Really Bad Chess vs Flang
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Really Bad Chess
This app reimagines chess with completely randomized pieces, offering a fresh strategic challenge. It's perfect for both seasoned players seeking a new puzzle and beginners looking to learn the fundamentals in a fun, accessible way.
- Randomized chess piece sets
- AI opponent challenges
- Ranked, Daily, and Weekly modes
- Freeplay practice mode
- Local multiplayer (with IAP)
- Alternate color palettes (with IAP)
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Really Bad Chess is just like chess, but with totally random pieces. Try 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns — why not? As heard on NPR's Weekend Edition 5 out of 5 Stars "An essential puzzle experience for anyone even remotely interested in strategy games" - TouchArcade Whether you play chess daily, or quit just after learning the rules, this small twist will open the door to an entire new world of chess. ------WHATS IN THE “BOX”? The free version of Really Bad Chess lets you compete vs. an AI in Ranked, Daily, or Weekly Challenges. Improve your skills using the included Freeplay mode. A single in-app purchase unlocks Versus Mode so you can compete against your friends locally! It also removes ads, displays captured pieces, and adds soothing alternate color-palettes to choose from. ------REALLY BAD PRESS "Makes chess fun even if you’re really bad" - The Verge "Feels more modern than chess has ever felt" - Applenapps "Really Bad Chess takes a really bad idea and somehow manages to make it a lot of fun." - Pocket Gamer "Really good fun" - MacLife ------A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER Chess is one of those games I always wished I enjoyed, but its commitment to beauty, elegance, and perfect balance always turned me away. Really Bad Chess removes these boring restrictions and flips chess on its head. As much as random pieces change the game in some ways, I was really surprised to notice how much the game remains the same, and how powerful some pieces are — you've never truly struggled against a pawn until you've struggled against a pawn in the back row. For chess pros, Really Bad Chess will give you a new type of challenge — the pieces & the moves are the same, but you'll have to throw out your openings and your understanding of normal patterns of play. For novice chess players (like most of us), Really Bad Chess greatly opens up the game. Instead of starting by studying openings, in your first games you'll get to discover the joy (and challenge!) of learning how to checkmate. I hope you have as much fun with Really Bad Chess as much as I did making it. -zach
Flang
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Discover Flang, a captivating strategic board game that combines the tactical depth of chess with innovative rules and a unique twist. Master familiar pieces alongside the special "flanger" to outmaneuver your opponents in this fresh take on classic strategy gaming. Key Features: • Play Offline - Enjoy games against other people, no internet required • Online Multiplayer - Challenge players worldwide in live games or take your time with daily correspondence matches • Unique Strategy - Experience chess-like gameplay enhanced with special Flang rules and the powerful flanger piece • Track Your Progress - View your rating history, game statistics, and climb the global leaderboards • Community - Browse player profiles, discover top players, and build your reputation • Free & Open Source - Fully transparent, community-driven development Whether you're a chess enthusiast looking for a new challenge or a strategy game lover seeking something different, Flang offers deep tactical gameplay with endless replayability. Ready to master the flanger? Download Flang and start playing today!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Flang at none against Really Bad Chess's 2. Flang also leads on ads (none vs shown). Really Bad Chess's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price 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
Both are free to download. Really Bad Chess sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Flang asks for nothing beyond the download.
Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, Flang every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Really Bad Chess | Flang |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (1.6K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.6K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 8 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 125 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Zach Gage | Tim Fraedrich |
Bugs and requests
Really Bad Chess
Reported bugs
3 issues- Pieces unable to move as per chess rules
- Game freezes and crashes
- Incorrect checkmate detection
Requested features
5 requests- Add draw conditions and stalemate rules
- Implement online/multiplayer mode
- Provide more difficulty settings
- Allow custom piece arrangements
- Sync progress across devices
Flang
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Really Bad Chess
- 100 Undos$0.99
- Full Game Unlock$3.99
Flang
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Really Bad Chess free?
Is Flang free?
Do Really Bad Chess or Flang have ads?
Which is updated more often, Really Bad Chess or Flang?
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