# Cracking the Cryptic vs Oxytone

Cracking the Cryptic and Oxytone are too close to call on the numbers: across 10 compared parameters — price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and Oxytone sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Cracking the Cryptic against 4.5 for Oxytone. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 208 and 72 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 72% of Cracking the Cryptic's written reviews are positive against 75% of Oxytone's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cracking the Cryptic | Oxytone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (208 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews) | **[4.5 (72 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxytone/id1673677183/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **208** | 72 |
| Positive reviews | 72.1% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 234 MB | 157 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) | [OxGames Kamil Wdowczyk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673677185) |

## What reviewers say

### Cracking the Cryptic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934)

This app offers a curated collection of handcrafted Sudoku puzzles from world-renowned constructors. Explore classic and unique variants, with new puzzle packs released regularly. A free introductory pack is included with download.

**Highlights:** Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles, Curated by expert constructors, Classic and unique variants, Regularly released puzzle packs, Free introductory puzzle pack

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CTC Worms - James Sinclair | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Marty Sears | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Zetamath | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Blobz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Phistomefel | $1.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| CTC Approachable Sudoku #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Domino Sudoku Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lines Variety Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Classic Volume #2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| CTC Fog Pack #1 | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best sudoku app
- 👍 Great variety of puzzles
- 👍 Excellent user interface
- 👍 Challenging and fun puzzles
- 👍 Constant updates with new puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Hints are often incorrect or unhelpful
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes, especially after updates
- 🔋 Battery draining issues
- 🔒 Too many in-app purchases required to access content

**Reported bugs**

- Puzzle progress and purchases disappearing after updates
- Incorrect rules or hints in certain puzzles
- Crashes and freezes, especially on older devices or Macs
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between portrait and landscape modes

**Requested features**

- Add more color options for pencil marking and highlighting
- Implement a way to clear progress or start puzzles from scratch
- Integrate all CTC apps into a single app for better organization
- Add keyboard support, especially on Mac
- Improve the quality and clarity of hints


### Oxytone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxytone/id1673677183)

Embark on a unique puzzle adventure designed for relaxation and mental exploration. Master strategic tile placement to create long paths and impressive combinations, with 99 challenges and unlockable themes for a deep, engaging experience.

**Highlights:** Unique puzzle adventure, Tranquil escape, 99 challenges, Unlockable colorful themes, 12 meticulously designed maps, Strategic tile placement, Immersive sound design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full version | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and visual design
- 🎵 Soothing music and sound effects
- 😌 Relaxing and meditative gameplay
- 🧩 Engaging puzzle mechanics requiring strategy
- 🚫 No ads or intrusive monetization

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❓ Unclear game objectives and lack of instructions
- 🔄 Game progress lost when switching apps
- 👁️ Strains eyesight during extended play
- ⏱️ Excessive menu navigation between games
- 📸 Cannot screenshot or view completed puzzles

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes and refuses to reopen
- Progress lost when leaving app mid-game
- Achievement unlock not triggering (Quick Mode)
- Trophy not awarded for completed challenges
- Freezing on iPad Pro, especially with Apple Pencil

**Requested features**

- Tutorial or instructional videos explaining gameplay
- Ability to save mid-game progress
- Quick replay/restart button without menu navigation
- Zoom out feature to see more of the board
- Replay functionality to review completed puzzles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cracking the Cryptic free?

Cracking the Cryptic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Oxytone free?

Oxytone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cracking the Cryptic or Oxytone?

Oxytone is rated higher. Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 out of 5 from 208 ratings, while Oxytone averages 4.5 from 72 ratings.

### Do Cracking the Cryptic or Oxytone have ads?

Neither Cracking the Cryptic nor Oxytone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cracking the Cryptic or Oxytone?

Cracking the Cryptic ships an update every 3 weeks, and Oxytone every 3 weeks. Most recently, Cracking the Cryptic was updated on September 21, 2026 and Oxytone on September 23, 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.*