Comparison

8shape vs Equate 8

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

8shape

Read full description

8shape is pool. But with shapes. Sink your shapes into the pockets, then the black 8shape – in the pocket opposite the one where you sank the last of your shapes. Sounds simple? Wait and see. YOUR SHAPES, YOUR GAME Circle, triangle, star or octagon: choose your cue shape and the shapes you play with. The more angular the shape, the trickier the game – and the more points. HOW YOU PLAY • Tap = shoot. The further from your cue shape you tap, the harder the shot. • The first shape you sink determines your suit. • Fewer turns, fast wins, trickshots: everything earns bonus points. • Several shapes in one shot? Combo bonus. • Fouls cost your multiplier. So: aim, don't hope. POWERUPS Win games, collect cards, level up your powerups and bring your favorites to the table: aim assist, explosion, freeze, earthquake and more – from common to legendary. MULTIPLAYER Challenge real opponents via Game Center – turn-based, with 48 hours per turn. Powerups included. Good luck, you'll need it. TRICKSHOTS Tricky challenge levels with star ratings. More art than a simple shot. NO ADS THAT INTERRUPT YOU No full-screen ad after a game, none on the way back to the menu, none mid-shot. Ads run only when you start one yourself – for a reward you actually want. ALSO • Leaderboards and 90+ achievements • Daily gift • Light and dark mode • Minimalist design, no clutter • Available in several languages, including English Shapes first. Then the 8. Can you do it in under 30 turns?

About

Equate 8

This math puzzle game challenges players to rearrange numbers in a 3x3 grid to solve eight equations simultaneously. It offers escalating difficulty, medals for efficiency, and a daily puzzle for free play. The game also serves as an educational tool, with features for educators to design custom levels.

Highlights
  • Magic square reimagining
  • Balance eight equations
  • Multiple operators
  • Escalating difficulty levels
  • Medals for efficiency
  • Daily puzzle
  • Snap Mode for assistance
Features
Read full description

Equate 8 is a bold reimagining of the classic magic square—an innovative, addictive math puzzle featured at New York City’s Museum of Mathematics. Players rearrange numbers in a 3×3 grid to balance eight equations at once (three rows, three columns, two diagonals), racing to solve the puzzle in the fewest moves. With multiple operators, escalating difficulty levels, and medals awarded for efficiency, Equate 8 is as rewarding as it is challenging. Equate 8 is the sequel to our Webby-nominated game The Devil’s Calculator, named one of PAX’s 10 Best Indie Games of 2019. Disguised as a casual mobile game, Equate 8 is a powerful interactive learning tool. Our talk will explore the sophisticated math behind the project and debut a new feature allowing educators to design levels aligned with their curricula. With its blend of pedagogical depth, intuitive design, and playful challenge, Equate 8 shows how games can transform math education. It empowers students, supports teachers, and makes math feel like play. Solving the grid in fewer moves will gain a silver or gold medal, but a bronze is awarded regardless, so don't stress. The daily puzzle gives players a free way to play and unlock content. Acquire “streaks” tokens by playing regularly. Exchange medals and streaks for Challenges, packs of themed puzzles. If the squares seem too complicated, open the menu to try Snap Mode. A number will automatically be locked (circled) when in the correct place. This mode can be played in a limited number of sequences before it reverts to the default. Donate to our nonprofit for access to unlimited difficulty levels.Equate 8 is a fun casual game for all ages, whether practicing math skills or engaging brainpower. Donations support the mission of Cinq-Mars Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to develop educational games, always provided free to teachers and students.

Screenshots

8shape4 screens
Equate 84 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Equate 8 at none against 8shape's shown. Equate 8 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.3). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. 8shape sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Equate 8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

8shape ships an update every 3 weeks, Equate 8 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and June 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
8shape versus Equate 8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter8shapeEquate 8
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—75.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.311.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB18 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperSebastian KraussCinq-Mars Media

In-app purchases

6 purchases

8shape

One-time6
  • 10 Card Pack$0.99
  • 25 Card Pack$1.99
  • Remove Ads$2.99
Show 3 more
  • 50 Card Pack$2.99
  • 100 Card Pack$3.99
  • Full Package$8.99
1 purchases

Equate 8

One-time1
  • Endless Levels!$2.99

Questions

Is 8shape free?
8shape is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Equate 8 free?
Equate 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do 8shape or Equate 8 have ads?
8shape shows ads; Equate 8 does not.
Which is updated more often, 8shape or Equate 8?
8shape ships an update every 3 weeks, and Equate 8 weekly. Most recently, 8shape was updated on September 23, 2026 and Equate 8 on June 3, 2026.

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