Kerplinkus vs Fire Across
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kerplinkus
This challenging puzzle game offers a unique take on block removal, requiring players to manage eight columns simultaneously. Swap any two blocks to clear them, avoiding an out-of-control cascade. Enjoy retro audio and graphics, with the option to play your own music.
- Unique block removal mechanics
- Manage 8 columns simultaneously
- Swap any two blocks
- Retro audio and graphics
- Play with your own music
- Game Center integration
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“[Kerplinkus] delivers a fresh take on the formula that's simple and highly challenging — in fact, it can be downright panic inspiring. It's a pretty frantic affair.” -Blake of Touch Arcade “Kerplinkus promises retro take on match-based puzzle play... mixing the old with the new... [in] a distinctly old skool flavour.” -Keith Andrews of Pocket Gamer “Is very, very addictive. Prying yourself away from the game proves very difficult. It has high replay potential and will offer many hours of entertainment.... This is a must-buy for casual puzzle game players.” -Linda Ta of AppSafari “If you love playing casual puzzle games on your iPhone or iPod touch such as Bejewelled or Trism then [this] is definitely worth taking a look at.... If games like Pac Man, Space Invaders and Tetris still have a place in your heart then Kerplinkus could definitely find its way on to your homescreen.” -Phil Wheeler of AppAdvice “This tile-matching game sets itself well apart from competing products, due to its hectic gameplay, muted art style, and classic SID-chip soundtrack.... It is actually very different from the normal mode of thinking.... A really nice effort by the crew at [Kranky Robot].” -AppGamers.com "Refreshing! - Just like it says, not another match 3!" - Zztfox "Nice! - Great to see this classic brought into the new era!" - Lord Gek "A great original puzzler! - Excellent game, fun, different, challenging, and simple to understand! A new favorite - I look forward to seeing what else this developer releases. Recommended :)" - ralp99 Kerplinkus is a completely new take on the casual puzzle game. It's like spinning plates. You must focus on ALL 8 columns or 1 will grow out-of-control. No match 3. No movement restrictions. No special-blocks. Swap ANY 2 blocks anywhere, anytime. Just focus on removing blocks, not creating them. Features: - Retro Audio: Old school music and sound effects. - Retro Graphics: Color cycling and simple graphics to achieve that retro vibe. - iPod Music: Play your own music in the background. - Mute Audio: Kerplinkus(tm) respects the iPhone’s ring/silent switch. - Volume Control: Conveniently adjust the volume from the option menu or the pause screen. - Game Center.
Fire Across
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The excitement of 1980s computer and arcade games is brought back from the past in Fire Across. It is modeled after those early games, but uses modern touch and wireless remote control technology. You command a space ship with the latest Binomiam technology. Be a hero by protecting the Binomians from their mortal enemy, the Trinomians. Supports MFi controllers. Tested with a SteelSeries Nimbus. 0, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 28, 36, 45, 55
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Kerplinkus at every 2 months against Fire Across's every 36 months. Kerplinkus also leads on iOS requirement (13.6 vs 17.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Kerplinkus costs $0.99 and Fire Across $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Kerplinkus ships an update every 2 months, Fire Across every 36 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Kerplinkus | Fire Across |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 87.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 36 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Requires iOS | 13.6 — better | 17.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 14 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | Danny Bliss | Jon Tollefson |
In-app purchases
Kerplinkus
No in-app purchases
Fire Across
No in-app purchases









