# Alien Core vs Aether Vanguard

Alien Core and Aether Vanguard are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Alien Core sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Aether Vanguard sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alien Core | Aether Vanguard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 18 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Sunrise Intelligence UG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562727794) | [Gihan Lakshan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1466350117) |

## 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 |


### Aether Vanguard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aether-vanguard-space-shooter/id6761651908)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aether Handful | $0.49 | one-time |
| Aether Cache | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vanguards Hord | $1.49 | one-time |
| The Omega Core | $2.49 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alien Core free?

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

### Is Aether Vanguard free?

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

### Do Alien Core or Aether Vanguard have ads?

Both Alien Core and Aether Vanguard show ads.

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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.*