8shape vs Equate 8
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
8shape
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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?
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.
- Magic square reimagining
- Balance eight equations
- Multiple operators
- Escalating difficulty levels
- Medals for efficiency
- Daily puzzle
- Snap Mode for assistance
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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
Verdict
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
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.
8shape ships an update every 3 weeks, Equate 8 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and June 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | 8shape | Equate 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (12 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 12 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.3 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sebastian Krauss | Cinq-Mars Media |
In-app purchases
8shape
- 10 Card Pack$0.99
- 25 Card Pack$1.99
- Remove Ads$2.99
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- 50 Card Pack$2.99
- 100 Card Pack$3.99
- Full Package$8.99
Equate 8
- Endless Levels!$2.99









