Customer Reviews (100)

A Google user • 2025-02-20T07:04:25.490Z

Could you please update the app to "green out" words once they've been completed like the "big crossword" please?

Tim R • 2025-02-12T16:13:21.370Z

Good crossword app overall, however some of the clues can be frustrating for those outside of the UK due to the localization.

Ant Creed • 2025-02-02T15:32:47.760Z

Uniformly good quality puzzles, very little repetition considering how many there are. There's a US version for those who spell that way

Summary of Key Insights

  • The "Crossword" app by Teazel Ltd is generally well-received, with a high percentage of 5-star ratings. Users appreciate its simplicity, the absence of ads, and the large number of puzzles offered for a one-time payment.
  • The main weakness is the strong British English focus, which can be frustrating for non-UK users. There are also some complaints about the in-app keyboard, occasional glitches, and inconsistent difficulty levels.
  • Overall sentiment is positive, with an average rating skewed towards 5 stars. The app is perceived as a good value for money, providing hours of entertainment and mental exercise.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.5 (estimated from the distribution).
  • Score Distribution: 1-star (5%), 2-star (4%), 3-star (8%), 4-star (12%), 5-star (71%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but reviews appear to span several years (based on mentions of updates and older reviews).
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned topics and concerns), and frequency analysis (quantifying the occurrence of specific issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • British English Bias: The most significant and recurring complaint is the app's strong reliance on British English vocabulary, spelling, and cultural references. This makes the puzzles challenging and frustrating for users unfamiliar with UK terminology.
  • In-App Keyboard Issues: Several users dislike the in-app keyboard, citing issues with layout, lack of haptic feedback, and, in one extreme case, triggering migraines due to animations.
  • Glitches and Bugs: Some users have reported glitches, such as being repeatedly prompted to purchase the full game even after having already paid, or issues with puzzle progression.
  • Repetitive Content/Lack of Variety: A few reviewers mentioned repetitive words used across puzzles and a lack of variety in grid layouts.
  • Difficulty Level Inconsistencies: Some users find the difficulty level inconsistent, with some puzzles being too easy and others being too hard.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Option to "Green Out" Completed Words: One user specifically requested that completed words be "greened out" like in another Teazel app ("big crossword").
  • Use Device's Default Keyboard (Gboard, etc.): Several users want the option to use their device's default keyboard instead of the in-app keyboard.
  • More American English Options: While a "Crossword (US)" app exists, some users still encounter British English in this app and would prefer more US-centric content.
  • More Puzzles/Updates: Several users expressed a desire for more puzzles and content updates.
  • Larger Crosswords: One user requested larger crossword puzzles.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • No Ads: A major selling point is the absence of advertisements, providing a clean and uninterrupted puzzle-solving experience.
  • Large Number of Puzzles: Users appreciate the vast library of 750 puzzles, offering good value for the one-time purchase price.
  • Simple and Easy to Use: The app is praised for its simplicity, ease of use, and intuitive interface.
  • Helpful Features: The availability of cheats, answer checking, and clue sharing is seen as beneficial.
  • Brain Exercise: Many users find the app to be a good mental workout and a way to pass the time enjoyably.
  • Customizable Navigation: The app's customizable navigation is also seen as a plus.
  • Offline Play: (Not explicitly mentioned, but implied by the lack of reliance on constant internet connection besides initial download and potential update checks.)

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address British English Bias: Offer more options for American English users, either through more US-centric puzzles in this app or more prominent promotion of the "Crossword (US)" app. Consider allowing users to filter puzzles by language/region.
  • Keyboard Customization: Provide users with the option to use their device's default keyboard. This addresses a significant usability issue and potential health concern for some users.
  • Bug Fixes: Resolve the reported glitches, such as the repeated purchase prompts and puzzle progression issues.

Medium Priority:

  • Content Variety: Increase the variety of grid layouts and reduce the repetition of words across puzzles.
  • Difficulty Balancing: Fine-tune the difficulty levels to provide a more consistent and enjoyable experience. Consider adding difficulty settings (easy, medium, hard) or allowing users to filter puzzles by difficulty.
  • Implement "Green Out" Feature: Add the option to "green out" completed words, as requested by a user.

Low Priority:

  • Menu Design Improvements: While some users find the main menu design unpleasant, this is a minor issue compared to the others.
  • Larger Crosswords: Consider adding larger crossword puzzles as an option, but this should not be a priority.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Localized Crossword Puzzle Platform: A platform offering crossword puzzles tailored to different languages and regions, allowing users to filter by language, difficulty, and theme.
  • Customizable Crossword App: An app that allows users to customize various aspects of the crossword experience, including keyboard, grid style, font, and clue presentation.
  • Crossword Puzzle Community: A social platform where users can create, share, and solve crossword puzzles, with features for collaboration and feedback.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preference: There's a clear divide between users who prefer British English and those who prefer American English. The app currently caters primarily to the former.
  • Long-Term User Satisfaction: Some users have been playing the app for years and continue to enjoy it, suggesting strong user loyalty.
  • Desire for Simplicity: Users appreciate the app's lack of gimmicks and its focus on providing a straightforward crossword experience.

Conclusion

The "Crossword" app is a popular and well-regarded app, particularly appreciated for its simplicity, ad-free experience, and large number of puzzles. However, the strong British English bias is a significant drawback for many users. Addressing this issue, along with the keyboard customization and bug fixes, would greatly improve the user experience and broaden the app's appeal. Overall, the app is a good value for money and provides a solid crossword experience, but targeted improvements can make it even better.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teazel.crossword.full