Comparison

Magic and Machines vs Ninja Chess

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

Head to head
About

Magic and Machines

Embark on a retro fantasy adventure with a customizable party of six. Explore a decaying world, solve puzzles, and master a strategic turn-based combat system with a unique Overload mechanic. This game offers a nostalgic yet accessible RPG experience.

Highlights
  • Turn-based combat system
  • Overload mechanic for supercharged moves
  • Party customization with six unique characters
  • World exploration with elemental abilities
  • Puzzle-solving for secret buffs
  • Discover legendary items and hidden bosses
Features
Read full description

Journey into the world of Magic and Machines with six unique party members on a quest to uncover the mystery behind a decaying world. Discover new areas, find the legendary items, solve puzzles to unlock secret buffs, and master the turn-based battle system with its Overload mechanic. It's perfect for players who grew up with turn-based RPGs and are looking for a new adventure, and also accessible for new players as it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Inspired by games such as Chrono Trigger, Golden Sun, and Octopath Traveler, the game is a nod to those influences of the past and present. The game simplifies many RPG elements such as progression or equipment setups. There’s enough mechanics so players will strategize but not enough that they’ll need to reference a wiki to optimize. It’s also quite easy to pick up and put down and is perfect in short bursts or a longer sit down. "I wanted to create a game that would appeal to fans of nostalgic turn-based RPGs that may have busy lives, but also could be picked up by someone who's new to the genre.” Story In a small quiet town a little accident leads to a dramatic chain of events. Years later, monsters run rampant, the world is slowly eroding, and the Sacred Stones are disappearing one by one. Initially, two childhood friends journey out of their small town to find a missing colony, but they uncover an even larger crisis as they cross paths with a colorful cast of characters. Form your party of three from six characters, explore and discover secrets, uncover hidden bosses and their legendary items, and use strategy to defeat your foes. Combat Turn-based battle system with an Overload mechanic. This mechanic lets you supercharge a move after you've used it twice. It can make attacks stronger, effects last a turn longer, and heals surpass your max health. Sometimes you may want to save it and sometimes you may want to use it right away. Explore Some characters can alter the terrain of the world with their elemental abilities. Use their powers to find new areas and solve puzzles. You never know what you'll find! Party Blaer - Fire adept that's good all around. Zmrzlina - Ice mage with strong magic. Alda - Water mage with the best heals. Toka - Earth adept that bolsters defenses. Mphepo - Air adept that's the fastest. Dian - Plasma mage that's an offensive powerhouse.

About

Ninja Chess

Experience a unique blend of RPG mechanics and chess strategy in a pixel art world. Guide ninja characters, engage in turn-based combat, and embark on a story-driven adventure with deep character progression.

Highlights
  • RPG meets Chess mechanics
  • Story-driven RPG adventure
  • Turn-based tactical combat
  • Retro pixel art graphics
  • Character progression and customization
  • PvE challenges and quests
Features
Read full description

Ninja Chess: Unique Pixel RPG is the ultimate fusion of role-playing game (RPG) mechanics and chess strategy. This unique and exciting game brings together tactical, turn-based combat with deep RPG features, all set in a beautifully crafted pixel art world. Whether you’re a fan of chess or looking for a fresh and engaging RPG adventure, this game will test your strategic skills and immerse you in a thrilling story-driven journey. Key Features: RPG Meets Chess: Discover a brand-new blend of turn-based strategy and role-playing elements as you guide your powerful ninja characters across a tactical chessboard. Use your strategic mind to win battles and unlock exciting new abilities! Epic Adventure: Dive into a captivating story-driven RPG experience. Explore a rich world filled with ninja heroes, dangerous enemies, and mysterious secrets. Complete quests, level up your characters, and overcome powerful foes. Turn-Based Combat: The game features classic turn-based combat, where you’ll need to think one step ahead. Control your ninja pieces on the chessboard, outwit enemies, and unleash unique skills for each character. Pixel Art RPG: Immerse yourself in retro-inspired pixel graphics with stunning visuals that pay homage to classic RPGs while offering a fresh experience. The charming pixel art enhances the adventure and brings the fantasy world to life. Character Progression & Customization: Build your team of ninja warriors, each with their own special abilities and attributes. Level up your characters, unlock new powers, and customize your pieces for maximum impact in battle. Strategic Depth: Plan your moves carefully on the chessboard, as each action can change the outcome of a battle. Upgrade your characters, improve your strategy, and become a master tactician. PvE Challenges: Embark on a series of challenging quests in single-player mode. From facing boss battles to completing story missions, there’s always something to conquer. Replayable & Engaging: With a deep progression system and multiple ways to customize your characters, Ninja Chess: Unique Pixel RPG offers endless replayability and hours of strategic fun. Are you ready to put your strategic skills to the test? Whether you're a chess expert or an RPG enthusiast, Ninja Chess: Unique Pixel RPG offers a unique and engaging experience you won’t find anywhere else. Download now and start your epic adventure today!

Screenshots

Magic and Machines4 screens
Ninja Chess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Ninja Chess at Free against Magic and Machines's $1.99. Ninja Chess also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 78%). Magic and Machines's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On rating and device support 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

Ninja Chess is free to download; Magic and Machines costs $1.99 up front. Ninja Chess sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Magic and Machines asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Magic and Machines against 4.5 for Ninja Chess. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic and Machines has 17 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 78% of Magic and Machines's written reviews are positive against 100% of Ninja Chess's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Magic and Machines ships an update every 2 months, Ninja Chess weekly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Magic and Machines versus Ninja Chess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagic and MachinesNinja Chess
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (17 ratings) — better4.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings17 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size331 MB1.2 GB
Age rating9+9+
DeveloperLittle Bear StudiosHuy Bach

Customer experience

Magic and Machines

All ratings17 ratings
Positive88.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.8%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

Ninja Chess

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Magic and Machines

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Ninja Chess

One-time6
  • 1 Star Gold Bag$0.99
  • 2 Star Gold Bag$4.99
  • 3 Star Gold Bag$9.99
Show 3 more
  • 4 Star Gold Bag$19.99
  • 5 Star Gold Bag$49.99
  • 6 Star Gold Bag$99.99

Questions

Is Magic and Machines free?
Magic and Machines costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ninja Chess free?
Ninja Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Magic and Machines or Ninja Chess?
Magic and Machines is rated higher. Magic and Machines averages 4.5 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Ninja Chess averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.
Do Magic and Machines or Ninja Chess have ads?
Ninja Chess shows ads; Magic and Machines does not.
Which is updated more often, Magic and Machines or Ninja Chess?
Magic and Machines ships an update every 2 months, and Ninja Chess weekly. Most recently, Magic and Machines was updated on November 3, 2026 and Ninja Chess on November 3, 2026.

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