# Hidden Through Time vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is rating: Simple Match 3 at 4.8 against Hidden Through Time's 3.8. Simple Match 3 also leads on review sentiment (90% vs 58%) and ratings volume (256 vs 12). Hidden Through Time's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). On update cadence, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Hidden Through Time costs $2.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Hidden Through Time asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 256 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Hidden Through Time's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Hidden Through Time ships an update every 11 days, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hidden Through Time | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [3.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-through-time-discovery/id6480581727/reviews) | **[4.8 (256 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **256** |
| Positive reviews | 58.3% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#54** |
| Size | 497 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rogueside NV](https://appshunter.io/developer/413995298) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Hidden Through Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-through-time-discovery/id6480581727)

Explore hand-drawn, interactive landscapes across three distinct eras to find hidden objects. This cozy puzzle game offers relaxing gameplay with no timers, accompanied by a soothing soundtrack. Decode cryptic hints to uncover secrets and unravel mysteries.

**Highlights:** Hand-drawn interactive landscapes, Three distinct eras (Victorian, Noir, Sci-fi), Relaxing gameplay with no timers, Cryptic hint decoding, Soothing soundtrack

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple Match 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389)

**Currently charting:** #54 Top Paid · Casual, #78 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

This is a relaxing puzzle game where you swap tiles to make matches of three. Unlock hundreds of unique tiles, customize your game's appearance, and enjoy satisfying effects. It offers a peaceful experience without ads or excessive story elements.

**Highlights:** No ads or subscriptions, Hundreds of unique tiles, Customizable appearance, Daily levels with leaderboards, Zen Mode for relaxation, Satisfying visual effects, Achievements and boosters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Simple Match 3 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Match 3 Game
- 👍 Calming and Engaging
- 🔒 No Ads or IAPs
- 👍 Customizable Tiles
- 👍 Relaxing Music and Sound Effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs in Higher Levels
- 🐛 Impossible Levels Due to Missing Obstacles
- 🐛 Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- 🐛 Reward Box Tapping Issue
- 🐛 Inconsistent Star Rating System

**Reported bugs**

- Levels with Missing Obstacles
- Reward Box Tapping Issue
- Inconsistent Star Rating System
- Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- Crashes on Opening

**Requested features**

- Level Editor
- Endless/Survival Mode
- Improved Power-Up Interactions
- Hints or Shuffle Option
- Landscape Support for iPad


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hidden Through Time free?

Hidden Through Time costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

Simple Match 3 costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hidden Through Time or Simple Match 3?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. Hidden Through Time averages 3.8 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 256 ratings.

### Do Hidden Through Time or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Hidden Through Time nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hidden Through Time or Simple Match 3?

Hidden Through Time ships an update every 11 days, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Hidden Through Time was updated on October 13, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 22, 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.*