Dots'n Boxes vs Red Gauntlet
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Dots'n Boxes
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Dots & Boxes — Simple Rules. Real Strategy. The classic Dots & Boxes game gets a competitive twist. Take turns drawing lines between dots and complete boxes to claim them. But not every box is worth the same — each box has its own point value, making every move a strategic decision. Choose how you play: • Online — Compete against real players in live matches. • 2 Players — Challenge a friend on the same device. • VS AI — Test your strategy against multiple AI difficulty levels. Plan your moves, avoid giving away valuable boxes, build chains, and turn the board to your advantage. Completing a box gives you another move, so one smart play can change the entire match. Features • Fast, turn-based strategy gameplay • Real-time online multiplayer • Multiple AI difficulty levels • Local two-player mode • Different point values for each box • Online leaderboard • Simple rules with plenty of strategic depth Draw lines. Capture boxes. Score more points. Control the board.
Red Gauntlet
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*Try the opening mission for free, then unlock the full game with one-time purchase. Red Gauntlet: The Machine Wars is a gritty arcade brawl where your Apple Watch can become your controller. It is a fresh way to play a fast action game with real physical input. Punch using motion detection on your watch to strike in game. Prefer something simpler or quieter? Use the watch button to punch instead. No watch? No problem. You can always tap directly on the iPhone/iPad screen and play the full game that way. You are in a 2D side scrolling auto run brawl with wave based pressure. Survive escalating waves, avoid pits, kick flying threats, and face bosses as the pace ramps up. Runs are quick, hits feel heavy, and retries are instant. Power ups drop mid run and change how you play for a short burst. Smash falling craters to trigger temporary boosts like reduced punch cooldown (rapid fire) or extended hit range (plasma range). Your watch HUD can show HP, score, and the current power up so you stay locked in. Perfect for arcade action fans who want quick runs, Apple Watch players who want a fresh way to play with real physical input, score chasers who live for waves and bosses, and anyone who wants a light fitness boost without a complicated workout app. FEATURES * Fast arcade runs with a quick score recap between attempts * Epic campaign includes 21 waves of arcade pressure with 3 unique boss encounters * Screen controls available anytime, using Apple Watch is optional * Apple Watch input with motion detection first, button input also supported * Pits and flying threats that force timing and focus * Power ups that reward aggressive play * Overdrive mode for extra power (mission 2+) * Watch HUD for HP, score, and active power up CONTENT AND UNLOCK Free version: The free demo includes the first 7 waves plus a mini boss so you can feel the full loop. Unlock Full Game: A one time unlock opens missions 2 and 3 which includes waves 8 to 21 with more enemies, new patterns, and additional 2 boss fights. REQUIREMENTS - Apple Watch optional for watch controls and watch HUD - Motion controls require an Apple Watch that supports motion sensors and iPhone. Button controls work even if you prefer not to use motion FAQ Q: Do I need an Apple Watch to play? A: Nope. You can play fully on iPhone using touch controls. Apple Watch is optional for motion punches and the watch HUD. Q: How do I mirror my iPhone screen to Apple TV or Mac? A: Use AirPlay from Control Center on your iPhone. - Apple TV: Open Control Center → Screen Mirroring → pick your Apple TV. - Mac: Open Control Center → Screen Mirroring → pick your Mac (or use QuickTime “New Movie Recording” with iPhone as the camera source if you prefer wired/USB). Q: Can I play quietly without swinging my arm around? A: Yes. Use button controls (or touch controls on iPhone) for a more subtle play style or casual mode on the Apple Watch. Q: What do I get in the free version? A: The demo includes waves 1–7 + first boss, so you can try the full gameplay loop. Q: What does the Full Game unlock include? A: A one time unlock opens missions 2 and 3 with waves 8–21, more enemy types, new patterns, and 2 additional boss fights. Q: Does the unlock remove ads or subscriptions? A: There are no ads and no subscription. It’s a one time unlock. Q: Will my progress carry over after I unlock the full game? A: Yes, your progress continues. Unlocking just expands the available missions and waves. Q: Why do I need the iPhone if I’m using Apple Watch controls? A: The iPhone runs the game and shows the main screen. The Apple Watch acts as a controller and optional HUD companion.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dots'n Boxes at none against Red Gauntlet's 1. Red Gauntlet's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Red Gauntlet sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dots'n Boxes asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Dots'n Boxes | Red Gauntlet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 2 days | — |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 29 MB | 63 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Murat Erdem Bostancioglu | MONORIFT s. r. o. |
In-app purchases
Dots'n Boxes
No in-app purchases
Red Gauntlet
- Full Game Unlock$1.99
Questions
Is Dots'n Boxes free?
Is Red Gauntlet free?
Do Dots'n Boxes or Red Gauntlet have ads?
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