Customer Reviews (500)

bob@lvgb • 2025-03-16T15:18:36-07:00

Best game ever!

Grg144 • 2024-09-30T12:00:47-07:00

Still my fave

A game with possibilities • 2024-09-20T09:46:48-07:00

The Spider game is much more fun to play on OS than my computer since all spots don’t have to be filled to bring more cards down. It’s annoying that when you let the game move cards, it won’t use those without more cards under them plus it avoids those with kings underneath and puts them on queens instead.

Summary of Key Insights

  • Overall, the "Spider ▻ Solitaire +" app enjoys very high user satisfaction, reflected in its overwhelmingly positive review scores. The app is praised for its engaging gameplay, multiple difficulty levels, and relaxing qualities.
  • Key Strengths: Addictive gameplay, variety of difficulty levels, smooth performance, customizable options (card size, themes), offline play, and the option to remove ads via purchase.
  • Key Weaknesses: Bugs related to recent updates causing display issues (especially on newer iPhones), ads returning after purchase, lack of a "restart" or "go back to start" button, repetitive game patterns, and occasional issues with the hint system. Some users dislike the Game Center integration.
  • Overall Sentiment: Highly positive. The app has a strong, loyal user base.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.8 stars (based on the provided score distribution).
    • Score Distribution: 90% of reviews are 5-star, indicating very high satisfaction. 5.8% are 4-star, 1.4% are 3-star, 1.6% are 2-star, and 1.4% are 1-star. The vast majority of users are very happy with the app.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a significant period, as indicated by mentions of past updates (7.11, 7.17) and references to playing the game for years.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual analysis was conducted, involving identifying recurring themes, sentiment classification (positive, negative, neutral), and keyword extraction to pinpoint strengths, weaknesses, and feature requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Display Issues on Newer iPhones: Several users with iPhone 12 and later models report that the game doesn't fit the screen correctly, leading to inaccurate touch registration and cards being partially off-screen. This is a critical issue impacting usability.
  • Ads Returning After Purchase: A recurring complaint is that users who paid to remove ads are still experiencing them, which is a breach of promise and highly frustrating.
  • Lack of "Restart" Button: Many users desire a quick way to restart a game without having to repeatedly tap the "undo" button. This impacts user convenience and time spent on the game.
  • Repetitive Game Patterns: Some users feel the game deals become repetitive, reducing the challenge and enjoyment over time.
  • Hint System Issues: The hint system is occasionally criticized for not showing all possible moves or for making suboptimal suggestions.
  • Accidental Back Button Press (iPad): iPad users sometimes accidentally hit the back button, disrupting their game.
  • Annoying Game Center Integration: Some users find the Game Center login prompts annoying.
  • Bugs with Settings: Some users are reporting that settings like sound on/off don't work.

Frequently Requested Features

  • "Restart" or "New Game" Button on the Game Screen: A quicker way to start a new game.
  • More Game Variety/Randomization: Users want less repetition in the card deals.
  • Cloud Syncing: Sync progress across multiple devices (iPhone and iPad).
  • Forward/Redo Button: Complement the undo button with a redo functionality.
  • More Customization Options: More card designs, backgrounds, and themes.
  • Game Numbering: Assign a unique number to each game so users can replay specific deals or share them with friends.
  • Improved Hint System: A more comprehensive and intelligent hint system.
  • Option to Move Piles Regardless of Suit (Sometimes): Allow moving piles even if the suits don't match, as long as the rank is in order. This could be a special mode or power-up.
  • Percentage of Games Won: Display the win/loss ratio for each difficulty level.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive Gameplay: Users consistently describe the game as highly addictive and engaging.
  • Multiple Difficulty Levels: The range of difficulty levels caters to a wide audience, from beginners to experienced players.
  • Smooth Performance: The game generally runs smoothly and is stable, with few crashes reported.
  • Customizable Options: Users appreciate the ability to customize card size, card backs, and backgrounds.
  • Offline Play: The game can be played without an internet connection, making it convenient for travel or situations with limited connectivity.
  • No Ads (with Purchase): Users who purchase the ad-free version appreciate the uninterrupted gameplay.
  • Easy to Use: The tap-to-move functionality and intuitive interface make the game easy to learn and play.
  • Relaxing and Brain Training: Many users find the game relaxing and a good way to keep their minds sharp.
  • Keeps Track of Stats: Many users enjoy seeing their stats for number of games played, best scores, etc.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Display Issues on Newer iPhones: This is a critical bug that renders the game unplayable for some users. (Severity: Critical, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Resolve "Ads Returning After Purchase" Issue: Ensure that users who paid for the ad-free version do not see ads. This is a breach of trust. (Severity: Critical, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Fix Non-Functional Settings (Sound, etc.): Ensure settings are functioning as expected. (Severity: High, Frequency: Low)

Medium Priority:

  • Add "Restart" Button: Implement a quick restart button on the game screen to improve user convenience. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: High)
  • Improve Game Randomization: Reduce repetitive game patterns to enhance long-term engagement. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Medium)
  • Address Hint System Issues: Improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the hint system. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Low)
  • Move Back Button on iPad: Reposition the back button on the iPad version to prevent accidental presses. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Low)

Low Priority:

  • Add Forward/Redo Button: Consider adding a redo button for greater control over moves. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • More Customization Options: Expand customization options to include more card designs, backgrounds, and themes. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Implement Cloud Syncing: Enable progress syncing across multiple devices. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Add Game Numbering: Assign unique numbers to games for replayability and sharing. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Option to Move Piles Regardless of Suit (Special Mode): This could add a twist to the gameplay. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Percentage of Games Won: Add a win/loss ratio display. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Consider Making All Easy and Medium Games Winnable: Test and ensure that all games in these levels are designed to be solvable. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Personalized Difficulty: Implement an AI-powered difficulty adjustment that learns the user's skill level and dynamically adjusts the game's difficulty.
  • Social Spider Solitaire: Introduce a multiplayer mode where users can compete against each other in real-time or collaborate to solve challenging deals.
  • Spider Solitaire Training App: Develop an app that teaches users advanced strategies and techniques for solving Spider Solitaire puzzles.
  • Subscription Model for Daily Challenges: Offer a subscription service that provides users with unique, curated daily challenges with leaderboards and rewards.
  • Spider Solitaire Puzzle Generator: Create an app or tool that allows users to generate custom Spider Solitaire puzzles with specific parameters (e.g., number of suits, difficulty level).

Trends and Observations

  • Impact of iOS Updates: Several reviews mention issues arising after iOS updates, indicating a need for thorough testing on new iOS versions.
  • Desire for Ad-Free Experience: The willingness of users to pay for an ad-free version suggests a strong preference for uninterrupted gameplay.
  • Long-Term Engagement: Many users have been playing the game for years, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
  • Language Preference: The reviews are primarily in English, but there are some in Spanish, indicating a need for multilingual support.

Conclusion

"Spider ▻ Solitaire +" is a highly successful app with a loyal user base. While the core gameplay is well-received, recent updates have introduced critical bugs that need immediate attention. Addressing these issues, along with incorporating frequently requested features, will further enhance the user experience and solidify the app's position as a top choice for Spider Solitaire enthusiasts. The overall recommendation is to prioritize bug fixes and address user feedback to maintain the app's high rating and user satisfaction.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spider-solitaire/id552517300?uo=2