Customer Reviews (500)

Foxie Lee • 2025-03-17T10:21:57-07:00

I have had this wonderful card app for years and it is so nice to play. Today’s update made it even better. The graphics are awesome with all kind of options to make your game play perfect. A big THANKS to the developer for caring about your app and making it better for a grandma like me. I play almost every day.

sealyric • 2025-03-15T12:02:36-07:00

The automatic restart “feature” that was added in the latest update is an unnecessary downgrade. Instead of just one tap for a new game you watch a timer for it to start. Minor but irritating and a time waster, a bug not a feature for me. YMMV. Otherwise a great app.

Prescott 19 • 2024-12-10T07:07:54-07:00

I love this game. Play it everyday, but it seems like a few updates are in order. Cards need to be reshuffled and new background like for Thanksgiving etc.

Summary of Key Insights

Real Solitaire Pro for iPad is generally well-received, with users appreciating its ad-free experience, ease of use, classic gameplay, and customizable themes (especially Halloween and Christmas). However, some users have reported issues with the fairness of the card shuffling algorithm, the frequency of unwinnable games, and bugs introduced in updates. There are consistent requests for more customization options (wallpapers, card backs, and themes). While the overall sentiment is positive, addressing the shuffling algorithm and bug fixes should be prioritized.

  • Strengths: Ad-free, easy to use, classic gameplay, customizable backgrounds and card designs (especially seasonal themes), the "not winnable" feature (although divisive), smooth gameplay.
  • Weaknesses: Perceived unfair shuffling algorithm, frequent unwinnable games, occasional bugs introduced by updates, limited customization options, nagging for reviews.
  • Overall Sentiment: Positive, with a large majority of 5-star reviews.
  • Overall Rating: High (based on review distribution).
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 75.4%, 4-star: 11.6%, 3-star: 3.6%, 2-star: 1.4%, 1-star: 8%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, from the app's initial release to recent updates.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on the language used.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned words and phrases related to features, issues, and requests.
    • Categorical Analysis: Grouping reviews based on common themes and topics (e.g., bugs, feature requests, gameplay experience).

Key User Pain Points

  • Unfair Shuffling Algorithm/Frequent Unwinnable Games: Many users complain that the game deals too many unwinnable hands, even right from the start. This is a recurring and significant source of frustration.
  • Bugs Introduced by Updates: Several reviews mention that updates sometimes introduce bugs, such as crashes, loss of settings, and jerky animation. This negatively impacts the user experience and erodes trust in updates.
  • Nagging for Reviews: Some users find the app's requests for reviews annoying, especially in the paid version.
  • Sound Issues: Some users reported issues with sound disappearing.
  • Loss of Scores/Settings: Users have experienced losing their scores and settings after updates.
  • Difficulty Winning Vegas Style: Some find Vegas mode too difficult to win.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Customization Options:
    • More wallpapers (especially holiday-themed, seasonal, and animated).
    • More card back designs.
    • Option to use custom photos for card backs.
  • Improved Shuffling Algorithm: Users want a more random and fair shuffling algorithm that reduces the frequency of unwinnable games.
  • Easier Handedness Switching: A quicker way to switch between right-handed and left-handed layouts (e.g., a button on the main screen).
  • Larger Undo Button: Some users would like a larger undo button.
  • Ability to Reset Vegas Mode Bank: The ability to reset the bank in Vegas mode without having to toggle the mode off and on.
  • Show Scoring Method: A clear explanation of how the scoring is calculated.
  • Continuous Scoring System: A scoring system that carries over between games.
  • Option for Completely Random Deals: Some users want assurance of completely random deals.
  • Autostack Cards on Phone Version: Request for the phone version to autostack cards like the iPad version.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ad-Free Experience: Users consistently praise the app for being ad-free.
  • Ease of Use: The game is generally considered easy to learn and play.
  • Classic Gameplay: Users appreciate the traditional Klondike Solitaire experience.
  • Customizable Themes: The Halloween and Christmas themes are especially popular, with users praising the animated backgrounds and card designs.
  • "Not Winnable" Feature: While divisive, some users find the "not winnable" feature helpful for avoiding wasted time.
  • Smooth Gameplay: Many users mention that the game runs smoothly.
  • Offline Play: The ability to play without an internet connection is appreciated.
  • Retina Display Support: The app is optimized for Retina displays.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Investigate and Improve Shuffling Algorithm: Address the perceived unfairness of the shuffling algorithm and the frequency of unwinnable games. This is the most significant and recurring complaint.
  • Implement Rigorous Testing for Updates: Thoroughly test updates before release to prevent introducing bugs that disrupt gameplay. Prioritize stability.
  • Fix Existing Bugs: Address current sound issues, graphic glitches, and crashing issues.

Medium Priority:

  • Expand Customization Options: Add more wallpapers, card backs, and holiday themes. Consider allowing users to use custom photos for card backs.
  • Improve Handedness Switching: Implement a quicker and more convenient way to switch between right-handed and left-handed layouts.
  • Re-evaluate Review Request Frequency: Reduce the frequency of review requests, especially for paid users. Consider alternative methods for gathering feedback.
  • Address Vegas Mode Difficulty: Evaluate and adjust the difficulty of Vegas mode to make it more balanced and enjoyable.

Low Priority:

  • Larger Undo Button: Increase the size of the undo button for easier access.
  • Implement Reset Vegas Bank Feature: Add an option to reset the bank in Vegas mode without toggling the mode.
  • Show Scoring Method: Provide a clear explanation of the scoring calculations.
  • Consider Phone/iPad Feature Parity: Address the autostack request for the phone version.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Solitaire Assistant: An app that analyzes the current game state and provides strategic suggestions to improve the player's chances of winning.
  • Solitaire Theme Marketplace: A platform where users can create, share, and sell custom solitaire themes (wallpapers, card designs, sound effects).
  • Social Solitaire: A solitaire game with integrated social features, such as leaderboards, challenges, and the ability to play against friends.

Trends and Observations

  • Seasonal Themes Drive Engagement: The Halloween and Christmas themes are consistently mentioned as positive aspects of the app, suggesting that seasonal content is a good way to keep users engaged.
  • Long-Term User Base: Many users have been playing the game for years, indicating strong loyalty.
  • Update-Related Issues Impact Sentiment: Negative reviews often spike after updates due to introduced bugs.
  • Language Preference: Predominantly English reviews, with a small number in Spanish ("Llevo muchos años con este juego y es para mi el mejor").

Conclusion

Real Solitaire Pro for iPad is a popular and well-regarded app, but addressing the issues with the shuffling algorithm and update stability is crucial for maintaining its positive reputation. Expanding customization options and improving usability would further enhance the user experience. By focusing on these recommendations, the developers can ensure that Real Solitaire Pro remains a top choice for solitaire enthusiasts.

Overall, the app is recommended, but addressing the prioritized action recommendations is essential for long-term success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/real-solitaire-pro-for-ipad/id364895318?uo=2