# Phoenix 2 vs Cosmic Cruiser

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Phoenix 2 at 73% against Cosmic Cruiser's 0%. Phoenix 2 also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). Cosmic Cruiser's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Phoenix 2 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Cosmic Cruiser asks for nothing beyond the download.

Phoenix 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phoenix 2 has 26K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of Phoenix 2's written reviews are positive against 0% of Cosmic Cruiser's.

Phoenix 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, Cosmic Cruiser every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phoenix 2 | Cosmic Cruiser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689/reviews)** | [1.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cosmic-cruiser/id1482603922/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **73.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 295 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Firi Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/361212278) | [Chien Ming Chen](https://appshunter.io/developer/878443166) |

## What reviewers say

### Phoenix 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689)

Blast through waves of alien invaders in this classic arcade space shooter. Collect and upgrade over 100 unique ships, complete exciting missions, and compete on global leaderboards. Enjoy short game sessions or an action-packed campaign with stunning graphics.

**Highlights:** Over 100 unique ships, Ship collection and upgrades, Action-packed campaign, Special abilities, Daily missions, Global leaderboards, Cross-platform play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 800 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| VIP | $4.99 | one-time |
| 12000 Credits | $9.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| 25000 Credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $19.99 | one-time |
| 65000 Credits | $49.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $49.99 | one-time |
| 140K Credits | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fantastic mobile game
- 🚀 Incredibly fun and addictive
- 🚀 Best bullet hell game on the phone
- 🚀 Easily the best bullet hell I've played
- 🚀 Amazing game for on the go fun

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Great Gameplay Ruined by Frustrating Ad Experience
- 💰 Supers aren't well implemented
- 💰 Micro-transactions too much
- 💰 Progression limited, hard to earn credits
- 🐛 Terrible, uninspiring compared to original Phoenix HD

**Reported bugs**

- Warp gate charge time bug
- Occasional crashes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add haptic feedback
- Implement an endless mode
- Allow players to customize ships
- Add a level creator
- Provide an offline mode


### Cosmic Cruiser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cosmic-cruiser/id1482603922)

Pilot a super space fighter against an invading alien force threatening the universe. This simple 2D game offers endless darkness and galactic battles for quick entertainment.

**Highlights:** Space fighter combat, Alien invasion theme, 2D gameplay, Time-killing game, Infinite darkness setting

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phoenix 2 free?

Phoenix 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cosmic Cruiser free?

Cosmic Cruiser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Phoenix 2 or Cosmic Cruiser?

Phoenix 2 is rated higher. Phoenix 2 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Cosmic Cruiser averages 1.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Phoenix 2 or Cosmic Cruiser have ads?

Both Phoenix 2 and Cosmic Cruiser show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Phoenix 2 or Cosmic Cruiser?

Phoenix 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Cosmic Cruiser every 6 months. Most recently, Phoenix 2 was updated on October 21, 2026 and Cosmic Cruiser on October 9, 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.*