# Gatecrasher vs Star Jolt

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gatecrasher at none against Star Jolt's 2. Gatecrasher also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). Star Jolt's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Star Jolt sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Gatecrasher asks for nothing beyond the download.

Star Jolt holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 495 and 846 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Gatecrasher's written reviews are positive against 88% of Star Jolt's.

Gatecrasher ships an update every 5 months, Star Jolt every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gatecrasher | Star Jolt |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (495 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gatecrasher/id1240771285/reviews) | **[4.8 (846 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-jolt-retro-space-arcade/id1453327957/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 495 | **846** |
| Positive reviews | 73.9% of reviews | **88.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 62 MB | 122 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ben Grant](https://appshunter.io/developer/1519696982) | [Beardybird AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1164888655) |

## What reviewers say

### Gatecrasher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gatecrasher/id1240771285)

Navigate a ship through challenging gates using simple directional controls. Avoid collisions to progress in this skill-based arcade game. Test your reflexes and precision in a minimalist, engaging experience.

**Highlights:** Ship control, Gate navigation, Collision avoidance, Two-button controls, Skill-based gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Good casual game
- 🚀 Simple and addictive
- 🚀 Attractive, simple, and fun
- 🚀 No ads or IAP
- 👍 Great game design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Controls are difficult to master
- 🐛 Levels become unreasonably hard after a certain point
- 🐛 Lack of checkpoints or practice mode
- 🐛 Sensitivity issues with controls
- 🐛 Disorienting when at the top of the screen

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on certain devices
- Issues with the 'Linechaser' mode
- Screen orientation problems

**Requested features**

- Add more soundtracks
- Implement a pause button
- Add a scoring system based on gates passed
- Introduce different skill levels or difficulty modes
- Allow customization of controls and sensitivity


### Star Jolt

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-jolt-retro-space-arcade/id1453327957)

Experience a fast-paced, retro arcade space game focused on high-score chasing. Master lightning-fast reflexes and precise control to navigate cosmic debris and compete globally. Unlock unique ships and replay endlessly for the ultimate challenge.

**Highlights:** Global leaderboards, Unlockable ships, Ghost ship races, One-hand gameplay, Record and share runs, Achievements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove all ads + unique ship | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all ships | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Retro arcade style
- 🎨 Stylish visuals
- 🎯 Challenging gameplay
- 🏆 Competitive leaderboards
- 🎼 Great audio and sound effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional glitches and crashes
- 📺 Frequent and unskippable ads
- 🔍 Sensitivity issues with controls
- 🔋 Potential battery drain

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezing during runs
- Crashes on certain device models
- Purchase restoration issues

**Requested features**

- Sensitivity adjustment options
- More ship/character customization
- Expanded story or progression system
- Ability to name/customize player profile


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gatecrasher free?

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

### Is Star Jolt free?

Star Jolt is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Gatecrasher or Star Jolt?

Star Jolt is rated higher. Gatecrasher averages 4.5 out of 5 from 495 ratings, while Star Jolt averages 4.8 from 846 ratings.

### Do Gatecrasher or Star Jolt have ads?

Star Jolt shows ads; Gatecrasher does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gatecrasher or Star Jolt?

Gatecrasher ships an update every 5 months, and Star Jolt every 3 weeks. Most recently, Gatecrasher was updated on November 6, 2026 and Star Jolt on November 6, 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.*