Comparison

Really Bad Chess vs HARDSUM

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Randomized chess piece sets
  • AI opponent challenges
  • Ranked, Daily, and Weekly modes
  • Freeplay practice mode
  • Local multiplayer (with IAP)
  • Alternate color palettes (with IAP)
Features
Read full description

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

About

HARDSUM

Features
Read full description

HARDSUM is a fast, satisfying puzzle game that turns simple addition into a true test of logic. Each challenge gives you a 3x3 grid. Every cell contains multiple number options, but only one choice in each cell leads to the correct solution. Your goal is to find the right combination so every row and column matches the target sum. HARDSUM is easy to understand in seconds, but every puzzle pushes your focus, pattern recognition, and reasoning a little further.

Screenshots

Really Bad Chess4 screens
HARDSUM3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HARDSUM at none against Really Bad Chess's 2. HARDSUM also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. Really Bad Chess sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. HARDSUM asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, HARDSUM every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Really Bad Chess versus HARDSUM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReally Bad ChessHARDSUM
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (1.6K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews46.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.6K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB40 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperZach GageBlack Lotus Development Agency Ltd

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

HARDSUM

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Really Bad Chess

One-time2
  • 100 Undos$0.99
  • Full Game Unlock$3.99
None

HARDSUM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Really Bad Chess free?
Really Bad Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HARDSUM free?
HARDSUM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Really Bad Chess or HARDSUM have ads?
Really Bad Chess shows ads; HARDSUM does not.
Which is updated more often, Really Bad Chess or HARDSUM?
Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, and HARDSUM every 9 days. Most recently, Really Bad Chess was updated on October 20, 2026 and HARDSUM on October 10, 2026.

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