| Core Identity |
| Developer | BIGDOG GAMES | Ketchapp | Sirvo LLC | SUPERBOX. Inc | Easybrain Ltd | Tripledot Studios | Easybrain Ltd |
| Category | Games | Games | Games | Games | Games | Games | Games |
| Platform | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | iOS, Android | iOS | iOS | Android, iOS | iOS |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 | 4.9 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Ratings Count | 2,764 | 36,778 | 2,992 | 22,279 | 1,816,450 | 656,220 | 650,189 |
| Price | Free | Free | $5.99 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Release Date | Sep 30, 2017 | Mar 19, 2014 | Feb 6, 2014 | May 1, 2023 | Mar 30, 2017 | Mar 11, 2020 | Mar 23, 2019 |
| Last Updated | Oct 19, 2025 | Apr 10, 2026 | Jun 3, 2025 | Jan 11, 2026 | Mar 24, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | mixed | mixed | - | - | negative | mixed | mixed |
| Score | 45/100 | 45/100 | - | - | 22/100 | 45/100 | 48/100 |
| Praises | - Simple and addictive puzzle mechanics provide a relaxing experience for casual daily play sessions
- Minimalistic visual design and low battery consumption support extended play sessions on mobile devices
- Progress saving functionality allows users to resume games after closing the application
| - Addictive Gameplay
- Relaxing Experience
| - | - | | - Meditative and soothing puzzle mechanics provide a reliable daily stress relief habit for players
| |
| Complaints | - Aggressive and intrusive ad placements frequently interrupt gameplay and block critical screen areas
- In-app purchases for ad removal fail to function, leading to continued ad exposure
- Unexpected progress resets and game data loss occur without clear user error
| - Excessive/Invasive Ads
- Technical Issues & Bugs
| - | - | - Excessive Ad Frequency
- Malicious Ad Content
| - Excessive ad frequency interrupts the flow of gameplay and forces frequent app restarts
| - Excessive Advertising
- High Cost of Ad-Free Version
|
| Requests | - Global high score tracking and leaderboards to provide competitive goals for long-term players
- Feature parity between iPad and iPhone versions regarding grid size and tile drops
| - | - | - | - | - Purchase option for an ad-free experience to remove current monetization friction
| - |
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - Multi-directional linking mechanic differentiates from standard 4-way grid movement
- Minimalist design minimizes battery consumption during extended sessions
- Persistent progress-save functionality supports long-term daily habit formation
| - Official brand authority
- Addictive, proven core gameplay loop
- Intuitive, flexible swipe controls
| - | - | - Massive scale (1.8M+ ratings) providing high ASO authority
- Strong live-ops via Seasonal Events and Daily Challenges
- Clean, preferred UI for core Sudoku gameplay
| - Meditative puzzle loop sustains daily habit
- Offline-first architecture captures transit-based engagement
| - Superior Live Ops including Seasonal Events and collectible postcards
- Robust competitive features (Tournaments/Leaderboards)
- High frequency of content updates (last updated March 2026)
|
| Weaknesses | - Paid ad-removal features fail to function, leading to revenue loss
- High-frequency interstitial ads block critical screen areas, driving churn
- Unexplained progress resets and data loss incidents invalidate player investment
| - Invasive ad monetization
- Technical bugs (undo, audio, purchase restoration)
- Lack of modern quality-of-life features (Dark Mode)
| - | - | - Aggressive mid-game ad interruptions
- High $18 ad-removal price point
- Lack of Dark Mode for night-time play
| - Aggressive ad-load triggers high churn
- Post-update stability issues erode trust
- No paid ad-free tier
| - Aggressive ad frequency (interstitials every 80 seconds)
- Polarizing $15 ad-removal price point
- Missing Dark Mode causing eye strain
|
| Pricing | freemium | free | paid | freemium | freemium | freemium | freemium |
| Momentum | Steady | - | Steady | Steady | Maintenance | Active | - |
| Update Cadence | 5 versions | - | 5 versions | 5 versions | 2 versions, ~29d avg | 5 versions, ~10d avg | - |
