Kick the Buddy: Forever vs its rivals

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

Core Identity
DeveloperPlaygendary LimitedGame Hive Corp.Secret Exit Ltd.Vicenter Viet Nam Company LimitedRobTop Games ABDodreams Fairytale Company OyReal Free Soccer太宇 左
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.6 / 53.7 / 54.6 / 54.3 / 54.5 / 54.6 / 54.7 / 53.4 / 5
Ratings Count409,3153,61512,52816,86767,604150,448241,0415
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$0.99
Release DateDec 25, 2018Dec 16, 2015Sep 24, 2014Jul 23, 2019Dec 21, 2016May 14, 2015Mar 25, 2021Apr 24, 2025
Last UpdatedMar 19, 2026Apr 27, 2021Feb 2, 2026Mar 31, 2026Jan 29, 2026May 4, 2026Apr 13, 2026Apr 28, 2025
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentpositivenegative--excellentmixedpositivepositive
Score75/10035/100--82/10035/10075/10072/100
Praises
  • Stress relief through the core interactive destruction loop against the character
  • Nostalgic value for long-term players who recall the original title
  • High entertainment value provided by the variety of available weapons
  • Nostalgic core gameplay loop provides lasting entertainment value for long-term returning players
  • Weapon variety and hotswap mechanics allow for creative boss interaction during active sessions
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  • Engaging Gameplay
  • Accessibility and Ease of Use
  • Nostalgic gameplay loop provides long-term entertainment value for returning players
  • Offline Accessibility
  • Engaging Gameplay
  • Satisfying puzzle mechanics provide a relaxing and addictive experience for casual players during downtime
  • Offline accessibility allows for consistent gameplay without requiring an active internet connection
  • Simple and intuitive gameplay design makes the puzzle accessible for school-aged children
Complaints
  • Frequent application crashes when activating specific heavy weapons like the tank
  • Aggressive ad frequency disrupting the flow of the core gameplay loop
  • Monetization pressure from high-cost premium passes and gated content
  • Aggressive ad frequency post-update disrupts the core gameplay flow and creates frustration
  • Technical instability and frequent crashes during cutscenes prevent progression for many users
  • Removal of legacy progression systems and stage unlocking mechanics alienates long-term fans
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  • Lack of Content
  • Ad Frequency
  • Aggressive ad frequency and mid-match interruptions degrade the core gameplay experience
  • Intrusive Advertising
  • Lack of Player Control
  • Excessive ad frequency disrupts the flow of gameplay and creates a negative user experience
  • Misleading advertising creates a disconnect between the promoted gameplay and the actual product
  • Visual overstimulation from changing block colors and flashing lights hinders playability for some users
Requests
  • Addition of legacy content like the kraken to expand weapon variety
  • Expansion of the weapon inventory to provide more variety for long-term users
  • Restoration of original stage-based progression and boss battle maps from previous versions
  • Implementation of a dedicated ad-removal purchase option separate from monthly subscriptions
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  • Restoration of online multiplayer and friend-based battle modes for competitive play
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  • Customization features for block skins and personal image uploads are highly anticipated by the community
  • Audio customization options to select between different voice-over narrators during gameplay
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Physics-based interaction engine sustains core stress-relief loop
  • Nostalgic brand recall from original title drives legacy user retention
  • Franchise IP provides recognizable visual identity
  • Office-themed narrative offers relatable context for stress relief
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  • Massive community-driven content library (millions of levels)
  • Strong brand loyalty with 'Excellent' sentiment
  • Robust offline playability
  • Stylized pixel-art aesthetic sustains brand recognition
  • Local offline-play mode functions as a unique distribution moat for travel-heavy demographics
  • Market-leading offline functionality
  • Massive social proof (3.3M+ ratings)
  • Low-friction 'jump-start' UX
  • Daily Puzzle retention loops maintain high active user counts
  • Watch-specific build captures the micro-session wearable market
Weaknesses
  • Frequent crashes during heavy weapon interactions erode daily active habit
  • $7.99 weekly subscription price point exceeds category median for casual sandbox titles
  • 0.02★ rating gap between iOS and Android
  • Frequent startup crashes post-update
  • Aggressive ad density post-encounter
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  • Native levels are too short (20-minute completion time)
  • High ad frequency causing user friction
  • Lack of modern technical features like 120Hz support
  • 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
  • High ad frequency in free tier
  • Aggressive weekly subscription pricing
  • Perceived 'on-rails' gameplay limiting player agency
  • Premium tier at $0.99 is niche
  • Excessive ad frequency drives uninstalls
  • 3.4★ iOS rating trails Android performance
Pricingsubscriptionfreemiumfreefreemiumfreefreemiumfreemiumfreemium
MomentumActiveZombieActiveIntenseMaintenanceActiveIntenseActive
Update Cadence5 versions, ~38d avg2 versions, ~1680d avg5 versions5 versions5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~166d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~8d avg5 versions, ~92d avg

Compare Kick the Buddy: Forever 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: Forever, 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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