Comparison

Classic Maelstrom vs Maelstrom

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Fast-action gameplay
  • Classic pixel graphics
  • Original sounds
  • Cooperative multiplayer
  • Competitive multiplayer
  • Mobile touch controls
  • Game controller support
  • Kid Mode
Features
Read full description

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...

About

Maelstrom

Read full description

Enter the vector storm. Maelstrom: Vector Arcade is a fast, score-driven arcade shooter built around shifting geometric webs. Swipe around each web, fire into its lanes, and destroy incoming enemies before they reach your ship. Every level brings a new shape, rhythm, and tactical challenge. Survive escalating waves, unleash ZAP when the screen becomes overwhelming, and enter OVERDRIVE for an even more intense run. FEATURES • Fast swipe-and-fire controls • A wide variety of distinctive vector webs • Escalating enemy waves and hazards • ZAP emergency weapon • OVERDRIVE mode • Optional rewarded continue • Local high-score chasing • English, Spanish, Hindi, Korean, and Japanese support How long can you survive the vector storm?

Screenshots

Classic Maelstrom4 screens
Maelstrom4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Classic Maelstrom at none against Maelstrom's shown. Classic Maelstrom also leads on device support (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Classic Maelstrom versus Maelstrom: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterClassic MaelstromMaelstrom
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 daysEvery 2 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB17 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperSam LantingaJohn Verco

In-app purchases

None

Classic Maelstrom

No in-app purchases

None

Maelstrom

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Classic Maelstrom free?
Classic Maelstrom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Maelstrom free?
Maelstrom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Classic Maelstrom or Maelstrom have ads?
Maelstrom shows ads; Classic Maelstrom does not.
Which is updated more often, Classic Maelstrom or Maelstrom?
Classic Maelstrom ships an update every 2 days, and Maelstrom every 2 days. Most recently, Classic Maelstrom was updated on October 31, 2026 and Maelstrom on October 25, 2026.

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