# The Controls Game vs The Da Vinci Cryptex

The clearest difference is rating: The Da Vinci Cryptex at 4.3 against The Controls Game's 3.6. The Da Vinci Cryptex also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 44 months). The Controls Game's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Da Vinci Cryptex sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. The Controls Game asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Da Vinci Cryptex holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 43 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 62% and 63% positive.

The Controls Game ships an update every 44 months, The Da Vinci Cryptex every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Controls Game | The Da Vinci Cryptex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-controls-game/id1383958809/reviews) | **[4.3 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-da-vinci-cryptex/id6467490326/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38 | **43** |
| Positive reviews | 61.5% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 44 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 139 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gregory Strigunov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1118406318) | [XSGames](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725979641) |

## What reviewers say

### The Controls Game

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-controls-game/id1383958809)

Engage in a unique puzzle experience using familiar device controls like switches and sliders.  Each level presents a challenge where logic is secondary to finding the correct solution to progress.

**Highlights:** Device control puzzles, Switch mechanics, Slider mechanics, Unique puzzle solving, Level progression

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Da Vinci Cryptex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-da-vinci-cryptex/id6467490326)

Solve 50 unique riddles and logical enigmas to escape a room and unlock the next challenge. Test your IQ with brain-teasing puzzles that increase in difficulty. Hints are available to help you crack the enigmas.

**Highlights:** 50 unique handcrafted puzzles, Logical enigmas, IQ skill testing, Hints available, Astonishing graphics, Captivating background music

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Game | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full Game + Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| Full Game + Love | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Engaging concept and aesthetic
- 🧠 Brain-challenging puzzles
- ✨ Many rooms with "aha" moments
- 👍 Developer responsiveness
- 😃 Fun and entertaining

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable controls
- 🐛 Arbitrary solutions
- 🐛 Unhelpful hints
- 😩 Long and discouraging ads
- 🐛 Ads don't provide hints

**Reported bugs**

- Cryptex wheels react unreliably
- Solutions lack logical connection
- Hints lead in the wrong direction
- Level 16 not solvable
- Ads don't provide hints


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Controls Game free?

The Controls Game is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Da Vinci Cryptex free?

The Da Vinci Cryptex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The Controls Game or The Da Vinci Cryptex?

The Da Vinci Cryptex is rated higher. The Controls Game averages 3.6 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while The Da Vinci Cryptex averages 4.3 from 43 ratings.

### Do The Controls Game or The Da Vinci Cryptex have ads?

Neither The Controls Game nor The Da Vinci Cryptex shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Controls Game or The Da Vinci Cryptex?

The Controls Game ships an update every 44 months, and The Da Vinci Cryptex every 2 months. Most recently, The Controls Game was updated on November 2, 2026 and The Da Vinci Cryptex on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*