Customer Reviews (500)

Storm Chimp • 2025-03-16T20:54:54-07:00

Usually when i have a few minutes of free time or as a passenger in the car. I play the hand dealt until I win it, not skipping to a new hand. I would love it if they added a stat for number of tries until the game was won.

Dal1998Atl • 2025-03-10T16:40:14-07:00

The best solitaire game around. I have tried a few. The best graphics. The most amount of different solitaire games!

Nom'bei • 2025-03-10T11:25:00-07:00

Ditto on No Pride's review. My feelings exactly.

Summary of Key Insights

Solebon Solitaire - 50 Games is a well-loved app with a large selection of solitaire games and a generally positive sentiment. The app's strengths lie in its variety of games, ease of use, and the ad-free experience (for paid users). However, recent updates have introduced pain points related to visual design changes, performance issues (slowness, crashes), and monetization strategies (pay-to-continue streaks), negatively impacting user satisfaction. While long-time users appreciate the consistent updates and variety, many express frustration when updates deviate from the core experience or introduce unwanted changes. The app enjoys a high percentage of 5-star reviews (68.6%), but the negative reviews often highlight significant usability and design concerns that should be addressed promptly.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (estimated): 4.46 stars (weighted average based on review counts)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 343 (68.6%)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 50 (10%)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 28 (5.6%)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 24 (4.8%)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 55 (11%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a significant period, likely several years, based on references to older iPhone models and long-term usage.
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis was performed through manual review and keyword extraction of the provided reviews. Sentiment was inferred from star ratings and textual content. Common themes and pain points were identified through frequency analysis of user comments.

Key User Pain Points

  • Negative Visual Design Changes: Many users dislike recent UI updates, including changes to card appearance, spacing, and overall layout. The "Classic Mode" toggle is often perceived as ineffective in restoring the original look.
  • Performance Issues: Some users report increased loading times, sluggish gameplay, and crashes after recent updates.
  • Aggressive Monetization: The "pay-to-continue streak" feature is widely criticized as a greedy and unwelcome addition, especially by users who purchased the ad-free version.
  • Bugs and Glitches: Several users have reported bugs, such as incorrect scoring, frozen games, and issues with sound.
  • Accidental Button Presses: Some users find the placement of the "New Game" and "Undo" buttons too close to the screen edge, leading to accidental presses.
  • Ads Appearing in Paid Version: Several users complain about seeing ads even after paying for the ad-free version.
  • Lack of Hints in Some Games: A few users request a hint feature for games where they get stuck.
  • Difficulty Reading Cards: Some users find the card numbers difficult to read, especially after updates that changed the font or card size.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Option to Revert to Previous UI: Numerous users explicitly request the ability to revert to the pre-update visual design.
  • Customizable Card Sizes/Spacing: Users want more control over card size and spacing to improve readability and reduce visual clutter.
  • Cloud Sync Improvements: Users want seamless syncing of stats across devices.
  • Hints Feature: A hint system, especially on-demand, for challenging games.
  • Option to Disable "Pay to Continue" Prompts: Users want the ability to completely disable the prompts to pay for streak protection.
  • More Card Designs: Some users want more modern or alternative card designs.
  • Running Count of Moves: A running count of moves during gameplay.
  • Split-Screen Support on iPad: Ability to play in split-screen mode on iPad.
  • Landscape Mode on iPhone: Several users reported missing the landscape mode on their iPhones.
  • Left-Handed Mode Improvements: Better placement of buttons for left-handed players.
  • Indication of Best Possible Score: Indicator if the hand won is the best possible score for that deal.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Variety of Games: The wide selection of solitaire games is a major selling point.
  • Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's intuitive interface and simple gameplay.
  • Ad-Free Experience (Paid Version): Users appreciate the absence of disruptive ads in the paid version, though this is now being questioned by some reviewers.
  • "Winnable Deals" Feature: The option to play only winnable deals is popular among users who enjoy guaranteed success.
  • Long-Term Support: The app's continuous updates and long history are seen as a positive sign of developer commitment.
  • Stats Tracking: Many users enjoy tracking their statistics and comparing them with other players.
  • Customization Options: Users appreciate the ability to customize card styles, background colors, and other settings.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Address UI/UX Issues: Revert or provide options to revert to the pre-update card design and spacing. Focus on improving readability and reducing visual clutter.
    • Fix Performance Problems: Investigate and resolve the reported performance issues (slowness, crashes) to ensure a smooth and responsive gameplay experience.
    • Re-evaluate Monetization Strategy: Remove or significantly reduce the intrusiveness of the "pay-to-continue streak" prompts. Consider alternative monetization methods that are less disruptive.
    • Fix Bugs: Address reported bugs related to scoring, sound, and game freezes.
    • Resolve Ad Issues: Ensure that the paid version is truly ad-free.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Implement Requested Features: Prioritize implementing the most frequently requested features, such as customizable card sizes/spacing, hints, and the option to disable "pay to continue" prompts.
    • Improve Left-Handed Mode: Optimize button placement for left-handed players.
    • Enhance Cloud Sync: Ensure seamless syncing of stats across devices.
    • Offer Landscape Mode on iPhone: Reintroduce or ensure functionality of landscape mode on iPhones.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add More Card Designs: Consider adding more modern or alternative card designs based on user feedback.
    • Provide Running Count of Moves: Implement a running count of moves during gameplay.
    • Add Split-Screen Support on iPad: Explore the possibility of adding split-screen support for iPad users.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Solitaire Game with Highly Customizable UI: Develop a solitaire app that offers unparalleled customization options for card styles, layouts, and game rules, allowing users to create their perfect solitaire experience.
  • Solitaire Game with AI-Powered Hints: Create a solitaire app that provides intelligent hints based on AI analysis of the game state, helping players learn strategies and improve their skills.
  • Solitaire Game with Skill-Based Monetization: Develop a solitaire app that monetizes through optional cosmetic items or advanced features, rather than intrusive "pay-to-win" mechanics.
  • Solitaire Game with Legacy UI Option: Offer an app that specifically caters to players who prefer classic UIs, guaranteeing that older, beloved designs are always available.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Nostalgia: Users have a strong attachment to the original look and feel of the game, indicating a need to preserve the core experience.
  • Negative Reaction to Intrusive Monetization: Users are highly sensitive to monetization tactics that are perceived as greedy or manipulative.
  • Importance of Performance and Stability: Performance issues and bugs can quickly erode user satisfaction, even for a well-established app.
  • Responsiveness Matters: Users appreciate developers who are responsive to feedback and address their concerns. The developer's past responsiveness is noted, making recent dissatisfaction more pronounced.
  • Update Fatigue: Recurring updates that significantly change the user interface or introduce unwanted features can lead to user fatigue and churn.

Conclusion

Solebon Solitaire remains a popular and well-regarded app, but recent updates have introduced significant challenges. The key to maintaining its success lies in addressing the user concerns regarding visual design, performance, and monetization. By prioritizing user feedback and focusing on core gameplay, the developers can restore user satisfaction and ensure the app's continued popularity. A strong recommendation would be to roll back the controversial UI changes, or at least provide a clear and effective option to revert to the classic look, and to reconsider the monetization strategy.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solebon-solitaire-50-games/id283179414?uo=2