Don't Touch The Spikes: New season vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Don't Touch The Spikes: New season's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Crossy Road+
Contender
Geometry Dash
Contender
Core Identity
DeveloperTapBrainKetchappHIPSTER WHALELima SkyRobTop Games ABAI Games FZDodreams Fairytale Company OySUPERSONIC STUDIOS LTDSupercent, Inc.LumEnrich Inc
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.3 / 54.3 / 54.1 / 54.2 / 54.6 / 54.6 / 54.6 / 54.6 / 54.7 / 54.6 / 5
Ratings Count1659,2576553,122264,154803,225150,448409,483131,58322
PriceFreeFreeFreeFree$3.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateAug 9, 2014Jul 15, 2014Oct 8, 2021Aug 25, 2011Aug 13, 2013May 5, 2019May 14, 2015Feb 19, 2020Feb 9, 2023Sep 8, 2016
Last UpdatedJul 3, 2017Feb 17, 2026Dec 20, 2025Jan 16, 2026Jan 29, 2026Feb 9, 2026May 4, 2026May 6, 2026Dec 18, 2025Sep 30, 2016
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativenegativeexcellentmixedpositivemixedmixedmixednegativeexcellent
Score25/10025/10082/10045/10075/10058/10035/10045/10035/10082/100
Praises
  • Simple and fast-paced gameplay mechanics provide an addictive experience for quick gaming sessions
  • Challenging difficulty levels offer a rewarding skill progression for dedicated long-term players
  • Simple and addictive core gameplay loop provides long-term entertainment for casual gaming sessions
  • Hard mode and challenge variations offer meaningful skill progression for dedicated long-term players
  • Addictive Gameplay
  • Offline Accessibility
  • Core jumping mechanics provide a nostalgic and addictive experience for long-term players
  • High-difficulty platforming challenges provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment for dedicated players
  • Nostalgic Appeal
  • Engaging Gameplay
  • Nostalgic gameplay loop provides long-term entertainment value for returning players
  • Core ball-rolling mechanics provide an addictive and entertaining experience for casual play sessions
  • Engaging Gameplay
  • Stress Relief & Relaxation
  • Addictive Gameplay
Complaints
  • Aggressive ad frequency post-update disrupts the core gameplay loop and renders the experience unplayable
  • Broken ad-free purchase status causes frustration for legacy users who paid for ad removal
  • Visual and performance regressions following recent updates cause stuttering and color-related accessibility issues
  • Aggressive ad frequency post-update disrupts the flow of gameplay and renders the experience unplayable
  • Broken visual rendering on newer devices hides critical gameplay elements like spikes and walls
  • Monetization friction persists for users who previously purchased ad-free experiences in earlier versions
  • Ad Frequency and Length
  • Ad Removal Pricing
  • Aggressive ad frequency post-update disrupts the flow of short gameplay sessions
  • Frequent interstitial advertisements disrupt the flow of gameplay for users of the free version
  • Excessive Ad Frequency
  • Unpopular Version Changes
  • Aggressive ad frequency and mid-match interruptions degrade the core gameplay experience
  • Excessive ad frequency disrupts the flow of gameplay and creates a negative user experience
  • Excessive Advertising
  • Game-Breaking Bugs
  • Broken Revive Mechanic
  • Ad Frequency and Length
Requests
  • Addition of a dedicated premium version or a toggle to disable all intrusive advertisements
  • Dedicated offline mode or ad-free premium purchase option to restore the original game experience
-
  • Paid ad-free option requested to restore the original premium experience
  • Implementation of a search function within the level browser to improve content discovery
-
  • Restoration of online multiplayer and friend-based battle modes for competitive play
  • Account synchronization and cloud save functionality to prevent permanent progress loss
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Core loop drives high session frequency
  • Simple controls lower entry barriers
  • Cross-promotion network across 200+ titles sustains organic install velocity
  • Minimalist design aesthetic lowers cognitive load for casual users
  • Massive character roster (300+)
  • Strong offline playability
  • Simple one-tap accessibility
  • Nostalgic core loop sustains long-term player interest
  • Offline playability functions as a reliable engagement mechanism
  • Tilt-control mechanic creates a distinct arcade feel
  • Community-driven level editor creates infinite replayability
  • Iconic rhythm-platformer brand legacy sustains organic install velocity
  • Massive legacy user base (3.4M+ ratings)
  • Unique 'Fun City' sandbox builder mode
  • Strong nostalgic brand equity
  • Stylized pixel-art aesthetic sustains brand recognition
  • Local offline-play mode functions as a unique distribution moat for travel-heavy demographics
  • Physics-based momentum feels more responsive than rigid lane-based runners
  • One-finger control scheme maximizes top-of-funnel acquisition
  • Addictive core Idle Arcade loop
  • Thematic depth with drive-thru and multi-food menus
  • Massive existing user base (750k+ ratings)
  • Massive Android scale (4.4M+ ratings)
  • Strong 'No WiFi' offline positioning
  • High user sentiment for relaxation/focus
Weaknesses
  • Legacy purchase recognition failure
  • Ad density exceeds user tolerance
  • Android performance regressions
  • 1.2★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates poor optimization on modern hardware
  • Legacy ad-free purchase failure drives high-churn support tickets
  • Slower update cadence than genre leaders
  • High ad-removal price ($10)
  • Lack of non-cosmetic meta-progression
  • Aggressive ad frequency post-update drives churn
  • Gyroscope-only controls limit accessibility for casual play
  • Technical instability causes crashes on loading screens
  • Premium tier at $3.99 on iOS above category median
  • Inconsistent touch responsiveness during high-speed segments
  • Account synchronization failures result in progress loss
  • Aggressive ad-to-play ratio (30s ad for 15s level)
  • Negative sentiment regarding recent version updates
  • Lack of real-time synchronous multiplayer
  • 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
  • Loading freezes in the latest update
  • No cloud-save functionality despite user requests
  • Ad frequency disrupts gameplay flow
  • Aggressive ad-load causing 'Upset' sentiment
  • Progression-blocking bugs (out-of-bounds upgrades)
  • Lack of cross-save functionality
  • 10-year iOS update gap (v3.2 from 2016)
  • Broken ad-revive reward loop
  • Skin customization bugs (watermelon/toast skins fail to apply)
Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemium
MomentumZombieMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceIntenseMaintenanceActiveActiveMaintenanceMaintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~838d avg2 versions, ~109d avg5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~336d avg5 versions, ~20d avg2 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~1d avg5 versions, ~25d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions, ~9d avg5 versions, ~31d avg5 versions, ~876d avg

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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 Don't Touch The Spikes: New season, 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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