# Merlins Adventure vs The Blocking Dead

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Blocking Dead at 65% against Merlins Adventure's 38%. The Blocking Dead also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merlins Adventure sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and The Blocking Dead sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Merlins Adventure ships an update every 5 months, The Blocking Dead monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merlins Adventure | The Blocking Dead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-blocking-dead/id867733591/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **69** |
| Positive reviews | 38.3% of reviews | **65.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 227 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Paul Stelzer](https://appshunter.io/developer/644648487) | [Drew Rogers](https://appshunter.io/developer/630350825) |

## What reviewers say

### Merlins Adventure

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlins-adventure-room-escape/id855207003)

Solve physics-based puzzles and platforming challenges in a retro pixel art dungeon. Use magical telekinesis to move objects, overcome traps, and escape the king's prison. Features a level editor for creating and sharing custom rooms.

**Highlights:** Telekinetic object manipulation, Physics-based puzzles, Retro pixel art graphics, Built-in level editor, Portrait mode for one-handed play, Auto-save functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Story Level Pack | $3.99 | one-time |


### The Blocking Dead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-blocking-dead/id867733591)

A gravity-based physics puzzler where you must destroy zombies and prevent brains from falling. It features over 100 levels with intuitive one-touch controls and real-time physics simulation.

**Highlights:** Over 100 levels, One-touch controls, Real-time physics simulation, Game Center Leaderboards, Achievements, Variety of block types

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full Game | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merlins Adventure free?

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

### Is The Blocking Dead free?

The Blocking Dead is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Merlins Adventure or The Blocking Dead have ads?

Neither Merlins Adventure nor The Blocking Dead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Merlins Adventure or The Blocking Dead?

Merlins Adventure ships an update every 5 months, and The Blocking Dead monthly. Most recently, Merlins Adventure was updated on November 6, 2026 and The Blocking Dead on November 1, 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.*