Comparison

CrossAbout vs Machine Yearning

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

Head to head
About

CrossAbout

Build unique crossword puzzles by solving clues with multiple answers. Arrange words around challenges, earn stars, and unlock new content. A daily free puzzle keeps the wordplay fresh.

Highlights
  • Build puzzles in reverse
  • Clues with multiple answers
  • Earn stars for solving
  • Unlock themed packs
  • Daily free puzzle
  • Challenging grid layouts
Features
Read full description

CrossAbout is an indie puzzle game where players build their own crossword puzzles in reverse using clues with multiple answers.  Given a set of crossword clues with multiple correct answers, players craft different layouts and combinations of words that satisfy the puzzle. Earn stars by solving levels and by finding combinations with the most or fewest squares filled. A new, free puzzle is featured daily, while creatively-themed packs and monthly archives are unlocked using stars you earn along the way. Some puzzles involve higher challenges such as blocked or prefilled squares. Arrange answers around the blocks in a traditional crossword format. Correlate words which use the prefilled letters. Move or rotate your answers, and spend stars to get hints. Choose from an assortment of CrossAbout packs from simple to sudoku-style to difficult single solutions. Purchase stars in-game by donating to our non-profit, Cinq-Mars Media, a 501(c)(3) organization. Sales support our mission of developing educational games and technology. CrossAbout was developed by the creator of the award-winning puzzle games Synonymy, Anagraphs, and The Devil's Calculator. Dedicated to and inspired by Will Shortz, NYT Crossword Editor. Whether you are a crossword lover or a casual gamer, CrossAbout creates wordplay enjoyment. Have fun creating grids, and see how flexible your mind can be!

About

Machine Yearning

Create your own language and test your memory in this unique word game. Solve puzzles by inventing definitions and recalling them to prove your authenticity. Features retro pixel art, multiple game modes, and unlockable content.

Highlights
  • Create custom languages
  • Memory recall challenges
  • Campaign, Timed, and Endless modes
  • Retro pixel art style
  • Unlockable hats and themes
  • Cognitive skill enhancement
Read full description

Machine Yearning is a word and memory game where you create your own language and test your ability to remember it. Premise: You're a human masquerading as a robot to land a job meant only for mechanical minds. Your challenge? Solve captchas like never before—by inventing definitions on the fly! But remember: consistency is key, as you'll need to recall your invented words to prove your robotic authenticity. Accolades: Proud winner of the Ludum Dare game jam's "#1 Most Fun" and "#1 Most Innovative"! Game Modes: Dive into three thrilling modes: * Campaign: Follow the story, from simple beginnings to complex linguistic challenges. * Timed: Race against the clock for high scores. * Endless: Keep playing and see how far your memory can take you! Features: * Cute, Retro-Style Pixel Art: Immerse yourself in charming visuals that transport you to a playful digital world. * Unlockables Galore: Earn stylish hats, helpful power-ups, and delightful themes as you advance. * Mind-Sharpening Fun: This game not only tests your memory but also enhances your cognitive skills. * Free to Play: Jump right in—no ads, no junkware, and no annoying push notifications. * Support the Developer: Love the game? Consider unlocking extra hats to both style your gameplay and support the developer (me, Daniel)! * Challenge Yourself: Starting easy, the game intensifies as you progress, perfect for fans of language, word, memory, and puzzle games. Step into the world of "Machine Yearning," where your mind's agility and creativity meet endless fun and challenges. Ready to prove you're the smartest "robot" around? Download now and let the games begin! Special thanks to Wildan Rahmat R for logo, powerup, and hat designs. Fonts used: early gameboy, pixel operator, retro computer, dogica, pressstart2p, and aseprite (https://github.com/aseprite/aseprite/blob/fea3f5fceeab027ee3f5402272b94569c7a0daa9/data/fonts/LICENSE.txt).

Screenshots

CrossAbout4 screens
Machine Yearning4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: CrossAbout at 5.0 against Machine Yearning's 4.8. CrossAbout also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 89%). Machine Yearning's advantage is ratings volume (53 vs 4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. CrossAbout sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Machine Yearning 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

CrossAbout holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Machine Yearning has 53 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of CrossAbout's written reviews are positive against 89% of Machine Yearning's.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
CrossAbout versus Machine Yearning: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCrossAboutMachine Yearning
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better4.8 (53 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better89.5% of reviews
Number of ratings453 — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB166 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCinq-Mars MediaTiny Little Keys Inc.

Customer experience

CrossAbout

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Machine Yearning

All ratings53 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral1.9%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive89.5%
Neutral5.3%
Negative5.3%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

CrossAbout

One-time3
  • 30 Stars$1.99
  • 100 Stars$4.99
  • 300 Stars$8.99
1 purchases

Machine Yearning

One-time1
  • Unlock Hats$1.99

Questions

Is CrossAbout free?
CrossAbout is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Machine Yearning free?
Machine Yearning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, CrossAbout or Machine Yearning?
CrossAbout is rated higher. CrossAbout averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Machine Yearning averages 4.8 from 53 ratings.
Do CrossAbout or Machine Yearning have ads?
Neither CrossAbout nor Machine Yearning shows ads.

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