# Space Agency vs Backburn

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Space Agency at 75% against Backburn's 0%. Space Agency also leads on chart position (#169 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). Backburn's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Space Agency costs $1.99 and Backburn $0.99 up front. Space Agency sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Backburn asks for nothing beyond the download.

Space Agency ships an update every 2 months, Backburn every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Agency | Backburn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | **[4.4 (739 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-agency/id542397575/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **739** | — |
| Positive reviews | **75.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#169** | — |
| Size | 29 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nooleus](https://appshunter.io/developer/425879096) | [Robert Corbin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1890247992) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Agency

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-agency/id542397575)

**Currently charting:** #169 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Design, construct, and launch your own rockets and satellites. Build a space station and explore the solar system in this challenging simulation game for aspiring astronauts.

**Highlights:** Build rockets, Launch satellites, Create a space station, Explore the solar system, Challenging gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mission 02 Skip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mission 12 Skip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mission 15 Skip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mission 16 Skip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Transponder Module | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Quick Launches | $3.99 | one-time |
| Nooleus X Parts Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Mission Free Unlock-All | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sandbox Unlock All Parts | $7.99 | one-time |
| Sandbox Unlock Standard Parts | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Challenging and fun gameplay
- 👍 Great value for money
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay and controls
- 🚀 Addictive and engaging
- 👍 Realistic space simulation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Limited parts and features in sandbox mode
- 🔒 Microtransactions for additional content
- 🐛 Difficulty with certain missions
- 🔒 Lack of updates and new content

**Reported bugs**

- Sandbox mode parts not unlocking properly
- Crashes and freezes during gameplay
- Inability to restore purchased content
- Glitches with certain rocket and station designs
- Inconsistent performance on different devices

**Requested features**

- Add space shuttle functionality
- Introduce astronauts and crew management
- Expand the solar system with more planets and moons
- Implement a more realistic orbital mechanics system
- Add multiplayer and co-op capabilities


### Backburn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backburn-wildfire-strategy/id6792957422)

This turn-based strategy game lets you plan and execute wildfire containment. Learn from each decision by previewing consequences before committing resources. It offers a campaign mode, daily challenges, and detailed post-turn analysis.

**Highlights:** Turn-based wildfire simulation, Offline gameplay, Preview consequences before committing, Campaign mode with difficulty levels, Daily challenges, Detailed post-turn analysis, Resource management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space Agency free?

Space Agency costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Backburn free?

Backburn costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Space Agency or Backburn have ads?

Neither Space Agency nor Backburn shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Space Agency or Backburn?

Space Agency ships an update every 2 months, and Backburn every 8 days. Most recently, Space Agency was updated on November 10, 2026 and Backburn on November 8, 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.*