Customer Reviews (500)

3nails4holes • 2025-03-23T08:16:35-07:00

Worth the money. Good graphics and difficulty options. Highly recommended. I’ve tried several similar apps. None as good as this.

Bethannphoto • 2025-03-11T15:23:52-07:00

I downloaded the paid version of this app because the free versions pop up ads were so invasive that you could barely play the game. I was making constant mistakes because of ads. So I download the paid version which is an old version of the free version. It hasn’t been updated and my many years of game play history were not carried over.

Fubimo • 2025-03-06T09:08:45-07:00

I should be able to upgrade to the ad-free version and keep my stats from the regular version.

Summary of Key Insights

▻Sudoku + enjoys a very positive overall sentiment, with a large majority of users giving it a 5-star rating. Users praise its ease of use, challenging gameplay, appealing design, and the absence of ads in the paid version. However, there are recurring complaints regarding the scoring system's inconsistency, occasional glitches (like numbers disappearing or incorrect move recognition), and feature requests for improved note-taking and customization options. The app's long-standing presence and loyal user base are evident in the reviews.

Key Strengths:

  • User-friendly interface and design.
  • Challenging and engaging gameplay across different difficulty levels.
  • Absence of ads in the paid version.
  • Helpful features like highlighting and note-taking.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistent scoring system.
  • Occasional glitches and bugs.
  • Lack of data transfer between free and paid versions.
  • Limited customization options.

Overall Sentiment: Highly Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.7 stars (calculated from score distribution)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 83.2% (416/500)
    • 4-star: 9.2% (46/500)
    • 3-star: 3% (15/500)
    • 2-star: 0.6% (3/500)
    • 1-star: 4% (20/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but reviews span several years, indicating a long history.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Overall positive, negative, or neutral tone identification.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently used words and phrases related to user experience, features, and issues.
    • Thematic Analysis: Grouping reviews based on common themes (e.g., scoring system, bugs, feature requests).

Key User Pain Points

  • Inconsistent Scoring System: Many users find the scoring system illogical and inconsistent, with faster, error-free games sometimes resulting in lower scores than slower games with more errors.
    • Impact: Frustration and a feeling that the scoring doesn't accurately reflect skill.
  • Occasional Glitches/Bugs: Several users reported issues such as numbers disappearing, correct answers being marked as incorrect, and screen rotation lock not working.
    • Impact: Disrupts gameplay and leads to a negative user experience.
  • Lack of Data Transfer: Users who upgrade from the free ad-supported version to the paid ad-free version are unable to transfer their game history and stats.
    • Impact: Loss of progress and a feeling of starting over.
  • Problems with Paid Version: Some users who purchased the paid version reported ads still appearing, or the version being outdated compared to the free version.
    • Impact: Frustration and a feeling of being misled.
  • Placement Issues: Some users with larger fingers have issues with the numbers being too close together.
    • Impact: Frustration and inaccurate selections.
  • iPad Pro Layout Issues: Newer iPad Pro models have layout issues due to the app not being optimized for the larger screen size.
    • Impact: Reduced usability and a suboptimal user experience.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Auto Pencil Marks: Users want an option to automatically fill in all possible candidates (pencil marks) in empty cells to save time.
  • Undo Move: The ability to undo a move, especially for accidental taps.
  • Dark Mode: A dark mode option for easier viewing in low-light conditions.
  • Improved Highlighting: The ability to highlight a number and then tap multiple squares to place it, rather than having to select the number each time.
  • Transfer Stats: Ability to transfer game statistics from the free version to the paid version.
  • Replay Games: Ability to replay previous games.
  • Mac Version: A version of the game for macOS.
  • More Difficulty Levels: Some users, particularly those who play on Expert, desire a higher difficulty setting.
  • Customizable Number Styles: Additional options to customize the appearance of the numbers.
  • Turn Off Mistake Correction: An option to turn off the automatic incorrect number correction.
  • More Tile and Board Styles: Users would like more options to customize the visuals of the game.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive and Engaging Gameplay: Many users find the game highly addictive and a great way to pass time.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The app is praised for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
  • Challenging Difficulty Levels: The different difficulty levels cater to a wide range of players, from beginners to experts.
  • Helpful Features: Features like highlighting and note-taking are appreciated and enhance the gameplay experience.
  • No Ads (Paid Version): The absence of ads in the paid version is a major selling point.
  • Good Design and Graphics: The app's design and graphics are generally well-received.
  • Mental Exercise: Users view the game as a valuable mental exercise.
  • Long-Term Enjoyment: Many users have been playing the game for years and continue to enjoy it.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Scoring System Inconsistencies: Investigate and revise the scoring algorithm to ensure it accurately reflects skill and performance. This is a major source of frustration for many users.
  • Address Glitches and Bugs: Prioritize fixing the reported glitches, such as numbers disappearing, incorrect move recognition, and screen rotation lock issues. Rigorous testing should be implemented to prevent future bugs.
  • Enable Data Transfer: Implement a feature to allow users to transfer their game history and stats from the free version to the paid version. This will greatly improve the upgrade experience.
  • Ensure Paid Version is Ad-Free and Up-to-Date: Guarantee that the paid version is completely free of ads and that it receives updates in a timely manner, matching the feature set of the free version.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Auto Pencil Marks: Add an option to automatically fill in candidate numbers. This will significantly reduce the tedium of manual entry, especially at higher difficulty levels.
  • Add Undo Move Functionality: Include the ability to undo the last move, addressing accidental taps and errors.
  • Optimize for New iPad Pro Models: Update the app to properly support the larger screen size of newer iPad Pro models, ensuring a visually appealing and functional layout.
  • Address Number Placement Issues: Consider increasing the spacing between the number tiles at the bottom of the screen, or offering a larger button option.

Low Priority:

  • Add Dark Mode: Implement a dark mode option for users who prefer a darker interface.
  • Improve Highlighting Functionality: Allow users to highlight a number and then tap multiple squares to place it, streamlining the number placement process.
  • Add Replay Game Functionality: Include the ability to replay previous games.
  • Develop Mac Version: Consider creating a version of the game for macOS.
  • Add More Difficulty Levels: Introduce a difficulty level beyond Expert.
  • Offer More Customization Options: Provide additional options for tile styles, board colors, and number styles.
  • Allow Turn Off Mistake Correction: Add the option to disable automatic mistake correction.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Personalized Sudoku Training App: An app that analyzes a user's Sudoku gameplay and provides personalized training exercises to improve their skills.
  • Competitive Sudoku Platform: A platform where users can compete against each other in real-time Sudoku challenges, with leaderboards and ranking systems.
  • AI-Powered Sudoku Solver and Tutor: An app that uses AI to solve Sudoku puzzles and provides step-by-step explanations of the solving process.
  • Sudoku Puzzle Generator with Difficulty Customization: An app that allows users to create their own Sudoku puzzles with customizable difficulty levels and constraints.
  • Sudoku Learning App for Visually Impaired: An app designed with accessibility features for visually impaired users, such as voice guidance and larger, high-contrast numbers.

Trends and Observations

  • Long-Term User Loyalty: The app has a strong and loyal user base, with many users having played it for years.
  • Positive Sentiment Towards Ad-Free Version: Users are willing to pay for the ad-free version to enjoy an uninterrupted gameplay experience.
  • Focus on Functionality and Gameplay: While design and aesthetics are appreciated, users primarily value the app's functionality and gameplay mechanics.
  • Desire for Increased Challenge: Some expert-level players are seeking an even greater challenge.
  • Requests for More Customization: Users want more options to personalize the app's appearance and functionality.

Conclusion

▻Sudoku + is a well-regarded Sudoku app with a strong user base and positive reviews. However, addressing the identified pain points, particularly the scoring system inconsistencies and occasional glitches, is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction and attracting new players. Implementing frequently requested features, such as auto pencil marks and undo move functionality, would further enhance the user experience and solidify the app's position as a top Sudoku choice.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize bug fixes and scoring system improvements, followed by implementing the most requested features to enhance user satisfaction and maintain the app's competitive edge.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sudoku/id372283316?uo=2