Kick the Buddy: Second Kick vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Kick the Buddy: Second Kick's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Buddy Toss
Nemesis
Core Identity
DeveloperPlaygendary LimitedBIGDOG GAMESTeam Terrible LimitedSUPERSONIC STUDIOS LTDDodreams Fairytale Company OyBadsnowball LimitedDramaton LTD
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.6 / 54.7 / 54.3 / 54.6 / 54.6 / 54.5 / 54.7 / 5
Ratings Count92,64410,59445,751409,483150,44815,386120,535
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateDec 7, 2021Aug 4, 2018Jun 17, 2021Feb 19, 2020May 14, 2015Jul 25, 2020Mar 19, 2023
Last UpdatedApr 7, 2026Oct 19, 2025Mar 1, 2026May 6, 2026May 4, 2026May 8, 2026Mar 17, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixed-excellentmixedmixedmixed-
Score45/100-85/10045/10035/10055/100-
Praises
  • Stress relief through interactive physical simulation of the character
  • Core gameplay loop remains highly entertaining for casual play sessions
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  • Horror and puzzle elements create an immersive atmosphere that keeps players engaged for long sessions
  • Strong narrative progression across chapters builds anticipation for future content updates among the player base
  • Core ball-rolling mechanics provide an addictive and entertaining experience for casual play sessions
  • Nostalgic gameplay loop provides long-term entertainment value for returning players
  • Rhythm-based gameplay mechanics provide a relaxing and engaging experience for casual music fans
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Complaints
  • Aggressive ad frequency disrupts the core gameplay experience for free users
  • Missing legacy content and weapons compared to previous versions
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  • Frequent and unskippable advertisements disrupt the gameplay flow and frustrate users during intense moments
  • Technical glitches and progression blockers prevent players from completing specific game acts
  • Excessive ad frequency disrupts the flow of gameplay and creates a negative user experience
  • Aggressive ad frequency and mid-match interruptions degrade the core gameplay experience
  • Aggressive full-screen advertisement frequency disrupts the core gameplay flow for most users
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Requests
  • Restoration of legacy weapons and customization options from older versions
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  • Multiplayer mode implementation would allow friends to experience the horror and puzzles together
  • Account synchronization and cloud save functionality to prevent permanent progress loss
  • Restoration of online multiplayer and friend-based battle modes for competitive play
  • Expanded music library including specific popular artists and trending tracks for better variety
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Remastered visual fidelity sustains organic install velocity
  • Deep customization depth increases long-term engagement
  • Physics-based core loop drives high session frequency
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  • Ragdoll physics engine creates viral content loops
  • 11-chapter narrative structure sustains long-term session engagement
  • Physics-based momentum feels more responsive than rigid lane-based runners
  • One-finger control scheme maximizes top-of-funnel acquisition
  • Stylized pixel-art aesthetic sustains brand recognition
  • Local offline-play mode functions as a unique distribution moat for travel-heavy demographics
  • Tactile rhythm-matching loop drives high session frequency
  • Manual audio-sync tool reduces input-lag churn
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Weaknesses
  • Aggressive ad frequency disrupts core gameplay
  • Missing legacy content from previous builds
  • Forced online connectivity limits play environments
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  • Unskippable ad frequency in latest builds
  • Progression-blocking bugs in critical chase sequences
  • Device incompatibility on older hardware
  • Loading freezes in the latest update
  • No cloud-save functionality despite user requests
  • Ad frequency disrupts gameplay flow
  • 0.36 rating gap between iOS and Android platforms
  • Aggressive mid-match ad interruptions cited in high-frequency complaints
  • Removal of online PvP alienates competitive player base
  • Aggressive ad-pacing triggers immediate uninstallation
  • High subscription cost relative to hyper-casual peers
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Pricingfreemiumfreefreemiumfreemiumfreemiumsubscriptionfreemium
MomentumMaintenanceSteadyMaintenanceActiveActiveActiveIntense
Update Cadence5 versions, ~17d avg5 versions5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~21d avg5 versions, ~9d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions

Compare Kick the Buddy: Second Kick head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Kick the Buddy: Second Kick, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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