Customer Reviews (500)

The review judge • 2025-03-19T14:24:21-07:00

There’s no checkpoints

Xx_Death-GodKiller_xX • 2025-03-18T11:23:54-07:00

Honestly this game is the definition of peak in the rogue like space from its smooth and fluid game mechanics to the level design and lore this game excels in almost all categories.

J3Carlisle • 2025-03-18T00:34:45-07:00

I have this game on console, and it is a difficult but fun game. Playing on the phone takes away your ability to do anything accurately. I die more to the digital controls than anything else. Save your money and buy it on a system with a controller

Summary of Key Insights

  • Dead Cells on iOS is generally very well-received, considered a high-quality port of the PC/console version. Users praise its engaging gameplay, extensive content, and replayability.
  • The primary weakness lies in the mobile control scheme, with many users preferring or recommending external controllers. Bugs and glitches, while not widespread, are also a concern.
  • Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in the high average rating.
  • The app has a strong positive sentiment with a large majority of reviews giving 5-star ratings.
  • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution)
  • Score Distribution: 1-star: 2.6%, 2-star: 1%, 3-star: 2%, 4-star: 7%, 5-star: 87.4%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the presence of recent updates and DLCs (Return to Castlevania), the reviews likely span from the game's initial mobile release to the present.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Manually assessed sentiment based on review text.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identified recurring themes and issues through manual review and frequency analysis of keywords and phrases.

Key User Pain Points

  • Difficult Mobile Controls: The most frequent complaint. Users find the touch controls clunky, inaccurate, and difficult to master, leading to frustration and accidental actions. Some specifically mention difficulty with dodging, parrying, and hitting buttons reliably.
  • Glitches and Bugs: Several users report audio glitches (repeating sounds, missing music), game crashes, and progress deletion. These issues negatively impact the user experience and can be very frustrating. Specific issues include audio stacking, sound cutting out, and crashes when entering new areas.
  • Lack of Checkpoints: Some users find the roguelike nature of the game, with permadeath and restarting from the beginning after each death, to be frustrating, especially on mobile.
  • Small Buttons: Some users find the button layout to be too small, leading to missed attacks.
  • Outdated Version: Some users mentioned that the mobile version is not up-to-date with PC/console versions.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Multiplayer Mode: A significant number of users request a multiplayer mode to play with friends.
  • Cloud Save/Cross-Platform Save Transfer: Users desire the ability to sync progress between different platforms (PC, console, mobile).
  • More Weapons/Content: Some users request more weapons or faster access to existing weapons.
  • Keyboard Support (iPad): Users playing on iPad specifically request keyboard support.
  • Controller Compatibility Improvements: Some users request better controller support, especially for menu navigation.
  • Traditional Chinese Language Support: Some users reported that the game information in the app store is misleading, as it claims to support traditional Chinese language, but it's not available in the game.
  • Checkpoint System: Option to have checkpoints at the end of each level

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Engaging Gameplay: Users consistently praise the game's addictive and challenging gameplay loop.
  • High Replayability: The roguelike nature, with procedural generation and a wide variety of weapons and skills, contributes to high replayability.
  • Excellent Port: Many users consider the mobile version a high-quality port of the PC/console version, with comparable graphics and performance.
  • Extensive Content: The base game and DLC offer a substantial amount of content.
  • Smooth Performance: Many users report smooth performance, especially on newer devices.
  • Controller Support: The game's support for external controllers is highly valued.
  • No Ads/F2P Mechanics: Users appreciate the absence of ads and free-to-play mechanics.
  • Nods to Other Games/Easter Eggs: The game contains many easter eggs and references to other popular games.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Touch Controls: Redesign or refine the touch control scheme to improve accuracy and responsiveness. Consider offering multiple control schemes and extensive customization options.
  • Address Bugs and Glitches: Prioritize fixing reported audio glitches, game crashes, and progress deletion issues. Implement thorough testing procedures for future updates.
  • Provide Clearer Communication: Ensure the game description clearly states the roguelike elements, including permadeath and progress loss.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Cloud Save/Cross-Platform Save Transfer: Enable users to sync progress across different platforms.
  • Consider Adding a Multiplayer Mode: Explore the feasibility of adding a multiplayer mode to enhance social engagement.
  • Add More Accessibility Options: Consider adding more options to make the game accessible to a wider range of players.
  • Update Mobile Version to Match PC/Console: Bring the mobile version up-to-date with the latest PC/Console version.

Low Priority:

  • Add More Weapons/Content: While the existing content is substantial, continue to add new weapons, items, and levels to keep the game fresh.
  • Implement Checkpoint System: Consider implementing a checkpoint system as an optional feature, or in an assist mode, to cater to players who find permadeath frustrating.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Mobile Game Controller Optimization Service: A service that analyzes mobile games and provides optimized controller mappings and settings for various controllers.
  • Roguelike Difficulty Adjustment Framework: A framework that allows roguelike game developers to easily implement customizable difficulty settings and assist modes.
  • Mobile Game Porting Quality Assurance: A QA service specializing in testing and optimizing PC/console game ports for mobile devices.

Trends and Observations

  • Controller Preference: A strong preference for playing with external controllers suggests a market for mobile gaming accessories and improved controller integration.
  • Positive Sentiment Despite Difficulty: Despite the challenging gameplay, users express a high level of satisfaction, indicating a strong appeal for hardcore gaming experiences on mobile.
  • Desire for Social Features: The frequent requests for multiplayer mode highlight a growing demand for social gaming experiences on mobile.
  • Language Preferences: Some users left reviews in Chinese and Russian, indicating a global audience.
  • DLC Popularity: The references to DLCs like Return to Castlevania suggest that the game is successful in selling additional content.

Conclusion

Dead Cells on iOS is a highly successful port of a popular game, praised for its engaging gameplay, extensive content, and smooth performance. The primary area for improvement lies in the mobile control scheme. Addressing this, along with fixing reported bugs and considering user-requested features like cloud saves and multiplayer, will further enhance the user experience and solidify Dead Cells' position as a top-tier mobile game. Overall, the app is highly recommended, especially for players who enjoy challenging roguelike experiences and are willing to use a controller.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dead-cells/id1389752090?uo=2