Customer Reviews (500)

aaroncday • 2025-01-21T23:12:49-07:00

I’ve been playing this game since the beginning and watching it evolve throughout the years with Earn to Die 2 and Earn to Die Rogue, I’ve seen it all. I remember seeing this and I asked my mom to buy it for me, and I played it on her iPhone 3GS. Really good times and this brings me back. Thank you to the developers for creating such an impact on my childhood.

Sggshsguwhjhw • 2025-01-11T16:32:38-07:00

I love this game

Nico The Fonso • 2024-08-03T05:10:13-07:00

I love the game but I really want freestyle

Summary of Key Insights

  • "Earn to Die" is a highly popular and nostalgic game, with many users having played it in its original Flash version. The game is generally well-received, praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, satisfying zombie-killing action, and lack of intrusive ads or in-app purchases. However, its short story mode and lack of replayability are common criticisms. Many users request more content, including additional levels, cars, and game modes. While many enjoy the game as is, a substantial number suggest it needs an update to fix bugs and add new content. The overall sentiment is positive, as reflected by the high average rating.

  • Key Strengths: Addictive gameplay, nostalgic appeal, simple mechanics, satisfying zombie killing, lack of intrusive ads/IAPs, good value for money.

  • Key Weaknesses: Short story mode, limited replayability, lack of content (levels, cars, upgrades), occasional bugs (acceleration issues, crashes), outdated SDK causing overheating on newer iPhones.

  • Overall Sentiment: Positive.

  • Quantitative Metrics:

    • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution).
    • Score Distribution:
      • 5-star: 75.4% (377/500)
      • 4-star: 13.4% (67/500)
      • 3-star: 4.4% (22/500)
      • 2-star: 2.6% (13/500)
      • 1-star: 4.2% (21/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but reviews appear to span several years, with some referencing the original Flash game and others mentioning newer iPhones.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, sentiment, feature requests, and pain points. Quantitative analysis of the star rating distribution.

Key User Pain Points

  • Short Story Mode: Many users report completing the game within a few hours, leading to dissatisfaction with the limited content.
  • Lack of Replayability: After completing the story mode, there's little incentive to continue playing, as the other modes are considered less engaging.
  • Limited Content (Levels, Cars, Upgrades): A significant number of users request more levels, cars, and upgrades to extend the gameplay experience.
  • Bugs and Technical Issues: Some users report acceleration button malfunctions, game crashes, and overheating issues on newer iPhones, suggesting outdated SDK and lack of maintenance.
  • Fuel Consumption: Some users feel that fuel consumption is unrealistic and uncontrollable, removing strategic elements.
  • Progress Loss: A few users reported involuntary progress resets.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Levels: The most common request is for additional levels to extend the story mode and overall gameplay.
  • More Cars: Users want a wider variety of vehicles to unlock and upgrade.
  • More Upgrades: Expanding the upgrade system with new options and customizations is a frequent suggestion.
  • New Game Modes: Users suggest adding new game modes like a free-roam mode, a level editor, race mode, or endless mode.
  • Level Replayability: The ability to replay completed levels with upgraded vehicles is a popular request.
  • Zombie Variety: Adding different types of zombies with unique abilities is suggested to increase the challenge.
  • Controller Support: Implementing controller support (e.g., Backbone) would improve the user experience for some players.
  • Cloud Saves: A cloud save feature would prevent progress loss.
  • Third Game: Many people are asking for a third installment in the "Earn to Die" series.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive Gameplay: Users consistently describe the game as addictive and fun, making it a great time-killer.
  • Nostalgic Appeal: Many reviewers mention playing the original Flash game and appreciate the mobile adaptation, evoking positive memories.
  • Simple Mechanics: The simple, easy-to-learn gameplay makes it accessible to a wide audience.
  • Satisfying Zombie Killing: The act of smashing and mowing down zombies is described as satisfying and enjoyable.
  • Lack of Intrusive Ads/IAPs: Users appreciate the absence of ads and in-app purchases, providing a clean and uninterrupted gaming experience.
  • Good Value for Money: The low price point is seen as excellent value for the amount of entertainment provided.
  • Ragdoll Physics: The realistic ragdoll physics of the zombies being flung around is a source of amusement.
  • Epic Music: Many users praise the game's soundtrack.
  • Fast Progression: Many users enjoy the fast pace of the game.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Technical Issues: Fix the acceleration button malfunction, game crashes, and overheating issues on newer iPhones. Update the SDK to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS versions. (Severity: High, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Expand Story Mode: Add more levels to the story mode to increase the game's length and replayability. (Severity: High, Frequency: High)

Medium Priority:

  • Add More Cars and Upgrades: Introduce new vehicles and upgrade options to provide more variety and customization. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: High)
  • Implement Level Replayability: Allow players to replay completed levels with their upgraded vehicles. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Cloud Save Functionality: Implement cloud save functionality to prevent progress loss. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Low)

Low Priority:

  • Introduce New Game Modes: Explore adding new game modes like a free-roam mode or a level editor. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Add Zombie Variety: Introduce different types of zombies with unique abilities. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Implement Controller Support: Add support for external controllers like the Backbone. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Optimize Fuel Consumption: Refine the fuel consumption mechanics to allow for more strategic gameplay. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Zombie Apocalypse Vehicle Customization Game: A game focused solely on vehicle customization for surviving a zombie apocalypse, with a robust upgrade system and a wide range of vehicle types and attachments.
  • Level Editor for Side-Scrolling Games: A user-friendly level editor specifically designed for creating side-scrolling games like "Earn to Die," allowing players to share and play each other's creations.
  • Mobile Game Porting and Optimization Service: A service that specializes in porting and optimizing older Flash games or mobile games to modern platforms, addressing compatibility issues and adding new features.

Trends and Observations

  • Nostalgia is a Powerful Driver: Many users are drawn to the game due to their fond memories of playing the original Flash version.
  • Simplicity is Key: The game's simple mechanics and easy-to-learn gameplay are major selling points.
  • Content is King: The lack of content is the most common complaint, highlighting the importance of providing a substantial and engaging gameplay experience.
  • Technical Stability Matters: Bugs and technical issues can significantly detract from the user experience, even for a simple game.
  • Community is Engaged: There is a strong community interest in seeing the game updated and expanded, indicating a potential for long-term engagement.

Conclusion

"Earn to Die" is a well-loved game with a strong nostalgic appeal and addictive gameplay. However, its lack of content and occasional technical issues are holding it back from reaching its full potential. By addressing these issues and adding new features, the developers could significantly enhance the user experience and extend the game's lifespan. A focus on content expansion, bug fixes, and modernizing the game's technical foundation would be a winning strategy.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize bug fixes and content expansion to improve user satisfaction and increase long-term engagement.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earn-to-die/id554937499?uo=2