Summary of Key Insights

• Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition is generally well-received, with many players praising its removal of ads and energy restrictions. However, a significant number of users express disappointment over the lack of updates and missing features compared to the free version (Shadow Fight 2), particularly the absence of enchantments, raids, and eclipse mode. The difficulty of the final boss, Titan, is a recurring complaint. There is a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the core gameplay, but frustration with the perceived abandonment of this paid version in favor of the free-to-play model.

• Key Strengths: No ads, unlimited energy, nostalgic appeal, fun core gameplay, easier gem acquisition.

• Key Weaknesses: Lack of updates, missing features (enchantments, raids, eclipse mode), unbalanced difficulty (especially Titan), bugs, scaling issues on newer devices.

• Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While many users appreciate the core gameplay and lack of monetization pressures, there's significant dissatisfaction with the lack of updates and missing features.

• Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (implied): Approximately 4.0 stars (based on score distribution).
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5 stars: 53% (265/500)
    • 4 stars: 15.4% (77/500)
    • 3 stars: 9.6% (48/500)
    • 2 stars: 4.6% (23/500)
    • 1 star: 17.4% (87/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

• Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
• Time Frame of Reviews: The reviews span a considerable period, with some mentioning updates from 2017 and others written recently. This suggests a long-standing issue with the lack of updates.
• Analysis Methods:
  • Sentiment Analysis: Used to gauge the overall emotional tone of the reviews (positive, negative, neutral).
  • Keyword Extraction: Identified frequently mentioned topics, features, and complaints.
  • Content Analysis: Manually reviewed reviews to understand the context and nuances of user feedback.

Key User Pain Points

• Lack of Updates: This is the most significant pain point. Users feel the game has been abandoned by the developers, with no new content or bug fixes.
• Missing Features: The absence of enchantments, raids, eclipse mode, and other content from the free version is a major source of frustration. Users feel they paid for a "special edition" that is actually inferior in terms of features.
• Titan's Difficulty: Many users find Titan to be excessively difficult, often citing overpowered abilities like life steal and unblockable attacks. This leads to frustration and a feeling of unfairness.
• Bugs and Glitches: Several users reported bugs, such as the game freezing, not being able to access the store, progress loss, and graphical glitches.
• Scaling Issues: Some users reported that the game doesn't scale properly on newer devices, leading to a poor visual experience.
• Inability to Replay Content: After defeating Titan, many users report a lack of replayability due to the absence of Eclipse Mode or a New Game+ feature.
• Lost Progress: Some users have reported that their progress was lost.

Frequently Requested Features

• Updates with new content (like the original Shadow Fight 2): This includes new story chapters, weapons, and game modes.
• Enchantments: The ability to enchant weapons is highly desired.
• Raids/Underworld: Users want the online raid mode from the free version.
• Eclipse Mode: The ability to replay boss fights with increased difficulty.
• Controller Support: Some users requested controller support for a better gaming experience.
• Cloud Saves: To prevent progress loss.
• Full-Screen Support for Newer Devices: To fix scaling issues.
• New Game+: A way to replay the game with existing gear.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

• No Ads: Users greatly appreciate the absence of intrusive advertisements.
• Unlimited Energy: The removal of energy restrictions allows for extended gameplay sessions.
• Nostalgic Appeal: Many users have fond memories of playing the original Shadow Fight 2 and enjoy revisiting the game.
• Fun Core Gameplay: The fighting mechanics and character progression are generally well-liked.
• Easier Gem Acquisition: Compared to the original, it's easier to obtain gems, allowing users to acquire better equipment.
• Sensei's Story: The additional story chapter featuring Sensei is a welcome addition.
• Offline Play: The ability to play offline is a major advantage for many users.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

• Address the Lack of Updates: Release an update that includes at least some of the missing features from the original Shadow Fight 2 (enchantments, raids/underworld, eclipse mode). This is critical to improving user satisfaction and retaining players.
• Rebalance Titan's Difficulty: Adjust Titan's abilities to make the fight more challenging but less frustrating. Consider reducing his life steal or making some of his attacks more telegraphed.
• Fix Game-Breaking Bugs: Prioritize fixing the most severe bugs, such as the game freezing, inability to access the store, and progress loss.
• Implement Cloud Saves: Cloud saves should be implemented to prevent user progress loss.

Medium Priority:

• Implement Controller Support: Adding controller support would enhance the gaming experience for many users.
• Add Full-Screen Support for Newer Devices: Address scaling issues on newer devices to improve the visual experience.
• Add New Game+: Implement a New Game+ mode to increase replayability.

Low Priority:

• Consider Adding a Creative Mode: Explore the possibility of adding a creative mode where players can create their own storylines and content.
• Revisit the In-App Purchase Model: Consider adding optional in-app purchases for cosmetic items or other non-essential features.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

• A "Shadow Fight 2 Content Pack" Startup: A startup could create and sell content packs for Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition, providing new weapons, armor, and story chapters.
• A Mobile Game Modding Platform: A platform that allows users to create and share mods for mobile games like Shadow Fight 2.
• A Fighting Game Difficulty Balancing Service: A service that helps game developers balance the difficulty of their fighting games based on user feedback.

Trends and Observations

• Language Preferences: Reviews are predominantly in English, but there are also a significant number of reviews in Russian and Chinese.
• Shift in Sentiment Over Time: Older reviews are generally more positive, while more recent reviews express greater frustration with the lack of updates.
• Recurring Theme of Nostalgia: Many users mention playing the original Shadow Fight 2 as children, highlighting the game's enduring appeal.

Conclusion

Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition has a strong foundation with its engaging gameplay and ad-free experience. However, its lack of updates and missing features are significantly detracting from the user experience. By addressing these issues, Nekki can revitalize the game and retain its loyal player base. Prioritizing updates, bug fixes, and rebalancing the final boss difficulty are crucial steps to improving user satisfaction. The addition of the missing features will bring the Special Edition in line with the original and improve the overall experience.

Overall Recommendation: Nekki should prioritize updating Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition with content parity to the free version and addressing the issues detailed above. This will improve user satisfaction and justify the game's premium price.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shadow-fight-2-special-edition/id1261834568?uo=2