Comparison

The Cipher Core vs AlienSwarms

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

Head to head
About

The Cipher Core

Features
Read full description

[Intro: The Hook] "I see all. You cannot hide." In a world governed by total surveillance, the ultimate AI—The Panopticon—controls every breath you take. As a Commander of the underground resistance, you must synchronize with elite agents, master the Cipher Core, and reclaim humanity’s freedom from the neon-lit shadows of the orbital stations. Experience a breathtaking Sci-Fi Action RPG that blends stylish anime visuals with high-octane combat. [Key Features] EXPLOSIVE ARPG COMBAT Engage in fast-paced, side-scrolling battles. Chain together devastating skills, perform perfect dodges, and unleash ultimate abilities to shatter colossal mechanical bosses. STUNNING ANIME AESTHETICS Dive into a beautifully rendered cyberpunk world. From high-detail 3D character models to vibrant futuristic landscapes, every frame is designed for a cinematic experience. DEFEAT THE ALL-SEEING Face off against massive enemies like The Panopticon. Learn their patterns, exploit their weaknesses, and prove that no machine can match the human spirit. CUSTOMIZE YOUR SQUAD Collect and upgrade a diverse roster of agents. Equip them with powerful gear and optimize their Cipher Cores to create the ultimate fighting force. AN EPIC SCI-FI ODYSSEY Journey through space stations, dystopian cities, and digital frontiers. Uncover a deep narrative filled with mystery, betrayal, and hope. [Call to Action] The eye is watching. Will you bow down, or will you break the system? Download The Cipher Core today and join the rebellion!

About

AlienSwarms

Experience intense arcade survival against intelligent alien swarms that adapt and transform the battlefield. Dodge, adapt, and endure as the enemies evolve their tactics and trigger game-altering events. This fast-paced shooter offers quick, addictive runs with simple controls and deep strategic challenges.

Highlights
  • Dynamic Swarm AI
  • Ritual System
  • Word Rituals
  • Pure Arcade Survival
  • Simple Controls, Deep Challenge
  • Fast, Addictive Runs
Features
Read full description

Survive relentless waves of alien drones in this fast-paced arcade action game where the swarm moves with eerie intelligence—and ritualistic purpose. Dodge. Adapt. Endure. Because the longer you survive… the more the rules change. At first, it feels manageable. Then the formations tighten. The patterns shift. Then you notice the eyes. Every drone in the swarm is watching you now—glowing, deliberate, aware. And then it begins. They don't just attack anymore. They transform the battlefield. ~ FEATURES Dynamic Swarm AI Enemies don't just chase you—they organize, surround, and evolve in real time. Ritual System The swarm triggers gameplay-altering events that reshape each run in unexpected ways. Word Rituals They don't just move—they communicate. Watch the swarm form ominous messages mid-game. The Eye (NEW in 3.0) Survive long enough, and the swarm assembles into something far worse than a formation. It watches. It tracks. It burns. Your Ship, Reborn (NEW in 3.0) A new look for your pilot—an alert face, a glowing steering belt that reads every move you make. Every Victory, Celebrated (NEW in 3.0) Beat your best score and watch the sky light up. You earned it. Pure Arcade Survival No filler. No downtime. Just escalating intensity. Simple Controls, Deep Challenge Easy to pick up. Brutal to master. Fast, Addictive Runs Quick sessions that turn into "just one more try." ~ STRATEGY MATTERS Stay moving—or get surrounded Read the swarm before it closes in Adapt when the rituals begin Survive long enough to face what's watching They are watching. ~ VERSION 3.0 – MAJOR UPDATE New: The Eye—a dangerous boss encounter with tracking beams and fiery impacts New: A redesigned player ship with an expressive face and glowing steering bel New: Every enemy drone now bears glowing, menacing eyes New: Fireworks celebration when you beat your high score Improved: Difficulty balance, ad experience, and overall stability Numerous bug fixes and polish ~ AI HOOK This isn't just another shooter. The swarm feels alive. It adapts. It signals. And now, it watches. Can you survive when the game turns against you? Enjoyed ALIENSWARMS? I also made METEORIC and DEFENDER REBORN, two classic arcade tributes reborn for modern touch screens -- both available on the App Store. Icons by Twemoji, licensed under CC-BY 4.0.

Screenshots

The Cipher Core4 screens
AlienSwarms4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Cipher Core at none against AlienSwarms's 1. The Cipher Core also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. AlienSwarms sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. The Cipher Core asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
The Cipher Core versus AlienSwarms: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Cipher CoreAlienSwarms
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequency—Every 2 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.6 GB116 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperCLOUD SOFTWARE STUDIO LLCMark Mangieri

In-app purchases

None

The Cipher Core

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

AlienSwarms

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$0.99

Questions

Is The Cipher Core free?
The Cipher Core is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AlienSwarms free?
AlienSwarms is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do The Cipher Core or AlienSwarms have ads?
AlienSwarms shows ads; The Cipher Core does not.

Other comparisons