Comparison

SpaceShard vs CactusPop

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

Head to head
About

SpaceShard

Navigate procedurally generated mazes, collecting shards to increase your score and unlock upgrades. Compete in time-based multiplayer matches and customize your spacesuit. Climb leaderboards and unlock achievements.

Highlights
  • Endless procedural mazes
  • Time-based multiplayer matches
  • Achievements and milestones
  • Spacesuit customization
  • Global leaderboards
Features
Read full description

SpaceShard is a procedurally generated maze game where you traverse endless corridors and collect SpaceShards to extend your survival. Every shard counts toward your score, helps you upgrade, and earns you a place on the leaderboard. Take the challenge further with time-based multiplayer matches, where you compete against other players to see who can collect the most SpaceShards before the clock runs out. As you progress, you’ll unlock achievements for reaching milestones, mastering tricky runs, or winning competitive matches, perfect for showing off your skills. Plus, make the experience your own by customizing your spacesuit with as much color and flair as you want, creating a look that’s uniquely yours. Key Features • Endless procedural mazes – No two runs are the same. Master new layouts every time you play. • Time-based multiplayer matches – Challenge friends or players worldwide to see who can grab the most shards before the timer hits zero. • Achievements and milestones – Unlock badges for epic runs, skillful gameplay, and multiplayer victories. • Full spacesuit customization – Express yourself with unlimited color combinations and create a look as bold as your gameplay. • Leaderboards – Climb the global rankings and prove you’re the ultimate SpaceShard collector. This is a true passion project and my very first App Store release, a lifelong dream come true. I’m proud to finally share SpaceShard with you. Download now and start collecting shards! If you have fun, please consider leaving a review.

About

CactusPop

Features
Read full description

CACTUSPOP — The Addictive Balloon-Popping Adventure! Guide your spiky cactus to pop colorful balloons falling from the sky! Simple to learn, impossible to put down. How high can you score? GAME MODES SOLO MODE Perfect your skills in endless solo play. Pop balloons, beat your high score, and watch your cactus grow taller with each successful pop! Experience dynamic day-to-night transitions as you play. Compete on global leaderboards and prove you’re the best! QUICK MATCH Jump into fast-paced 2-player matches instantly! Get matched with players worldwide and compete in real-time. Same seed, same balloons — only pure skill decides the winner. No waiting, pure action! PRIVATE ROOM Create a private room and share the code with friends. Perfect for playing with family or enjoying friendly competition with your best friends! CO-OP MODE Team up with a friend and take on the balloons together! Play side by side on the same screen in local co-op, or connect online to form an unstoppable duo from anywhere in the world. Coordinate your moves, combine your strengths, and crush the global co-op leaderboard together. Two cactus are better than one! ROYALE MODE The ultimate challenge! Up to 100 players compete in real-time. Pop balloons faster than your opponents and showcase your skills. Earn points, climb the ranks, and rise from Bronze all the way to Legendary! FEATURES - Real-time multiplayer with players worldwide - Online co-op — team up with any friend, anywhere - Global leaderboards for Solo, Co-op and Royale Mode - Daily Challenge — 3 attempts per day, new challenge every day - 18+ unique cactus skins with real gameplay effects - Beautiful day/night cycle with dynamic skies - Smooth, responsive controls optimized for all devices - Ranking system with unique titles and badges - Special balloon types with unique effects - Relaxing yet competitive gameplay - Available in 10 languages RANKING SYSTEM Progress through the ranks in Royale Mode: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, Legendary Top players on the Solo and Co-op leaderboards earn exclusive Gold, Silver and Bronze cactus skins — wear your rank with pride! PERFECT FOR - Quick gaming sessions during breaks - Competitive players seeking global rankings - Friends and couples looking for fun co-op games - Players who want dynamic multiplayer action - Anyone who loves satisfying balloon pops! Download now and join players worldwide in the most addictive cactus adventure! ----- KEYWORDS: cactus, balloon, pop, game, multiplayer, arcade, casual, fun, free, leaderboard, online

Screenshots

SpaceShard4 screens
CactusPop3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SpaceShard at none against CactusPop's 2. SpaceShard also leads on ads (none vs shown). CactusPop's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.5). On price 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CactusPop sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. SpaceShard asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SpaceShard ships an update every 5 months, CactusPop every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SpaceShard versus CactusPop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpaceShardCactusPop
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.515.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPaul Hallmaxime bourdis

In-app purchases

None

SpaceShard

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

CactusPop

One-time2
  • 50 Credits Pack$0.99
  • 120 Credits Pack$1.99

Questions

Is SpaceShard free?
SpaceShard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CactusPop free?
CactusPop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SpaceShard or CactusPop have ads?
CactusPop shows ads; SpaceShard does not.
Which is updated more often, SpaceShard or CactusPop?
SpaceShard ships an update every 5 months, and CactusPop every 5 days. Most recently, SpaceShard was updated on November 5, 2026 and CactusPop on October 31, 2026.

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