# Classic Marathon vs Xibalba

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Xibalba at none against Classic Marathon's 10. Xibalba also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (88% vs 76%). Classic Marathon's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 18 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Classic Marathon sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Xibalba asks for nothing beyond the download.

Xibalba holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 630 and 558 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Classic Marathon's written reviews are positive against 88% of Xibalba's.

Classic Marathon ships an update every 2 months, Xibalba every 18 months. Both last shipped on October 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Classic Marathon | Xibalba |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (630 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-marathon/id419805412/reviews) | **[4.7 (558 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xibalba/id900120847/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **630** | 558 |
| Positive reviews | 76.2% of reviews | **88.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 125 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Dome-C Studio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/850082459) | [PhobosLab](https://appshunter.io/developer/312666931) |

## What reviewers say

### Classic Marathon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-marathon/id419805412)

Relive a classic first-person shooter experience with this enhanced port. Explore 27 levels, battle alien forces, and engage in various multiplayer modes. Features include high frame rate support, HD sprites, and cross-platform multiplayer.

**Highlights:** 27 levels across six chapters, Multiplayer with up to 8 players, Exploration, puzzles, and extermination missions, Console-quality gameplay, 7 unique weapons, Cross-platform multiplayer support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HD Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Master Chief Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Enhanced Reticules | $0.99 | one-time |
| Just a tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Not the smallest tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| A good tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| A pretty good tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| An excellent tip | $7.99 | one-time |
| The best possible tip | $12.99 | one-time |
| Better than the best tip | $20.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Faithful port of a classic game
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay and controls
- 💡 Appreciated free version with optional HD upgrade
- 🎮 Great with controller support
- 🕹 Nostalgic experience for longtime fans

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🕹 Challenging touch controls
- 🔒 Lack of customization options (e.g. invert Y-axis)
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly

**Reported bugs**

- Saves not working properly
- Weapons becoming black boxes
- Screen tinting issues
- Crashes on newer devices

**Requested features**

- Add multiplayer support
- Implement more control customization options
- Port the entire Marathon trilogy
- Provide support for custom maps and mods


### Xibalba

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xibalba/id900120847)

Embark on a retro first-person shooter adventure through the Mayan Underworld. Explore diverse environments, battle dangerous creatures, and utilize powerups and weapons. Experience immersive gameplay with intuitive controls and a captivating atmosphere.

**Highlights:** Retro first-person shooter gameplay, Mayan Underworld setting, Diverse environments (jungles, catacombs, bases), Multiple enemy types, Variety of weapons and powerups, Challenging hard mode

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 👍 Retro/nostalgic feel
- 🎮 Great controls
- 💎 Unique atmosphere and story
- 🎨 Beautiful pixel art graphics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional control issues
- ⏱️ Short campaign length
- 🤖 Limited enemy/weapon variety
- 🔍 Lack of crosshair/aiming assistance

**Reported bugs**

- Game not working on certain devices
- Crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More levels and content
- Multiplayer mode
- Level editor
- Weapon/enemy upgrades
- Checkpoint system


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Classic Marathon free?

Classic Marathon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Xibalba free?

Xibalba is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Classic Marathon or Xibalba?

Xibalba is rated higher. Classic Marathon averages 4.5 out of 5 from 630 ratings, while Xibalba averages 4.7 from 558 ratings.

### Do Classic Marathon or Xibalba have ads?

Neither Classic Marathon nor Xibalba shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Classic Marathon or Xibalba?

Classic Marathon ships an update every 2 months, and Xibalba every 18 months. Most recently, Classic Marathon was updated on October 22, 2026 and Xibalba on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*