# HardBack vs That's Pretty Clever

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HardBack at none against That's Pretty Clever's 1. HardBack also leads on review sentiment (54% vs 33%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). That's Pretty Clever's advantage is chart position (#172 vs unranked) and ratings volume (223 vs 40). On rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

HardBack costs $4.99 and That's Pretty Clever $3.99 up front. That's Pretty Clever sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HardBack asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.8 for HardBack against 3.9 for That's Pretty Clever. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: That's Pretty Clever has 223 ratings behind it against 40, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 54% of HardBack's written reviews are positive against 33% of That's Pretty Clever's.

HardBack ships an update every 2 weeks, That's Pretty Clever every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | HardBack | That's Pretty Clever |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | [3.8 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardback/id1377791842/reviews) | **[3.9 (223 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thats-pretty-clever/id1411348057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 40 | **223** |
| Positive reviews | **53.7% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#172** |
| Size | 281 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fowers Games Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1131388980) | [BrettspielWelt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1063292497) |

## What reviewers say

### HardBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardback/id1377791842)

Build a deck of letters to craft words and earn prestige in this unique word game. Specialize in genres, push your luck for extra cards, and race to become a celebrated 19th-century novelist. Challenge AI opponents or play with friends.

**Highlights:** Deck-building with letter cards, Genre specialization for bonuses, Push-your-luck card drawing, Hotseat and online multiplayer, AI opponents, Hardcore mode with no word repeats

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great game concept
- 👍 Faithfully represents board game
- 👍 Fun deck-building mechanics
- 👍 Good for couples/multiplayer
- 👍 Solid graphics and art

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes/freezing
- 🐛 Online multiplayer issues
- 🐛 Login/password reset problems
- 🐛 Clunky/annoying UI
- 🐛 Dictionary missing common words

**Reported bugs**

- App keeps crashing during online games
- Game gets into a state where it won't accept taps
- Accidentally moving letters
- HTTP errors
- Black ink store is hidden on extended screens

**Requested features**

- German localization
- Coin-VP slider and ink-remover slider
- Swipe-down to dismiss letter
- Keyboard support for typing letters
- Keyboard shortcuts for pressing your luck


### That's Pretty Clever

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thats-pretty-clever/id1411348057)

**Currently charting:** #172 Top Paid · Board, #177 Top Paid · Family (US App Store)

A fast-paced dice game for all ages where strategic choices create chain reactions to earn victory points. Carefully select dice to fill color-matched areas, but avoid being too greedy to preserve valuable moves. Compete globally for high scores and unlock achievements.

**Highlights:** Strategic dice selection, Chain reaction scoring, Color-matched scoring areas, High score list, Global competition, Achievement collection

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pretty Clever - Challenge 2 | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Great digital adaptation of the board game
- 🎯 Challenging and strategic
- 💡 Potential for high scores and improvements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 No multiplayer or online play
- 🔒 Only solo mode available
- 🐛 Buggy or unstable app experience
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Lacking in features and customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Dice rolls not working as expected
- Achievements/stats not updating correctly
- Inability to exit/return to main menu during game
- Compatibility issues on newer devices

**Requested features**

- Multiplayer mode (online, pass-and-play)
- Personal high score tracking
- Undo/restart game option
- In-game rules and tutorial
- Settings to customize audio and UI


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HardBack free?

HardBack costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is That's Pretty Clever free?

That's Pretty Clever costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HardBack or That's Pretty Clever?

That's Pretty Clever is rated higher. HardBack averages 3.8 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while That's Pretty Clever averages 3.9 from 223 ratings.

### Do HardBack or That's Pretty Clever have ads?

Neither HardBack nor That's Pretty Clever shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HardBack or That's Pretty Clever?

HardBack ships an update every 2 weeks, and That's Pretty Clever every 6 weeks. Most recently, HardBack was updated on October 29, 2026 and That's Pretty Clever on October 29, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*