# Ariana and the Elder Codex vs Match Protocol

Ariana and the Elder Codex and Match Protocol both sit at 2.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 50% of Ariana and the Elder Codex's written reviews are positive against 14% of Match Protocol's. Ariana and the Elder Codex also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Match Protocol sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Ariana and the Elder Codex asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.6 for Ariana and the Elder Codex against 2.5 for Match Protocol. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 10 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 50% of Ariana and the Elder Codex's written reviews are positive against 14% of Match Protocol's.

Ariana and the Elder Codex ships an update every 3 days, Match Protocol every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ariana and the Elder Codex | Match Protocol |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ariana-and-the-elder-codex/id6760456190/reviews)** | [2.5 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/match-protocol-system-breach/id6768553172/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1.2 GB | 218 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Crunchyroll, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/329913457) | [Alexey Bolotov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1645086776) |

## What reviewers say

### Ariana and the Elder Codex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ariana-and-the-elder-codex/id6760456190)

Embark on a 2D action RPG adventure as a magical librarian who enters ancient books to restore lost magic. Battle monsters, master elemental spells, and customize your abilities to save the world.

**Highlights:** 2D side-scrolling action RPG, Dynamic anime action combat, Master elemental magic and transformations, Customize spellbook with 30+ spells, Craft magic items and accessories, Time attack and repair point challenges, Metroidvania exploration

**In-app purchases:** none


### Match Protocol

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/match-protocol-system-breach/id6768553172)

Engage in a tactical match-3 RPG set in a cyberpunk city. Solve puzzles to fight rogue AI, hack systems, and uncover a dark mystery. Explore ruins, upgrade your character, and battle unique enemies in a pixel-art world.

**Highlights:** Cyberpunk match-3 gameplay, Tactical movement on the grid, Full story campaign, Isometric pixel-art visuals, Boss fights with unique mechanics, Character progression and upgrades, Dark sci-fi mystery

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1000 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 000 Credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| 50 000 Credits | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ariana and the Elder Codex free?

Ariana and the Elder Codex is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Match Protocol free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ariana and the Elder Codex or Match Protocol?

Ariana and the Elder Codex is rated higher. Ariana and the Elder Codex averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Match Protocol averages 2.5 from 10 ratings.

### Do Ariana and the Elder Codex or Match Protocol have ads?

Neither Ariana and the Elder Codex nor Match Protocol shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ariana and the Elder Codex or Match Protocol?

Ariana and the Elder Codex ships an update every 3 days, and Match Protocol every 10 days. Most recently, Ariana and the Elder Codex was updated on October 4, 2026 and Match Protocol on October 5, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*