Comparison

Calcudoku vs SootheQuest

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

Head to head
About

Calcudoku

This logic puzzle game offers a unique approach to learning how to solve number grids. Instead of simply revealing answers, it provides intelligent, step-by-step guidance on logical strategies and note-taking to help you master the puzzles.

Highlights
  • Intelligent step-by-step explanations
  • Optional auto notes for cages
  • Intuitive note-taking interface
  • Variety of arithmetic operations
  • Grids for all skill levels
  • Offline-first architecture
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

If you love Sudoku but are looking for a deeper challenge, or if you simply enjoy games that give your brain a real workout, Calcudoku is the ultimate logic puzzle. It combines the grid-filling deduction of Sudoku with simple arithmetic, creating a deeply satisfying balance of mental math, strategy, and problem-solving. Whether you want to sharpen your focus, keep your mind agile during a quick break, or master complex logical deduction, Calcudoku offers endless replayability for beginners and puzzle veterans alike. --- WHAT IS CALCUDOKU? --- Also known as Mathdoku or KenKen®, Calcudoku challenges you to solve a grid using logic and arithmetic: • Grid: Fill an N x N grid so that every row and column contains the numbers 1 through N exactly once without repeating. You choose the grid size to solve, anywhere from a 3x3 to a 9x9. • Cages: Outlined groups of cells (cages) each display a target number and an arithmetic operator. • Math: The numbers in each cage must combine using its operator (+, −, ×, ÷) to hit the target. Numbers can repeat within a cage as long as they stay in different rows and columns. It’s the ultimate combination of mental math, pattern recognition, and pure deduction. --- THE SMART DIFFERENTIATOR --- Many puzzle apps ruin the fun when you get stuck by simply filling in a random cell for you when requesting help. Our app takes a different approach: it teaches you how to solve it. If you hit a wall, our built-in helper analyzes your exact grid state and explains the logical next step. The engine guides you through genuine deduction strategies—showing you how to cross-reference overlapping cages, prune cell candidates, and leverage your notes so you can solve the grid completely on your own. --- KEY GAME FEATURES --- • Intelligent Explanations: Step-by-step guidance focused on note-taking, elimination strategies, and candidate pruning rather than giving away answers. • Optional Auto-Notes: The settings tab provides the option to jump into a puzzle with the initial candidate notes based on cage arithmetic. Skip the mundane and get right to the logic! • Smooth Input: Rapidly input answers and edit candidate notes with an intuitive, fluid UI built for mobile screens. • Complete Arithmetic Variety: Play grids featuring addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. • All Skill Levels: Progress from quick 3x3 warmups to grueling 9x9 logic grids. • Polished Interface: Full native dark mode support, crisp typography, and seamless offline play - no Wi-Fi required. Master the grid, elevate your deduction skills, and train your brain with a game that actually makes you a better solver.

About

SootheQuest

A match-3 puzzle game designed for individuals managing chronic illness and pain, offering a gentle and engaging experience without pressure. It features unique modes like a no-fail Zen Garden and short levels for low-energy days, promoting wellbeing alongside gameplay.

Highlights
  • Rest-friendly streak system
  • No-fail Zen Garden mode
  • One-minute Tiny Wins levels
  • Gentle boost for difficult levels
  • In-game comfort quotes
  • Guided breathing and soundscapes
  • Accessibility options for comfort
Features
Read full description

Soothe Quest is a match-3 puzzle game designed from the ground up for people living with chronic illness and chronic pain — and for anyone who wants a game that respects their energy. Created by a rheumatologist who lives with chronic pain himself, Soothe Quest is what a "cozy game" should actually mean: genuinely engaging puzzles, with every pressure mechanic deliberately removed. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • A rest-friendly streak — it counts the days you show up, forgives rest days, and losing never breaks it. Consistency over heroics. • The Zen Garden — a no-fail sanctuary mode. No moves, no timer, no losing. Just match, breathe, and watch your garden grow. • Tiny Wins — one-minute levels for low-energy days that still count toward your daily gentle goal. • A gentle boost — struggling with a level? The game quietly offers a little extra room, no judgment. • Real encouragement — after each level, a line from The Resilient Path: Modern Strategies for Living with Chronic Pain, written by the game's creator. Save the words that help to your Comfort Journal, and share them as beautiful quote cards. • The Calm Corner — guided box breathing and soothing rain or wave soundscapes, built right in. • Comfort & Access — larger gems, tap-only controls for steady hands, colorblind-friendly shapes, and softer effects for light-sensitive days. • A stretch check-in that gently suggests a break after a while — because a game made for your wellbeing shouldn't pretend time doesn't pass. A REAL GAME, TOO 54 handcrafted levels across six dreamlike worlds, ice and stone puzzles, line blasters, bombs and rainbow gems, chunky satisfying combos, an endless Rift for when you want depth, a prize lantern, and eight cosmetic gem skins. All music and sound is gentle and original. OUR PROMISES Nothing in Soothe Quest punishes you for resting. There are no expiring rewards, no fear-of-missing-out events, and no ads. Your progress stays on your device. Soothe Quest is free to play. An optional Soothe Plus subscription ($3.99/month or $34.99/year after a 7-day free trial) adds comfort perks like unlimited lives. Optional one-time purchases are available. Everything essential is free. Soothe Quest is a wellness and entertainment app, not medical care. From the author of The Resilient Path — learn more at brewsterwickershampublications.com. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Calcudoku4 screens
SootheQuest4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Calcudoku at none against SootheQuest's 2. SootheQuest's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and device support 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

Both are free to download. SootheQuest sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Calcudoku asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Calcudoku against 5.0 for SootheQuest. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 4 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Calcudoku ships an update every 3 weeks, SootheQuest every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Calcudoku versus SootheQuest: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCalcudokuSootheQuest
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings)
Number of ratings44
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 10 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB9 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperLogicSmithWickersham Development Group, LLC

Customer experience

Calcudoku

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

SootheQuest

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Calcudoku

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

SootheQuest

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is Calcudoku free?
Calcudoku is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SootheQuest free?
SootheQuest is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Calcudoku or SootheQuest?
Calcudoku and SootheQuest are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 4 ratings respectively.
Do Calcudoku or SootheQuest have ads?
Calcudoku shows ads; SootheQuest does not.
Which is updated more often, Calcudoku or SootheQuest?
Calcudoku ships an update every 3 weeks, and SootheQuest every 10 days. Most recently, Calcudoku was updated on November 5, 2026 and SootheQuest on November 6, 2026.

Other comparisons