Customer Reviews (100)

Arron Mallinson-Pocock • 2025-03-23T09:25:33.152Z

excellent game and tutorial

Singular Rookhart (Aficionado Aficionado) • 2025-03-23T01:57:36.435Z

love it!

Simon Tucker • 2025-03-22T05:17:47.935Z

I have the game installed on my phone and Chromebook but mostly play it on my phone. When I came to use it on my Chromebook I got a message that an update was needed, but clicking the link didn't achieve much, other than opening Google Play. I'd love to be able to play on Chromebook again, as it's the best way to play the digital version with friends.

Summary of Key Insights

  • The Root Board Game app is generally well-received, with a strong positive sentiment reflected in the high percentage of 5-star reviews. Users praise the game's faithful adaptation of the tabletop version, its engaging gameplay, and its value as a learning tool.
  • Key strengths include the game's strategic depth, asymmetrical gameplay, and the availability of single-player and multiplayer modes.
  • Weaknesses include occasional technical issues (disconnects, compatibility problems after updates), UI/UX concerns (small action HUD, display issues on foldable devices), and some AI limitations. The inability to play personal music/videos while in-game is also a recurring complaint.
  • Overall Rating: High, with a significant skew towards 5-star reviews.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star (79%), 4-star (10%), 3-star (3%), 2-star (5%), 1-star (3%).

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly specified, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (1.33.1) and mentions of recent updates.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of review tone), keyword extraction (identifying frequently used terms related to positive and negative experiences), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common issues and feedback).

Key User Pain Points

  • Technical Issues after Updates: Several users reported that updates rendered the app incompatible with their devices (tablets, Chromebooks), preventing them from playing. This is a critical issue that leads to frustration and potentially lost purchases.
  • Online Disconnects: Some users experience frequent disconnects during online play, making the multiplayer experience unreliable and frustrating.
  • Sound Hijacking: A recurring complaint is the app's apparent inability to allow users to play their own music or videos in the background, as the app takes control of the device's audio output.
  • UI/UX Issues: Some users find the UI clunky or difficult to navigate, particularly regarding the action HUD and target selection in crowded clearings. Display issues on foldable devices were also mentioned.
  • AI Limitations: Some users found the AI too easy, even on hard mode, and noted that the AI doesn't effectively target the leading player. The Eyrie faction AI was specifically called out as being poor.
  • Lack of Cross-Platform Functionality: Users want transfer codes between Steam and Android, and wish to be able to play the game on Chromebooks.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Chromebook Compatibility: A significant number of users specifically requested Chromebook support.
  • Controller Support: One user requested controller support for the mobile version.
  • Expandable Action HUD: Users would like a larger or expandable action HUD for easier action selection.
  • Ability to Skip Battle Animations: Some users want the option to skip battle animations for faster gameplay.
  • Turn Off In-Game Tips: Some users want the option to disable in-game tips.
  • 6-Player Games: One user requested support for 6-player games.
  • Transfer Codes: Users want transfer codes between Steam and Android.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Faithful Adaptation: Users consistently praise the app as a well-executed and faithful adaptation of the Root board game.
  • Strategic Depth and Replayability: The game's asymmetrical factions and strategic complexity are highly valued, leading to high replayability.
  • Learning Tool: The app is seen as a valuable tool for learning the rules of the board game.
  • Single-Player Mode: The availability of a single-player mode with challenging AI opponents is appreciated.
  • Asynchronous Play: Asynchronous online play is a popular feature.
  • Cross-Platform Progress: The cross-platform progress feature is well-received.
  • Local Multiplayer: Local multiplayer on one device is appreciated.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Compatibility Issues: Investigate and resolve the compatibility issues reported by users after recent updates, especially regarding tablets and Chromebooks. Provide clear communication about device compatibility requirements.
  • Fix Online Disconnects: Prioritize fixing the online disconnect issues to improve the multiplayer experience.
  • Resolve Sound Hijacking: Implement a feature that allows users to play their own music or videos while using the app.
  • Improve UI/UX: Address the UI/UX concerns, particularly the small action HUD and target selection, to improve usability.

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance AI: Improve the AI's strategic decision-making, particularly for the Eyrie faction, and ensure it targets the leading player effectively.
  • Chromebook Support: Explore adding Chromebook support, given the recurring user requests.
  • Expand Action HUD: Add an option to expand the action HUD for easier action selection.
  • Allow Skipping Battle Animations: Implement an option to skip battle animations.
  • Offer Transfer Codes: Consider offering transfer codes for users who purchased the game on multiple platforms.

Low Priority:

  • Controller Support: Evaluate the feasibility of adding controller support.
  • In-Game Tips Toggle: Add an option to turn off in-game tips.
  • 6-Player Games: Assess the demand and technical feasibility of supporting 6-player games.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Board Game Adaptation Platform: A platform that provides tools and services for board game developers to create high-quality digital adaptations, focusing on cross-platform compatibility, robust online multiplayer, and intuitive UI/UX.
  • AI-Powered Board Game Tutor: An app that uses AI to teach users how to play complex board games, providing personalized guidance and adaptive challenges.
  • Cross-Platform Game Licensing Solution: A system that allows users to purchase a game once and play it on multiple platforms (e.g., Steam, Android, iOS) without having to repurchase it.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment: The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong foundation for the app.
  • Recurring Technical Issues: Technical issues, particularly after updates, are a recurring theme in negative reviews, suggesting a need for more thorough testing and quality assurance.
  • Community Engagement: The mention of a Discord server ("Woodland Warriors") suggests a strong and active community around the game. The developers' responsiveness to community feedback is also praised.
  • Desire for Cross-Platform Functionality: The desire for cross-platform compatibility and licensing is a clear trend, reflecting the growing expectation of seamless access across devices.

Conclusion

The Root Board Game app is a well-regarded adaptation of a popular tabletop game, with a strong positive user base. Addressing the identified pain points, particularly technical issues and UI/UX concerns, will further enhance the user experience and improve the app's overall rating. Focusing on cross-platform compatibility and community engagement will also be beneficial. Overall, the app is in a good position, and continued improvements based on user feedback will ensure its long-term success.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.direwolfdigital.root