# Phoenix 2 vs Nova Blaster

The clearest difference is ads: Nova Blaster at none against Phoenix 2's shown. Phoenix 2's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Phoenix 2 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Nova Blaster sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Phoenix 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, Nova Blaster every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phoenix 2 | Nova Blaster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 73.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 295 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Firi Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/361212278) | [Joe Hillman](https://appshunter.io/developer/303752164) |

## 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


### Nova Blaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-blaster-space-shooter/id6774366319)

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BOMB CRATE | $0.99 | one-time |
| PLASMA TRAILS | $1.99 | one-time |
| NEON SQUADRON | $2.99 | one-time |
| PRISM WEAPONS | $2.99 | one-time |
| FOUNDERS PACK | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phoenix 2 free?

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

### Is Nova Blaster free?

Nova Blaster is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Phoenix 2 or Nova Blaster have ads?

Phoenix 2 shows ads; Nova Blaster does not.

### Which is updated more often, Phoenix 2 or Nova Blaster?

Phoenix 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Nova Blaster every 2 months. Most recently, Phoenix 2 was updated on October 23, 2026 and Nova Blaster on October 12, 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.*