Comparison

Planet Attack AR vs Classic Maelstrom

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

Head to head
About

Planet Attack AR

Features
Read full description

Planet Attack AR, is a simple shooter game in Augmented Reality, progress through missions and worlds and interact with your physical environment in this action packed casual game. The game offers two modes AR mode and Classic mode, as well as exciting game mechanics. For best performance the game requires a high end device to run the high end graphics, and Augmented Reality capabilities The game followes a story of a futurestic world where the player is a prisoner helping to fight thier way to freedoom. EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Classic Maelstrom

Experience a fast-paced, retro arcade shooter with classic pixel graphics and authentic sounds. Enjoy cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, along with modern touch and controller support. Discover hidden secrets and challenge yourself with unique game modes.

Highlights
  • Fast-action gameplay
  • Classic pixel graphics
  • Original sounds
  • Cooperative multiplayer
  • Competitive multiplayer
  • Mobile touch controls
  • Game controller support
  • Kid Mode
Features
Read full description

Maelstrom is a licensed open source port of the original shareware game for the Macintosh by Ambrosia Software, Inc. It is a fast-action, asteroids-like game, with classic pixel graphics and original sounds. In addition to being a faithful reproduction of the original game, this version adds game controller support, mobile touch controls, and both cooperative and competitive multiplayer action. Features: Kid Mode Clicking the "kid mode" icon next to the play button will enable an easier play mode which will add the retro-thruster prize and automatically shield you as long as shields are available - but beware the Shenobi ships! Their shots will not trigger the automatic defensive systems. Achievements and high scores are not available while in this mode. Multiplayer You can host or join a multiplayer game from the main menu. Up to three players can play at once, and they can be any combination of other players on the local network, and connected controllers. Easter Eggs The classic easter eggs from the original game are all there, and it's up to you to find them...

Screenshots

Planet Attack AR4 screens
Classic Maelstrom4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Classic Maelstrom at none against Planet Attack AR's 1. Classic Maelstrom also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 4 weeks). Planet Attack AR's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price 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. Planet Attack AR sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Classic Maelstrom asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Planet Attack AR ships an update every 4 weeks, Classic Maelstrom every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Planet Attack AR versus Classic Maelstrom: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlanet Attack ARClassic Maelstrom
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size297 MB11 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperCtrlArt llcSam Lantinga

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Planet Attack AR

Subscriptions1
  • Unlock all levels & weapons$0.991 Month
None

Classic Maelstrom

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Planet Attack AR free?
Planet Attack AR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Classic Maelstrom free?
Classic Maelstrom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Planet Attack AR or Classic Maelstrom have ads?
Planet Attack AR shows ads; Classic Maelstrom does not.
Which is updated more often, Planet Attack AR or Classic Maelstrom?
Planet Attack AR ships an update every 4 weeks, and Classic Maelstrom every 2 days. Most recently, Planet Attack AR was updated on October 20, 2026 and Classic Maelstrom on October 28, 2026.

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