Comparison

HexaQueen vs CoreShift

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

Head to head
About

HexaQueen

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HexaQueen is a modern, minimalist implementation of Gliński’s Hexagonal Chess - the most widely recognized hex-chess variant in the world. Featuring a 91-cell hexagonal board and movement rules adapted for six directions, this version of chess opens entirely new tactical possibilities while preserving the spirit of the original game. Whether you’re discovering hex-chess for the first time or refining your strategic depth, HexaQueen delivers a clean and elegant environment to explore this fascinating variant.

About

CoreShift

A minimalist strategy game based on pure skill and tactics. Master positioning and move pieces to outmaneuver your opponent. Offers single-player AI challenges and online multiplayer.

Highlights
  • 5x5 grid gameplay
  • Unique Neutron movement mechanic
  • Quick and Classic game modes
  • Three AI difficulty levels
  • Online multiplayer with Elo rating
  • Tournament mode
  • Statistics and achievements
Features
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CoreShift is a sleek, minimalist strategy game based on Neutron — a classic abstract board game of pure skill, positioning, and tactics. Easy to learn. Deep to master. Every move can open a path, create a trap, or turn the match completely. No randomness. No hidden information. Pure strategy. THE GAME Play on a 5×5 grid. Each player controls five pieces, while a single amber token — the Neutron — begins at the center. On every turn, you must: 1. Slide the Neutron as far as it can move. 2. Slide one of your own pieces (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal). Pieces move until blocked by the edge or another piece — they cannot jump. How to win: * Move the Neutron onto your own baseline. * Trap your opponent so they have no legal Neutron move. QUICK OR CLASSIC * Quick mode: Fast, aggressive openings with immediate tension. * Classic mode: Traditional rules where the first player skips the opening Neutron move for a more balanced start. THREE AI DIFFICULTY LEVELS * Easy: Learn the fundamentals. * Medium: Strong tactical play. * Hard: Advanced Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) AI that adapts to every position. ONLINE MULTIPLAYER — BETA Play real-time matches worldwide through Game Center. Our Elo rating system (starting at 1200) ensures you always face a fair challenge. * Climb the Ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. * Social: Add friends after matches, send instant rematches, and react with quick chat. * No Waiting: If no live opponent is available, Skynet — our built-in AI — keeps the match moving. TOURNAMENT MODE Five rounds. One run. No breaks. Easy → Medium → Medium → Hard → Hard Win all five to complete the challenge and track your progress on Game Center. STATISTICS & ACHIEVEMENTS Track win rates, streaks, fastest victories, and total play time. Unlock badges and Game Center achievements tied to real milestones. DESIGNED FOR iOS * Flat, minimal design with Dark and Light mode. * Smooth animations and haptic feedback on every move. * Atmospheric audio and satisfying "game feel." CoreShift is free to play. Tournament rounds 3–5 and Hard AI require a one-time Pro upgrade ($3.99).

Screenshots

HexaQueen4 screens
CoreShift4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HexaQueen at none against CoreShift's 1. CoreShift's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). On price 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. CoreShift sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HexaQueen asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
HexaQueen versus CoreShift: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHexaQueenCoreShift
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequency—Every 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatthias GattermeierJozsef Farkas

In-app purchases

None

HexaQueen

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

CoreShift

One-time1
  • CoreShift Pro$3.99

Questions

Is HexaQueen free?
HexaQueen is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CoreShift free?
CoreShift is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HexaQueen or CoreShift have ads?
Neither HexaQueen nor CoreShift shows ads.

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