Comparison

Equate 8 vs Sudoku Mindscape

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Equate 8

This math puzzle game challenges players to rearrange numbers in a 3x3 grid to solve eight equations simultaneously. It offers escalating difficulty, medals for efficiency, and a daily puzzle for free play. The game also serves as an educational tool, with features for educators to design custom levels.

Highlights
  • Magic square reimagining
  • Balance eight equations
  • Multiple operators
  • Escalating difficulty levels
  • Medals for efficiency
  • Daily puzzle
  • Snap Mode for assistance
Features
Read full description

Equate 8 is a bold reimagining of the classic magic square—an innovative, addictive math puzzle featured at New York City’s Museum of Mathematics. Players rearrange numbers in a 3×3 grid to balance eight equations at once (three rows, three columns, two diagonals), racing to solve the puzzle in the fewest moves. With multiple operators, escalating difficulty levels, and medals awarded for efficiency, Equate 8 is as rewarding as it is challenging. Equate 8 is the sequel to our Webby-nominated game The Devil’s Calculator, named one of PAX’s 10 Best Indie Games of 2019. Disguised as a casual mobile game, Equate 8 is a powerful interactive learning tool. Our talk will explore the sophisticated math behind the project and debut a new feature allowing educators to design levels aligned with their curricula. With its blend of pedagogical depth, intuitive design, and playful challenge, Equate 8 shows how games can transform math education. It empowers students, supports teachers, and makes math feel like play. Solving the grid in fewer moves will gain a silver or gold medal, but a bronze is awarded regardless, so don't stress. The daily puzzle gives players a free way to play and unlock content. Acquire “streaks” tokens by playing regularly. Exchange medals and streaks for Challenges, packs of themed puzzles. If the squares seem too complicated, open the menu to try Snap Mode. A number will automatically be locked (circled) when in the correct place. This mode can be played in a limited number of sequences before it reverts to the default. Donate to our nonprofit for access to unlimited difficulty levels.Equate 8 is a fun casual game for all ages, whether practicing math skills or engaging brainpower. Donations support the mission of Cinq-Mars Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to develop educational games, always provided free to teachers and students.

About

Sudoku Mindscape

Engage in a calming and accessible puzzle adventure with a variety of customizable themes and mindful gameplay. Track your progress and enjoy offline play, with an optional premium upgrade for enhanced features. Designed for all ages, it offers a distraction-free experience.

Highlights
  • Soothing visuals and themes
  • Distraction-free mindful gameplay
  • Customizable light/dark modes and color palettes
  • Progress tracking and stats
  • Offline play
  • Family-friendly design with accessibility features
Features
Read full description

Relax, focus, and sharpen your mind with Sudoku Mindscape — the ultimate Sudoku experience for all ages! Sudoku Mindscape is thoughtfully designed to bring you a calming, beautiful, and accessible puzzle adventure. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Sudoku pro, you'll find the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation. FEATURES: Soothing Visuals: Choose from a variety of hand-crafted backgrounds and themes, or use your own photos to personalize your play. Mindful Gameplay: Enjoy a distraction-free interface with gentle sounds and animations, designed to help you unwind and focus. Customizable Experience: Switch between light and dark modes, select your favorite color palette, and adjust difficulty to suit your mood. Earn More, Play More: Out of hints, resets, or lives? Watch a short ad to earn more—no paywalls, just fair play. Family-Friendly: Sudoku Mindscape is designed for everyone, with large touch targets, colorblind-friendly palettes, and VoiceOver support. Progress Tracking: Track your stats, best times, and completed puzzles. Challenge yourself to improve and celebrate your achievements! Premium Upgrade: Unlock all backgrounds, themes, and custom photo support with a single, family-friendly purchase. No subscriptions, no hidden fees. Offline Play: Enjoy Sudoku anytime, anywhere—no internet required. WHY SUDOKU MINDSCAPE? Created by a solo indie developer and father of two, Sudoku Mindscape is a labor of love, tested by family and built for the community. Every feature is crafted with care, focusing on relaxation, accessibility, and fun. Whether you have a few minutes or want to immerse yourself in puzzles for hours, Sudoku Mindscape is your perfect companion. Download Sudoku Mindscape today and discover a mindful way to play Sudoku!

Screenshots

Equate 84 screens
Sudoku Mindscape4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Equate 8 at weekly against Sudoku Mindscape's monthly. Equate 8 also leads on ratings volume (12 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Equate 8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Sudoku Mindscape sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Equate 8 against 5.0 for Sudoku Mindscape. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Equate 8 has 12 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Equate 8 ships an update weekly, Sudoku Mindscape monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Equate 8 versus Sudoku Mindscape: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEquate 8Sudoku Mindscape
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (12 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings12 — better1
Update frequencyWeekly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB37 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperCinq-Mars Mediairie coffelt

Customer experience

Equate 8

All ratings12 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral12.5%
Negative12.5%

Sudoku Mindscape

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Equate 8

One-time1
  • Endless Levels!$2.99
2 purchases

Sudoku Mindscape

One-time2
  • Remove All Ads$0.99
  • Premium Lifetime$2.99

Questions

Is Equate 8 free?
Equate 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sudoku Mindscape free?
Sudoku Mindscape is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Equate 8 or Sudoku Mindscape?
Equate 8 and Sudoku Mindscape are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 12 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Equate 8 or Sudoku Mindscape have ads?
Neither Equate 8 nor Sudoku Mindscape shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Equate 8 or Sudoku Mindscape?
Equate 8 ships an update weekly, and Sudoku Mindscape monthly. Most recently, Equate 8 was updated on June 3, 2026 and Sudoku Mindscape on September 9, 2026.

Other comparisons