Comparison

Memory Gumoku vs Step Cave

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

Head to head
About

Memory Gumoku

This game adds a memory challenge to the classic Five in a Row strategy. Pieces disappear after a few turns, requiring players to recall their positions and plan ahead on a visually changing board. It's a unique brain training experience that combines tactical gameplay with memory recall.

Highlights
  • Unique hidden piece gameplay
  • Combines strategy and memory
  • Classic Gomoku rules
  • Brain training puzzle mechanics
  • Configurable board sizes
  • Play offline or multiplayer
  • Fast-paced matches with turn timer
Features
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Memory Gomoku is an innovative twist on the classic Gomoku (Five in a Row / Caro) board game that combines strategic thinking, memory training, and tactical gameplay into one unique experience. Unlike traditional Gomoku, the pieces you place do not stay visible forever. After several turns, they gradually disappear from the board, forcing you to rely on your memory while continuing to build your winning strategy. Can you remember every move and still create the perfect five in a row? UNIQUE MEMORY GAMEPLAY Every move matters. Your stones remain visible for only a limited number of turns before becoming hidden. Although they disappear visually, they still exist on the board. Features: * Remember where your own stones are to complete a winning line. * Memorize your opponent's hidden moves before it is too late. * Think ahead while playing on what appears to be an empty board. * Outsmart your opponent using both strategy and memory. This innovative mechanic transforms the classic Gomoku experience into an exciting brain training challenge. CLASSIC GOMOKU RULES Enjoy the authentic gameplay loved by millions worldwide. * Classic Five in a Row gameplay. * Horizontal, vertical, and diagonal victories. * Configurable board sizes. * Fair turn based matches. * Optional advanced Gomoku rule variations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Gomoku player, you will instantly feel familiar with the gameplay while discovering an entirely new level of challenge. MEMORY CHALLENGE Memory Gomoku is not just a board game. It is a powerful brain exercise. Improve your: * Memory * Concentration * Pattern recognition * Strategic planning * Decision making under pressure Every match becomes a mental workout. HIDDEN PIECES SYSTEM Hidden stones create intense moments throughout the game. Trying to place a piece on an occupied hidden cell results in an illegal move. Players must carefully remember every position on the board to avoid costly mistakes. This Fog of War mechanic makes every turn exciting and unpredictable. FAST PACED MATCHES Stay focused under pressure. * Turn timer for every move. * Quick and competitive gameplay. * Exciting comeback opportunities. * Perfect for short gaming sessions. PLAY ANYTIME * Play offline. * Challenge AI opponents. * Multiplayer gameplay. * Clean and intuitive interface. * Smooth animations. * Optimized for phones and tablets. WHY YOU WILL LOVE MEMORY GOMOKU * Unique hidden piece gameplay. * Combines strategy and memory. * Brain training puzzle mechanics. * Modern take on the classic Gomoku. * Easy to learn, difficult to master. * Great for all ages. Whether you are searching for a Gomoku game, Caro game, Five in a Row, strategy board game, memory game, or brain training puzzle, Memory Gomoku delivers an experience unlike any other. Download Memory Gomoku today and discover the next evolution of the classic Five in a Row game.

About

Step Cave

Read full description

Step Cave is a turn-based roguelike puzzle game where every move can change the outcome of a battle. Anticipate your enemies’ actions like pieces on a chessboard, choose the best move, and conquer a 10-floor dungeon. The rules are simple, but the choices aren’t! Combine equipment and runes to create your own build as you face ever-changing maps and monsters. Game Features A newly generated 10-floor dungeon every run Monsters and bosses with unique behavior patterns Create your own build with different equipment combinations A variety of runes that change the rules and your strategy Multiple difficulty levels that put your skills to the test Game Modes with a Twist Rhythm Mode: Move your character to the beat and make your way through the dungeon. Defense Mode: Become the dungeon keeper and stop the invading hero. Unlock new equipment and cosmetic items, then take on an ever-changing dungeon!

Screenshots

Memory Gumoku4 screens
Step Cave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Memory Gumoku at none against Step Cave's 1. Memory Gumoku also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Step Cave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Memory Gumoku asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Memory Gumoku ships an update weekly, Step Cave every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Memory Gumoku versus Step Cave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMemory GumokuStep Cave
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB158 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHoang nguyenHO YEON BACK

In-app purchases

None

Memory Gumoku

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Step Cave

One-time1
  • Full Version$2.99

Questions

Is Memory Gumoku free?
Memory Gumoku is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Step Cave free?
Step Cave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Memory Gumoku or Step Cave have ads?
Step Cave shows ads; Memory Gumoku does not.
Which is updated more often, Memory Gumoku or Step Cave?
Memory Gumoku ships an update weekly, and Step Cave every 4 days. Most recently, Memory Gumoku was updated on October 13, 2026 and Step Cave on October 9, 2026.

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