Customer Reviews (100)

Leighann Lewis • 2025-03-25T07:01:10.425Z

I'm addicted I love it!

Peggy Bristow-Hamblin • 2025-03-25T04:47:32.174Z

Absolutely hooked! Memorizing graphics! Can't wait to see what I acquire each level!

Gillian Domer • 2025-03-25T03:12:43.373Z

enjoy this game. I understand the gems but, what are the coins for?

Summary of Key Insights

  • The Phase 10 app receives mixed reviews, with a significant number of users enjoying the core gameplay and finding it addictive. However, a substantial portion of users express frustration with the perceived unfairness of the AI, excessive ads, the energy system, and the push for in-app purchases. While the game is considered fun and reminiscent of the original card game, many feel the app is designed to incentivize spending rather than provide a balanced and enjoyable experience. The overall sentiment is polarized, with many 5-star reviews offset by strong negative feedback. The breakdown of reviews is heavily skewed towards 5-star reviews (60%), however the significant number of 1-star reviews (22%) indicates substantial issues.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews appear to be from a recent period (including mentions of 2025), suggesting the data is current.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis was performed based on star ratings and review text. Keyword extraction was used to identify recurring themes and pain points.

Key User Pain Points

  • Rigged AI/Unfair Difficulty: Many users complain that the AI opponents are unrealistically lucky, completing phases quickly and consistently, while the player receives unfavorable card distributions. This leads to frustration and a feeling that the game is designed to force players to spend money on power-ups.
  • Excessive Ads: Frequent ads between rounds disrupt the gameplay experience and are a major source of annoyance.
  • Energy System: The energy system limits the amount of gameplay possible without waiting or paying, which is perceived as restrictive and frustrating, especially when losing repeatedly due to the AI's perceived advantage. Users feel that energy is consumed too quickly, especially when failing a level multiple times.
  • Push for In-App Purchases: The combination of the rigged AI, limited energy, and the availability of power-ups creates a sense that the game is a "money pit," pushing players to spend money to progress.
  • Forced Tutorial/Unwanted Features: Some users dislike the mandatory tutorial and the inclusion of side games or events, preferring a straightforward Phase 10 experience. They specifically want the option to play a full game against AI without these distractions.
  • Glitches/Crashes: A few users reported game crashes, particularly after phone updates, leading to lost energy and frustration.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Option to Play a Full Game Against AI: Users want a classic Phase 10 experience without the journey mode, events, or energy restrictions.
  • Less Restrictive Energy System: Users want the energy to replenish faster or be removed entirely. Some suggest earning energy through watching ads.
  • Fairer AI: Users want the AI difficulty to be more balanced and less "rigged."
  • Fewer Ads: Users want fewer interruptions and the option to remove ads through a purchase.
  • More Ways to Earn Special Cards/Power-Ups: Users want more opportunities to acquire wilds and skips without spending money.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive Gameplay: Many users find the core Phase 10 gameplay engaging and addictive.
  • Reminiscent of the Original Card Game: Users appreciate that the app captures the essence of the traditional Phase 10 card game.
  • Fun and Relaxing: Some users find the game a relaxing way to pass time.
  • Challenging: Some users enjoy the game's challenging nature, although this is often overshadowed by complaints about unfair difficulty.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address AI Rigging Concerns: Investigate and adjust the AI's behavior to ensure a fairer and more balanced gameplay experience. This is the most frequently cited and impactful issue.
  • Reduce Ad Frequency: Significantly reduce the number of ads displayed between rounds or offer a reasonable one-time purchase to remove ads entirely.
  • Re-evaluate Energy System: Adjust the energy replenishment rate or reduce the energy cost per game. Consider offering alternative ways to earn energy, such as watching ads.

Medium Priority:

  • Offer a Classic Mode: Provide an option to play a full, uninterrupted game of Phase 10 against AI opponents without the journey mode, events, or energy restrictions.
  • Improve Game Stability: Address the reported crashing issues, particularly on specific devices or after updates.
  • Provide More Ways to Earn Special Cards: Implement more ways for players to earn wild and skip cards through gameplay, daily challenges, or other activities.

Low Priority:

  • Optional Tutorial: Make the tutorial optional for experienced players.
  • Clarify Coin Usage: Explain the purpose and usage of coins within the game.
  • Improve Event Integration: Make event participation optional and less intrusive for players who prefer the core Phase 10 experience.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Difficulty Scaling: Develop an AI system that dynamically adjusts the AI's difficulty based on the player's skill level, providing a personalized and challenging experience without feeling rigged.
  • Skill-Based Phase 10 Tournaments: Create a platform for competitive Phase 10 tournaments with entry fees and prize pools, focusing on skill and strategy rather than relying on in-app purchases.
  • Phase 10 Variant Card Game: Develop a physical card game variant that incorporates elements of the app, such as power-ups or special events, in a balanced and engaging way.
  • Customizable AI Opponents: Allow players to customize the difficulty or play style of AI opponents, creating a more personalized and enjoyable single-player experience.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Increases with Level Progression: Players tend to become more critical of the AI's behavior and the pressure to spend money as they progress through the game.
  • Energy System is a Recurring Complaint: The energy system is consistently mentioned as a major source of frustration across different review periods.
  • Desire for a Pure Phase 10 Experience: A significant number of users express a desire for a simple, straightforward Phase 10 game without the added complexities of events, tutorials, or energy restrictions.

Conclusion

The Phase 10 app has the potential to be a highly successful mobile game, but it is currently hindered by concerns about unfair AI, excessive ads, and a restrictive energy system. Addressing these issues, particularly the AI's behavior, is crucial for improving the user experience and fostering a more positive sentiment. By prioritizing fairness and balance over monetization, the developers can create a more enjoyable and engaging game that appeals to a wider audience. The most important recommendation is to address the rigged AI concerns as this is the most prominent and damaging issue.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mattel163.phase10