# Magic and Machines vs Ninja Chess

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic and Machines | Ninja Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-and-machines/id6446097904/reviews)** | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ninja-chess-unique-pixel-rpg/id6450108127/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **17** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 331 MB | 1.2 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Little Bear Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1675350663) | [Huy Bach](https://appshunter.io/developer/1649450529) |

## What reviewers say

### Magic and Machines

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-and-machines/id6446097904)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ninja Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ninja-chess-unique-pixel-rpg/id6450108127)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Star Gold Bag | $0.99 | one-time |
| 2 Star Gold Bag | $4.99 | one-time |
| 3 Star Gold Bag | $9.99 | one-time |
| 4 Star Gold Bag | $19.99 | one-time |
| 5 Star Gold Bag | $49.99 | one-time |
| 6 Star Gold Bag | $99.99 | one-time |


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