# Characterize vs Issues for NationStates

The clearest difference is rating: Issues for NationStates at 4.8 against Characterize's 4.3. Issues for NationStates also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 16). Characterize's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Characterize sells 16 one-off in-app purchases. Issues for NationStates asks for nothing beyond the download.

Issues for NationStates holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 344 and 454 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Characterize's written reviews are positive against 74% of Issues for NationStates's.

Characterize ships an update every 3 weeks, Issues for NationStates every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Characterize | Issues for NationStates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (344 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/characterize-randomize-names/id706661890/reviews) | **[4.8 (454 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/issues-for-nationstates/id1543636795/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 344 | **454** |
| Positive reviews | 68.3% of reviews | **74.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 295 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Winn](https://appshunter.io/developer/652547902) | [Bart Kneepkens](https://appshunter.io/developer/1521716288) |

## What reviewers say

### Characterize

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/characterize-randomize-names/id706661890)

Generate unique characters with names, traits, and stats instantly. Explore diverse categories and save your favorites for any creative project. Unlock additional themed packs for even more variety.

**Highlights:** Unlimited name generation, Rich character details (age, traits, etc.), Themed character packs, Save and share creations, Diverse character categories

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heroes & Villains Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wizards & Witches Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gods & Goddesses Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Anime & Manga Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Demons Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Anthros Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Aliens Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Kings, Queens, & Nobles Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Apocalypse Survivors Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Assassins Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Angels Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Demigods Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dragons Generator | $0.99 | one-time |
| Fantasy Races Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mythology Bundle | $5.99 | one-time |
| All Generators | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for character creation
- 🚀 Great for writers and RPG players
- 💡 Lots of creative and random traits

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive, many features require purchase
- 🐛 Bugs with saving and restoring purchases
- 🔍 Limited free options

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Issues with custom generators and editing characters
- Purchased content not unlocking properly

**Requested features**

- More free generators
- Ability to edit and customize generated characters
- Sorting and organization options for saved characters


### Issues for NationStates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/issues-for-nationstates/id1543636795)

Manage your nation's issues from anywhere. Read, decide, and pass legislation to shape your nation's development. Track past issues and their impact on your nation's rankings.

**Highlights:** Track nation issues, Read and decide on legislation, Pass legislation, View past issues, See legislation effects on rankings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Characterize free?

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

### Is Issues for NationStates free?

Issues for NationStates is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Characterize or Issues for NationStates?

Issues for NationStates is rated higher. Characterize averages 4.3 out of 5 from 344 ratings, while Issues for NationStates averages 4.8 from 454 ratings.

### Do Characterize or Issues for NationStates have ads?

Neither Characterize nor Issues for NationStates shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Characterize or Issues for NationStates?

Characterize ships an update every 3 weeks, and Issues for NationStates every 2 months. Most recently, Characterize was updated on October 14, 2026 and Issues for NationStates on October 13, 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.*