Animal Shogi ™ vs Code Monsters
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Animal Shogi ™
A simplified, animal-themed version of Shogi, Japan's strategy game. It's designed for children and beginners, offering a fun and accessible way to learn strategic thinking with charming characters and customizable options.
- Simplified Shogi rules
- Animal-themed pieces
- Save and resume gameplay
- Timer-based challenges
- Customizable pieces and boards
- Engaging sound effects
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Discover the enchantment of Dobutsu Shogi (動物将棋) – a vibrant gateway to the world of Shogi, Japan's esteemed strategy game, beloved as their unique form of Chess. This delightful variant simplifies the complexity of traditional Shogi, making it accessible and enjoyable for children and beginners alike, through its charming animal-themed pieces. Experience the wonder of Dobutsu Shogi: a game that encapsulates the joy of strategic thinking with the whimsical twist of animal characters. Each piece, from the powerful lion to the swift chick, brings its own story to the board, offering a fresh and engaging way to learn the fundamentals of Shogi. Inspired by the captivating traditions of Shogi, Dobutsu Shogi not only introduces players to the basics of strategic gameplay but does so in a manner that is easy to understand and full of fun. This game stands as a bridge, inviting all to step into the world of Shogi and discover its timeless beauty. Features that Make Dobutsu Shogi Your New Favorite Game: ◆ Simple to Learn, Fun to Master: Perfect for introducing the wonders of Shogi to the next generation. ◆ Save and Play: Jump back into your game anytime, anywhere. ◆ Levels of Engagement: From the curious newbie to the aspiring strategist, find your pace. ◆ Beat the Fun Clock: Enjoy lighthearted, timer-based challenges. ◆ Customize Your Journey: Choose from adorable animal pieces and colorful board designs. ◆ Sounds of Joy: Delightful sound effects that bring the animal kingdom to life on your board. ◆ A World of Play: Engage in a game that transcends language and age barriers. Step into a realm where strategy meets imagination, and where every move is an adventure. Dobutsu Shogi is not just a game—it's a heartwarming introduction to Japan's rich tradition of strategic board games, wrapped in a package that's as entertaining as it is educational. Prepare to be charmed by this miniature version of Shogi and let the animal battles begin. Your magical journey starts now!
Code Monsters
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■ Programming ideas, learned through play Code Monsters is a battle game where kids arrange instruction blocks to program a monster's strategy. Sequencing, loops and conditionals — the foundations of programming — are learned by building, battling and revising, not by reading explanations. - Step-by-step lessons introduce one idea at a time - Kids try sequencing, loops, conditionals, multiple rules and enemy-state sensing - Watch the result, revise the strategy and try again. Iteration becomes part of the game. ■ Build a strategy, then watch your monster battle The blocks use kid-friendly labels with icons. Once the battle starts, there are no real-time controls. Win or lose, the result comes from the strategy your child built. What happens when "move closer and attack" is not enough? "If the enemy is charging, guard." "Move away, then shoot." "If HP is low, heal." By changing the order, loops and conditions, kids can discover their own way to win. ■ Collect and grow your monsters - Monsters learn new skills as they level up - Stamp memorable "it worked!" moments - Earn titles and customize monsters with coin-based skins ■ Fresh challenges every day - Today's Task: a rotating set of daily puzzles with coin rewards - Today's Challenger: a daily battle against an official work or a community creation - Share strategy codes and browse the gallery to learn from other players - Start by copying a strategy and changing just one thing ■ For parents - Designed for ages 8+, with a planned 9+ store rating - Battles play automatically. The main activity is thinking through the strategy, not fast tapping. - There are no ads in the app. - In-app purchases are coin packs for cosmetic items only. - Coins are only for customization. Power cannot be bought. - Public gallery posting is protected by a parental gate.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Code Monsters at daily against Animal Shogi ™'s every 9 months. Animal Shogi ™'s advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Animal Shogi ™ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Code Monsters sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Animal Shogi ™ ships an update every 9 months, Code Monsters daily. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Animal Shogi ™ | Code Monsters |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 67 MB | 58 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | VM Mobile Team | HKraft Labs |
In-app purchases
Animal Shogi ™
- Premium$3.99
Code Monsters
- Coins ×400$0.99
- Remove Ads$2.99
- Coins ×1400$2.99
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- Coins ×3200$5.99
Questions
Is Animal Shogi ™ free?
Is Code Monsters free?
Do Animal Shogi ™ or Code Monsters have ads?
Which is updated more often, Animal Shogi ™ or Code Monsters?
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