Customer Reviews (500)

SWsw38593 • 2025-03-28T18:33:56-07:00

So many ads. So many deceptive ads. I did some research and found a free, no ad version that is a million times better.

VIENS907 • 2025-03-28T18:03:37-07:00

Only win 1/4 games

Isoldewarriorprincess • 2025-03-28T17:55:40-07:00

If it wasn’t filled with ads, it would be perfect.

Summary of Key Insights

The "Solitaire: Cards Games 2025" app enjoys generally positive sentiment, largely due to its classic solitaire gameplay, ease of use, and customizable features. However, the overwhelming and intrusive nature of advertisements is a significant pain point for many users, overshadowing the positive aspects. While some users appreciate the option to pay for an ad-free experience, the frequency and length of ads in the free version are a major source of frustration. There are also some complaints about repetitive game layouts, occasional crashes, and issues with sound settings.

  • Overall Sentiment: Positive, but significantly hampered by intrusive ads.
  • Key Strengths: Classic gameplay, ease of use, customizable options, option to remove ads with a one-time purchase.
  • Key Weaknesses: Excessive and intrusive advertisements, repetitive game layouts, occasional crashes/bugs.
  • Overall Rating: The app has a high proportion of 5-star reviews, but the detailed reviews reveal that many of these users would rate it even higher without the ad issue.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 77.8% (389/500)
    • 4-star: 10.6% (53/500)
    • 3-star: 3.6% (18/500)
    • 2-star: 2.6% (13/500)
    • 1-star: 5.4% (27/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but reviews appear to be a mix of recent and older feedback.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews, focusing on sentiment, recurring keywords, and feature requests. The score distribution provided by Apple was also used to calculate percentages.

Key User Pain Points

  • Excessive Advertisements: The most prevalent complaint is the frequency, length, and intrusiveness of ads. Many users report ads appearing after every game, some lasting 30-90 seconds or even longer. Some users report deceptive ads or ads that are difficult to close. This negatively impacts the game flow and user enjoyment.
  • Repetitive Game Layouts: Some users report that the game deals are not random enough, leading to predictable and repetitive gameplay experiences.
  • Crashes and Bugs: A few users report game crashes, loss of scores/settings after updates, and issues with support.
  • Sound Issues: Some users dislike the game sounds or have difficulty turning them off.
  • Misleading Pop-ups: Some users report pop-ups advertising other games, that are difficult to decline.
  • Ads interfering with music: Some users report that the ads turn off their music, which is very annoying.
  • Violent Ads: Some users reported that ads turned into violent games, which made them delete the app.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Game Variations/Types: Some users requested more variety in game modes beyond the existing options (Yukon, Vegas scoring, etc.).
  • Difficulty Settings: Users would like to choose games by difficulty.
  • Better Shuffle Algorithm: Users have requested a more random shuffle to avoid repetitive game layouts.
  • Competitive Element: Some users expressed interest in leaderboards or ways to compare their scores with others.
  • Improved Customization: More diverse backgrounds.
  • Option to move cards more easily: Some users have requested the option to move cards without tapping.
  • Ability to choose when to use hints: Users want to turn off automatic pop up hints.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Classic Solitaire Gameplay: Users appreciate the faithful recreation of classic Klondike solitaire.
  • Ease of Use: The app is described as simple, intuitive, and easy to learn.
  • Customizable Options: Users like the ability to customize card decks, backgrounds, and gameplay settings (draw 1 or 3 cards, portrait/landscape mode, right/left-handed mode).
  • Offline Play: The ability to play without Wi-Fi is a plus for many users.
  • Mind Sharpening: Many users find the game helpful for keeping their minds sharp and providing relaxation.
  • One-Time Ad Removal Purchase: The option to pay a one-time fee to remove ads is appreciated, especially compared to subscription models.
  • Large Cards: Some users like the larger cards.
  • Simple Interface: The simple interface is appreciated.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Reduce Advertisement Frequency and Length: This is the most critical issue. Experiment with different ad formats, frequency caps, and placement strategies to minimize disruption to the user experience. Consider offering tiered ad removal options.
    • Address Repetitive Game Layouts: Improve the shuffle algorithm to ensure more randomness and variety in game deals.
    • Fix Crashes and Bugs: Prioritize bug fixes and stability improvements to prevent crashes and data loss.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve Sound Settings: Provide clear and reliable options to control game sounds.
    • Enhance Customization: Offer more options for card decks, backgrounds, and themes.
    • Implement Difficulty Settings: Allow users to select games based on difficulty level.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add Competitive Elements: Explore adding leaderboards or other competitive features if resources allow.
    • Address UI/UX Issues: Consider user feedback on button placement and other minor UI/UX improvements.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Solitaire Tutor: An app that provides personalized guidance and tips to improve a player's solitaire skills, adapting to their individual playing style.
  • Social Solitaire Platform: A platform that allows users to play solitaire with friends and family, compete in tournaments, and share their achievements.
  • Adaptive Ad System: A system that learns user preferences and shows less intrusive or more relevant ads, or offers rewards for watching ads.
  • Solitaire for Cognitive Training: A solitaire app specifically designed for cognitive training, with features like timed challenges and memory exercises.

Trends and Observations

  • Ad Intrusiveness Complaints Increasing: Recent reviews suggest that the ad situation has worsened, leading to increased user frustration.
  • Positive Sentiment Persists Despite Ads: Despite the ad issue, many users still express overall positive sentiment towards the app, highlighting its core gameplay and ease of use.
  • Senior User Base: A significant portion of users are seniors who appreciate the game for its mental stimulation and relaxation benefits.
  • Importance of One-Time Purchase: Users strongly prefer a one-time purchase option for ad removal over subscription models.

Conclusion

"Solitaire: Cards Games 2025" has a solid foundation with its classic gameplay, ease of use, and customization options. However, the excessive and intrusive advertisements are a major detractor and are actively driving users away. Addressing the ad issue is the top priority to improve user satisfaction and retention. By focusing on reducing ad frequency, improving the shuffle algorithm, and fixing bugs, the developer can significantly enhance the user experience and capitalize on the app's strengths. A strong recommendation is to seriously address the ad issues as it is the biggest complaint.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solitaire-cards-games-2025/id1073936461?uo=2