Customer Reviews (500)

Actcolione • 2025-03-27T02:01:01-07:00

Every time I go in to pick a car I gives me a loading screen and I gotta reset the game

Michelleeeeeeeeeereeee • 2025-03-22T05:42:28-07:00

ITS A FUN GAME IM OBSESSED

Stonergirl9903 • 2025-03-20T11:09:41-07:00

I like the game I just don’t like how ur first car has to be that really big blue truck it makes it so hard to see the road ahead of u

Summary of Key Insights

  • Driving School Simulator 3D receives generally positive reviews, with many users finding it fun and helpful for learning or practicing driving skills. However, recurring complaints about aggressive monetization (VIP subscription, in-app purchases), excessive ads, and glitches detract from the user experience. The app's potential for realistic driving simulation is praised, but unmet expectations in physics, AI behavior, and customization options are also evident. A significant portion of the positive reviews appear to come from younger users.

  • Key Strengths: Perceived helpfulness for learning to drive, fun gameplay, variety of game modes (Career, Multiplayer, Free Roam).

  • Key Weaknesses: Aggressive monetization/pay-to-play elements, excessive ads, glitches/bugs, unrealistic physics/AI, limited free content, and high VIP costs.

  • Overall Sentiment: Mixed, leaning positive. Many users enjoy the core gameplay but are frustrated by the app's limitations and monetization strategies.

  • Quantitative Metrics:

    • Overall Rating: Based on the star distribution, the average rating is approximately 4.2 stars.
    • Score Distribution: 5-star (63.6%), 4-star (16.2%), 3-star (6.2%), 2-star (3.8%), 1-star (10.2%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews appear to be from a relatively recent period, based on the version number (20250316) and the content of the reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review of each comment, categorization of comments based on sentiment, feature requests, bug reports, and positive/negative aspects. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned terms and themes.

Key User Pain Points

  • Aggressive Monetization/Pay-to-Play: Many users complain that the game is difficult or impossible to enjoy without paying for VIP access or in-app purchases. They cite the lack of free cars, limited access to maps and features, and the constant pressure to subscribe.
  • Excessive Ads: Frequent ads interrupt gameplay and detract from the overall experience. Some users report unskippable ads.
  • Glitches/Bugs: Users report various glitches, including loading screen issues, cars getting stuck, incorrect collision detection, and multiplayer bugs.
  • Unrealistic Physics/AI: Some users find the physics and AI behavior unrealistic, such as cars not taking damage, pedestrians not reacting realistically, and police not responding to traffic violations.
  • Limited Free Content: The limited availability of free cars, maps, and customization options frustrates users who are unwilling or unable to pay for VIP access.
  • High VIP Costs: Users consider the VIP subscription to be too expensive for the content offered.
  • Misleading Age Rating: Some reviews note the app recently changed to a 17+ rating, which is confusing for a game many consider kid-friendly.
  • Parking Issues: Some users find the parking aspect too sensitive, restarting the level even with minor bumps.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Free Content: More free cars, maps, customization options, and features.
  • Highway Map (Free Access): Many users request the return of the highway map and free access to it.
  • Character Customization (Free): Users want the ability to customize their characters without paying.
  • Night Mode (Free Access): Users want the ability to drive at night without paying for VIP.
  • Improved Physics/AI: More realistic car damage, pedestrian reactions, and police behavior.
  • More Realistic Traffic: AI cars that obey speed limits and traffic laws.
  • More Maps/Environments: A greater variety of maps and environments, including a free highway map.
  • Better Graphics: Improved graphics and visual details.
  • Character Actions: Ability to sleep, eat, and interact more with the environment.
  • Police Chases: A more robust police chase system.
  • First-Person View Improvements: Better visibility in first-person view.
  • Speed Bumps and Other Road Features
  • Radio with Music

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Fun Gameplay: Many users find the game fun and enjoyable, especially for casual play.
  • Helpful for Learning to Drive: Some users find the game helpful for learning or practicing driving skills, such as parking, using blinkers, and obeying traffic laws.
  • Variety of Game Modes: The Career, Multiplayer, and Free Roam modes offer different gameplay experiences.
  • Car Customization: Users appreciate the ability to customize their cars.
  • Realistic Elements: Features like stop lights, gas stations, and the need to use blinkers add to the sense of realism.
  • Offline Play: The ability to play offline is a significant advantage for some users.
  • Educational Value: Some parents appreciate the game's potential to teach children about driving safety.
  • Lack of Addictiveness: Some appreciate that the game is fun without being overly addictive.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Reduce Ads: Significantly reduce the frequency and intrusiveness of ads. Consider offering a one-time purchase option to remove ads completely.
  • Address Glitches/Bugs: Prioritize fixing reported glitches, especially those that prevent users from playing the game or completing levels.
  • Rebalance Monetization: Re-evaluate the VIP subscription and in-app purchase system. Offer more free content and consider lowering the price of VIP access.
  • Improve Physics/AI: Enhance the realism of the physics and AI behavior to create a more immersive driving experience.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Frequently Requested Features: Add frequently requested features, such as a free highway map, free character customization, and free access to night mode.
  • Enhance First-Time User Experience: Provide a smoother onboarding experience for new users, including a free starter car and clear instructions on how to play the game.
  • Improve Collision Detection: Address the issue of overly sensitive collision detection, especially in parking scenarios.

Low Priority:

  • Improve Graphics: While not a top priority, improving the graphics and visual details could enhance the overall appeal of the game.
  • Expand Character Actions: Add more character actions, such as sleeping, eating, and interacting with the environment.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyper-Realistic Driving Simulator with User-Generated Content: A driving simulator that uses advanced physics and AI to create a highly realistic driving experience. Allow users to create and share their own maps, scenarios, and vehicles.
  • Gamified Driving Education App: An app that combines driving lessons with gamified challenges and rewards to make learning to drive more engaging and effective.
  • AI-Powered Driving Tutor: An app that uses AI to provide personalized feedback and guidance to drivers, helping them improve their skills and avoid accidents.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: The majority of reviews are in English, but there are also reviews in other languages, such as Spanish and Russian, indicating a global user base.
  • Shift in Sentiment: Some older reviews may have been more positive before the introduction of aggressive monetization strategies.
  • Younger Audience: A significant portion of the positive reviews appear to be from younger users who are not yet old enough to drive.
  • VIP Complaints: The VIP program is a recurring source of frustration, with many users feeling that it is too expensive and restricts access to essential features.

Conclusion

Driving School Simulator 3D has the potential to be a highly successful driving simulation game. However, the app's aggressive monetization strategies, excessive ads, and glitches are detracting from the user experience. By addressing these issues and implementing frequently requested features, the developers can significantly improve the app's appeal and increase user satisfaction. A shift towards a more balanced monetization model and a focus on improving the core gameplay experience are essential for the long-term success of the game.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/driving-school-simulator-3d/id1238658080?uo=2