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Dark Notes - Horror Games vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Dark Notes - Horror Games's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Dark Notes - Horror Games
This App
Boxes: Lost Fragments
Nemesis
Mystery Town: Merge Games
Contender
Escape Games LIBRARY
Contender
50 Rooms Exit: Hidden Mystery
Contender
MOON HOUSE : ROOM ESCAPE
Contender
Stickman Story: Island Escape
Peer
Fireboy and Watergirl: Escape
Peer
Hide and Sneak Adventures
New Kid
Magician's escape
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperFUNNY GAME CO.,LTDSnapbreak GamesCedar Games StudioTomoya TsurutaTTN GamesAPARTMENT BACONABI GLOBAL LTD.Metin YucelFunsol Technologies (Private) LimitedGiovanni Ferraro
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesPuzzleGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroidAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOSiOSiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.7 / 54.9 / 54.9 / 54.8 / 54.3 / 54.7 / 54.7 / 52.3 / 53.7 / 50.0 / 5
Ratings Count2912,0427,9295744662,6783,75139330
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$0.99
Release DateMay 23, 2024Apr 10, 2024Oct 18, 2024Oct 14, 2019Sep 3, 2018Mar 29, 2021Apr 1, 2021Oct 10, 2014Nov 21, 2025Feb 25, 2026
Last UpdatedDec 23, 2024Apr 7, 2026May 12, 2026May 15, 2026May 17, 2026Jan 28, 2026Nov 3, 2021Jun 8, 2019Jan 14, 2026Mar 14, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentexcellentexcellentnegative---negative---
Score90/10085/10035/100---35/100---
Praises
  • Tactical map hints and narrative progression keep players engaged throughout the entire game experience
  • High-quality puzzle design and visual aesthetics create an immersive experience for players
  • Generous free-to-play trial allows users to experience enough content before purchasing
  • Smooth performance and lack of intrusive advertisements enhance the overall gameplay experience
  • Core merge gameplay loop provides a relaxing and engaging experience for casual players
  • Absence of forced advertisements allows for uninterrupted play sessions during initial levels
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  • Nostalgic gameplay loop provides a familiar and engaging experience for returning long-term players
  • Simple one-handed control scheme allows for quick sessions during short periods of downtime
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Complaints-
  • Limited content length relative to the price point creates value dissatisfaction
  • Hidden interactive elements are difficult to identify on smaller mobile screens
  • Technical purchase failures prevent users from accessing the full game content
  • Aggressive monetization and high energy costs force pay-to-win progression barriers for dedicated players
  • Deceptive marketing practices regarding promised welcome gift packs frustrate new user acquisition
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  • Excessive ad frequency interrupts gameplay flow and makes the experience feel unplayable for users
  • In-app purchases to remove advertisements fail to provide the promised ad-free experience
  • Forced internet connectivity requirements serve primarily to facilitate aggressive advertisement delivery during sessions
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Requests
  • Additional content updates are requested to extend the gameplay experience beyond current levels
  • Development of a sequel or additional content modules to extend the game
  • Implementation of alternative energy sources or ad-supported energy refills for non-paying players
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  • Additional levels are requested to extend the current short and limited content progression
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Dual-protagonist narrative structure creates unique engagement loops
  • Atmospheric visual fidelity drives organic store conversion
  • 11-language localization drives global install velocity
  • 3D mechanical puzzle loop sustains high session quality
  • Freemium trial conversion model captures casual interest
  • Narrative-driven mystery loop differentiates from static merge games
  • Weekly themed events maintain engagement windows
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  • Interactive comic format drives session length via choice-based narrative
  • One-handed control scheme lowers barrier to entry for casual sessions
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Weaknesses
  • Content stagnation post-launch
  • Ad-supported monetization creates friction in horror immersion
  • 0.4★ rating gap between iOS and Android platforms
  • Purchase button failures block revenue in the latest release
  • Content volume is insufficient for the price point
  • Small interactive triggers frustrate mobile users
  • High energy costs force pay-to-win barriers
  • Deceptive welcome-gift ads drive new-user churn
  • Technical instability on startup
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  • Ad-removal purchase fails to deliver promised ad-free experience
  • Forced internet requirement prevents offline play
  • Content cap limits long-term retention
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Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreefreefreemiumfreefreepaid
MomentumSteadyMaintenanceActive--SteadyMaintenance---
Update Cadence3 versions5 versions, ~63d avg5 versions, ~8d avg--5 versions5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~409d avg---

Compare Dark Notes - Horror Games 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 Dark Notes - Horror Games, 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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