Customer Reviews (100)

Myliso Sakada Purnama Lukita • 2025-03-18T03:34:34.941Z

Bought at 2022,i prefer the free online version due of the cool cars abilities

S • 2025-03-07T05:18:05.694Z

One of a very few games I can recommend by kariosoft. Buy it you will love it, don't buy high sea saga you will hate it.

Devon Wenskunas • 2025-01-10T00:20:31.768Z

Great game. Lots of replayability. Only issue is I don't see how to remove saves without losing all carry over stuff

Summary of Key Insights

Grand Prix Story by Kairosoft is generally well-received, with a strong emphasis on its addictive gameplay, simple mechanics, and replayability. The game's management simulation aspects are appreciated, although some users find it lacking depth compared to other Kairosoft titles. A significant portion of reviews express a preference for this older, paid game over Kairosoft's newer, free-to-play offerings. The game is praised for its lack of intrusive ads and in-app purchase pressure. However, some users experience issues with game balance, limited career length, and technical problems on certain devices. There are also complaints about the difficulty of upgrading, unclear instructions, and save management.

Key Strengths:

  • Addictive and engaging gameplay
  • Simple and easy-to-understand mechanics
  • High replayability
  • No intrusive ads or in-app purchase pressure (compared to newer Kairosoft titles)
  • Fun management simulation aspects

Key Weaknesses:

  • Lack of depth compared to other Kairosoft games
  • Game balance issues (particularly in "New Game Plus" mode and on certain tracks)
  • Limited career length
  • Technical issues on specific devices (e.g., ChromeOS)
  • Unclear tutorial instructions
  • Tedious research point grind
  • Save management limitations
  • Some users experience difficulty upgrading and understanding menus

Overall Sentiment: Positive.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Based on the score distribution, the overall rating is high, likely around 4.4 - 4.6 stars.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 66%
    • 4-star: 10%
    • 3-star: 13%
    • 2-star: 6%
    • 1-star: 5%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span at least from 2022 to the present (based on the "Bought at 2022" review), but likely include older reviews as well.
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved reading and categorizing the reviews to identify recurring themes, sentiments, and feature requests. Keyword extraction was used to pinpoint frequently mentioned issues and positive aspects. Sentiment analysis was implicitly performed based on star ratings and review text.

Key User Pain Points

  • Game Balance Issues: Several users reported that the game becomes unbalanced, particularly in "New Game Plus" mode, where opponents become disproportionately difficult, even with upgraded vehicles and drivers. Off-road and icy roads are also mentioned as being excessively challenging.
  • Tedious Research Point Grind: The slow rate of earning research points is a common complaint, making it difficult to unlock new parts and upgrades.
  • Limited Career Length: Some users found the 14-year career length to be too short, especially considering the time it takes to unlock and upgrade everything.
  • Save Management: Users requested more save slots or the ability to overwrite old saves without losing carry-over bonuses.
  • Technical Issues: A few users reported technical problems, such as the game freezing mid-race or being unplayable on certain devices (e.g., ChromeOS) due to button unresponsiveness.
  • Unclear Instructions/Menus: Several users found the tutorial instructions unclear and the menu system confusing, making it difficult to understand how to upgrade vehicles and progress in the game.
  • Upgrade Difficulty: Some users found upgrading cars difficult or tedious.
  • Installation Issues: A few users have experienced issues with not being able to reinstall the game after getting a new phone or tablet without repurchasing it.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Longer Career Mode: A 50-year career option was specifically suggested.
  • More Save Slots/Overwrite Functionality: The ability to manage save files more effectively was requested.
  • More Vehicles/Parts: Users requested more vehicle options and upgrades, especially for off-road and icy tracks.
  • Motorcycle Themed Game: One user specifically requested a motorcycle shop simulator.
  • Thai Language Support: One user requested Thai language support.
  • Team Abilities Added Up: One user requested that the team abilities are added up.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive Gameplay: Many users described the game as addictive and engaging, leading to long play sessions.
  • Simplicity: The game's simple mechanics and easy-to-understand interface were praised, making it accessible to new players.
  • Replayability: Users reported playing the game multiple times over the years, highlighting its high replay value.
  • Nostalgia: Many users consider this one of the best Kairosoft titles, especially compared to their newer, free-to-play games.
  • No Intrusive Ads/IAPs: The absence of constant advertisements and pressure to make in-app purchases was a major positive.
  • Fun Management Simulation: The management aspects of the game, such as training drivers, acquiring sponsors, and developing vehicles, were well-received.
  • Easter Eggs: Some users enjoyed the game's Easter eggs and references to Formula 1.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Game Balance Issues: Investigate and rebalance the difficulty in "New Game Plus" mode and on specific tracks (off-road, icy). This is a recurring complaint that significantly impacts user enjoyment.
  • Fix Technical Issues: Resolve the reported technical problems on ChromeOS and other devices. Address the mid-race freezing issue, as this makes the game unplayable for affected users.
  • Clarify Tutorial and Menu System: Improve the tutorial instructions and menu system to make it easier for new players to understand how to upgrade vehicles and progress in the game. Consider adding tooltips or more detailed explanations.
  • Address Installation Issues: Resolve the issue of users having to repurchase the game on new devices.

Medium Priority:

  • Increase Career Length: Consider adding an option for a longer career mode (e.g., 50 years) to provide more long-term engagement.
  • Improve Save Management: Implement more save slots or allow users to overwrite old saves without losing carry-over bonuses.
  • Rebalance Research Point Acquisition: Increase the rate at which research points are earned or reduce the cost of upgrades to alleviate the tedious grind.

Low Priority:

  • Add More Vehicles/Parts: While not critical, adding more vehicle options and upgrades could enhance the game's replayability and customization options.
  • Consider Language Support: Explore the feasibility of adding language support for requested languages like Thai.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Kairosoft-Style Game Engine: Develop a game engine specifically tailored for creating Kairosoft-style simulation games, providing developers with the tools and assets to easily create engaging and addictive management sims.
  • Motorcycle Management Game: Capitalize on the user's request for a motorcycle shop simulator. This could involve building and customizing motorcycles, managing a team of mechanics, and competing in races.
  • Mobile Game Account Management Service: Create a service that ensures users can easily reinstall paid mobile games on new devices without having to repurchase them, addressing a common pain point.

Trends and Observations

  • Preference for Paid Games: A significant trend is the preference for Kairosoft's older, paid games over their newer, free-to-play titles. Users appreciate the lack of intrusive ads and in-app purchase pressure in the older games.
  • Nostalgia: There's a strong sense of nostalgia associated with Grand Prix Story, with users frequently returning to play it.
  • Language Preferences: While most reviews are in English, there are requests for Thai language support, indicating a potential market in Thailand.

Conclusion

Grand Prix Story remains a popular and well-regarded game due to its addictive gameplay, simple mechanics, and high replayability. However, addressing the identified pain points, particularly game balance issues, technical problems, and unclear instructions, is crucial to maintaining its positive reputation and user satisfaction. Capitalizing on the preference for paid games and the desire for new content can further enhance the game's appeal. Overall, the game is a success and a testament to the quality of Kairosoft's classic titles, but continued improvements are needed to ensure its longevity.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.kairosoft.android.paddock_en