Comparison

Runes vs Hidden Objects

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

Hidden Objects

Engage in a detective adventure set during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Solve hidden object puzzles, brain teasers, and murder mysteries to uncover secrets and influence the outcome of a magical and human realm conflict. Play for free with optional in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Hidden object hunts
  • Murder mystery challenges
  • Puzzles and brain teasers
  • Choice-driven narrative
  • Crime investigation
  • Casual gameplay
Read full description

Dive into the enthralling world of "Magic City Detective: The Carnival Begins," a free-to-play game that combines the allure of detective challenges, hidden object hunts, and mysterious puzzles into one captivating adventure set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Enjoy murder mystery games challenges that will test your abilities to find hidden objects, solve puzzles, brain teasers and mystical riddles lurking behind New Orleans’ festive facade! New Orleans is trembling! The city is decked out in holiday colors as Mardi Gras festivities are in full swing! Talented half-blood wizard Elizabeth is ready to lend a helping hand, but are her intentions really so pure? Meanwhile, the world of Men and Others is frozen in anticipation.... Something big is coming, something that could turn everything upside down! And you, Magical Detective, are at the center of all these events! After all, no murderer can resist you and no evil spirit can hide! But be careful... Even you can feel the pull of temptation... And what if it's already crawled deep into your heart?! Hidden Objects Games: Immerse yourself in levels meticulously designed for hidden object enthusiasts. Each location will challenge your observational skills and contributes to your overall crime-solving journey! Authentic Crime City Atmosphere: Experience the dual vibes of celebration and secrecy. Navigate through a city buzzing with Mardi Gras festivities meshed with dark, mysterious undertones! Puzzles and Brain Teasers: Beyond finding objects, test your intellect with a variety of puzzles and brain teasers that are seamlessly woven into the gameplay, enhancing the crime investigation experience! Decide the Fate: Your choices and detective abilities will shape the outcome of the mystery games f2p adventure. Can you handle the responsibility of maintaining the balance between the magical and human realms? Casual Games for All Skill Levels: Whether you are a veteran of detective games or new to the genre, "Magic City Detective" offers a balanced gameplay experience that caters to all levels of players! Play for Free: Experience the full thrill of being a detective with no cost. Solve puzzles, search and find games and brain teasers without any initial investment! Join the f2p adventure and unleash your detective skills in "Magic City Detective: The Carnival Begins." Play now and make your mark on the magical history of Mardi Gras! ----- Questions? Email us at support@dominigames.com Find other games on our official website: https://dominigames.com/ Become our fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominigames Check out our Instagram and stay tuned: https://www.instagram.com/dominigames

Screenshots

Runes4 screens
Hidden Objects4 screens

Verdict

The call

Runes and Hidden Objects both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 83% of Runes's written reviews are positive against 33% of Hidden Objects's. Runes also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (576 vs 155). On price, rating, 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

Both are free to download. Runes sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Hidden Objects sells 24 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Hidden Objects holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 576 and 155 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of Runes's written reviews are positive against 33% of Hidden Objects's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Runes ships an update every 6 weeks, Hidden Objects every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Runes versus Hidden Objects: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRunesHidden Objects
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (576 ratings)4.7 (155 ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews — better33.3% of reviews
Number of ratings576 — better155
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 7 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.4 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size186 MB1.3 GB
Age rating12+9+
DeveloperCrisp App StudioDO GAMES LIMITED

Customer experience

Runes

All ratings577 ratings
Positive88.2%
Neutral7.6%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews42 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral7.1%
Negative9.5%

Hidden Objects

All ratings153 ratings
Positive93.5%
Neutral2.6%
Negative3.9%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

Bugs and requests

Runes

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Energy recharge issues
  • Purchase rejections

Requested features

2 requests
  • Restart option
  • Clearer level progression

Hidden Objects

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
24 purchases

Hidden Objects

One-time24
  • Buy 10 Coins!$1.99
  • 75 Coins$2.99
  • 30 Coins$3.99
Show 21 more
  • 5 Gems$3.99
  • 125 Coins$4.99
  • 30 Coins$4.99
  • Your Special Offer$4.99
  • Special Offer$4.99
  • 10 Gems$5.99
  • 200 Coins$6.99
  • 10 Gems$6.99
  • 15 Gems$6.99
  • 100 Coins$7.99
  • 20 Gems$7.99
  • Endless Gems for 1 Game$8.99
  • 30 Gems$8.99
  • Endless Coins for 1 Game$8.99
  • Endless Coins+Gems for 1 Game$11.99
  • 500 Coins$12.99
  • Big bundle 1$12.99
  • Unlock$14.99
  • 100 Coins$14.99
  • Big bundle 2$18.99
  • Big bundle 3$27.99

Questions

Is Runes free?
Runes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hidden Objects free?
Hidden Objects is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Runes or Hidden Objects?
Hidden Objects is rated higher. Runes averages 4.5 out of 5 from 576 ratings, while Hidden Objects averages 4.7 from 155 ratings.
Do Runes or Hidden Objects have ads?
Both Runes and Hidden Objects show ads.
Which is updated more often, Runes or Hidden Objects?
Runes ships an update every 6 weeks, and Hidden Objects every 7 months. Most recently, Runes was updated on October 26, 2026 and Hidden Objects on October 25, 2026.

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