaint)
- ❓ Lack of clear gender choice in description
- ⚙️ Display options not functioning properly (minor bug)

**Reported bugs**

- Display options not functioning properly

**Requested features**

- Option to play as a female character
- Update description to include gender limitation
- Sequel/prequel in the same universe
- Option to ride in a steampunk Mecha


### Empyrean

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/empyrean/id1162794046)

Engage in aerial combat in a dieselpunk world to overthrow a tyrannical regime. This text-based interactive novel lets you pilot a secret experimental fighter, making choices that shape the narrative and determine the fate of your city and the mysterious world below.

**Highlights:** Pilot experimental fighter plane, Text-based interactive novel, Choice-driven narrative, Explore dieselpunk world, Romance options, Conceal identity, Engage in aerial dogfights

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is A Study in Steampunk free?

A Study in Steampunk costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Empyrean free?

Empyrean costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, A Study in Steampunk or Empyrean?

A Study in Steampunk is rated higher. A Study in Steampunk averages 4.7 out of 5 from 122 ratings, while Empyrean averages 4.5 from 25 ratings.

### Do A Study in Steampunk or Empyrean have ads?

Both A Study in Steampunk and Empyrean show ads.

### Which is updated more often, A Study in Steampunk or Empyrean?

A Study in Steampunk ships an update every 24 months, and Empyrean every 16 months. Most recently, A Study in Steampunk was updated on October 21, 2026 and Empyrean on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*