# PiKuBo vs Close Cities

The clearest difference is ads: PiKuBo at none against Close Cities's shown. PiKuBo also leads on review sentiment (87% vs 69%). Close Cities's advantage is ratings volume (362 vs 95). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PiKuBo sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and Close Cities sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Close Cities holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 95 and 362 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 87% of PiKuBo's written reviews are positive against 69% of Close Cities's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PiKuBo ships an update monthly, Close Cities every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PiKuBo | Close Cities |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (95 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pikubo-3d-nonogram-puzzles/id6467725326/reviews) | **[4.8 (362 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 95 | **362** |
| Positive reviews | **86.6% of reviews** | 69.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 119 MB | 158 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel Benito](https://appshunter.io/developer/1566105796) | [Juan Manuel Altamirano Argudo](https://appshunter.io/developer/391953849) |

## What reviewers say

### PiKuBo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pikubo-3d-nonogram-puzzles/id6467725326)

This app offers a unique 3D twist on classic nonogram puzzles. Players reveal hidden shapes by strategically removing blocks from a cube. It features over 400 puzzles, adaptive controls, and a logic-based gameplay experience.

**Highlights:** Over 400 3D puzzles, Logic-based gameplay, Adaptive one-handed controls, Save progress, Customizable markers, Portrait and landscape modes

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Puzzle Pack 02 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 03 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 14 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 13 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 12 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 11 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 10 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 09 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 08 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 07 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 06 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 05 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack 04 | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Innovative 3D nonogram puzzle concept
- 🎮 Engaging and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Intuitive and well-designed user interface
- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and visual presentation
- 💰 Affordable pricing for puzzle packs ($0.99 each)

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Timer system feels rushed and stressful
- ❤️ Heart/lives system frustrating for some players
- 🐛 Occasional accidental block touches
- 🔧 Controls reset when rotating puzzle
- 💸 Pricing model requires multiple purchases for full content

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchase error preventing pack purchases
- Purchase not received after payment
- Support email bouncing back
- Color contrast issue in Pack 12 (blue on blue)
- Inability to expose enough blocks at certain angles for decision-making

**Requested features**

- More puzzle packs released more frequently
- Undo button for accidental moves
- Save progress mid-puzzle
- Ability to move puzzle around (pan feature)
- Full 360-degree rotation capability


### Close Cities

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084)

Build beautiful cities on diverse worlds by solving unique puzzles. This relaxing game guides you through 160 levels with a simple tap or drag interface, requiring no architectural knowledge. Conquer each world's challenges and travel through time with its calming soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Build cities on empty maps, Solve 160 unique puzzle levels, Intuitive tap and drag controls, No architectural knowledge needed, Travel through different worlds, Relaxing music and pace

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hints - Small Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hints - Medium Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads + Hints | $2.99 | one-time |
| Hints - Big Pack | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PiKuBo free?

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

### Is Close Cities free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PiKuBo or Close Cities?

Close Cities is rated higher. PiKuBo averages 4.6 out of 5 from 95 ratings, while Close Cities averages 4.8 from 362 ratings.

### Do PiKuBo or Close Cities have ads?

Close Cities shows ads; PiKuBo does not.

### Which is updated more often, PiKuBo or Close Cities?

PiKuBo ships an update monthly, and Close Cities every 3 weeks. Most recently, PiKuBo was updated on October 24, 2026 and Close Cities 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.*