Comparison

Traps n' Gemstones vs ScourgeBringer

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

Head to head
About

Traps n' Gemstones

Embark on an adventurous platforming quest as an archaeologist to uncover the mystery of disappearing relics from an ancient pyramid. Explore non-linearly, collect items and weapons, and utilize various movement mechanics to progress through chambers.

Highlights
  • Non-linear exploration
  • Item and weapon collection
  • D-PAD controls
  • Map overview
  • Inventory overview
  • Variety in gameplay mechanics
Features
Read full description

#1 BEST IPHONE GAME OF THE YEAR - Gamezebo, 2014: "The touchscreen controls are as precise as the level design, and the level design is exemplary. This isn’t just a good example of how to do a platformer on mobile, this is a good example of how to do a platformer period.". * * * * * * * * * * * * - Promoted "Best New Game" by Apple - "Best iPhone Game of 2014" by Gamezebo - #1 Hot Game @ Touch Arcade - PocketGamer GOLD AWARD - Gamezebo (earlier review): "Hands down, this is one of the best games of 2014" - Touch Arcade: Rated 5 / 5 - ArcadeLife: Rated 9.5 / 10 * * * * * * * * * * * * TRAPS N' GEMSTONES is an adventurous platform game, among gamers typically known as the "Metroidvania" genre, from Donut Games, the developer behind chart-toppers Traffic Rush, Sunday Lawn, the "Rat On A" series and many others. THE PLOT Precious relics have suddenly started to disappear from a well-hid pyramid that has been guarded by Bedouins for generations, who claim to have spotted an unknown perpetrator. As a freelance archaeologist and expert on ancient explorations, you've been secretly called in to Egypt to help them solve the mystery. Arriving at the pyramid's entrance empty handed, your journey starts off by searching some well-known chambers for items and weapons to help you on your quest. But as you get deeper into the pyramid, you begin to realize that this mystery will require more than just a whip, a sharp mind and a good amount of explosives to unravel. GAME FEATURES - Easy to use D-PAD controls - Non-linear gameplay: Walk around and explore freely - Non-destructive gameplay: When failing, you don't restart from the beginning, but at the entrance of the current chamber - MAP OVERVIEW: Keep track of visited areas - INVENTORY OVERVIEW: Keep track of found weapons, items and relics - VARIETY IN GAMEPLAY: Run, roll, swim, slide, ride mine carts, etc - NO IN-APP PURCHASES: Buy the game, get everything TECH FEATURES - Game Center support - Widescreen support - MFi Controller support - ION Arcade Controller support - Universal App (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) - Real-time sound spatialization: Hear the sound dynamically adapt to your surroundings, from large chambers to underwater swims * * * * * * * * * * * * - PocketGamer.co.uk: "Traps n' Gemstones has come out of nowhere and whipped us round the chops with its excellence"

About

ScourgeBringer

Embark on a fast-paced roguelite platforming adventure in a post-apocalyptic world. Control Kyhra, a skilled warrior, as she battles ancient machines and monstrous foes to uncover the secrets of a mysterious entity and potentially save humanity.

Highlights
  • Fast-paced rogue-platforming gameplay
  • Fluid platforming controls
  • Frantic combat system
  • Hordes of enemies and giant bosses
  • Ever-changing dungeon exploration
  • Uncover mysteries and secrets
Features
Read full description

ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious entity wreaked havoc on all humanity, ScourgeBringer puts you in the shoes of the deadliest warrior of her clan: Kyhra. Help her to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity. Key Features: • Dive into fast-paced rogue-platforming gameplay described by Eurogamer as "Dead Cells meets Celeste" • Slash and shoot your way smoothly with super fluid platforming controls • Sharpen your skills with a frantic combat system focused on attacks only • Dash forward to the otherworldly adaptive sounds of Joonas Turner (Nuclear Throne, Downwell, Broforce...) • Defy hordes of unspeakable enemies and giant bosses holding the secrets of the Scourge • Explore the infinite depths of an ever-changing dungeon • Uncover mysteries and find mementos of previous explorers to unlock reality defining secrets

Screenshots

Traps n' Gemstones4 screens
ScourgeBringer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Traps n' Gemstones at none against ScourgeBringer's shown. Traps n' Gemstones also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 70%) and price ($4.99 vs $5.99). ScourgeBringer's advantage is ratings volume (491 vs 38). On rating, update cadence, in-app purchases 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

Traps n' Gemstones costs $4.99 and ScourgeBringer $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Traps n' Gemstones against 4.8 for ScourgeBringer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScourgeBringer has 491 ratings behind it against 38, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Traps n' Gemstones's written reviews are positive against 70% of ScourgeBringer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Traps n' Gemstones versus ScourgeBringer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTraps n' GemstonesScourgeBringer
Price$4.99 — better$5.99
Rating4.7 (38 ratings)4.8 (491 ratings) — better
Positive reviews81.2% of reviews — better69.6% of reviews
Number of ratings38491 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB153 MB
Age rating9+9+
DeveloperDonut GamesPlug In Digital

Customer experience

Traps n' Gemstones

All ratings38 ratings
Positive92.1%
Neutral2.6%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews117 reviews
Positive81.2%
Neutral6.0%
Negative12.8%

ScourgeBringer

All ratings485 ratings
Positive96.9%
Neutral1.4%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews69 reviews
Positive69.6%
Neutral15.9%
Negative14.5%

User reviews

Traps n' Gemstones

From 38 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎮 Excellent metroidvania-style gameplay
  • 👍 Responsive and well-implemented touch controls
  • 🎨 Charming retro pixel art graphics
  • 🗺️ Large explorable pyramid with hidden secrets
  • 🎯 Engaging puzzle-solving mechanics

Room to improve

  • ⏳ Game length is too short (2-4 hours)
  • 💰 Price point ($3-$5) not justified for playtime
  • 🎮 Control placement awkward on larger screens
  • 🗺️ Map lacks detail and clarity
  • 📖 Weak story and narrative ending

ScourgeBringer

From 491 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Excellent art style and charming graphics
  • ⚡ Smooth, fast-paced, fluid combat system
  • 🎮 Great controller support and button mapping
  • 🎵 High-quality music and sound design
  • 🧩 Engaging roguelike gameplay with solid skill tree

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes on various iOS devices
  • 🔊 Audio cuts out when other apps play sound
  • ❌ No sound on some devices (iPhone Air)
  • 🎮 Touch controls feel awkward and imprecise
  • ⚙️ Non-customizable controls limit accessibility

Bugs and requests

Traps n' Gemstones

Reported bugs

8 issues
  • iPhone 6/6+ screen scaling issues making controls unresponsive
  • Controls stuck at bottom of screen on iPad
  • MFI controller compatibility issues (some models)
  • PowerShell controller only pause button works
  • Stuck in wall glitch
Show 3 more
  • Ad clickbait redirecting to App Store
  • Game won't download from App Store after purchase
  • D-pad and on-screen buttons unresponsive

Requested features

10 requests
  • Sequel or additional content/levels
  • Multiplayer functionality
  • Weapon/item switching system
  • In-game hints or guide system
  • Checkpoint/save system
Show 5 more
  • Customizable control positioning
  • Game Maker/level editor feature
  • Additional temple themes (jungle, underwater)
  • Cosmetic item purchases instead of score system
  • Shared progress between iPhone and iPad

ScourgeBringer

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • Game crashes immediately on launch (purple screen)
  • Crashes on iPad Pro with iOS 17.1.2
  • Crashes when connecting wired controller
  • Crashes during intense particle effects (3rd floor boss)
  • Save and exit reduces HP to 1 unexpectedly
Show 4 more
  • iCloud save only syncs one direction (iPad to iPhone)
  • Touch controls cause accidental dashes
  • Smashed bullets scatter instead of following directional input
  • Game won't load or launch on some devices

Requested features

12 requests
  • Customizable control mapping
  • Dash button option instead of swipe mechanic
  • Static joystick position during combat
  • Controller support for all devices
  • Casual/easier difficulty modes with progression
Show 7 more
  • More endgame content and new zones
  • Additional enemies and bosses
  • More store items and healing methods
  • Better balance for early game resources
  • Option to play personal music during gameplay
  • Traditional roguelike mode with item-based skill trees
  • Right-side dash option for touch controls

In-app purchases

None

Traps n' Gemstones

No in-app purchases

None

ScourgeBringer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Traps n' Gemstones free?
Traps n' Gemstones costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ScourgeBringer free?
ScourgeBringer costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Traps n' Gemstones or ScourgeBringer?
ScourgeBringer is rated higher. Traps n' Gemstones averages 4.7 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while ScourgeBringer averages 4.8 from 491 ratings.
Do Traps n' Gemstones or ScourgeBringer have ads?
ScourgeBringer shows ads; Traps n' Gemstones does not.
Which is updated more often, Traps n' Gemstones or ScourgeBringer?
Traps n' Gemstones ships an update every 2 months, and ScourgeBringer every 2 months. Most recently, Traps n' Gemstones was updated on November 7, 2026 and ScourgeBringer on November 7, 2026.

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