DNAvsCPU: Human–AI Faceoff
Strategy
Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad
DNAvsCPU is a multi-generation, multi-level strategy game where you (DNA) face an opponent (CPU) that learns as you play. The rules are easy, but games get harder to beat the more you play.
Inspired by Tac-Tickle and Tic-Tac-Toe but greatly expanded to include multiple game sizes, evolving rules and strategies, simple machine learning (adaptive AI), Instant Replay, Research reports, Tournament mode, and full video replay of previous games, DNAvsCPU challenges your ability to plan ahead, recognize patterns, and outthink an opponent (CPU) that improves over time. You play as DNA, competing against the CPU's logic engine and learned behaviors across a series of increasingly complex game boards and rules. Every move matters, and every game helps shape how the AI responds next time.
How to Play
Move one of your pieces each turn to form three in a row: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally (like Tic-Tac-Toe). Early boards are simple, but later levels introduce larger grids and quantum effects that change how the game works.
Adaptive AI
CPU uses some simple machine learning techniques to adjust its individual game tactics and overall strategy based on past games. It will likely make mistakes early, but it learns, adapts, and becomes more challenging the longer you play.
Progress Through Levels and Generations
Each Generation contains 17 games split over four Levels. Each Level is named after a DNA base: A(7 games), C(5), G(3), and T(2). Each game is more difficult than its predecessor. Each new Generation adds improved CPU algorithms and more restrictive timing. Finish one Generation to unlock the next, and uncover a hidden Easter Egg at the end.
Quantum Effects
Later Levels introduce "quantum jumping" and "wormholes." These quantum effects add novel strategy requirements and force you to adjust your thinking and add new attacking tactics to your repertoire.
Scoring and Mastery
Win games quickly to earn higher scores and promotions. DNAvsCPU rewards fast play and mercilessly punishes slow play. Larger boards unlock as your skill improves, rewarding efficient play and long-term strategy.
Features
• Turn-based, easy-to-learn, but hard to beat
• Simple machine learning (Adaptive AI) that evolves as you play
• Increasing board sizes and CPU learned behaviors and performance gains make advanced games harder
• Quantum effects change playing tactics and make advanced games more challenging
• Detailed post-game analysis, research reports, and video replay (with a full set of controls) of previous games
• Tournament play available (not for the faint of heart)
• Free to download and play, but with optional in-app purchases for some advanced features
DNAvsCPU is designed to challenge casual players, puzzle lovers, and strategy fans alike. Whether you want a quick test or a deeper battle of wits, the game grows with you.
Download DNAvsCPU and see if you can out-evolve the CPU and get to the Easter Egg before CPU's performance improvements and learned behaviors make it noticeably harder for you to win. That is, despite the fact that DNAvsCPU's AI is "Pre-Perceptron" and extremely primitive (no neural nets, no transformers, no massive databases, ...), the question is, "Can you learn the game fast enough and deep enough to beat these simple algorithms?" Or, to put it another way: "Are you smarter than a Fift
h Grader?"
Ratings & Reviews
Few minor fixes and tuned parameters
The developer, Mark Furtney, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Mark Furtney
- Size
- 18.5 MB
- Category
- Strategy
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.6 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 15.6 or later. - iPad
Requires iPadOS 15.6 or later. - iPod touch
Requires iOS 15.6 or later. - Mac
Requires macOS 12.5 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
- iPhone
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- In-App Purchases
Yes
- Tier 2 $0.99
- Tier 3 $0.99
- Tier 2 & 3 $1.99
- Avatar pack 2 $0.99
- Avatar Pack 1 $0.99
- Copyright
- © 2026 Mark Furtney