# Shadowmatic vs Human Resource Machine

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Human Resource Machine at none against Shadowmatic's 5. Human Resource Machine also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 11.0). Shadowmatic's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 416). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Shadowmatic costs $3.99 and Human Resource Machine $4.99 up front. Shadowmatic sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Human Resource Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shadowmatic holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadowmatic has 2.1K ratings behind it against 416, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Shadowmatic's written reviews are positive against 80% of Human Resource Machine's.

Shadowmatic ships an update every 2 months, Human Resource Machine every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadowmatic | Human Resource Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$3.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowmatic/id775888026/reviews)** | [4.5 (416 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/human-resource-machine/id1005098334/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 416 |
| Positive reviews | **85.8% of reviews** | 80.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | #88 |
| Size | 388 MB | 133 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [TRIADA Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/775888029) | [Experimental Gameplay Group](https://appshunter.io/developer/423269933) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadowmatic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowmatic/id775888026)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Paid · Family, #70 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

Rotate abstract objects in a spotlight to cast recognizable silhouettes. Explore unique environments with captivating music and stunning visuals. Discover unexpected shapes and solve mind-bending puzzles.

**Highlights:** Rotate abstract objects, Create recognizable silhouettes, Stunning visuals, Relaxing gameplay, Unique thematic environments, Assistant button for hints

**Features:** iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack of 20 Hint-Points | $0.99 | one-time |
| "Other Worlds" chapter | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 50 Hint-Points | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 150 Hint-Points | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 500 Hint-Points | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Unique and creative gameplay
- 👍 Relaxing and calming experience
- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and visuals
- 🧠 Challenging puzzles that exercise the mind
- 🎶 Soothing background music

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Precision issues with controls, especially for complex puzzles
- 🤔 Unclear objectives at times, making it difficult to understand what the desired solution is
- ⏱️ Frustration when getting stuck on a puzzle for a long time
- 👀 Difficult for left-handed players due to the positioning of the controls

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes or freezes on certain devices, especially newer iPad models
- Progress not saving properly, causing players to lose progress

**Requested features**

- More levels and new puzzle types to keep the game fresh
- Ability to save progress and resume puzzles
- Option to mirror the game screen for left-handed players
- Hints that provide more useful guidance, not just the final solution


### Human Resource Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/human-resource-machine/id1005098334)

**Currently charting:** #88 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

Solve puzzles by programming office workers to automate tasks. Progress through levels by successfully completing jobs and getting promoted. This game makes programming accessible and fun for everyone, even those new to coding.

**Highlights:** Program office workers, Solve logic puzzles, Automate tasks, Progress through levels, Learn programming concepts, Extra challenges for experts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Challenging puzzles
- 👍 Engaging gameplay
- 💡 Teaches programming concepts
- 🎨 Quirky visuals and humor

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs in certain levels
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🔇 No option to play own music
- 🔀 Issues with screen rotation

**Reported bugs**

- Level 20 expecting incorrect output
- Scrolling issues causing commands to move
- Crashing on iOS 14 update

**Requested features**

- More levels and challenges
- Ability to save progress across devices
- Hints or solution guides for stuck players


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadowmatic free?

Shadowmatic costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Human Resource Machine free?

Human Resource Machine costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Shadowmatic or Human Resource Machine?

Shadowmatic is rated higher. Shadowmatic averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while Human Resource Machine averages 4.5 from 416 ratings.

### Do Shadowmatic or Human Resource Machine have ads?

Neither Shadowmatic nor Human Resource Machine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadowmatic or Human Resource Machine?

Shadowmatic ships an update every 2 months, and Human Resource Machine every 5 weeks. Most recently, Shadowmatic was updated on September 25, 2026 and Human Resource Machine on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Shadowmatic or Human Resource Machine?

Shadowmatic currently peaks at #32 in the App Store charts, and Human Resource Machine at #88. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*