# Emerald Mine vs Oxytone

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Emerald Mine at none against Oxytone's 1. Emerald Mine also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.0). Oxytone's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (75% vs 55%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Oxytone sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Emerald Mine asks for nothing beyond the download.

Oxytone holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 99 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Emerald Mine's written reviews are positive against 75% of Oxytone's.

Emerald Mine ships an update every 2 weeks, Oxytone every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Emerald Mine | Oxytone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emerald-mine/id448002032/reviews) | **[4.5 (99 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxytone/id1673677183/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **99** |
| Positive reviews | 55.1% of reviews | **75.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 52 MB | 157 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Les Bird](https://appshunter.io/developer/398917210) | [OxGames Kamil Wdowczyk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673677185) |

## What reviewers say

### Emerald Mine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emerald-mine/id448002032)

Navigate treacherous underground caves as a miner, collecting gems to unlock exit portals. Avoid hazards like exploding bugs, tanks, aliens, and falling debris. Relive a classic Amiga experience with over 6,000 levels.

**Highlights:** Collect gems to open exit portals, Avoid hazards: bugs, tanks, aliens, acid, Over 6,000 classic levels, MFi controller support, Game Center high scores, Touchscreen controls

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

-  nostalgic recreation of a classic game
- 👍 Great port of a classic
- 💡 iCade compatible controller support
- ✨ Free to play
- 🌟 Brings back Amiga memories

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Controls are difficult to master
- 😥 Unresponsive controls
- ⚠️ Swiping controls are not ideal
- ❌ Some levels are impossible
- 😩 Frustrating to control on touchscreens

**Reported bugs**

- Figure doesn't move on iPad
- Snap does not work on iPhone
- Game quits at certain levels
- Level 7 is impossible to beat
- Controls are incomplete

**Requested features**

- Add on-screen gamepad option
- Improve touchscreen controls
- Option to skip difficult levels
- Remove or adjust timer
- Add music to the game's first screen


### Oxytone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxytone/id1673677183)

Embark on a unique puzzle adventure designed for relaxation and mental exploration. Master strategic tile placement to create long paths and impressive combinations, with 99 challenges and unlockable themes for a deep, engaging experience.

**Highlights:** Unique puzzle adventure, Tranquil escape, 99 challenges, Unlockable colorful themes, 12 meticulously designed maps, Strategic tile placement, Immersive sound design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full version | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and visual design
- 🎵 Soothing music and sound effects
- 😌 Relaxing and meditative gameplay
- 🧩 Engaging puzzle mechanics requiring strategy
- 🚫 No ads or intrusive monetization

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❓ Unclear game objectives and lack of instructions
- 🔄 Game progress lost when switching apps
- 👁️ Strains eyesight during extended play
- ⏱️ Excessive menu navigation between games
- 📸 Cannot screenshot or view completed puzzles

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes and refuses to reopen
- Progress lost when leaving app mid-game
- Achievement unlock not triggering (Quick Mode)
- Trophy not awarded for completed challenges
- Freezing on iPad Pro, especially with Apple Pencil

**Requested features**

- Tutorial or instructional videos explaining gameplay
- Ability to save mid-game progress
- Quick replay/restart button without menu navigation
- Zoom out feature to see more of the board
- Replay functionality to review completed puzzles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Emerald Mine free?

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

### Is Oxytone free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Emerald Mine or Oxytone?

Oxytone is rated higher. Emerald Mine averages 4.0 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Oxytone averages 4.5 from 99 ratings.

### Do Emerald Mine or Oxytone have ads?

Neither Emerald Mine nor Oxytone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Emerald Mine or Oxytone?

Emerald Mine ships an update every 2 weeks, and Oxytone every 3 weeks. Most recently, Emerald Mine was updated on October 21, 2026 and Oxytone on October 21, 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.*