Report updated Apr 3, 2026
Sine Mora
v1.30Fans of classic shoot'em up (shmup) games and retro-style arcade action who appreciate high production values and challenging, skill-based gameplay.
What Is Sine Mora?
Launched Jul 13, 2013
Updated May 2015
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
A unique mechanic where time is the primary resource and challenge factor, rather than just health.
An integrated narrative experience designed to be accessible to newcomers to the shoot'em up genre.
Over 50 different weapon combinations paired with time-manipulating devices.
High-difficulty mode featuring deep scoring systems and a hidden rank system for experienced players.
Visually stunning graphics and a professional soundtrack composed by Akira Yamaoka.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate visuals and graphics and gameplay quality, but report lack of controller support and poor touch controls.”
What Users Love
The visuals are nothing short of spectacular, especially the boss fights.
Beautiful game, beautiful graphics.
This game has one of the best bosses, best gameplay of an airship shootem up game.
Really enjoyed this solid arcade style shooter.
Pain Points
The big disappointment of having to play with a virtual controller in the touch screen instead of being able to play with my actual controller.
This is a great game, and the port is excellent in all regards except for the lack of MFi controller support.
The controls are what kills this game. As it is, it is too expensive and too frustrating.
The controls are not as responsive as they need to be.
High confidence · 49 reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Unique time-based health mechanic
- High production values (Akira Yamaoka soundtrack, Mahiro Maeda boss designs)
- Strong critical acclaim and brand recognition from console versions
- Deep weapon customization with over 50 combinations
Cons
- No product updates since 2015
- Lack of MFi/external controller support
- Poorly optimized touch controls
- Not optimized for modern screen resolutions or aspect ratios
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Competitors can capture the premium market by offering modern controller support
- Market gap for a 'Remastered' horizontal shmup with live-ops
- Potential to utilize narrative-driven onboarding for casual players
Market Threats
- Modern freemium shooters (e.g., Wing Fighter) offering better retention and updates
- App obsolescence due to future iOS version incompatibilities
- Negative brand perception as 'abandonware'
Who competes with Sine Mora?
New Kids on the Block
Wing Fighter
MINIGAME ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
A fast-growing modern shooter that blends classic arcade action with contemporary progression mechanics.
A fast-growing modern shooter that blends classic arcade action with contemporary progression mechanics.
What are the key takeaways?
Sine Mora is a divisive games app that is a paid app. With a 3.7/5 rating from 21 reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate visuals and graphics, though lack of controller support remains a common concern.
Best for: Fans of classic shoot'em up (shmup) games and retro-style arcade action who appreciate high production values and challenging, skill-based gameplay.
How much does it cost?
Model: paid
Premium upfront pricing model typical of classic console-to-mobile ports, focusing on a complete, ad-free experience.