Customer Reviews (500)

JaceRollins • 2025-03-22T20:00:17-07:00

Great game overall, but it’s pay to win. So just note that when you play.

Billy's Motorcycle Ipod • 2025-03-22T04:19:37-07:00

I only play this game. It's the best of the best so far. But I love baseball more than any sport. I love this game!

Pretty good starter • 2025-03-21T13:46:25-07:00

I think it’s ok. Honestly not the best baseball video game out there but when it comes to baseball games Om your phone I would try this one first. The in game animation could use some work but the everything else is ok. Needs more storage though

Summary of Key Insights

  • MLB 9 Innings 25 receives generally positive feedback, with many users praising its gameplay and realism. However, concerns about the "pay-to-win" aspect, glitches, and desired features are prevalent. The overall sentiment is positive, but a significant minority express frustration.
  • Strengths: Engaging gameplay, realistic representation of MLB, variety of game modes, and inclusion of current and historical players.
  • Weaknesses: Perceived "pay-to-win" model, glitches/bugs (freezing, loading issues, data loss), outdated graphics for some, and limitations in player control/customization.
  • Overall Rating: The app has a generally positive rating.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 66% (330/500)
    • 4-star: 13.6% (68/500)
    • 3-star: 5.2% (26/500)
    • 2-star: 4% (20/500)
    • 1-star: 11.2% (56/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews appear to be recent, likely within the last few weeks/months of the current date.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: General assessment of positive, negative, or neutral tones in reviews.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned words and phrases related to features, bugs, and user experience.
    • Categorization: Grouping reviews based on common themes (e.g., "pay-to-win," "glitches," "feature requests").

Key User Pain Points

  • Pay-to-Win (P2W) Model: Many users feel that success in the game heavily relies on spending real money, creating an uneven playing field. This is the most frequently cited negative point.
    • Impact: Frustration for free-to-play users, perception of unfairness, discouragement from long-term engagement.
  • Glitches and Bugs: Several users reported technical issues such as freezing, crashing, loading problems, and loss of progress.
    • Impact: Game instability, loss of progress, frustration, and negative impact on overall enjoyment.
  • Lack of Control/Customization: Some users feel limited in their control over defensive plays, base running, and other aspects of gameplay. Limited customization options were also mentioned.
    • Impact: Reduced strategic depth, less immersive experience, and a feeling of being disconnected from the game.
  • Outdated Graphics: Some users feel that the graphics are outdated and not up to par with other mobile games.
    • Impact: Reduced visual appeal, less immersive experience.
  • Inconsistent Pricing/Charging Issues: Some users reported being charged more for in-app purchases than the listed price.
    • Impact: Distrust, frustration, and potential financial loss.
  • Difficulty Upgrading Players: Users find it excessively difficult and expensive to upgrade players without spending real money.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Trading Players: The ability to trade players with other users is a highly requested feature.
  • Career Mode/Road to the Show: A career mode where users can create and develop their own player.
  • Improved AI: Users desire better AI for computer-controlled opponents, particularly in pinch-hitting situations.
  • Controller Support: Compatibility with external controllers for enhanced gameplay.
  • More Realistic Gameplay/Physics: Users want more realistic player movements, ball physics, and game outcomes.
  • More Historical Players: Inclusion of additional legendary players from different eras.
  • Home Run Derby: Addition of a Home Run Derby mode.
  • Better Rewards: Users want more generous and valuable daily rewards.
  • Improved Graphics: Updated graphics and player models for a more modern look.
  • Live PvP Games: The ability to watch live player vs player games.
  • Option to Turn off Chat: Request to remove or disable the chat feature.
  • More Team Uniforms: More alternate and City Connect uniforms.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Engaging Gameplay: Many users find the gameplay fun and addictive.
  • Realism: The game is praised for its realistic representation of MLB, including stadiums, players, and stats.
  • Variety of Game Modes: Users appreciate the different game modes available.
  • MLB Licensing: The official MLB license and inclusion of real players are major selling points.
  • Free-to-Play Accessibility: Some users find the game enjoyable even without spending money.
  • Team Building: The team-building aspect of the game is engaging.
  • Constant Updates: Users appreciate the frequent updates and new content.
  • Authentic Baseball Experience: The game captures the essence of baseball.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Glitches and Bugs: Immediately investigate and fix reported issues such as freezing, crashing, and data loss. This should be the top priority to ensure a stable and enjoyable user experience.
  • Re-evaluate Monetization Model: Review the pricing of in-app purchases and consider alternative monetization strategies that are less aggressive and more balanced for free-to-play users. Transparency in drop rates is also crucial.
  • Implement Player Trading: Develop and implement a player trading system to enhance team building and user engagement.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve AI: Enhance the AI of computer-controlled opponents to make the game more challenging and realistic.
  • Enhance Graphics: Update the graphics and player models to improve visual appeal and competitiveness with other mobile games.
  • Implement Controller Support: Add support for external controllers to provide a more console-like gaming experience.
  • Add Career Mode: Develop a career mode where players can create and develop their own players.

Low Priority:

  • Add More Historical Players: Expand the roster of historical players to cater to nostalgic fans.
  • Implement Home Run Derby Mode: Add a Home Run Derby mode for a fun, alternative gameplay experience.
  • Improve Commentary: Address the issues with the play-by-play commentary.
  • Add Option to Disable Chat: Provide an option to disable the chat feature for users who are not interested in it.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • MLB 9 Innings Companion App: A separate app that provides tools and resources for MLB 9 Innings players, such as:
    • Trading Platform: A dedicated platform for trading players with advanced search and filtering options.
    • Team Builder: A tool for planning and optimizing team lineups.
    • Strategy Guides: Community-driven guides and tips for improving gameplay.
  • Baseball Game Streaming Platform: A platform specifically for streaming MLB 9 Innings games, with features such as:
    • Live Commentary: Community-based commentary and analysis.
    • Betting System: A virtual betting system where users can wager in-game currency on matches.
    • Tournament Hosting: Tools for organizing and managing tournaments.
  • Personalized Baseball Training App: An app that uses MLB 9 Innings data to provide personalized training recommendations for real-life baseball players, focusing on areas such as:
    • Hitting Analysis: Analyzing swing data to identify areas for improvement.
    • Pitching Analysis: Providing feedback on pitch selection and accuracy.
    • Skill Development: Recommending drills and exercises to improve specific skills.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: A significant portion of reviews are written in Spanish, suggesting a strong Hispanic player base.
  • Pay-to-Win Concerns: The "pay-to-win" sentiment is a recurring theme across multiple reviews, indicating a persistent issue.
  • Nostalgia: Many users express nostalgia for older versions of the game, suggesting an opportunity to incorporate elements from those versions into the current game.
  • Desire for Realism: Users consistently request more realistic gameplay, graphics, and player representation.

Conclusion

MLB 9 Innings 25 is a popular mobile baseball game with a dedicated player base. However, addressing the "pay-to-win" concerns, fixing glitches, and implementing frequently requested features are crucial for improving user satisfaction and long-term engagement. By focusing on these areas, the developers can enhance the game's appeal and solidify its position as a top mobile baseball title. A shift towards a more balanced monetization model and a focus on realism and customization would greatly benefit the game.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mlb-9-innings-25/id1059665257?uo=2