Comparison

Equate 8 vs Galaxy Cruiser

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

Galaxy Cruiser

Navigate celestial bodies by tapping and holding to build speed in orbit, then releasing to slingshot between stars. Master momentum and timing across 55 constellation-themed levels, each with easy and hard variants. Unlock collectible cards with real-world astronomy facts.

Highlights
  • 55 constellation-themed levels
  • Easy and Hard difficulty variants
  • One-tap tap-and-hold controls
  • Hand-tuned arcade physics
  • Global leaderboards
  • Collectible constellation cards
Features
Read full description

Every level is based on a real constellation, and the gravity of its stars shapes the challenge. Tap and hold to build speed in orbit, let go to slingshot to the next star, and visit them all as fast as you can. There are no scripted paths — only momentum, timing, and the night sky. • 55 Constellations — From Orion to Scorpius, including all twelve signs of the zodiac, grouped into five collections: Sea & Sky, Heroes, Zodiac, Southern Sky, and Beasts. • Easy & Hard — Every level comes in two variants. Finish both and beat the target times to earn all five stars. • Tap & Hold Controls — Fly with one finger. Success comes down to when you let go. • Hand-Tuned Physics — Not a simulator, but a satisfying arcade feel built around momentum, capture, and close calls. • Global Leaderboards — Every level has its own Easy and Hard leaderboard. See how you compare with friends through Game Center. • Watch the Best Runs — Replay your own flights, or watch exactly how the top pilots did it. • Endless Arcade — Fly galaxy after galaxy. Visit stars to score, and dive into black holes to warp to the next one. • Collectible Cards — Unlock a card for every constellation, with its mythology, key stars, and how to find it in the real night sky. Start with five free levels. A one-time Pro purchase unlocks all 55 constellations in any order, endless Arcade mode, and top-run replays on every level. No ads, no subscription. Fly carefully. The stars can wait.

Screenshots

Equate 84 screens
Galaxy Cruiser4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Galaxy Cruiser at 100% against Equate 8's 80%. Equate 8's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs monthly) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 Galaxy Cruiser sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Equate 8 ships an update weekly, Galaxy Cruiser monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Equate 8 versus Galaxy Cruiser: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEquate 8Galaxy Cruiser
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (14 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings14 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple TV
Requires iOS11.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCinq-Mars MediaKadir Yazgan

Customer experience

Equate 8

All ratings14 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral7.1%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative10.0%

Galaxy Cruiser

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Equate 8

One-time1
  • Endless Levels!$2.99
1 purchases

Galaxy Cruiser

One-time1
  • Pro Upgrade$4.99

Questions

Is Equate 8 free?
Equate 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Galaxy Cruiser free?
Galaxy Cruiser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Equate 8 or Galaxy Cruiser have ads?
Neither Equate 8 nor Galaxy Cruiser shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Equate 8 or Galaxy Cruiser?
Equate 8 ships an update weekly, and Galaxy Cruiser monthly. Most recently, Equate 8 was updated on October 24, 2026 and Galaxy Cruiser on October 25, 2026.

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