# Side Scroller Game vs Lantern

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Lantern at 100% against Side Scroller Game's 50%. Lantern also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15). Side Scroller Game's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lantern sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Side Scroller Game asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Side Scroller Game | Lantern |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 37 MB | 200 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Julien meyer](https://appshunter.io/developer/285361686) | [iqbal kpekpassi fofana](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784027951) |

## What reviewers say

### Side Scroller Game

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/side-scroller-game-barney/id481853130)

Embark on a retro adventure in this pixel art platformer. Run, jump, and shoot through desert levels filled with monsters and traps. Upgrade weapons and abilities to conquer challenges and find buried treasure.

**Highlights:** Retro pixel art graphics, Ten desert levels, Five upgradable weapons, Character upgrades, Explorable world map, Touch controls for landscape play

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Lantern

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lantern-the-game/id6739170710)

Navigate treacherous platforms, collect flames, and keep your lantern burning in this action platformer. Unlock new character skins and lantern colors as you progress through challenging levels and dynamic environments. Discover a secret bonus stage upon completing all levels.

**Highlights:** Skillful platforming gameplay, Collect flames to progress, Unlock character skins and lantern colors, Navigate treacherous traps and obstacles, Explore dynamic environments, Access secret bonus stage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| coin_500 | $0.99 | one-time |
| coin_3000 | $3.99 | one-time |
| coin_10000 | $8.99 | one-time |
| coin_50000 | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Side Scroller Game free?

Side Scroller Game is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Lantern free?

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

### Do Side Scroller Game or Lantern have ads?

Both Side Scroller Game and Lantern show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Side Scroller Game or Lantern?

Side Scroller Game ships an update weekly, and Lantern weekly. Most recently, Side Scroller Game was updated on November 2, 2026 and Lantern on October 30, 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.*