# 8bit Doves vs Ascending Blocks

The clearest difference is price: Ascending Blocks at Free against 8bit Doves's $2.99. Ascending Blocks also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.4) and review sentiment (100% vs 67%). 8bit Doves's advantage is ratings volume (563 vs 4) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Ascending Blocks is free to download; 8bit Doves costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Ascending Blocks holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 8bit Doves has 563 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of 8bit Doves's written reviews are positive against 100% of Ascending Blocks's.

8bit Doves ships an update every 5 months, Ascending Blocks daily. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 8bit Doves | Ascending Blocks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.4 (563 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bit-doves/id891716357/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascending-blocks/id6471529479/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **563** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 51 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nitrome](https://appshunter.io/developer/568079484) | [Tomato Factory](https://appshunter.io/developer/329732335) |

## What reviewers say

### 8bit Doves

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bit-doves/id891716357)

Embark on a pixelated VR adventure where you navigate dream-like mazes inspired by flight. Collect doves to unlock your escape from a colorful, retro-styled prison. Experience intuitive controls and challenging obstacles in this unique handheld-inspired game.

**Highlights:** VR Gameboy adventure, Pixelated dream mazes, Flight-inspired navigation, Intuitive two-button gameplay, Multiple level packs with distinct themes, Stunning 4-color pixel art

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful retro graphics
- 🎶 Nostalgic chiptune soundtrack
- 👍 Challenging but rewarding gameplay
- 🕹️ Unique control scheme
- 🕰️ Addictive and fun

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Extremely difficult controls
- 🤔 Lack of clear instructions
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🔍 Short length with limited content
- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on certain devices
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Inconsistent control responsiveness

**Requested features**

- More levels and content
- Ability to customize the character
- Inclusion of a story or narrative
- Better tutorial or control explanation


### Ascending Blocks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascending-blocks/id6471529479)

Control a block in this 2D infinite runner and platformer game. Your goal is to reach new heights by ascending as high as possible. Unlock various costumes to customize your gameplay experience.

**Highlights:** Infinite runner gameplay, 2D platformer mechanics, Score-based unlocking, Unlockable costumes, Simple block control

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 8bit Doves free?

8bit Doves costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ascending Blocks free?

Ascending Blocks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, 8bit Doves or Ascending Blocks?

Ascending Blocks is rated higher. 8bit Doves averages 3.4 out of 5 from 563 ratings, while Ascending Blocks averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do 8bit Doves or Ascending Blocks have ads?

Neither 8bit Doves nor Ascending Blocks shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 8bit Doves or Ascending Blocks?

8bit Doves ships an update every 5 months, and Ascending Blocks daily. Most recently, 8bit Doves was updated on October 9, 2026 and Ascending Blocks on October 7, 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.*