Shells vs Licky Thief
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Nested block sliding mechanics
- Over 360 original levels
- 8 distinct game worlds
- Optional hint system
- Soothing piano soundtrack
- Compact 4x4 grid gameplay
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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.
Licky Thief
Use your tongue as a grappling hook to navigate challenging levels, solve puzzles, and retrieve stolen heirlooms. This action puzzle platformer offers dynamic gameplay and a unique experience for players of all ages.
- Tongue grappling hook mechanic
- Tricky puzzle solving
- Avoid dangerous obstacles
- 10+ dynamic levels
- Unlockable badges
- Groovy soundtrack
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The evil hawk has stolen your family heirlooms… it’s time to steal them back! Use your tongue as a grappling hook to zip around, solve tricky puzzles, and avoid dangerous obstacles. Download now to take back what’s rightfully yours! Play as Gecky, the Licky Thief! Action puzzle platformer with interesting lore 10+ dynamic and fun levels Badges for further challenge Groovy soundtrack Licky Thief is a fun and meaningful experience for kids and adults alike!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Licky Thief at none against Shells's 4. Licky Thief also leads on ads (none vs shown). Shells's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. Shells sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Licky Thief asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Shells against 5.0 for Licky Thief. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 22 and 15 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Shells ships an update weekly, Licky Thief every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Shells | Licky Thief |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (22 ratings) | 5.0 (15 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 22 — better | 15 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 102 MB | 612 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | arlybird games LLC | MassDiGI |
Customer experience
Shells
Licky Thief
In-app purchases
Shells
- Small Bundle$0.99
- Medium Bundle$1.99
- Large Bundle$3.99
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- Unlimited Bundle$8.99
Licky Thief
No in-app purchases
