# Traps n' Gemstones

> Adventurous Metroidvania-style platformer with non-linear exploration and item collection. (iPhone/iPad app by Donut Games.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/traps-n-gemstones/id887421672 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Donut Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/310068844)
- Category: Games, Action, Adventure
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 38 App Store ratings · 117 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: +9
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 19 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-07-23
- Data updated: 2026-08-12
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/traps-n-gemstones/id887421672/reviews.md

## What is Traps n' Gemstones?

#1 BEST IPHONE GAME OF THE YEAR - Gamezebo, 2014:

"The touchscreen controls are as precise as the level design, and the level design is exemplary. This isn’t just a good example of how to do a platformer on mobile, this is a good example of how to do a platformer period.".

* * * * * * * * * * * *

- Promoted "Best New Game" by Apple
- "Best iPhone Game of 2014" by Gamezebo
- #1 Hot Game @ Touch Arcade
- PocketGamer GOLD AWARD
- Gamezebo (earlier review): "Hands down, this is one of the best games of 2014"
- Touch Arcade: Rated 5 / 5
- ArcadeLife: Rated 9.5 / 10

* * * * * * * * * * * *

TRAPS N' GEMSTONES is an adventurous platform game, among gamers typically known as the "Metroidvania" genre, from Donut Games, the developer behind chart-toppers Traffic Rush, Sunday Lawn, the "Rat On A" series and many others.

THE PLOT

Precious relics have suddenly started to disappear from a well-hid pyramid that has been guarded by Bedouins for generations, who claim to have spotted an unknown perpetrator.
As a freelance archaeologist and expert on ancient explorations, you've been secretly called in to Egypt to help them solve the mystery.

Arriving at the pyramid's entrance empty handed, your journey starts off by searching some well-known chambers for items and weapons to help you on your quest.
But as you get deeper into the pyramid, you begin to realize that this mystery will require more than just a whip, a sharp mind and a good amount of explosives to unravel.

GAME FEATURES

- Easy to use D-PAD controls
- Non-linear gameplay: Walk around and explore freely
- Non-destructive gameplay: When failing, you don't restart from the beginning, but at the entrance of the current chamber
- MAP OVERVIEW: Keep track of visited areas
- INVENTORY OVERVIEW: Keep track of found weapons, items and relics
- VARIETY IN GAMEPLAY: Run, roll, swim, slide, ride mine carts, etc
- NO IN-APP PURCHASES: Buy the game, get everything

TECH FEATURES

- Game Center support
- Widescreen support
- MFi Controller support
- ION Arcade Controller support
- Universal App (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch)
- Real-time sound spatialization: Hear the sound dynamically adapt to your surroundings, from large chambers to underwater swims

* * * * * * * * * * * *

- PocketGamer.co.uk: "Traps n' Gemstones has come out of nowhere and whipped us round the chops with its excellence"

## Key features

- Non-linear exploration
- Item and weapon collection
- D-PAD controls
- Map overview
- Inventory overview
- Variety in gameplay mechanics

## What do users think of Traps n' Gemstones?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎮 Excellent metroidvania-style gameplay
- 👍 Responsive and well-implemented touch controls
- 🎨 Charming retro pixel art graphics
- 🗺️ Large explorable pyramid with hidden secrets
- 🎯 Engaging puzzle-solving mechanics
- 🕹️ Great controller support (MFI compatible)
- ⏱️ Significant replay value and exploration depth
- 🎵 Crisp sound effects and audio design
- 💎 No microtransactions or pay-to-win mechanics
- 🏆 Polished and well-crafted game overall

**Cons**

- ⏳ Game length is too short (2-4 hours)
- 💰 Price point ($3-$5) not justified for playtime
- 🎮 Control placement awkward on larger screens
- 🗺️ Map lacks detail and clarity
- 📖 Weak story and narrative ending
- 😤 Difficulty spikes and frustrating deaths
- 🔍 Confusing progression without in-game hints
- 📺 Ads present in paid version
- 🎵 Music volume too low compared to sound effects
- ⚙️ Imprecise controls causing unintended actions

**Commonly reported bugs**

- iPhone 6/6+ screen scaling issues making controls unresponsive
- Controls stuck at bottom of screen on iPad
- MFI controller compatibility issues (some models)
- PowerShell controller only pause button works
- Stuck in wall glitch
- Ad clickbait redirecting to App Store
- Game won't download from App Store after purchase
- D-pad and on-screen buttons unresponsive

**Most requested features**

- Sequel or additional content/levels
- Multiplayer functionality
- Weapon/item switching system
- In-game hints or guide system
- Checkpoint/save system
- Customizable control positioning
- Game Maker/level editor feature
- Additional temple themes (jungle, underwater)
- Cosmetic item purchases instead of score system
- Shared progress between iPhone and iPad

## Recent user reviews (10 of 117)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/traps-n-gemstones/id887421672/reviews.md

### 5/5 — .

*2024-03-17, version 1.04.1*

I got 10488 Points in Traps n’ GemStones 🪤
That was a JackPot

### 5/5 — We need more

*2020-04-29*

Loved it, would love to have second part.

### 1/5 — It was alright 🤷🏼‍♀️

*2020-04-28*

The game was fine, but it FOR SURE wasn’t worth $5. Getting the gems means nothing and the game can feel complete after getting all the relics in all the right places. If you’re a completionist like myself, finding the secret rooms and secret symbols was easily found through walkthroughs on the internet. The story fell flat for me and how easily you could die was frustrating. For $5, I wouldn’t recommend it. For free with ads, I’d recommend trying it out and then I would have  possibly paid $2 if I really liked it. I’m a big fan of platformers with good stories, and would suggest FancyPants Adventures (who’s music is SO GOOD) or Cat Bird for better stories and harder challenges.

### 5/5 — Slightly ruined by ads

*2020-02-19*

For a paid app, I was surprised to still be bothered by an advertisement at a certain point. Hit the wrong button on your controller and instead of closing the ad it takes you to the app store page for what it's advertising. That's the kind of cleap clickbait BS a cheap app maker would use. 

It is for that reason that I am docking it 1 star for what normally would be a perfect metroidvania type game.

### 4/5 — Good but small metroidvania

*2019-12-24, version 1.04.1*

It’s a fun game of exploring, opening new areas with new equipment.  Sometimes a bit puzzling and the map isn’t very detailed.  Game is a bit short, could do with some expanding.  However well worth getting.

### 5/5 — Memories

*2019-11-12*

I remember playing this game 5 years ago
It was fantastic as always love it 5 stars

### 2/5 — Need clues or some kind of guide

*2019-09-23*

Well, I enjoyed the game briefly but not I’m stuck with no hints other than I probably need a flashlight with no idea on how or where to get it.

### 5/5 — WHAT. A. GAME.!!

*2019-07-09*

I have purchased other games by this developer, and they were simple and more “ quick-fix” games so I was nervous about this one. I was soooo wrong! The amount of detail and exploration potential is insane! It has that old school feel with the graphics, but its hours of fun! I looked online and found a website that has hints to help you... they are worth it! I haven’t been able to put this game down! It’s well worth the $5, and I hope they have a sequel. This is perfect if you have time on your hands- road trip/ vacation/time off/ or just to have some great fun searching for the relics!! Great job on this one!!

### 5/5 — Best Game Ever! Sequel Please!

*2019-04-07*

Best Game Ever! Sequel ASAP please!
Buy this! You will not regret it! So fun! I have played it three times!

### 3/5 — BEST GAME EVER :D

*2019-04-01*

I love this game. I play it a lot and it never gets boring. But I have on suggestion. Can you add multiplayer? I really want you to add it so you can play with friends. Thanks!

## Frequently asked questions about Traps n' Gemstones

### What kind of game is Traps n' Gemstones?

Traps n' Gemstones is an adventurous platform game, often categorized by gamers as a "Metroidvania" genre. It involves exploring a pyramid, solving mysteries, and collecting items and weapons to progress.

### What are the key gameplay features?

The game features non-linear gameplay allowing free exploration, easy D-PAD controls, and a non-destructive failure system where you restart at the chamber entrance. It also includes map and inventory overviews to track progress and items.

### How is the game monetized?

This game operates on a paid model. Once you purchase the game, you receive access to all content with no additional in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What devices is Traps n' Gemstones compatible with?

Traps n' Gemstones is a universal app, meaning it is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices. It also supports Game Center, widescreen, and MFi/ION Arcade controllers.

### What is the plot of Traps n' Gemstones?

The plot revolves around a freelance archaeologist called to Egypt to solve the mystery of disappearing relics from a guarded pyramid. The journey begins with searching chambers for items and weapons, and as you delve deeper, the mystery requires more than just basic tools to unravel.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.04.1 — 2017-02-26

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

- Keep score between session, even if app is unloaded from your device's memory
- Improved 64-bit compatibility
- Minor text fixes... because all great software need those ;)

### 1.01.1 — 2014-10-06

- Now compatible with iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

### 1.01 — 2014-08-02

By popular demand:
- Support for Apple's official MFi controllers, YAY!
- Ability to warp back to the pyramid top after Game Over

...and fixed the rare "stuck in wall" bug

### 1.00 — 2014-07-23

No release notes.

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## More apps by Donut Games

- [Lucky Coins](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lucky-coins/id310068841)
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- [Sunday Lawn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunday-lawn/id313199385)
- [Jungle Crash Land](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jungle-crash-land/id313734044)
- [Bricks of Camelot](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bricks-of-camelot/id316593422)

All apps by Donut Games: https://appshunter.io/developer/310068844

## Related topics

[traps n gemstones](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/traps-n-gemstones)

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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 2026-08-12.*