# Alien Core vs CATO

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CATO at none against Alien Core's 7. CATO also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, review sentiment, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Alien Core sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. CATO asks for nothing beyond the download.

Alien Core ships an update monthly, CATO every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alien Core | CATO |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 18 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sunrise Intelligence UG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562727794) | [Jurgis Saliamoras](https://appshunter.io/developer/1579681835) |

## What reviewers say

### Alien Core

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alien-core-galaxy-invasion/id6575386825)

Pilot advanced starships in a retro-futuristic arcade shooter to battle a rogue AI and its empire. Experience classic 2D gameplay with modern effects, RPG-like ship upgrades, and multiple game modes.

**Highlights:** Retro-futuristic ASCII visuals with modern effects, Omnidirectional free movement, Story and Endless Arcade modes, Chain-reaction destruction mechanic, Unlockable spaceships and worlds, Ship upgrades and power-ups, Boss battles and adjustable difficulty

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starship YT 1300 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starship Talon | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starship Bird of Prey | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starship Arcade II | $1.95 | one-time |
| Starship N-22 Ravenous | $1.99 | one-time |
| Story Mode | $2.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


### CATO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cato/id6736863380)

Guide a feline through urban landscapes, leaping over obstacles and interacting with wildlife. Utilize a unique flying mechanic for limited bursts and collect in-game currency to customize your cat's appearance with accessories.

**Highlights:** Cat rooftop running, Flying mechanic, Collect fishies for currency, Customize cat with hats and glasses, Draw on custom cat, Break obstacles

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alien Core free?

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

### Is CATO free?

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

### Do Alien Core or CATO have ads?

Alien Core shows ads; CATO does not.

### Which is updated more often, Alien Core or CATO?

Alien Core ships an update monthly, and CATO every 2 weeks. Most recently, Alien Core was updated on October 10, 2026 and CATO on October 20, 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.*