Equate 8 vs Tessel
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Magic square reimagining
- Balance eight equations
- Multiple operators
- Escalating difficulty levels
- Medals for efficiency
- Daily puzzle
- Snap Mode for assistance
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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.
Tessel
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Tessel is a colorful tile placement game. Place tiles with matching colors to make shapes and fill the board. The larger the shape, the higher the points. Features: • Play an easy square game, or choose a more challenging pattern. • Customize your game settings to change the rules. • Create your own tiling patterns in the drawing tool. Choose from a wide range of tiling patterns to form endlessly varied tesselations: • Square • Triangular • Rhombille • Cairo pentagonal • Hexagonal • Deltoidal-trihexagonal • Penrose P3 • Snub square • Ammann-Beenker
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Tessel at none against Equate 8's 1. Equate 8's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Equate 8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Tessel asks for nothing beyond the download.
Equate 8 ships an update weekly, Tessel every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Equate 8 | Tessel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (12 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 12 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 18 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cinq-Mars Media | Gijs van Tulder |
In-app purchases
Equate 8
- Endless Levels!$2.99
Tessel
No in-app purchases









