Classic Maelstrom vs Rock Zapper
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Classic Maelstrom
Experience a fast-paced, retro arcade shooter with classic pixel graphics and authentic sounds. Enjoy cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, along with modern touch and controller support. Discover hidden secrets and challenge yourself with unique game modes.
- Fast-action gameplay
- Classic pixel graphics
- Original sounds
- Cooperative multiplayer
- Competitive multiplayer
- Mobile touch controls
- Game controller support
- Kid Mode
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Maelstrom is a licensed open source port of the original shareware game for the Macintosh by Ambrosia Software, Inc. It is a fast-action, asteroids-like game, with classic pixel graphics and original sounds. In addition to being a faithful reproduction of the original game, this version adds game controller support, mobile touch controls, and both cooperative and competitive multiplayer action. Features: Kid Mode Clicking the "kid mode" icon next to the play button will enable an easier play mode which will add the retro-thruster prize and automatically shield you as long as shields are available - but beware the Shenobi ships! Their shots will not trigger the automatic defensive systems. Achievements and high scores are not available while in this mode. Multiplayer You can host or join a multiplayer game from the main menu. Up to three players can play at once, and they can be any combination of other players on the local network, and connected controllers. Easter Eggs The classic easter eggs from the original game are all there, and it's up to you to find them...
Rock Zapper
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Play the asteroid vintage game with cool sounds and vintage graphics.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Classic Maelstrom at every 2 days against Rock Zapper's every 6 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Classic Maelstrom ships an update every 2 days, Rock Zapper every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Classic Maelstrom | Rock Zapper |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 days — better | Every 6 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 36 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sam Lantinga | Kang Engineering Systems LLC |
In-app purchases
Classic Maelstrom
No in-app purchases
Rock Zapper
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Classic Maelstrom free?
Is Rock Zapper free?
Do Classic Maelstrom or Rock Zapper have ads?
Which is updated more often, Classic Maelstrom or Rock Zapper?
Other comparisons
