# DNAvsCPU: Human–AI Faceoff > Turn-based strategy game with adaptive AI and evolving rules. (iPhone/iPad app by Mark Furtney.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dnavscpu-humanai-faceoff/id1605652204 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Mark Furtney](https://appshunter.io/developer/552501486) - Category: Games, Puzzle, Strategy - Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $0.99) - Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.6 · 18 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2025-05-04 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dnavscpu-humanai-faceoff/id1605652204/reviews.md ## What is DNAvsCPU? DNAvsCPU is a multi-generation, multi-level strategy game where you (DNA) face an opponent (CPU) that learns as you play. The rules are easy, but games get harder to beat the more you play. Inspired by Tac-Tickle and Tic-Tac-Toe but greatly expanded to include multiple game sizes, evolving rules and strategies, simple machine learning (adaptive AI), Instant Replay, Research reports, Tournament mode, and full video replay of previous games, DNAvsCPU challenges your ability to plan ahead, recognize patterns, and outthink an opponent (CPU) that improves over time. You play as DNA, competing against the CPU's logic engine and learned behaviors across a series of increasingly complex game boards and rules. Every move matters, and every game helps shape how the AI responds next time. How to Play Move one of your pieces each turn to form three in a row: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally (like Tic-Tac-Toe). Early boards are simple, but later levels introduce larger grids and quantum effects that change how the game works. Adaptive AI
 CPU uses some simple machine learning techniques to adjust its individual game tactics and overall strategy based on past games. It will likely make mistakes early, but it learns, adapts, and becomes more challenging the longer you play. Progress Through Levels and Generations Each Generation contains 17 games split over four Levels. Each Level is named after a DNA base: A(7 games), C(5), G(3), and T(2). Each game is more difficult than its predecessor. Each new Generation adds improved CPU algorithms and more restrictive timing. Finish one Generation to unlock the next, and uncover a hidden Easter Egg at the end. Quantum Effects Later Levels introduce "quantum jumping" and "wormholes." These quantum effects add novel strategy requirements and force you to adjust your thinking and add new attacking tactics to your repertoire. Scoring and Mastery
 Win games quickly to earn higher scores and promotions. DNAvsCPU rewards fast play and mercilessly punishes slow play. Larger boards unlock as your skill improves, rewarding efficient play and long-term strategy. Features
 • Turn-based, easy-to-learn, but hard to beat
 • Simple machine learning (Adaptive AI) that evolves as you play
 • Increasing board sizes and CPU learned behaviors and performance gains make advanced games harder
 • Quantum effects change playing tactics and make advanced games more challenging
 • Detailed post-game analysis, research reports, and video replay (with a full set of controls) of previous games
 • Tournament play available (not for the faint of heart) • Free to download and play, but with optional in-app purchases for some advanced features DNAvsCPU is designed to challenge casual players, puzzle lovers, and strategy fans alike. Whether you want a quick test or a deeper battle of wits, the game grows with you. Download DNAvsCPU and see if you can out-evolve the CPU and get to the Easter Egg before CPU's performance improvements and learned behaviors make it noticeably harder for you to win. That is, despite the fact that DNAvsCPU's AI is "Pre-Perceptron" and extremely primitive (no neural nets, no transformers, no massive databases, ...), the question is, "Can you learn the game fast enough and deep enough to beat these simple algorithms?" Or, to put it another way: "Are you smarter than a Fift h Grader?" ## Key features - Adaptive AI that learns and evolves - Multi-level strategy gameplay - Increasing board sizes and complexity - Quantum effects and evolving rules - Post-game analysis and video replay - Tournament mode ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Avatar Pack 1 | $0.99 | one-time | | Avatar pack 2 | $0.99 | one-time | | Tier 2 | $0.99 | one-time | | Tier 2 & 3 | $1.99 | one-time | | Tier 3 | $0.99 | one-time | ## Frequently asked questions about DNAvsCPU ### What is DNAvsCPU? DNAvsCPU is a turn-based strategy game where players compete against an AI opponent that learns and adapts its strategies over time. It features evolving rules, increasing board sizes, and unique quantum effects. ### How does the AI in DNAvsCPU work? The CPU in DNAvsCPU uses simple machine learning techniques to adjust its tactics and overall strategy based on past games. It learns from your gameplay, becoming more challenging as you play. ### What are the 'quantum effects' in DNAvsCPU? Quantum effects, such as 'quantum jumping' and 'wormholes,' are introduced in later levels of DNAvsCPU. These elements add new strategic requirements and force players to develop novel attacking tactics. ### Can I play DNAvsCPU offline? The provided description focuses on the single-player experience against an AI. While not explicitly stated, the adaptive AI suggests an online component or at least a need for the AI to process learned behaviors, implying it may not be fully offline playable. ### Does DNAvsCPU have multiplayer? The game description highlights competing against a CPU opponent and mentions a 'Tournament mode,' but does not explicitly detail real-time multiplayer options against other human players. ### What devices can I play DNAvsCPU on? DNAvsCPU is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS mobile platforms. ### How often is DNAvsCPU updated? The latest version is 1.10.1, last updated on March 16, 2026. This indicates a relatively active development cycle, with updates likely occurring periodically to improve algorithms and add content. ### Is DNAvsCPU suitable for all ages? DNAvsCPU has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger players. The game's mechanics are designed to be easy to learn, though the adaptive AI provides increasing challenge. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.10.1 — 2026-03-16 Few minor fixes and tuned parameters ### 1.8.1 — 2026-02-15 Instructions upgrades, Minor bugfixes ### 1.5.1 — 2026-02-02 Fixed a bad but obscure bug. Polished some of the introductory text. ### 1.2.2 — 2026-01-19 A few minor bugs have been fixed. Some of the internal documentation has been simplified. Code for Apple verification of upgrades is working. Some unreferenced code removed. ### 1.2.1 — 2025-12-08 DNAvsCPU is now Free-to-Play! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*