Comparison

Cytus II vs Paradigm

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

Head to head
About

Cytus II

Immerse yourself in a futuristic music rhythm game where you tap along to the beat. Explore a virtual internet world and uncover a compelling story through engaging gameplay and a vast library of songs.

Highlights
  • Active Judgement Line rhythm gameplay
  • 250+ high-quality songs
  • Over 800 different charts
  • Story system 'iM'
  • Cinematic visual experience
Features
Read full description

"Cytus II" is a music rhythm game created by Rayark Games. It's our fourth rhythm game title, following the footsteps of three global successes, "Cytus", "DEEMO" and "VOEZ". This sequel to "Cytus" brings back the original staff and is a product of hardwork and devotion. In the future, humans have redefined internet development and connections. We can now easily sync the real world with the internet world, changing life as we have known for thousands of years. In the mega virtual internet space cyTus, there exists a mysterious DJ legend Æsir. His music has an irresistible charm; people fall madly in love with his music. Rumor has it that every note and beat of his music hits the audiences in the depths of their souls. One day, Æsir, who had never shown his face before, suddenly announced that he will be holding the first mega virtual concert —— Æsir-FEST and will invite a top idol singer and a popular DJ as opening performances. The instant the ticket sales began, an unprecedented rush occurred. Everyone wanted to see Æsir's real face. On the day of the FEST, millions of people were connected to the event. At one hour before the event started, the previous world record for most simultaneous connection was smashed. The whole city was on its feet, waiting for Æsir to descent from the skies... Game Features: - The unique "Active Judgement Line" rhythm game playstyle Tap the notes as the judgement line hits them to achieve a high score. Through five different kinds of notes and the judgement line that actively adjusts its speed according to the beat, the gameplay experience is further combined with the music. Players can easily immerse themselves in the songs. - A total of 250+ high-quality songs (50+ in base game, 200+ as IAP) The game includes songs by composers from all across the world, Japan, Korea, the US, Europe, Taiwan and more. Through the characters, players get to play songs from different genres including but not limited to: electronic, rock and classical. We are confident that this game will live up to the hype and expectations. - Over 800 different charts Over 800 different charts designed, from easy to hard. The rich game content can satisfy players of different levels. Experience exciting challenges and enjoyment through the sensation of your fingertips. - Explore the virtual internet world with the game's characters The one-of-a-kind story system "iM" will lead the players and the in-game characters to slowly piece together the story and world behind "Cytus II". Reveal the truth of the story with a rich, cinematic visual experience. PAFF (CV:上坂すみれ Sumire Uesaka) NEKO (CV:花守ゆみり Yumiri Hanamori) Xenon (CV:関智一 Tomokazu Seki) ConneR (CV:竹内栄治 Eiji Takeuchi) Cherry (CV:ファイルーズあい Fairouz Ai) Nora (CV:石見舞菜香 Manaka Iwami) Ivy (CV:河瀬茉希 Maki Kawase) Vanessa (CV:楠木ともり Tomori Kusunoki) Rin (CV:能登麻美子 Mamiko Noto) ************************************************************* Cytus II will perform a connection authentication for its In-app purchases from time to time. If you discover during the authentication period that your IAP was lost due to your device not connecting to the internet, please make sure your device is connected to the internet. Afterwards, click "Restore Purchases" to recover your IAP. ************************************************************* ※ This game contains mild violence and vulgar language. Suitable for users age 15 and above. ※ This game contains additional in-app purchases. Please purchased base on personal interest and ability. Do not overspend. ※ Please pay attention to your game time and avoid addiction. ※ Please do not use this game for gambling or other illegal purposes.

About

Paradigm

Experience a unique rhythm game set in 3D space, blending music gameplay with a narrative. Navigate four-sided levels with special "Space" notes and enjoy a wide range of music from global artists. The game offers adjustable difficulty for all skill levels.

Highlights
  • Stereoscopic 3D gameplay
  • Four-sided rhythm mechanics
  • Unique "Space" notes
  • Storytelling elements
  • Adjustable difficulty levels
  • Global artist music library
Features
Read full description

Paradigm: Reboot presents a rhythm game in 3-dimensional space, Combining MUG with elements of storytelling. [Highlights] Core Gameplay: Wondrous four-sided gameplay with emphasized "Space" notes. [Difficulty] From relaxing to hardcore, Multiple charts of choice bring you a steady progression in difficulty, Enjoy the experience as you steadily progress into mastery :) [Musics] Enjoy music from popular artists across the world.

Screenshots

Cytus II4 screens
Paradigm4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Paradigm at Free against Cytus II's $1.99. Paradigm also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 73%). Cytus II's advantage is ratings volume (9.4K vs 269) and chart position (#9 vs unranked). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Paradigm is free to download; Cytus II costs $1.99 up front. Cytus II sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Paradigm sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Cytus II against 4.7 for Paradigm. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cytus II has 9.4K ratings behind it against 269, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 73% of Cytus II's written reviews are positive against 81% of Paradigm's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cytus II ships an update monthly, Paradigm every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Cytus II versus Paradigm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCytus IIParadigm
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (9.4K ratings) — better4.7 (269 ratings)
Positive reviews73.1% of reviews81.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings9.4K — better269
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#9 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.215.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3.3 GB1.2 GB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperRayark International LimitedXiamen TunerGames Network Technology Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

Cytus II

All ratings9,419 ratings
Positive95.7%
Neutral1.3%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews531 reviews
Positive73.1%
Neutral8.5%
Negative18.5%

Paradigm

All ratings268 ratings
Positive93.3%
Neutral3.4%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews129 reviews
Positive81.4%
Neutral7.8%
Negative10.9%

User reviews

Cytus II

From 9.4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Stunning visuals and art style
  • 🎶 Diverse and high-quality music
  • 🔍 Compelling story and character interactions
  • 🎮 Smooth and responsive gameplay
  • 🕹️ Challenging difficulty progression

Room to improve

  • 💰 Expensive DLC characters and song packs
  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and performance issues
  • 🤔 Confusing tutorial and learning curve
  • 🔍 Incomplete story and lack of content

Paradigm

From 269 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Innovative gameplay
  • 🎨 Impressive visuals and art style
  • 🎵 High-quality music and soundtracks
  • 💰 Generous free-to-play model
  • 🎢 Compelling story and characters

Room to improve

  • 🔑 Difficulty unlocking content
  • 🤖 Challenging charts and high skill ceiling
  • 🌐 Connectivity issues for some users
  • 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches

Bugs and requests

Cytus II

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes and freezes on certain devices
  • Missed notes despite accurate timing
  • Glitched level progression and unlocks

Requested features

4 requests
  • Practice mode for difficult songs
  • More free content and story updates
  • Optimization for older devices
  • Ability to create custom songs/levels

Paradigm

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Rewards button causing performance issues
  • Inconsistent save data syncing
  • Difficulty unlocking purchased content

Requested features

5 requests
  • Offline mode
  • More difficulty options
  • Improved new player onboarding
  • Expanded song library
  • Smoother account management

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Cytus II

One-time10
  • Marvelous Mix vol. 1$4.99
  • ConneR$9.99
  • Xenon$9.99
Show 7 more
  • Cherry$9.99
  • Nora$9.99
  • Neko$9.99
  • CAPSO$9.99
  • Kizuna AI$9.99
  • Miku$9.99
  • 9 Characters$34.99
10 purchases

Paradigm

One-time10
  • Single "Encore"$0.99
  • Single "On And On!!"$0.99
  • Single "Subterranean Blastoff"$0.99
Show 7 more
  • 20 Active Crystal$0.99
  • Side Album "Duplex Fusion"$3.99
  • Side Album "Still Existence"$3.99
  • Main Story Album Chapter 2$4.99
  • 110 Active Crystal$4.99
  • 450 Active Crystal$19.99
  • 1200 Active Crystal$49.99

Questions

Is Cytus II free?
Cytus II costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Paradigm free?
Paradigm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Cytus II or Paradigm?
Cytus II is rated higher. Cytus II averages 4.8 out of 5 from 9.4K ratings, while Paradigm averages 4.7 from 269 ratings.
Do Cytus II or Paradigm have ads?
Neither Cytus II nor Paradigm shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cytus II or Paradigm?
Cytus II ships an update monthly, and Paradigm every 3 weeks. Most recently, Cytus II was updated on November 8, 2026 and Paradigm on November 7, 2026.

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