# Star Jolt vs GridTrace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GridTrace at none against Star Jolt's 2. GridTrace also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 88%). Star Jolt's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Star Jolt ships an update every 3 weeks, GridTrace monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Star Jolt | GridTrace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (845 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-jolt-retro-space-arcade/id1453327957/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **845** | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 122 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Beardybird AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1164888655) | [Eric Brooks](https://appshunter.io/developer/6787730837) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### GridTrace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridtrace/id6794729157)

Navigate complex line paths, capture territories, and complete blocks while evading enemy chasers. Compete globally via Game Center integration to climb leaderboards and earn achievements. This retro-style game offers easy-to-learn but challenging gameplay.

**Highlights:** Navigate intricate line paths, Trap territories and complete blocks, Evade enemy chasers, Game Center integration, Global leaderboards, Collect achievements

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Star Jolt free?

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

### Is GridTrace free?

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

### Do Star Jolt or GridTrace have ads?

Both Star Jolt and GridTrace show ads.

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

Star Jolt ships an update every 3 weeks, and GridTrace monthly. Most recently, Star Jolt was updated on November 2, 2026 and GridTrace on October 25, 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.*