Customer Reviews (500)

parne74f • 2025-03-25T16:15:31-07:00

Can’t do aerial refueling with the F14 now. The maps need updates (or a new one altogether) and this F15 business?? I wanna believe it, but we need to see it! Let’s go!

bigsapos • 2025-03-16T13:04:12-07:00

It is a better version of Armed Air Forces but has way less players and overall if I want realism I might choose one or the other but in total I’m choosing this. Needs more updates, they take forever but have good results and planes cost nothing.

rockets2003 • 2025-03-13T05:28:55-07:00

This is the best mobile combat sim I've played yet. Please keep developing this game.

Summary of Key Insights

Carrier Landing HD is a well-regarded mobile flight simulator praised for its realistic graphics, physics, and attention to detail, especially in its flight dynamics and aircraft modeling. However, users consistently request more content (aircraft, maps, missions), improved multiplayer functionality, and fixes for bugs and glitches. The overall sentiment is positive, reflected in a high average rating (approximately 4.3 stars based on the provided distribution). Key strengths include the realistic flight simulation and graphics, while weaknesses include limited content, paywalled multiplayer, and occasional technical issues. There's a strong desire for the game to evolve into a more complete combat flight simulator, akin to DCS on mobile.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a considerable period, with the most recent version mentioned being 2020.6.01, indicating the reviews are likely spread out over a few years. Many reviews refer to the current state of the game, however.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Implicitly assessed through star ratings and review content, categorized into positive, negative, and neutral feedback.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently mentioned terms related to features, issues, and requests.
    • Thematic Analysis: Grouping of reviews based on recurring themes such as content requests, bug reports, and positive feedback on graphics.

Key User Pain Points

  • Limited Content: A recurring complaint is the lack of aircraft, maps, and missions. Users quickly exhaust the available content, leading to boredom.
  • Paywalled Multiplayer: The decision to charge for multiplayer access, especially after users have already purchased the game and/or aircraft, is a major source of frustration. The limited playtime also exacerbates this issue.
  • Bugs and Glitches: Several users report technical issues, including aircraft rolling uncontrollably, planes veering off course, inability to restore purchases, crashes, and glitches with specific aircraft (e.g., F-18 takeoff issues, F-35 not having weapons).
  • Lack of AI Engagement: In single-player mode, the AI drones are often described as passive and unengaging, diminishing the combat experience.
  • Incomplete Features: Some aircraft lack key features (e.g., F-35 not having weapons, F-14 missing AIM-54 Phoenix missiles).
  • Calibration Issues: Some users report issues with the calibration of the controls, causing erratic aircraft behavior.
  • Restricted free content: The limited weapons and functionalities available on the free aircraft is a common point of criticism.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Aircraft: The most frequent request is for more aircraft, specifically mentioning the F-16, F-15, A-10, Su-27/33/57, F-4 Phantom, and Super Hornet.
  • More Maps/Scenery: Users desire more diverse and detailed environments, including cities, mountains, and air force bases.
  • Missions/Campaign Mode: A structured gameplay experience with objectives and progression is highly sought after.
  • Improved Multiplayer: Free or more accessible multiplayer with more game modes, larger maps, and better server stability.
  • Ground Attack Capabilities: The ability to attack ground targets with bombs and guided missiles.
  • Controller Support: Many users request support for external controllers for improved control and immersion.
  • Interactive Cockpits: More detailed and functional cockpits with working gauges and instruments.
  • Ejection Seats/Crash Physics: More realistic crash sequences and the ability to eject from the aircraft.
  • More realistic AI: The ability for the AI to engage in dogfights and attack the player.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Realistic Graphics: The game is consistently praised for its high-quality graphics, especially the detailed aircraft models and environmental effects (e.g., wing condensation).
  • Accurate Flight Physics: Users appreciate the realistic flight dynamics and handling characteristics of the aircraft.
  • Attention to Detail: The game's attention to detail, such as realistic weapon systems and carrier landing procedures, is highly valued.
  • Challenging Gameplay: The difficulty of carrier landings and aerial refueling is seen as a positive, providing a rewarding challenge.
  • Good Value for Money: Despite the in-app purchases, many users feel that the base game and individual aircraft are reasonably priced.
  • Realistic Weapons Systems: The radar and targeting systems, particularly on the F-18, are well-received for their realism.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighPaywalled MultiplayerRe-evaluate the multiplayer monetization model. Consider offering a one-time purchase option or linking multiplayer access to aircraft purchases.
HighLimited Content (Aircraft, Maps, Missions)Prioritize the development of new aircraft (focusing on the most requested models like F-16, F-15, A-10), additional maps with varied terrain, and a mission/campaign mode to provide a more engaging single-player experience.
HighBugs and GlitchesDedicate resources to fixing reported bugs and glitches, especially those affecting aircraft handling and purchase restoration. Implement a more robust QA testing process for new releases.
MediumPassive AI DronesImprove the AI behavior of the drones to provide a more challenging and engaging combat experience. Implement dogfighting and attack capabilities.
MediumIncomplete FeaturesComplete the armament and functionality of existing aircraft (e.g., add weapons to the F-35, AIM-54 to F-14).
MediumController SupportImplement controller support to enhance the user experience and cater to players who prefer physical controls.
LowInteractive CockpitsEnhance cockpit details and functionality to increase immersion.
LowCrash Physics/Ejection SeatsAdd more realistic crash sequences and the ability to eject from the aircraft.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Mobile Flight Simulator Marketplace: A platform dedicated to high-fidelity mobile flight simulators, focusing on realistic physics and detailed aircraft models, with a strong community focus.
  • AI-Powered Flight Training App: An app that uses AI to provide personalized flight training scenarios and feedback, leveraging the realistic flight models of games like Carrier Landing HD.
  • Modular Flight Simulator: A highly customizable flight simulator that allows users to purchase and integrate various modules (aircraft, maps, missions) from different developers, creating a personalized experience.
  • Combat Flight Simulator with User-Generated Content: A combat flight simulator that allows users to create and share their own missions and campaigns, fostering a vibrant community and extending the game's lifespan.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong DCS Comparison: Many users compare the game favorably to DCS, indicating a desire for a more complex and realistic mobile flight simulator.
  • Content Drives Engagement: The demand for more content (aircraft, maps, missions) is a constant theme, suggesting that regular updates are crucial for maintaining user engagement.
  • Monetization Concerns: The paywalled multiplayer is a significant point of contention, highlighting the need for a more user-friendly monetization strategy.
  • Desire for a complete package: Users who have already purchased the game and DLCs expect a more complete experience, including all features without additional costs.
  • Technical Issues Impact User Experience: Bugs and glitches are a major source of frustration and can significantly detract from the overall experience.

Conclusion

Carrier Landing HD is a highly regarded mobile flight simulator with a strong foundation in realistic graphics and flight physics. However, to maintain its competitive edge and satisfy its user base, the developer needs to address the key pain points related to limited content, paywalled multiplayer, and technical issues. By prioritizing the development of new content, improving multiplayer accessibility, and fixing bugs, the developer can transform Carrier Landing HD into the premier mobile combat flight simulator.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/carrier-landing-hd/id1176797391?uo=2