Comparison

中國象棋 vs Dark Xiangqi ™

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

Head to head
About

中國象棋

Experience multiple chess variants including Xiangqi, Luqi, and Fanqi. Learn new strategies with the dedicated learning module to improve your game. Enjoy classic gameplay with strategic piece movement to achieve victory.

Highlights
  • Multiple chess variants (Xiangqi, Luqi, Fanqi)
  • Strategic piece movement
  • Learning module for skill improvement
  • Single-player gameplay
  • Classic board game experience
Features
Read full description

在遊戲過程中,每個棋子都有著自己的走法,玩家通過移動這些棋子進行布局,從而一步步走向勝利。 同時包含象棋、揭棋、翻棋三大玩法,還增加學棋模塊,助力棋友棋力大漲.

About

Dark Xiangqi ™

Experience a unique twist on Chinese Chess where opponent pieces are hidden until engaged. Master strategy and unpredictability across various AI challenges and customizable boards. Perfect for both new players and seasoned strategists seeking a fresh challenge.

Highlights
  • Hidden piece mechanics
  • AI challenges with difficulty levels
  • Board and piece customization
  • Save and load game progress
  • Tactical move replay
  • Timed challenges
Features
Read full description

Embark on a mystical journey through the hidden depths of Xiangqi with "Dark Xiangqi," a captivating twist on the classic Chinese Chess experience, inspired by the Vietnamese "Cờ Úp" and the Chinese "揭棋". This mobile game intertwines the revered aspects of Xiangqi with the thrilling unpredictability of hidden pieces, offering an intriguing battleground for both new enthusiasts and veteran strategists. Discover the Veiled Battlefield In this enigmatic variant, the true identities of your opponent's pieces are shrouded in mystery, unveiled only upon direct engagement. Each clash is not just a contest of strategy, but a gamble against the unknown, making every move an exhilarating leap into the fog of war. Challenge the Unseen Foes Test your wits against AI adversaries, each calibrated to bring a unique blend of mystery and challenge. With multiple difficulty levels, "Dark Xiangqi" ensures that whether you're learning the ropes or honing your mastery, the game remains endlessly engaging and unpredictable. Craft Your Secret Strategy Customization is at your fingertips with a range of options to tailor your gameplay. Choose from various board designs and piece styles, each adding an aesthetic touch to your clandestine warfare. The board editor feature allows you to set up puzzles or practice specific scenarios, enhancing your strategic depth. Feature Highlights: Mystery Mode: Engage in battles where pieces reveal their identity only upon attack, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue. Save/Load Feature: Pause the enigma and resume your strategy anytime, anywhere. Diverse AI Challenges: From novice phantoms to grandmaster specters, face a spectrum of hidden adversaries. Personalization: Customize your battlefield with a selection of boards, pieces, and themes. Tactical Replay: Rewind and revise your moves, perfecting your strategy in the shadows. Timed Challenges: Test your speed and precision under the pressure of the ticking clock. Ascend the Ranks of Obscurity Each victory in "Dark Xiangqi" is not just a triumph, but a step closer to unraveling the mysteries of this age-old game. Collect experience points, climb the ranks, and establish yourself as a master of both strategy and the unknown. Join the World of "Dark Xiangqi" Download "Dark Xiangqi" today and immerse yourself in a world where tradition blends with mystery, and every move is a journey into the heart of strategy's shadowy realm. Your clandestine adventure awaits!

Screenshots

中國象棋4 screens
Dark Xiangqi ™4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Dark Xiangqi ™ at free against 中國象棋's free with in-app purchases. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. 中國象棋 sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Dark Xiangqi ™ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for 中國象棋 against 4.1 for Dark Xiangqi ™. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 22 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

中國象棋 ships an update every 3 months, Dark Xiangqi ™ every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
中國象棋 versus Dark Xiangqi ™: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter中國象棋Dark Xiangqi ™
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (9 ratings)4.1 (22 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—57.1% of reviews
Number of ratings922 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size325 MB68 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer开涛 孙VM Mobile Team

Customer experience

中國象棋

All ratings9 ratings
Positive77.8%
Neutral11.1%
Negative11.1%

Dark Xiangqi ™

All ratings21 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral9.5%
Negative19.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral28.6%
Negative14.3%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

中國象棋

One-time4
  • 免除廣告$0.99
  • 大量道具$0.99
  • 更多道具$3.99
Show 1 more
  • 更多大量道具$9.99
1 purchases

Dark Xiangqi ™

One-time1
  • Premium$3.99

Questions

Is 中國象棋 free?
中國象棋 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Dark Xiangqi ™ free?
Dark Xiangqi ™ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, 中國象棋 or Dark Xiangqi ™?
Dark Xiangqi ™ is rated higher. 中國象棋 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Dark Xiangqi ™ averages 4.1 from 22 ratings.
Do 中國象棋 or Dark Xiangqi ™ have ads?
Neither 中國象棋 nor Dark Xiangqi ™ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 中國象棋 or Dark Xiangqi ™?
中國象棋 ships an update every 3 months, and Dark Xiangqi ™ every 5 months. Most recently, 中國象棋 was updated on October 12, 2026 and Dark Xiangqi ™ on October 24, 2026.

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