Upstream Struggle vs JOSLITZ
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Upstream Struggle
Embark on an endless salmon run, swimming upstream to reach home. Dodge a variety of enemies for as long as possible to unlock new fish species and improve your score.
- Endless salmon run gameplay
- Dodge enemies
- Unlock new fish
- High score challenges
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In Upstream Struggle, you play as a salmon swimming upstream to return home (except right now it's just endless, oops). Dodge enemies for as long as you can to unlock new fish.
JOSLITZ
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The block puzzle that you can play with one hand. - Easy to play. - Whenever you have free time. - No ads. HOW TO PLAY - Tap the block to rotate it. - Flick the block to cast it. - Complete lines with blocks. - The completed lines disappear and you get points.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Upstream Struggle at none against JOSLITZ's 1. Upstream Struggle also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). JOSLITZ's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support 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
Both are free to download. JOSLITZ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Upstream Struggle asks for nothing beyond the download.
Upstream Struggle ships an update every 4 days, JOSLITZ every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and May 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Upstream Struggle | JOSLITZ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (9.7K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 86.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 9.7K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jack LaLonde | Masayuki Ishizuka |
Bugs and requests
Upstream Struggle
Reported bugs
3 issues- Getting stuck in the waterfall at the start
- Crashes and freezes, especially at higher levels
- Issues with the bird/flying obstacle
Requested features
4 requests- Add more variety to levels and obstacles
- Improve controls and jumping mechanics
- Implement a leaderboard or competitive mode
- Introduce new fish skins and customization options
JOSLITZ
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Upstream Struggle
No in-app purchases
JOSLITZ
- Neon Block$0.99
Questions
Is Upstream Struggle free?
Is JOSLITZ free?
Do Upstream Struggle or JOSLITZ have ads?
Which is updated more often, Upstream Struggle or JOSLITZ?
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