Comparison

Shogi Lab vs Pentago

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

Head to head
About

Shogi Lab

This shogi app offers a full-featured engine for analysis and gameplay. Enjoy intuitive controls, real-time evaluation during matches, and comprehensive game record replay. Play online with rankings or offline against adjustable CPU opponents.

Highlights
  • In-game analysis with real-time evaluation
  • Thinking time visualization
  • Key move detection
  • Game record replay and analysis
  • Online ranked matches
  • Adjustable CPU strength
  • Save and resume matches
Features
Read full description

This is a shogi app powered by the full-featured Sunfish4 engine. With clear piece design and calm, intuitive controls, you can enjoy smooth gameplay from the opening to the endgame. It includes real-time evaluation during matches as well as game record replay and analysis features, allowing you to complete the entire flow from playing to reviewing within the app. Online matches with rankings are supported, and offline CPU matches are also available. Main Features ▪ In-Game Analysis (During Match) ・View evaluation values and graphs in real time. ▪ Thinking Time Visualization (During Match) ・Display thinking time on the move list. ・Long thinks are highlighted in red (top 5%) and yellow (top 15%). ▪ Key Move Detection (During Match / Analysis) ・Automatically highlights moves where the evaluation changes significantly. ▪ Game Record Analysis (Analysis) ・Replay, fast-forward, and rewind past games for review. ・Import KIF and CSA files for replay and analysis. ▪ Position Jump (Analysis) ・Instantly move to any position within the game record. ▪ Save & Resume (During Match) ・Pause a match and resume later. ▪ Adjustable CPU Strength (During Match) ・Set the difficulty level from practice to serious play. ▪ First/Second Move Selection (Start) ・Choose to play as Black or White. ▪ Take Back Move (During Match) ・Undo the last move. ▪ Legal Move Display (During Match) ・Show available moves to help prevent mistakes. ▪ Haptics & Animations (Controls) ・Smooth and responsive interaction. ▪ Online Multiplayer ・Supports ranked online matches. ・Offline CPU matches and local two-player mode are also available.

About

Pentago

Features
Read full description

Pentago — Master the Rotating Grid Pentago brings a fresh spin to the classic "align 5" strategy game. Place your marble on any of the four 3x3 grids, then rotate one grid clockwise or anti-clockwise — every move you make can also unmake your opponent's plans. Align five marbles in a row, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, before they do. PLAY YOUR WAY Challenge a friend locally in Player vs Player, or test your skills against the AI opponent when you're playing solo. MULTIPLE PROFILES Set up separate profiles for everyone in your household, complete with custom avatars, so each player's stats and progress stay their own. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Dive into detailed gameplay statistics — games played, draws, wins, losses, and more — to see how you're improving over time. UNLOCK ACHIEVEMENTS Earn achievements as you play, from milestone move counts to... well, some are for the sore losers too. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. LEARN AS YOU GO A built-in "How to Play" guide walks you through the rules, turn order, and win conditions, so new players can jump in with confidence. Simple to learn, deep to master — Pentago is strategy with a twist.

Screenshots

Shogi Lab4 screens
Pentago4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pentago at none against Shogi Lab's 1. Pentago also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Shogi Lab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pentago asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
Shogi Lab versus Pentago: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShogi LabPentago
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.6 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size78 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkoji ozonoTyrique Zimbizi

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Shogi Lab

One-time1
  • Shogi Lab Pro$3.99
None

Pentago

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Shogi Lab free?
Shogi Lab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pentago free?
Pentago is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Shogi Lab or Pentago have ads?
Shogi Lab shows ads; Pentago does not.

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