Shogi vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Shogi's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Shogi
This App
Alquerque
New Kid
Core Identity
Developerken1UNBALANCE CorporationJoseph SampleTableTopia, Inc.iDiOSLAB LLCFagner CandidoBenedikt Hannemann
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGames
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.6 / 54.7 / 55.0 / 52.6 / 54.7 / 50.0 / 50.0 / 5
Ratings Count5191112610823200
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$2.99
Release DateMay 15, 2012Feb 9, 2016May 7, 2020Feb 7, 2018Aug 21, 2020Apr 21, 2026Feb 13, 2026
Last UpdatedMar 27, 2026Jan 27, 2026May 7, 2020Jul 8, 2025Jun 27, 2024May 4, 2026Feb 14, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentiment--positiveterriblemixedmixed-
Score--75/10020/10065/10050/100-
Praises--
  • Physics-based dice rolling mechanics provide a satisfying and realistic tactile experience for users
  • Ad-free experience without hidden costs fosters high user trust and long-term loyalty
  • The core board game simulation concept provides an engaging experience for solo players
  • Ancient strategy mechanics provide deep and engaging gameplay for fans of historical board games
  • Simple core gameplay loop provides an engaging experience for casual strategy enthusiasts
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Complaints--
  • Unintuitive interface design makes editing or managing custom dice sets difficult for new users
  • Missing specialized dice types limits utility for specific tabletop game systems like DCC
  • Frequent application crashes during library navigation and game loading prevent consistent play
  • Forced online matchmaking interrupts single player sessions against the computer without a clear exit
  • Visual contrast issues during dark mode usage hinder readability of game elements
  • Navigation deadlocks occur when users cannot exit specific menu options during gameplay
  • Core logic errors and application launch failures frustrate long-term user retention
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Requests--
  • Implementation of a dedicated coin flip feature for binary decision making scenarios
  • Implementation of artificial intelligence opponents to facilitate solo play in multiplayer games
  • Addition of a nine by nine board size to support traditional game variants
  • Expansion of game variants to include alternative rule sets like Rota or Roman tic tac toe
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Daily tactical puzzles sustain long-term retention
  • Customizable board editor enables specialized training
  • 15-level AI engine provides clear skill-progression path
  • Renju ruleset implementation offers specialized high-fidelity experience
  • High-fidelity physics engine drives repeat usage
  • Ad-free model builds long-term user loyalty
  • Specialized dice sets serve niche RPG needs
  • Neutral sandbox utility reduces development costs for publishers
  • Royalty-based revenue sharing incentivizes high-quality content hosting
  • Authentic asymmetrical mechanics provide a distinct strategic depth
  • Background matchmaking increases session length by eliminating downtime
  • ARKit integration establishes category leadership via hardware utilization
  • Accessibility suite expands total addressable market beyond standard board game demographics
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Weaknesses
  • Ad-supported monetization interrupts gameplay focus
  • No cloud-save functionality
  • 0.46 rating gap between iOS and Android
  • Ad-supported model without IAP limits revenue per user
  • Lack of online multiplayer forces reliance on local-only play
  • Unintuitive interface design creates navigation friction
  • Missing specialized dice types limits utility
  • Perceived lack of ongoing maintenance
  • Frequent crashes during navigation and loading
  • 0.28-star rating gap between iOS and Android
  • Opaque monetization frustrates free-tier users
  • Forced online matchmaking interrupts offline play
  • Payment restoration failures for ad removal
  • Inaccurate rule documentation
  • Navigation deadlocks in menu flow
  • Dark mode visual contrast issues
  • Core logic errors on specific hardware
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Pricingfreemiumfreefreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreepaid
MomentumMaintenanceActiveZombieMaintenanceZombieMaintenance-
Update Cadence2 versions, ~183d avg5 versions2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~1990d avg2 versions, ~97d avg2 versions, ~0d avg2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~67d avg-

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Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Shogi, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0