Comparison

Runes vs Detective Syra

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

Head to head
About

Runes

Uncover the secrets of a mysterious town by searching intricately illustrated scenes for hidden objects and solving puzzles. Follow a detective through a captivating storyline with unique challenges and unlock magical artifacts as you progress. Play at your own pace with optional hints.

Highlights
  • Search hand-painted scenes for hidden objects
  • Spot subtle differences
  • Solve puzzles and brain teasers
  • Follow a twisting storyline
  • Collect magical artifacts
  • Play at your own pace with hints
Features
Read full description

Something strange is happening in Enchanted Crossroads. Doors that weren't there yesterday. Whispers in empty rooms. A rune etched into a mirror that no one remembers hanging. When Detective Greystone calls for your help, it becomes clear — this charming little town is hiding more than it shows. Search hand-painted scenes for hidden objects, spot subtle differences, and solve puzzles that guard the town's oldest secrets. Each clue you find pulls you deeper into a mystery woven through 15+ beautifully illustrated chapters. But the closer you look, the more questions arise. Who — or what — is watching from the crossroads? WHAT AWAITS YOU A Mystery Worth Solving Follow Detective Greystone through a twisting storyline filled with enchanted characters, buried secrets, and revelations you won't see coming. A World Rich in Detail Wander through 15+ stunning hand-crafted scenes — from moonlit gardens to forgotten libraries — each hiding objects, differences, and surprises. Puzzles That Reward Curiosity Hidden object searches, spot-the-difference challenges, and clever brain teasers — 4+ unique puzzle types keep every chapter fresh. Your Collection Grows Complete quests to unlock rare magical artifacts and build a personal trove of enchanted items. Play at Your Own Pace No timers. No pressure. Helpful hints are always within reach whenever you need a gentle nudge. Optional in-app purchases are available, but you can complete the full story without spending anything. The crossroads are calling. Will you answer?

About

Detective Syra

Read full description

Immerse yourself in a captivating hidden objects adventure as you step into the shoes of Syra, a spirited young girl hailing from Senegal, now living abroad with her mother. The holiday season brings Syra back to Dakar, her hometown, for a joyful reunion. However, fate has a different plan in store for her... The first night in Dakar takes an unexpected turn when Syra stumbles upon a chilling crime scene in a quiet backstreet. Driven by her curiosity and her desire for justice, Syra embarks on a personal quest to uncover the truth. Join her on an enthralling journey as she delves into the hidden corners of Dakar, piecing together clues, solving intricate puzzles, and unearthing secrets that lead her ever closer to the heart of the mystery. Every object, every detail could hold a key to the truth. Features: - Engaging Story: Dive into a multi-chapter storyline filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a rich cultural backdrop, painting a vivid picture of Dakar. - Become Detective Syra: Assume the role of Syra and channel her determination and keen observational skills to solve the perplexing crime. - Breathtaking Locations: Explore 24 meticulously crafted levels, each set in a unique Dakar location, from bustling markets to serene coastal spots, adding authenticity and depth to the game. - Compete and Challenge: Climb the leaderboard by finding hidden objects swiftly and with precision. Test your skills in the special "time challenge" mode, pushing your limits to become the ultimate detective. Embark on this Journey: "Detective Syra" offers more than just a game—it's an immersive experience that combines storytelling, mystery-solving, and cultural exploration. Join Syra as she unravels the threads of secrecy woven through the vibrant tapestry of Dakar's streets. Get ready to uncover the truth, challenge your wits, and relish the thrill of the chase. Download now and let the journey begin!

Screenshots

Runes4 screens
Detective Syra4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Runes at Free against Detective Syra's $1.99. Detective Syra's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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

Runes is free to download; Detective Syra costs $1.99 up front. Runes sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Detective Syra asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Runes ships an update every 6 weeks, Detective Syra every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Runes versus Detective Syra: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRunesDetective Syra
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating4.5 (576 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings576 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.412.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size186 MB142 MB
Age rating12+9+
DeveloperCrisp App StudioKAYFO SAS

Bugs and requests

Runes

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Energy recharge issues
  • Purchase rejections

Requested features

2 requests
  • Restart option
  • Clearer level progression

Detective Syra

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Runes

One-time7
  • Instant Hint$0.99
  • Handful of Gems$0.99
  • Bag with Gems$1.99
Show 4 more
  • Infinity Energy + No Ads$2.99
  • Сhest with Gems$2.99
  • Master Pack Special$3.99
  • Master Pack: All-included$7.99
None

Detective Syra

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Runes free?
Runes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Detective Syra free?
Detective Syra costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Runes or Detective Syra have ads?
Runes shows ads; Detective Syra does not.
Which is updated more often, Runes or Detective Syra?
Runes ships an update every 6 weeks, and Detective Syra every 5 weeks. Most recently, Runes was updated on October 26, 2026 and Detective Syra on October 30, 2026.

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