# Shadow vs Reality Check Chess

The clearest difference is update cadence: Reality Check Chess at every 6 days against Shadow's every 6 weeks. Shadow's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (70 vs 7). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shadow sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Reality Check Chess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shadow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadow has 70 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Shadow ships an update every 6 weeks, Reality Check Chess every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadow | Reality Check Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-puzzle-game/id1190114207/reviews)** | [4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reality-check-chess/id1631142607/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **70** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 194 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1190114206) | [Marko Milosevic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1631142609) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-puzzle-game/id1190114207)

A retro-style puzzle game featuring thousands of unique geometric puzzles. Drag, rotate, and flip pieces to complete abstract designs or recognizable objects. Offers a relaxing yet challenging experience for all ages with optional hints.

**Highlights:** Thousands of unique 2D puzzles, Retro-style geometric art, Drag, rotate, and flip pieces, Abstract and recognizable designs, Hints available for challenging puzzles, Suitable for all ages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 Hints Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100 Pack - 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 Pack - 5 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 Pack - 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 Pack - 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 Pack - 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 100 Pack - 6 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 750 Pack - 3 | $9.99 | one-time |
| 750 Pack - 1 | $9.99 | one-time |
| 750 Pack - 5 | $9.99 | one-time |
| 750 Pack - 2 | $9.99 | one-time |


### Reality Check Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reality-check-chess/id1631142607)

This app focuses on improving your chess game by presenting you with random, realistic game positions from top-level play. It helps you assess your overall playing strength beyond just tactical puzzles, offering various modes to challenge your consistency and strategic thinking.

**Highlights:** Random, realistic game positions, Focus on overall playing strength, Variety of playing modes, Improves consistency and strategy, Accurate evaluation of playing strength

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Month | $7.99 | per month |
| Premium Year | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadow free?

Shadow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Reality Check Chess free?

Reality Check Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Shadow or Reality Check Chess?

Shadow is rated higher. Shadow averages 4.8 out of 5 from 70 ratings, while Reality Check Chess averages 4.4 from 7 ratings.

### Do Shadow or Reality Check Chess have ads?

Neither Shadow nor Reality Check Chess shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadow or Reality Check Chess?

Shadow ships an update every 6 weeks, and Reality Check Chess every 6 days. Most recently, Shadow was updated on October 24, 2026 and Reality Check Chess on October 24, 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.*