# Gamma vs Shadow Blaster

The clearest difference is ads: Shadow Blaster at none against Gamma's shown. Shadow Blaster also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Gamma's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 1). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gamma sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Shadow Blaster sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shadow Blaster holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gamma has 11K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Gamma ships an update every 5 days, Shadow Blaster weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gamma | Shadow Blaster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamma-ps-1-game-emulator/id6499106870/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-blaster/id6767048850/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 83.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 150 MB | 241 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [ZODTTD LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/290594874) | [Adam Donovan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889399428) |

## What reviewers say

### Gamma

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamma-ps-1-game-emulator/id6499106870)

This app allows you to play your favorite PlayStation 1 games on your device. It offers enhanced graphics, controller customization, and cloud syncing for save states. Enjoy a superior gaming experience with easy file import and cheat code support.

**Highlights:** Enhanced hi-resolution graphics, Customizable controller skins, Save state syncing via cloud, Cheat codes system, Wide file format support, Hardware controller support

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Great Supporter | $0.99 | per month |
| Fantastic Supporter | $1.99 | per month |
| Incredible Supporter | $4.99 | per month |
| Greatest Supporter Of All Time | $9.99 | per month |
| Gamma Pro - Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🎮 Good controller support
- 🔥 Brings PS1 games to mobile

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes with Bluetooth controllers
- 🔊 Audio issues with some games
- 📺 Limited display/graphics options
- 💰 Ads and paid version required

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when customizing controls
- Some games freeze or have graphical issues
- Dropbox sync not working properly

**Requested features**

- Multiple controller support
- Customizable button layouts
- More display/graphics settings
- Ability to load .cue files


### Shadow Blaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-blaster/id6767048850)

Pilot a starfighter through waves of enemies in a fast-paced, neon-infused arcade shooter. Master one-handed controls, upgrade your ship, and warp through nebulae. Offers free play with an option for unlimited access and advanced features.

**Highlights:** One-handed touch controls, Ship upgrades and modifications, Offline play capability, Retro neon aesthetic, Boss battles every third wave, Leaderboard integration

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gamma free?

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

### Is Shadow Blaster free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gamma or Shadow Blaster?

Shadow Blaster is rated higher. Gamma averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Shadow Blaster averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Gamma or Shadow Blaster have ads?

Gamma shows ads; Shadow Blaster does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gamma or Shadow Blaster?

Gamma ships an update every 5 days, and Shadow Blaster weekly. Most recently, Gamma was updated on October 29, 2026 and Shadow Blaster on October 2, 2026.

---

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