Comparison

Ark Nova vs Gem Merchant

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Ark Nova

Design and manage a modern zoo to support global conservation efforts. Build enclosures, house animals, and utilize unique cards for special abilities. Compete to create the most successful zoological establishment.

Highlights
  • Plan and design a modern zoo
  • Build enclosures and accommodate animals
  • Support global conservation projects
  • Utilize 255 unique cards (animals, specialists, projects)
  • Upgrade action cards for gameplay
  • Increase zoo appeal and scientific reputation
Features
Read full description

Plan and build a modern, scientifically managed zoo to support conservation projects in an acclaimed strategy board game. In Ark Nova, you will plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoo. With the ultimate goal of owning the most successful zoological establishment, you will build enclosures, accommodate animals, and support conservation projects all over the world. Specialists and unique buildings will help you in achieving this goal. At the heart of Ark Nova are 255 cards featuring animals, specialists, unique enclosures, and conservation projects, each with a particular ability. Use them to increase the appeal and scientific reputation of your zoo and to collect conservation points. Each player has a set of action cards, which you will use and upgrade to carry out your plans. Each player has a set of five action cards to manage their gameplay, and the power of an action is determined by the slot the card currently occupies. The cards are: BUILD: Allows you to build standard or special enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions. ANIMALS: Allows you to accommodate animals in your zoo. CARDS: Allows you to gain new zoo cards (animals, sponsors, and conservation project cards). ASSOCIATION: Allows your association workers to carry out different tasks. SPONSORS: Allows you to play a sponsor card in your zoo or to raise money. With high replayability and rich components, Ark Nova provides a remarkable gaming experience that will bring the game to the table again and again.

About

Gem Merchant

A digital adaptation of a classic two-player card game focused on strategic gem collection and prestige. Manage resources, acquire development cards, and attract nobles to earn points and win.

Highlights
  • Classic board game digitalization
  • Strategic gem collection
  • Two-player battle mode (online/local)
  • Diverse strategic options
  • Exquisite visual design
  • Easy to learn, deep strategy
Features
Read full description

Classic board game digitalization, a two-player card game of strategic competition to collect gems and earn prestige. Recreate the charm of classic board games, a new experience of handheld strategic competition. Gem Merchant (ColorfulGems) is a meticulously crafted strategic card collection game that perfectly restores the core gameplay of the classic board game. In this world filled with strategy and wisdom, you will play as a savvy gem merchant, cleverly managing resources and planning strategies to collect precious gems, purchase development cards, attract the favor of nobles, and ultimately win by earning 15 points of prestige. Game Features: - Classic board game digitalization: faithfully replicates the gameplay of Splendor/Gem Merchant, retaining strategic depth. - Exquisite visual design: stunning gem-themed UI, immersive gaming experience. - Two-player battle mode: face-to-face or online duels with friends, testing strategic intelligence. - Diverse strategies: gem collection, card reservation, noble competition, with new challenges in every game. - Native iOS experience: built with SwiftUI, smooth operation, compatible with various devices. - Easy to learn, deep strategy. The game rules are simple and easy to understand, but the strategic depth is rich. Each turn requires making the best choice between taking gems, purchasing cards, and reserving cards, developing yourself while observing opponents, showcasing your business acumen in intense and thrilling duels. Suitable for all players: Whether you are a board game enthusiast or a newcomer to strategy games, Gem Merchant offers just the right challenge for you. With a game duration of 15-30 minutes, it is perfect for casual entertainment and competitive battles. Download now and start your journey as a Gem Merchant, proving yourself in the contest of strategy and wisdom!

Screenshots

Ark Nova4 screens
Gem Merchant4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Ark Nova at 72% against Gem Merchant's 25%. Ark Nova also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 1). Gem Merchant's advantage is price (Free vs $10.99). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Gem Merchant is free to download; Ark Nova costs $10.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Ark Nova holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ark Nova has 1.2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Ark Nova's written reviews are positive against 25% of Gem Merchant's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ark Nova ships an update every 2 weeks, Gem Merchant fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Ark Nova versus Gem Merchant: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArk NovaGem Merchant
Price$10.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (1.2K ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews72.4% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2K — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#28 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size682 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDire Wolf Digital梦成 李

Customer experience

Ark Nova

All ratings1,190 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.9%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews127 reviews
Positive72.4%
Neutral11.0%
Negative16.5%

Gem Merchant

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

Bugs and requests

Ark Nova

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • iPad Flash exit issue
  • Rewards screen being blocked by other UI elements

Requested features

4 requests
  • Option to enable larger UI buttons for modal panels
  • Full screen mode
  • Option to reverse zoom direction
  • Improved card readability/zoom

Gem Merchant

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Ark Nova

No in-app purchases

None

Gem Merchant

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ark Nova free?
Ark Nova costs $10.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Gem Merchant free?
Gem Merchant is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Ark Nova or Gem Merchant?
Ark Nova is rated higher. Ark Nova averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Gem Merchant averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Ark Nova or Gem Merchant have ads?
Neither Ark Nova nor Gem Merchant shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ark Nova or Gem Merchant?
Ark Nova ships an update every 2 weeks, and Gem Merchant fortnightly. Most recently, Ark Nova was updated on September 27, 2026 and Gem Merchant on September 21, 2026.

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