Merge Cooking® vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Merge Cooking®'s closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Core Identity
DeveloperHappibitsWonderLegend GamesBWEB SARLBWEB SARLBWEB SARLPM Studios, Inc.GAMEHAUS LIMITEDAzel GamesRollic GamesRedemption Games
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesCasualGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOSiOSiOSiOSiOSAndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.7 / 54.6 / 54.1 / 54.3 / 54.3 / 54.5 / 54.7 / 54.5 / 54.6 / 54.7 / 5
Ratings Count40,6153,2471,6352,4793,8501,123105,8576,34626,99593,208
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateSep 19, 2022Feb 20, 2023Nov 13, 2015Dec 20, 2018Feb 2, 2019Nov 7, 2017Dec 13, 2018Jan 13, 2023Nov 30, 2021Aug 2, 2019
Last UpdatedJul 1, 2026Apr 12, 2026Jun 7, 2025Dec 11, 2021Jun 15, 2021Apr 18, 2018May 18, 2026May 8, 2026May 19, 2026Apr 22, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixednegative----negative-negativemixed
Score45/10035/100----25/100-25/10055/100
Praises
  • Relaxing and addictive core merge gameplay provides a satisfying long-term time-killing experience
  • Visually charming restaurant themes and cute design details keep the experience fresh for players
  • Engaging cooking simulation gameplay provides a satisfying and addictive loop for casual players
----
  • Core bingo gameplay mechanics provide a relaxing experience for casual players during downtime
-
  • Satisfying core gameplay loop provides a relaxing experience for casual players during short sessions
  • Adorable animal characters and creative cake decorating mechanics provide a relaxing experience for casual players
  • Nostalgic appeal for long-term players who have returned to the game after several years
Complaints
  • Aggressive pop-up advertisements and forced event tutorials disrupt the flow of gameplay for users
  • Background audio and music playback are interrupted by the game, preventing multitasking during play
  • Energy system constraints and removal of ad-based rewards force players toward unwanted micro-transactions
  • Frequent game crashes and loading screen stalls prevent access to core gameplay features
----
  • Account progress and level data vanish suddenly following the latest update on iOS
  • Aggressive monetization and rigged win rates make progression impossible without spending real money
-
  • Paid ad-removal purchases fail to function, leaving users with forced advertisements after payment
  • Frequent application crashes prevent progress past early levels on various mobile device configurations
  • Aggressive ad frequency following recent updates disrupts the flow of the core match-three gameplay loop
  • Technical instability including game crashes and loading failures prevents access to progress on flagship devices
Requests
  • Cross-device progress synchronization and cloud save recovery are needed to prevent total data loss
  • Cross-platform account synchronization and social login options for easier progress recovery
----
  • Reliable cloud backup or account binding to prevent total loss of game progress
-
  • Refunds requested by users who paid for ad-free experiences that remain non-functional
  • Visual gallery or history feature to view all previously created cake designs and decorations
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Offline-capable core loop sustains engagement in low-connectivity markets
  • Visual design aesthetic drives high organic install velocity
  • Pet-based progression increases daily session frequency
  • Social guild challenges reduce 30-day churn
  • PVP events expand total ad-impression capacity
----
  • Travel-themed odyssey provides a distinct narrative wrapper for standard bingo rounds
  • Daily currency scaling creates a predictable retention loop for long-term players
-
  • Satisfying core stacking loop provides high-frequency engagement for casual sessions
  • Animal-assistant system provides a unique thematic hook
  • Village-building meta-game offers broader progression than single-location rivals
Weaknesses
  • Lack of cloud-save functionality causes total progress loss on device migration
  • Aggressive ad-frequency disrupts the core relaxing gameplay loop
  • 0.14 rating gap between Android and iOS
  • Persistent startup crashes at 99% loading
  • Lack of cloud-save or social login
----
  • Total account-wipe reports on iOS post-update
  • Support links redirect to unhelpful social media pages
  • Perceived rigged win rates drive negative sentiment
-
  • Paid ad-removal purchases fail to trigger, driving refund requests
  • Frequent crashes prevent progress on early levels
  • Aggressive ad frequency post-update
  • Technical instability and game crashes
  • Lack of cloud-save functionality
Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreefreefreefreemiumfreemiumfreefreemiumfreemium
MomentumIntenseIntense---ZombieMaintenance-MaintenanceSteady
Update Cadence5 versions, ~3d avg5 versions---5 versions2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~66d avg-5 versions, ~13d avg5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~16d avg

Compare Merge Cooking® 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 Merge Cooking®, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0