# Don't Look Back vs HopBound

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Don't Look Back at none against HopBound's 1. Don't Look Back also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 12.0). HopBound's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 23 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HopBound sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Don't Look Back asks for nothing beyond the download.

HopBound holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 186 and 139 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 85% of Don't Look Back's written reviews are positive against 81% of HopBound's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Don't Look Back ships an update every 23 months, HopBound every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Don't Look Back | HopBound |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (186 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dont-look-back/id568668228/reviews) | **[4.7 (139 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hopbound/id1499147637/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **186** | 139 |
| Positive reviews | **85.0% of reviews** | 80.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Distractionware Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/413794996) | [Darius Immanuel Guerrero](https://appshunter.io/developer/1090694564) |

## What reviewers say

### Don't Look Back

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dont-look-back/id568668228)

Experience a critically acclaimed retro-style game that challenges players to confront their past. This short, narrative-driven experience explores themes of morality and personal growth through its unique gameplay mechanics.

**Highlights:** Retro graphics, Narrative-driven gameplay, Moral exploration, Short game experience, Critically acclaimed

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Minimalistic and atmospheric
- 🎮 Challenging and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Unique and engaging story
- 🎨 Retro-inspired visuals
- 🎵 Fitting soundtrack

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional control issues and unresponsiveness
- 🕰 Short length of the game
- 🔍 Lack of a save feature

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent boss behavior
- Graphical glitches on some devices

**Requested features**

- Additional levels or a sequel
- Controller support
- Save/checkpoint system


### HopBound

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hopbound/id1499147637)

Embark on a surreal journey through a retro-style psychological horror game. Explore unsettling 16-bit platformer stages and endless runner levels as a recluse confronting her past. Experience a haunting narrative with spine-chilling audio and evolving monsters.

**Highlights:** Story-driven psychological horror, 16-bit horror platformer stages, Endless runner levels, Nostalgic 4-color pixel art, Spine-chilling ambient music, Evolved monsters, iMessage sticker pack

**Features:** iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads for HopBound | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Don't Look Back free?

Don't Look Back is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HopBound free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Don't Look Back or HopBound?

HopBound is rated higher. Don't Look Back averages 4.5 out of 5 from 186 ratings, while HopBound averages 4.7 from 139 ratings.

### Do Don't Look Back or HopBound have ads?

HopBound shows ads; Don't Look Back does not.

### Which is updated more often, Don't Look Back or HopBound?

Don't Look Back ships an update every 23 months, and HopBound every 3 days. Most recently, Don't Look Back was updated on October 20, 2026 and HopBound on October 24, 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.*