Mars vs Pixel Orbit X
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Mars
Engage in a scientific simulation of establishing a Mars colony. Manage a small group of settlers, research technologies, and build a thriving settlement from a single module. Compete with other human-controlled colonies for success on the Red Planet.
- Scientific Mars settlement simulation
- Research and development of technologies
- Exploration of the Red Planet
- Building and managing specialized structures
- Managing settler types and life cycles
- 3D view of settlement and Mars surface
- Offline playability
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Settle on MARS in a mixture of game and scientific simulation. Take control over a tiny group of 10 settlers and choose a landing site on the barren Mars. Develop your venture from one single landing module into a thriving settlement with hundreds of specialized buildings and even more inhabitants. Research & development of new technologies as well as exploration of the Red Planet are key for establishing a permanent presence in this hostile environment. And you are not alone. Other settlements, each one controlled by a real human somewhere on Earth, are starting to grow everywhere and a competition for being the most successful Mars colony has already begun. Features: - Scientific orientated building & simulation of a Mars settlement - Background story in 6 phases with according phase goals - Mars simulation in 30x real time (even running when app is not active) - Choosing one of 7 Earth organizations providing (dis-)advantages - Research & development of 152 individual technologies - Construction, maintenance & repair of 51 individual building - 35 individual building enhancements (no level 1,2,3...) - Sending Mars exploration teams and analyzing found soil samples - Production & dispatching of 23 different resource/module types - Assignment of 5 settler types to all activities in the settlement - Settler life cycle including children and elders - 3D view of own settlement in authentic Mars topography - Panning & zooming of the Mars surface in high resolution 3D - 100% usable without Internet connection - Optional online: ranking list & other settlements on Mars surface - Unlocking of advanced app functionalities step by step - Tutorial explaining all app functionalities - Contains some Ads but only after 15 Minutes of game and very decent - Contains In-App-Purchases but NO PAY TO WIN! - This is a peaceful app! NO FIGHTING, NO KILLING, NO WAR!
Pixel Orbit X
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Pixel Orbit X is a fast-paced arcade survival game where precision, timing, and quick reactions determine how long you last. Control your hero as you orbit around circular lanes while waves of incoming asteroids close in from every direction. Flip orbit direction, change lanes, collect score orbs, and survive as long as possible in this intense reflex-based challenge. Built for fans of skill games, high-score chases, and minimalist arcade design, Pixel Orbit X delivers smooth performance and escalating difficulty that keeps every run exciting. HOW TO PLAY • Tap anywhere to flip orbit direction • Swipe toward the center to move inward one lane • Swipe outward to move to an outer lane • Dodge incoming asteroids • Collect yellow score orbs • Survive longer to increase your score POWER-UPS • Ghost: Pass through asteroids temporarily • Rush: Convert hazards into score orbs and increase magnet range • Double: Multiply your score gain • Slow: Reduce game speed to regain control GAME MODES • Casual Mode: Relaxed arcade gameplay • Chaos Mode: Advanced difficulty with dynamic challenge events FEATURES • Skill-based arcade survival gameplay • Responsive one-touch and swipe controls • Progressive difficulty scaling • Multiple orbit lanes for strategic movement • Quick play sessions with high replay value • Clean neon-inspired visual style If you enjoy reflex games, reaction speed challenges, endless survival gameplay, and competitive high-score chasing, Pixel Orbit X delivers a pure arcade experience designed for both short sessions and long mastery runs.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pixel Orbit X at none against Mars's 3. Pixel Orbit X also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Mars sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Pixel Orbit X asks for nothing beyond the download.
Mars ships an update every 2 months, Pixel Orbit X every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mars | Pixel Orbit X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (26 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 65.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2.6 GB | 26 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stefan Nyul | PXL READY (FZE) |
In-app purchases
Mars
- Logistics contract$0.99
- MAA Gold Membership$1.99
- Sponsors contract$2.99
Pixel Orbit X
No in-app purchases








