# LinkSame

> Tile-matching puzzle game based on Shisen-Sho mechanics. (iPhone/iPad app by Matt Neuburg.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linksame/id387799116 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Matt Neuburg](https://appshunter.io/developer/346204863)
- Category: Games, Casual, Family
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.36/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 7 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-08-25
- Data updated: 2026-06-05
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linksame/id387799116/reviews.md

## What is LinkSame?

LinkSame reconstructs MacLinkSame, a popular PPC Mac OS X application (which itself turns out to be based on the traditional Shisen-Sho). All you have to do is spot a pair of tiles bearing the same picture, such that the center of the tiles can be connected by a path consisting of one, two, or three straight line segments, where no segment of the path crosses any other tile. Select both tiles to remove them from the board. Proceed in this way to clear the board, one pair of tiles at a time. Play for fun, or try to beat your previous score by making your selections in quick succession.

## Key features

- Tile matching gameplay
- Pathfinding connection mechanic
- Clear the board to win
- Score-based challenges
- Fast-paced selections

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linksame/id387799116/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Thanks, Matt.

*2020-07-06*

This is a really good app. I can play it and forget about time. On top of that, I’m studying iOS programming with Swift. This app was alluded to as examples in some places in the book by the author of this app. When I play the game in the app, I can better figure out how the code snippets work to fulfill their intended functionalities in the app.

Thanks a lot, Matt, for your app and your well-written books.

### 5/5 — Interesting Game

*2019-09-20*

It’s quite a twist on the standard connect like-shapes genre. I love the fact that you have to figure out the gravity patterns in order to maximize your combos and get a better time. I did not expect to end up playing a game for 30+ mins when I opened up the developer’s iOS book to study, but here we are! It definitely caught my attention and I’m going to see what scores my friends can get.

### 3/5 — Won’t reset a new game!

*2018-10-03*

Since the latest update, often after completing a 9 level game the game will not reset at all. The playing field remains blank. I tried manually resetting a new game but the playing field still remains blank, no matter what. The only solution has been to delete the game and reinstall it from the App Store. This solution lasts a few rounds but then the same problem reoccurs. I am running an iPhone 7 with everything up to date on it. Help!

**Developer response:** Okay! I think I see the problem. It’s because you’re not tapping Cool in the dialog when the game ends. But no problem.  If this happens, just select New Game and then tap Done, and the new game will start. Version 2.0.2 should prevent the issue from recurring.

### 2/5 — Not saving stages

*2018-10-01*

Still not saving stages.  It would be nice if this gets fixed.  Always going back to stage one.

**Developer response:** Okay, I see the problem! Thanks for pointing it out.  Version 2.0.2 should fix this issue once and for all; I think it will behave more as you expect. Please give it a try.

### 5/5 — LOVE this game!!!

*2012-05-01*

I can not stop playing this game.  It is very addicting! My only complaint are that if I stop in the middle of my game I have to start all over again.  I would LOVE to have this on my iPhone... Please make this for the iPhone!

**Developer response:** LinkSame is now available for iPhone, and in the latest version you're allowed to leave the app after a stage and resume the game later.

### 5/5 — Link same

*2011-02-25*

A simple yet fun and addictive game. My only suggestion for change would be to slow down the point deduction penalty timer as it is WAY too fast.

**Developer response:** In the latest version, the bonus point curve is flattened out, so it's easier to make extra points.

### 2/5 — Doesn't save

*2010-09-04*

Neat concept, but low rating because it always starts new game when relaunching. At very least, it should save current stage.

## Frequently asked questions about LinkSame

### What is LinkSame?

LinkSame is a tile-matching puzzle game where players find and connect pairs of identical tiles. The connection path can consist of up to three straight line segments, and no segment can cross another tile.

### How do you play LinkSame?

The objective is to clear the board by finding pairs of tiles with the same picture. Select both tiles to remove them. You can play for fun or try to achieve a higher score by making selections quickly.

### What devices does LinkSame support?

LinkSame is available on both iPhone and iPad devices.

### Is LinkSame free to play?

Yes, LinkSame is available for free.

### What is the age rating for LinkSame?

LinkSame has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young players.

### How often is LinkSame updated?

The latest version of LinkSame was released on July 3, 2025, indicating active development and updates.

### What is the user rating for LinkSame?

LinkSame has a rating of 4.3 stars based on 10 user ratings.

### Does LinkSame have ads?

No, LinkSame does not contain advertisements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.4 — 2026-04-29

Updated for iOS 26 and Liquid Glass, Swift 6.3 and Strict Concurrency. Some minor interface tweaks.

### 2.3.1 — 2025-07-03

Practice Mode interface tweaks.

Previously (2.3): Completely rewritten from scratch. Many small bugs fixed, plus some interface improvements:

- dark mode for Help screen
- bigger tile images on iPad
- iPhone hamburger button uses menu
- iPhone New Game screen narrower
- iPhone supports Practice mode
- new Game Over interface

### 2.3 — 2025-07-02

Completely rewritten from scratch. Many small bugs fixed, plus some interface improvements:

- dark mode for Help screen
- bigger tile images on iPad
- iPhone hamburger button uses menu
- iPhone New Game screen narrower
- iPhone supports Practice mode
- new Game Over interface

### 2.2 — 2025-05-22

Bug fixes and modernization; reset support to iOS 18+. 

- Fix 10-second timer crash.
- Fix bonus calculation crash.
- Fix bug where the board slide animation had gone missing.
- Improve Help text layout.
- Adopt modern project architecture, Swift 6, Swift concurrency.

### 2.1 — 2021-10-23

Updated for iOS 15.

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## More apps by Matt Neuburg

- [99 Bottles!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/99-bottles/id346204860)
- [Zotz!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zotz/id346433833)
- [JACT Vocab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jact-vocab/id348277612)
- [TidBITS News](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tidbits-news/id348629441)
- [J&SLatVocab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/j-and-slatvocab/id352500795)
- [Albumen](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/albumen/id355128672)

All apps by Matt Neuburg: https://appshunter.io/developer/346204863

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*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 2026-06-05.*
