Retro Classics vs The Needle in the Haystack 2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Retro Classics
Relive the golden age of arcade gaming with this collection of four classic 80s tabletop electronic games. Experience authentic retro graphics, sounds, and addictive gameplay that defined an era. Perfect for nostalgic gamers and new players alike.
- Four classic 80s tabletop arcade games
- Authentic retro graphics and sounds
- Addictive old-school gameplay
- Accurate machine simulations
- i-Cade controller support
- Score tracking and combined scores
- Game Center integration
Read full descriptionHide full description
Four absolute retro classic tabletop arcade machines in this one collection guaranteed to take you back to your childhood. With bright fluorescent graphics, simulated display, genuine retro blips and bleeps, simplicity and addictive old school gaming. All these games have had their meticulous details emulated to almost perfection (some minor changes). " If you are a retro arcade die hard fan this is a must!" In a distant time, not too long ago, before the internet and mobile phones; arcade games of the 70's and 80's were beautifully simple and addictive. Imagine going back in time to see your old games (or your friends' old games you couldn't have!) Now you can own some of the best handheld/tabletop games of that era in this awesome retro collection. Scramble (also known as Astro Command) , Missile Invader, Frogger and Galaxy Invader are some of the best tabletop games. Made by companies like CGL, Grandstand, Tandy, Epoch, Entex and Tomy to name but a few. Now these games have been brought back from distant and forgotten memories to the 21st century. Nostalgic but fun for all ages! Check the screenshots to see how accurate these are! • Better value then obtaining these as individual apps • Accurate simulations of the machines • Full retro sounds • Totally nostalgic • i-Cade support • Keep track of scores of all levels on the 4 VFD games • Super combined score of all games to prove how hard core retro fan you are • Scores automatically update to Game Center if logged in To play each device simply click on the machine you want to play then turn it on NOTE: To use iCade controller, press iCade button once loaded a game. Pressing this without connection to a controller will bring up the keyboard. Press the button again to turn it off.
The Needle in the Haystack 2
Collaborate with friends or join a public crew to search for a hidden needle in a massive haystack. Collect hay, earn in-game currency, and purchase tools and machines to aid your search. Play solo or with up to eight players.
- Cooperative multiplayer gameplay
- Resource collection and management
- Tool and machine upgrades
- Private and public game yards
- Solo play option
- Hands-only challenge mode
Read full descriptionHide full description
One enormous haystack. One hidden needle. A crew that works together. Create a private yard for friends or join a public crew. Up to eight players collect hay, take it to the dealer and spend shared in-game money on tools, research and machines. You can also play solo. Start with your hands, use shovels and pitchforks, fill buckets and wheelbarrows, and build conveyor lines. Generators, balers, robot arms and scanners help your crew. Support excavated tunnels and recover the needle yourself. Then start a new search area. Choose hands-only mode for an extra challenge. The game needs an internet connection. You can play solo without signing in; shared online yards and account features use Sign in with Apple. Optional credit packs are available through in-app purchases. Credits buy selected permanent personal tools. Tools needed to reach the goal are also obtainable with money earned through play.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: The Needle in the Haystack 2 at Free against Retro Classics's $3.99. The Needle in the Haystack 2 also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 57 months) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). Retro Classics's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 1.3) and review sentiment (60% vs 25%). On 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
The Needle in the Haystack 2 is free to download; Retro Classics costs $3.99 up front. The Needle in the Haystack 2 sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Retro Classics asks for nothing beyond the download.
Retro Classics holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Retro Classics's written reviews are positive against 25% of The Needle in the Haystack 2's.
Retro Classics ships an update every 57 months, The Needle in the Haystack 2 every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.
| Parameter | Retro Classics | The Needle in the Haystack 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 1.3 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews — better | 25.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 57 months | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.1 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 46 MB | 274 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rob Wilmot | Alessandro Brning |
Customer experience
Retro Classics
The Needle in the Haystack 2
In-app purchases
Retro Classics
No in-app purchases
The Needle in the Haystack 2
- 50 Credits$3.99
- 100 Credits$8.99
- 500 Credits$44.99
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- 1,000 Credits$89.99
Questions
Is Retro Classics free?
Is The Needle in the Haystack 2 free?
Which has better reviews, Retro Classics or The Needle in the Haystack 2?
Do Retro Classics or The Needle in the Haystack 2 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Retro Classics or The Needle in the Haystack 2?
Other comparisons















