Comparison

Machine Yearning vs Shells

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

Head to head
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).

About

Shells

A geometry puzzle game where you slide blocks into larger shells to rearrange the board and solve challenges. It offers over 360 levels across 8 worlds with a focus on spatial reasoning and problem-solving. Enjoy a relaxing experience with a soothing soundtrack.

Highlights
  • Nested block sliding mechanics
  • Over 360 original levels
  • 8 distinct game worlds
  • Optional hint system
  • Soothing piano soundtrack
  • Compact 4x4 grid gameplay
Read full description

Shells is a geometry puzzle game about the elegance of nested pieces on a tiny board. Slide your block into larger shells to rearrange the board and find your way out! Features: - Simple core mechanics and deep emergent complexity packed into a compact 4x4 grid. Train your brain by challenging your problem solving and spatial reasoning skills! - Gradual difficulty curve featuring over 360 original levels spread across 8 distinct worlds. - Flexible progression structure with multiple levels to choose from at any given point. - Adjust the difficulty to your liking with the optional hint system! - Soothing piano soundtrack accompanied by relaxing sound effects and backgrounds.

Screenshots

Machine Yearning4 screens
Shells4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Machine Yearning at none against Shells's shown. Shells's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and review sentiment (100% vs 89%). On price, ratings volume, 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. Machine Yearning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Shells sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shells holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 53 and 22 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of Machine Yearning's written reviews are positive against 100% of Shells's.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Machine Yearning versus Shells: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMachine YearningShells
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (53 ratings)5.0 (22 ratings) — better
Positive reviews89.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings53 — better22
Update frequency—Weekly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size166 MB102 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTiny Little Keys Inc.arlybird games LLC

Customer experience

Machine Yearning

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

Shells

All ratings22 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Machine Yearning

One-time1
  • Unlock Hats$1.99
4 purchases

Shells

One-time4
  • Small Bundle$0.99
  • Medium Bundle$1.99
  • Large Bundle$3.99
Show 1 more
  • Unlimited Bundle$8.99

Questions

Is Machine Yearning free?
Machine Yearning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shells free?
Shells is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Machine Yearning or Shells?
Shells is rated higher. Machine Yearning averages 4.8 out of 5 from 53 ratings, while Shells averages 5.0 from 22 ratings.
Do Machine Yearning or Shells have ads?
Shells shows ads; Machine Yearning does not.

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