# Cube Runner vs PapiRiver

The clearest difference is rating: PapiRiver at 4.8 against Cube Runner's 3.9. PapiRiver also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). Cube Runner's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 56%) and ratings volume (494 vs 15). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PapiRiver holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cube Runner has 494 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Cube Runner's written reviews are positive against 56% of PapiRiver's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Cube Runner ships an update every 5 months, PapiRiver every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cube Runner | PapiRiver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (494 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-runner/id284596345/reviews) | **[4.8 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papiriver/id289052548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **494** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **80.3% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 36 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andy Qua](https://appshunter.io/developer/284092693) | [Yohei Iwasaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/285800498) |

## What reviewers say

### Cube Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-runner/id284596345)

Navigate a dynamic landscape, skillfully dodging an array of hazardous cubes. Experience exhilarating flight through tight gaps and canyons with highly responsive, intuitive controls. Enjoy multiple gameplay modes and customizable visual themes.

**Highlights:** Intuitive controls, Obstacle avoidance, Multiple difficulty levels, First and third-person views, Zen mode for endless play, Customizable themes, Original soundtrack

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth controls and gameplay
- 🎶 Blessed audio experience
- 👍 Simple yet fun design
- 🕹️ Nostalgic and addictive
- 🏆 Great high score challenges

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎮 Sensitive steering controls
- 🎨 Distracting new visuals
- 🔇 Lack of original music option
- 🔄 Speed resets on pause
- 🔀 Removed first-person view

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when downloading level packs
- Incompatible with older iOS versions
- Calibration issues on newer devices

**Requested features**

- Customizable control sensitivity
- Retro visual mode
- Option to toggle original soundtrack
- Vertical gameplay mode
- Level editor and sharing


### PapiRiver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papiriver/id289052548)

Navigate Mr. Papi down a winding river by tilting your device. Avoid hitting the riverbanks to prevent being pushed back. The closer you get to the bottom edge, the higher your score.

**Highlights:** Tilt controls, River navigation, Score multiplier, Avoid obstacles, Endless runner style

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 🚀 Simple and easy to pick up
- 💡 Unique river-based mechanics
- 😊 Nostalgic and charming character

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sensitive controls and poor handling
- 🔨 Repetitive and lacking in depth
- 🎨 Outdated and unappealing graphics
- 🔋 Can cause eye strain after prolonged play

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Inconsistent performance and responsiveness

**Requested features**

- More game modes and levels
- Ability to save and track high scores
- Customization options for the character and environment
- Integration with social features and leaderboards


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cube Runner free?

Cube Runner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PapiRiver free?

PapiRiver is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cube Runner or PapiRiver?

PapiRiver is rated higher. Cube Runner averages 3.9 out of 5 from 494 ratings, while PapiRiver averages 4.8 from 15 ratings.

### Do Cube Runner or PapiRiver have ads?

Neither Cube Runner nor PapiRiver shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cube Runner or PapiRiver?

Cube Runner ships an update every 5 months, and PapiRiver every 6 months. Most recently, Cube Runner was updated on September 19, 2026 and PapiRiver on September 8, 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.*