Comparison

Punishing vs Aether Gazer

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

Head to head
About

Punishing

Lead an elite task force against a mechanical army in this fast-paced sci-fi action RPG. Assemble powerful cybernetic soldiers, master fluid combat, and uncover the secrets of a virus threatening humanity's survival.

Highlights
  • Lightning-fast combat
  • Real-time 3D control
  • Squad member switching
  • Dazzling combo system
  • Dystopian sci-fi story
  • Explore fallen planet environments
  • Stylized post-human aesthetic
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Punishing: Gray Raven is a Fast-paced Sci-fi Action RPG. Humanity stands on the brink of extinction. Earth has been overrun by the Corrupted—a mechanical army twisted and warped by the deadly biomechanical virus known as The Punishing. The last remnants of mankind have taken refuge in orbit aboard the spacefaring vessel Babylonia. After years of preparation, the Gray Raven, an elite task force, now leads the mission to reclaim their lost homeworld. You are their Commandant. As the commandant of the Gray Raven squad, you must assemble the most powerful Construct soldiers ever created and lead them into battle. Uncover the dark truths behind the Punishing Virus, push back the Corrupted, and reclaim Earth in this stylish, high-octane action RPG. LIGHTNING-FAST COMBAT Immerse yourself in fluid, high-speed combat with real-time 3D control. Seamlessly switch between squad members mid-fight, master unique abilities, and chain together dazzling combos. Utilize an intuitive 3-Ping skill system to parry, dodge, and unleash devastating Signature Moves. A DYSTOPIAN SCI-FI SAGA Delve into a beautifully ruined world and unravel the mysteries of a grim cyberpunk future. Through rich visual-novel storytelling spanning hundreds of chapters, discover a hauntingly beautiful universe filled with hidden wonders—and even darker secrets waiting to be uncovered. EXPLORE A FALLEN PLANET Journey through breathtaking environments—from desolate city ruins and desert battlegrounds to towering megastructures and surreal digital realms. Battle the Corrupted across frozen wastelands and beyond Earth's atmosphere in an ever-expanding cinematic narrative. STYLIZED POST-HUMAN AESTHETIC Flesh is no match for the Punishing Virus. Mankind's last hope lies in the Constructs—human consciousness housed in advanced mechanical bodies. Recruit and command a diverse roster of these living weapons, each meticulously designed and animated in full 3D, to face off against hundreds of enemy variants. SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION Move to the pulse of an electrifying soundtrack that blends atmospheric synthscapes with intense drum & bass. Every battle becomes a rhythmic dance of destruction—a feast for both the eyes and ears. A SANCTUARY BEYOND THE FIGHT Find respite from the relentless war in the warmth of the character dormitory. Customize your space with various themes, interact with beloved characters, and cherish the moments of peace you're fighting to protect. --- CONTACT US --- We'd love to hear from you! Reach out through any of the following channels: Official Site: https://pgr.kurogame.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGR.Global X: https://x.com/PGR_GLOBAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PunishingGrayRaven Discord: https://discord.gg/pgr

About

Aether Gazer

Engage in fast-paced combat within a sci-fi anime world where humanity's consciousness resides in an AI orbiting Earth. Battle viruses threatening this digital paradise by customizing characters, building combos, and strategically forming squads to save humanity's future.

Highlights
  • Fast-paced action combat
  • Character skill customization
  • Squad building and combos
  • Explore a dystopian world
  • Premium character design
  • Immersive soundtrack
Features
Read full description

In the future, constant war has eroded the livability of Earth, forcing humanity to escape by uploading their consciousnesses to Gaea, an AI orbiting the Earth. Human consciousness is divided into ten sephirah zones, each with its own unique culture and beliefs, that are all working together towards building the perfect civilization called Idealbild. However, underneath the surface and in the Source Layer, evil computer viruses called Visbanes lurk, bent on destroying humanity’s promised paradise. Use your knowledge of each character’s skillset during battle, use power-ups to build combos and customize your squad to unleash the power of Modifiers to save consciousness and reach the promised future of Idealbild. · Action-Packed Combat Requiring Fast-Paced Decision Making · Explore a Dystopia Filled with Lore and Loot · Customize Your Character's Skills and Seamlessly Change Your Fighting Style · Mix and Match Your Squad for Exciting Chained Combos and Stunning Performances · Premium Quality Character Design with Advanced NPR Rendering Technology · Immersive Soundtrack and Unique Voiceover for Every Character Aether Gazer Official Homepage: https://www.aethergazer.com/ Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/aethergazerEN Official Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/aethergazerofficial/ Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AetherGazerOfficial/

Screenshots

Punishing4 screens
Aether Gazer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Punishing at none against Aether Gazer's shown. Punishing also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months) and chart position (#157 vs unranked). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Punishing sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Aether Gazer sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for Punishing against 4.3 for Aether Gazer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Punishing has 8.7K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 65% of Punishing's written reviews are positive against 57% of Aether Gazer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Punishing ships an update every 6 weeks, Aether Gazer every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Punishing versus Aether Gazer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPunishingAether Gazer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (8.7K ratings)4.3 (1.3K ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.2% of reviews — better56.6% of reviews
Number of ratings8.7K — better1.3K
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#157 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size3.7 GB3.9 GB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperKURO TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) CO., LIMITEDHONG KONG YONGSHI NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED

Customer experience

Punishing

All ratings8,694 ratings
Positive79.8%
Neutral3.4%
Negative16.8%
Written reviews1,224 reviews
Positive65.2%
Neutral10.7%
Negative24.1%

Aether Gazer

All ratings1,263 ratings
Positive82.7%
Neutral4.5%
Negative12.8%
Written reviews343 reviews
Positive56.6%
Neutral13.4%
Negative30.0%

User reviews

Punishing

From 8.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Smooth gameplay
  • 👍 Unique characters
  • 💎 Generous free-to-play model
  • 🎨 Impressive visuals and soundtrack
  • 🔥 Addictive combat system

Room to improve

  • 🔍 Confusing UI and menus
  • ⏱️ Slow progression and stamina system
  • 💰 Expensive monetization practices
  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🌐 Unequal treatment between global and other servers

Aether Gazer

From 1.3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Smooth gameplay
  • 👍 Generous free-to-play model
  • 🎨 Beautiful character designs
  • 🎮 Engaging combat mechanics
  • 💎 Rewarding gacha system

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🔌 Performance issues on some devices
  • 🕹️ Lack of controller support
  • 📚 Confusing tutorial and UI
  • 🌐 Lack of Chinese language support

Bugs and requests

Punishing

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Account resets after updates
  • Unresponsive controls and camera issues
  • Difficulty spikes in certain missions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Improved co-op mode
  • More cinematic story cutscenes
  • Faster stamina recovery
  • Controller support optimization
  • Consistent rewards across all servers

Aether Gazer

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Game crashes during boss fights
  • Inability to progress past certain story missions
  • Graphical glitches and visual bugs
  • Login and connection issues
  • Gacha and purchase-related bugs

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add Chinese language support
  • Improve controller compatibility
  • Enhance tutorial and onboarding
  • Optimize performance for older devices
  • Introduce more endgame content

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Punishing

One-time8
  • 5 Rainbow Card$0.99
  • 28 Rainbow Card$4.99
  • 34 Rainbow Card$5.99
Show 5 more
  • 59 Rainbow Card$9.99
  • 71 Rainbow Card$11.99
  • 119 Rainbow Card$19.99
  • 299 Rainbow Card$49.99
  • 600 Rainbow Card$99.99
11 purchases

Aether Gazer

One-time11
  • 60 Shifting Flowers$0.99
  • C-Obs$4.99
  • 490 Shifting Flowers$7.99
Show 8 more
  • Advanced Contract$9.99
  • $14.99 Pack$14.99
  • 990 Shifting Flowers$14.99
  • Outfit Voucher2$14.99
  • Acumen Contract$18.99
  • 1990 Shifting Flowers$29.99
  • 2990 Shifting Flowers$44.99
  • 6000 Shifting Flowers$89.99

Questions

Is Punishing free?
Punishing is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aether Gazer free?
Aether Gazer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Punishing or Aether Gazer?
Aether Gazer is rated higher. Punishing averages 4.2 out of 5 from 8.7K ratings, while Aether Gazer averages 4.3 from 1.3K ratings.
Do Punishing or Aether Gazer have ads?
Aether Gazer shows ads; Punishing does not.
Which is updated more often, Punishing or Aether Gazer?
Punishing ships an update every 6 weeks, and Aether Gazer every 4 months. Most recently, Punishing was updated on November 1, 2026 and Aether Gazer on October 30, 2026.

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