# Root Down vs Shadow Maker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Root Down at 100% against Shadow Maker's 29%. Root Down also leads on rating (4.0 vs 2.9) and ads (none vs shown). Shadow Maker's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 27 months) and ratings volume (21 vs 3). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Root Down holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadow Maker has 21 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Root Down's written reviews are positive against 29% of Shadow Maker's.

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, Shadow Maker every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Root Down | Shadow Maker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474/reviews)** | [2.9 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-maker/id1546693897/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **21** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 28.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 1 MB | 199 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Martin Grider](https://appshunter.io/developer/309543466) | [Street Lamp Games Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1366485693) |

## What reviewers say

### Root Down

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-down/id772166474)

An original abstract strategy game for two players with unique movement rules. Figure out how to move your pieces to capture your opponent's and win. Offers AI play and pass-and-play modes with variable setups.

**Highlights:** Abstract strategy gameplay, Unique piece movement rules, AI opponent, Pass-and-play mode, Variable game setups

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shadow Maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-maker/id1546693897)

Recreate childhood shadow puppet memories by manipulating objects to form specific shadow shapes on a wall. Solve puzzles by positioning items correctly, avoiding collisions to advance through levels and watch your creations come to life.

**Highlights:** Shadow casting puzzles, Object manipulation, Collision avoidance, Low poly art style, Simple controls

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Root Down free?

Root Down is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shadow Maker free?

Shadow Maker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Root Down or Shadow Maker?

Root Down is rated higher. Root Down averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Shadow Maker averages 2.9 from 21 ratings.

### Do Root Down or Shadow Maker have ads?

Shadow Maker shows ads; Root Down does not.

### Which is updated more often, Root Down or Shadow Maker?

Root Down ships an update every 27 months, and Shadow Maker every 2 weeks. Most recently, Root Down was updated on November 1, 2026 and Shadow Maker on November 3, 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.*