Customer Reviews (142)

Wasteofmoney$$$$ • 2025-03-19T16:57:36-07:00

Edit - it’s better lately. I’ll keep re-upping the rating as connectivity is maintained over time. Thank you. The game is amazing. If only the server was. It’s down for hours, almost daily. And it’s not a free app.

frankes1122 • 2025-03-11T18:59:03-07:00

I enjoy the game, but everytime I go to play the servers are down. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Nicknamepancake • 2025-03-08T18:07:03-07:00

yes it’s epic

Summary of Key Insights

The Codenames app is generally well-received, with users praising its faithful adaptation of the board game, engaging single-player content, and the absence of in-app purchases. However, a significant pain point is server connectivity issues, which frequently disrupt gameplay. Users also desire additional features, such as a Duet mode and faster gameplay options. The initial launch was plagued by a language issue (Czech instead of English), which has since been resolved, but it highlights the importance of thorough testing before release. Overall sentiment is positive, but the server issues and feature requests need to be addressed to improve user satisfaction.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.4 stars (based on the score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: ~61% (87/142)
  • 4-Star Reviews: ~15% (22/142)
  • 3-Star Reviews: ~9% (13/142)
  • 2-Star Reviews: ~5% (7/142)
  • 1-Star Reviews: ~9% (13/142)

Key Strengths: Faithful adaptation, engaging single-player modes, no in-app purchases, varied gameplay options. Key Weaknesses: Server connectivity issues, slow gameplay due to asynchronous multiplayer, missing Duet mode.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 142 reviews
  • Time Frame: Unspecified, but reviews appear to be relatively recent (covering launch issues and ongoing server problems).
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (identifying positive, negative, and neutral comments), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned issues and features), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common topics).

Key User Pain Points

  • Server Connectivity Issues: The most frequently mentioned problem. Users report frequent disconnections, inability to connect, and server downtime lasting for hours. This significantly impacts the user experience, making the app unusable at times.
  • Slow Gameplay (Asynchronous Multiplayer): Many users find the asynchronous multiplayer mode too slow, with long waits between turns. This reduces engagement and can make the game feel tedious.
  • Jury System Issues: Some users are frustrated with the jury system, citing approval of inappropriate or ambiguous words.
  • Initial Language Issue (Czech): While resolved, the initial launch with the app defaulting to Czech created a negative first impression for many users.
  • Connection Required for Local Play: Some users report that even the "pass and play" mode requires an internet connection, which is frustrating when servers are down.
  • Game Progress Loss: Some users have reported losing game progress due to issues with iCloud and Game Center.
  • Crashing Issues: Some users have reported the app crashing frequently.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Codenames Duet Mode: The most requested feature is the addition of the Codenames Duet game mode, which is designed for two players.
  • Faster Gameplay Options: Users want options for faster-paced games, such as timers for turns or a "blitz" mode.
  • AI Opponents: Many users want the ability to play against AI opponents, especially in friend games and single-player modes.
  • More Words: Some users feel the base card set is becoming stale and request more words, especially for the basic game mode.
  • Improved Friend Finding: Users would like easier ways to find and connect with friends within the app.
  • Ability to Delete Completed Games Easily: Easier way to delete completed games.
  • Improved Clue Validation: Users want more consistent and accurate validation of clues.
  • More Single Player Content: Some users want more single-player content to keep them entertained while waiting for turns in multiplayer games.
  • Ranked System: Some users have requested a ranked system.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Faithful Adaptation: Users appreciate that the app accurately recreates the gameplay of the original Codenames board game.
  • Engaging Single-Player Content: The daily missions, spymaster scenarios, and other single-player modes are well-received and provide a good way to practice and improve skills.
  • No In-App Purchases: Users appreciate that the app is a one-time purchase with no additional costs or microtransactions.
  • Variety of Game Modes: The app offers a variety of game modes and customizations, keeping the gameplay fresh and interesting.
  • Well-Designed Interface: The app is generally considered to have a clean, intuitive, and polished interface.
  • Progression System: Users enjoy the leveling system, achievements, and unlockable content.
  • Pass and Play Mode: The ability to play locally with friends on a single device is a popular feature.
  • Jury System: Many users appreciate the jury system as a way to add new words to the game.
  • Active Community: Some users have reported a fun and engaging community.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Server Stability: Address the server connectivity issues immediately. This is the most critical problem and is severely impacting the user experience. Invest in infrastructure upgrades and implement robust monitoring and alerting systems.
  • Implement Codenames Duet Mode: Add the Codenames Duet mode as soon as possible. This is the most requested feature and would significantly increase the app's appeal to two-player households.

Medium Priority:

  • Add Faster Gameplay Options: Introduce options for faster-paced games, such as timers for turns or a "blitz" mode. This would cater to users who want a more immediate and engaging experience.
  • Allow Offline Play for Pass and Play: Ensure that the "pass and play" mode can be played offline, without requiring an internet connection.
  • Improve the Jury System: Refine the jury system to prevent the approval of inappropriate or ambiguous words. Implement stricter guidelines and potentially add developer oversight.
  • Fix Game Progress Loss Issues: Resolve issues with game progress loss.

Low Priority:

  • Add AI Opponents: While requested, AI opponents are less critical than addressing the core gameplay issues and adding Duet mode.
  • Increase Word Variety: Gradually add more words to the base card set to keep the gameplay fresh.
  • Improve Friend Finding: Simplify the process of finding and connecting with friends within the app.
  • Address minor UI issues (eg. deleting completed games)
  • Investigate and fix crashing issues.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Clue Suggestion Tool: Develop an AI-powered tool that suggests clues to spymasters, taking into account the words on the board and the target words. This could help new players learn the game and provide inspiration for experienced players.
  • Codenames Tournament Platform: Create a platform for organized Codenames tournaments, with leaderboards, rankings, and prizes. This could attract competitive players and create a more engaging community.
  • Custom Word Pack Creation: Allow users to create and share their own custom word packs, tailored to specific interests or themes.
  • Integration with Voice Assistants: Integrate the app with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, allowing users to play Codenames hands-free.

Trends and Observations

  • Initial Launch Issues: The initial launch was marred by a language issue (Czech instead of English), highlighting the importance of thorough testing and localization before release.
  • Recurring Server Problems: Server connectivity issues are a recurring theme in the reviews, suggesting that this is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed.
  • Desire for More Control: Users are requesting more control over the gameplay experience, such as faster game modes, AI opponents, and custom word packs.
  • Positive Sentiment Despite Issues: Despite the server problems and feature requests, the overall sentiment towards the app is positive, indicating that users enjoy the core gameplay and are willing to overlook some flaws.

Conclusion

The Codenames app is a well-received adaptation of the popular board game, with engaging single-player content and a variety of game modes. However, server connectivity issues are a major pain point that needs to be addressed urgently. Adding the Codenames Duet mode and providing options for faster gameplay would further enhance the user experience. By addressing these issues and implementing some of the requested features, the developers can solidify the app's position as the definitive digital version of Codenames.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize improving server stability and adding the Codenames Duet mode. These two actions would have the biggest positive impact on user satisfaction.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/codenames/id1055650930?uo=2