Comparison

Pushcard vs Classic Maelstrom

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

Head to head
About

Pushcard

Features
Read full description

Pushcard ist eines der ersten Spiele welches ausschliesslich für die neue Apple Watch entwickelt wurde. Es ist ein wunderbarer kleiner Zeitvertreib, für den man das iPhone in der Tasche lassen kann. Merke Dir die aufblinkenden Symbole und präge Dir die richtige Sequenz ein. Schlage Deinen eigenen Highscore und lade ihn ins Game Center.

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...

Screenshots

Pushcard1 screens
Classic Maelstrom4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Classic Maelstrom at every 2 days against Pushcard's every 110 months. Classic Maelstrom also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads 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

Pushcard ships an update every 110 months, Classic Maelstrom every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Pushcard versus Classic Maelstrom: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPushcardClassic Maelstrom
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 110 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTorben ToepperSam Lantinga

In-app purchases

None

Pushcard

No in-app purchases

None

Classic Maelstrom

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pushcard free?
Pushcard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Classic Maelstrom free?
Classic Maelstrom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Pushcard or Classic Maelstrom have ads?
Neither Pushcard nor Classic Maelstrom shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pushcard or Classic Maelstrom?
Pushcard ships an update every 110 months, and Classic Maelstrom every 2 days. Most recently, Pushcard was updated on October 26, 2026 and Classic Maelstrom on October 28, 2026.

Other comparisons