Comparison

Ninja Chess vs Spell Runners

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

Head to head
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!

About

Spell Runners

Command numerous spell casters with a single finger in this retro action RPG shoot'em up. Enjoy hours of evolving gameplay across hundreds of levels, with multiple game-changing endings. Rebuild your town, farm, mine, and face epic bosses in this offline, free-to-play adventure.

Highlights
  • Single-finger spell caster control
  • Hundreds of levels
  • Multiple game-changing endings
  • Offline play
  • Town building and resource management
  • Casual and Hard modes
Features
Read full description

Dive into this uniquely satisfying retro action RPG shoot'em up with multiple game-changing endings. You'll get hours of ever-evolving gameplay through hundreds of levels in just minutes per session. With a single finger, command up to 24 spell casters at once. Navigate through dangerous terrain and face formidable enemies in a spectacular display of magical warfare. Spell Runners is fun to look at and even more fun to play. Install and check it out today! * Offline Play + Free to Play: Looking for free-to-play off-line games to play on a long car ride? You can play the full game without connecting to the internet. * Spellbound Combat: Witness screen-filling magical mayhem as you venture through hundreds of levels of escalating danger. * Loot & Conquer: Earn gems to enhance your spells and coins to recruit mystical allies. The more you slay, the mightier you become! * Vibrant Town Building: Beyond the battle, rebuild your town to engage in farming, mining, and hidden quests. Face dragons and relish the thrill of victory. * Diverse Outcomes: Overpower hordes of enemies and epic bosses to unlock multiple game-altering endings. * Casual or Hardcore: Dive into an easy-going adventure or challenge yourself in the Hard mode, catering to bullet hell shoot 'em up enthusiasts. An epic RPG shoot'em up awaits you. Join the magical warfare now and let the epic journey begin!

Screenshots

Ninja Chess4 screens
Spell Runners4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Spell Runners at 5.0 against Ninja Chess's 4.5. Spell Runners also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ratings volume (6 vs 2). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads 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. Ninja Chess sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Spell Runners asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Spell Runners holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Ninja Chess versus Spell Runners: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNinja ChessSpell Runners
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings)5.0 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings26 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size1.2 GB268 MB
Age rating9+12+
DeveloperHuy BachDog Media Solutions LLC

Customer experience

Ninja Chess

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

Spell Runners

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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
None

Spell Runners

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ninja Chess free?
Ninja Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Spell Runners free?
Spell Runners is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Ninja Chess or Spell Runners?
Spell Runners is rated higher. Ninja Chess averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Spell Runners averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.
Do Ninja Chess or Spell Runners have ads?
Both Ninja Chess and Spell Runners show ads.
Which is updated more often, Ninja Chess or Spell Runners?
Ninja Chess ships an update weekly, and Spell Runners weekly. Most recently, Ninja Chess was updated on November 3, 2026 and Spell Runners on November 3, 2026.

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