Comparison

Candleman vs Heroine Anthem Zero

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Candleman

Embark on an action-adventure journey as a small candle with a limited light source. Navigate challenging levels in darkness, utilizing light and shadow mechanics to overcome obstacles and uncover hidden treasures in an enchanting fairytale world.

Highlights
  • 10-second light mechanic
  • Light and shadow gameplay
  • Challenging levels
  • Enchanted environments
  • Fairytale story
Features
Read full description

Despite only being able to burn for 10 seconds, a little candle journeys into the darkness, with the purpose of seeking light. Candleman is a distinctive action adventure story entwined with low-light gameplay. Acting as a little candle who can burn for only 10 seconds, venture through an unsettling darkness with challenging levels and a smooth difficulty curve. Struggle to overcome obstacles based on the mechanics of light and shadow, explore a wide range of enchanted environments, and unveil hidden treasure as you seek the distant light. Features • Journey through dark, enchanting worlds with 10 seconds of light. • Face innovative challenges rooted in the mechanics of light and shadow. • Be immersed in a stunning fairytale that highlights everyday issues.

About

Heroine Anthem Zero

Embark on a fantasy epic adventure with this retro 2D side-scrolling game. Experience a story of sacrifice and survival with an emotional soundtrack, intricate illustrations, and nimble platformer controls. Customize your gameplay with adjustable difficulty and controls.

Highlights
  • Epic fantasy story
  • Emotional soundtrack
  • Intricate illustrations
  • Retro 2D side-scrolling
  • Nimble platformer controls
  • Weapon and equipment system
  • Game difficulty customization
Features
Read full description

The first episode of an original fantasy epic adventure, Heroine Anthem Zero features a stunningly emotional soundtrack, and intricate illustrations. Experience a story of sacrifice and survival in a harsh world unforgiven by its god. Heroine Anthem Zero is a retro 2D side-scrolling game with intuitive controls, supporting 7 languages with dramatic voiceovers in Japanese. Come join us in exploring a fantasy world years in the making! ■An epic fantasy of musical proportions Depart on your adventure to the backdrop of an amazing soundtrack -- the joint effort of famous Japanese and Taiwanese composers, and artists. With intricate CG art in the background, dive into an adventure like you’ve never done before. ■Nimble Platformer Controls : Learn to double-jump, dash, dash jump and combo into weapon skills as you progress in the game. Use your companion to stun your enemies, avoid deadly traps, and explore the stages for treasures galore. ■Weapon and equipment system : Weapons each have their own unique weapon skills. Armor change your character’s appearance as well as provide protection, and items give invaluable support in the heat of battle. ■Handheld fun in your palms : Enjoy fast-paced and intuitive side-scrolling fun, and turn your phone into a handheld machine. ■Voiced in Japanese with Multi-lingual subtitle support Switch between English, German, French, Japanese, Korean and Chinese at any time. ■Game Difficulty Customization: Players can choose the difficulty they prefer to adventure in: 2 difficulties are available: RELAX mode (enjoy our story!) STANDARD mode (for those who enjoy a challenge) ■Controls & UI Adjustment : Adjust size and position to your preferences for the perfect smartphone experience.

Screenshots

Candleman4 screens
Heroine Anthem Zero4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Candleman at 88% against Heroine Anthem Zero's 50%. Candleman also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.4). Heroine Anthem Zero's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 5 months vs every 11 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Candleman sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Heroine Anthem Zero asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Candleman holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 43 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Candleman's written reviews are positive against 50% of Heroine Anthem Zero's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Candleman ships an update every 11 months, Heroine Anthem Zero every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Candleman versus Heroine Anthem Zero: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCandlemanHeroine Anthem Zero
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (43 ratings) — better4.4 (17 ratings)
Positive reviews88.5% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings43 — better17
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 5 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.09.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1.3 GB1.6 GB
Age rating9+12+
DeveloperBeijing Jiao Dian Chuang Yi digital technology Co.,Ltd.Winking Skywalker Entertainment Limited

Customer experience

Candleman

All ratings43 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral2.3%
Negative7.0%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive88.5%
Neutral3.8%
Negative7.7%

Heroine Anthem Zero

All ratings16 ratings
Positive81.3%
Neutral6.3%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral35.7%
Negative14.3%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Candleman

One-time1
  • Candleman full game$4.99
None

Heroine Anthem Zero

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Candleman free?
Candleman is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Heroine Anthem Zero free?
Heroine Anthem Zero is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Candleman or Heroine Anthem Zero?
Candleman is rated higher. Candleman averages 4.6 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while Heroine Anthem Zero averages 4.4 from 17 ratings.
Do Candleman or Heroine Anthem Zero have ads?
Neither Candleman nor Heroine Anthem Zero shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Candleman or Heroine Anthem Zero?
Candleman ships an update every 11 months, and Heroine Anthem Zero every 5 months. Most recently, Candleman was updated on November 6, 2026 and Heroine Anthem Zero on November 3, 2026.

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