# Mars Quest vs 8

The clearest difference is ads: 8 at none against Mars Quest's shown. 8 also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). Mars Quest's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mars Quest sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and 8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Mars Quest ships an update fortnightly, 8 every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mars Quest | 8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (91 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-quest-8-bit/id491304485/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **91** | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 98 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [First Class Media B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1394094946) | [Malcolm Paulino](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788564486) |

## What reviewers say

### Mars Quest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-quest-8-bit/id491304485)

Embark on a challenging retro adventure guiding an astronaut through alien-infested Martian levels. Experience nostalgic 8-bit graphics and music while avoiding obstacles and increasing speed. Compete with friends via Game Center.

**Highlights:** 8-bit retro music, Guide astronaut through levels, Avoid aliens and obstacles, Smart level progression, Increasing speed challenges, Game Center scores and achievements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove advertising | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1 extra life | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5 extra lives | $1.99 | one-time |
| 10 extra lives | $2.99 | one-time |
| 25 extra lives | $4.99 | one-time |


### 8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8-bit-bartender/id6788564484)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Unlock | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mars Quest free?

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

### Is 8 free?

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

### Do Mars Quest or 8 have ads?

Mars Quest shows ads; 8 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Mars Quest or 8?

Mars Quest ships an update fortnightly, and 8 every 2 days. Most recently, Mars Quest was updated on September 9, 2026 and 8 on September 17, 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.*