Shogi Lab vs Pentago
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Pentago
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Shogi Lab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pentago asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Shogi Lab | Pentago |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | — |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 78 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | koji ozono | Tyrique Zimbizi |
In-app purchases
Shogi Lab
- Shogi Lab Pro$3.99
Pentago
No in-app purchases









