Customer Reviews (100)

Benjamin Wittmann • 2025-03-21T16:02:15.690Z

großer suchtfaktor und Spielspaß

S D • 2025-03-19T19:27:52.929Z

Great game but I wish we had the option to choose the amount of time per turn so we don't have to wait potentially days for a game to finish when you just want something quick

Nico Van Belle • 2025-03-17T07:09:03.297Z

Heel goede implementatie van het bordspel met multiplayer en meerdere unlocks. Echter, je moet verdomd goed Engels kunnen. Alle woorden begrijpen, verbanden kunnen leggen en goede tips geven is cruciaal om te winnen en dan merk je gewoon dat zelfs met een hele solide basis van het Engels je soms tekort schiet. Zoals gewoonlijk zijn alle talen beschikbaar maar geen Nederlands.

Summary of Key Insights

The Codenames app is generally well-received, with a high percentage of positive reviews. Users appreciate the faithful adaptation of the board game, the engaging gameplay, the variety of game modes, and the lack of ads or microtransactions. The main weaknesses revolve around server stability, occasional glitches, and the slow pace of asynchronous play. Language support and customization options are also areas for improvement. Overall sentiment is very positive, with users finding the app addictive and a great way to play Codenames solo or with friends.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.6 stars (based on the score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 82%
  • 4-Star Reviews: 5%
  • 3-Star Reviews: 3%
  • 2-Star Reviews: 3%
  • 1-Star Reviews: 7%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but likely recent given the version number (1.57.3789) and some reviews mentioning "since last update".
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review of the text, focusing on identifying recurring themes, sentiments, feature requests, and pain points. Keyword extraction was used implicitly to identify the most common issues and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Server Issues/Instability: Several users reported frequent server downtime, lag, and connection problems, leading to frustration and an inability to play. This is a significant issue affecting user experience.
  • Slow Asynchronous Gameplay: The 24-hour turn timer in asynchronous mode is too long for some players, leading to slow-paced games and a desire for shorter time limits.
  • Glitches/Bugs: Some users reported glitches, animation lag (especially on certain devices), and timing issues in specific game modes.
  • Lack of Language Support: Several users requested support for additional languages, particularly Spanish and Arabic.
  • Stalling Opponents: Some players intentionally stall when losing, extending the game unnecessarily.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Shorter Turn Timers: Option to choose shorter time limits for asynchronous games (e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour).
  • More Language Options: Specifically, Spanish, Arabic, and Dutch are requested.
  • Improved Server Stability: Addressing the server issues and reducing downtime.
  • Quit Game Option: Ability to quit games in progress without penalty.
  • More 2-Player Modes: Enhanced 2-player modes with friends, possibly including matchmaking.
  • AI Hints/Guesses: An AI to provide hints or guesses for solo play or practice.
  • Surrender Option: A "surrender" option to end games early when one player concedes.
  • Operative View for Friends: Allow players to observe their friends' games (operative view) with permission.
  • Vertical Orientation Option: A vertical orientation option for typing, especially for tablet users.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Faithful Adaptation: Users appreciate that the app accurately captures the essence of the Codenames board game.
  • Engaging Gameplay: The game is described as addictive, fun, and intellectually stimulating.
  • Variety of Game Modes: The app offers a range of game modes, challenges, and achievements that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
  • Leveling System: The leveling system and unlockable content provide a sense of progression and reward.
  • No Ads/Microtransactions: Users appreciate the upfront pricing model with no disruptive ads or in-app purchases.
  • Good UI/UX: The user interface and user experience are generally praised as being well-designed and intuitive.
  • Strong Community: Many users report a positive and enthusiastic online community.
  • Offline Play: The solo challenges are a great way to play when you don't have friends available.
  • Educational Value: Some users find the game beneficial for language learning and critical thinking.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Server Stability: Investigate and resolve the server issues causing downtime, lag, and connection problems. This is the most critical issue negatively impacting user experience.
  • Implement Shorter Turn Timers: Add options for shorter turn timers in asynchronous mode (e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour). This addresses a major source of frustration for players who prefer faster-paced games.

Medium Priority:

  • Add Language Support: Prioritize adding Spanish and other frequently requested languages.
  • Implement Quit Game Option: Allow players to quit games in progress without penalty.
  • Bug Fixes: Address reported glitches, animation lag, and timing issues.
  • Improve Stalling Prevention: Implement measures to discourage or penalize players who intentionally stall.

Low Priority:

  • More 2-Player Modes: Explore options for enhancing 2-player modes with friends.
  • AI Hints/Guesses: Consider adding an AI to provide hints or guesses for solo play or practice.
  • Surrender Option: Add a "surrender" option to end games early.
  • Operative View for Friends: Allow players to observe their friends' games (with permission).
  • Vertical Orientation Option: Add a vertical orientation option for typing.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Codenames AI Tutor: A separate app or service that provides personalized Codenames training and strategy tips using AI.
  • Language-Learning Codenames: A Codenames variant specifically designed for language learners, incorporating vocabulary and grammar exercises.
  • Codenames Tournament Platform: A platform for hosting and participating in Codenames tournaments with ranking and prizes.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment: The vast majority of users are highly satisfied with the app.
  • Server Issues as a Recurring Theme: Server stability is consistently mentioned as a major problem.
  • Desire for Customization: Users want more control over game settings, such as turn timers and language options.
  • Appreciation for No Ads: The absence of ads and microtransactions is a significant selling point.
  • Language Preferences: There's a clear demand for more language support, particularly Spanish.

Conclusion

The Codenames app is a successful adaptation of the popular board game, offering a fun and engaging experience for players. However, addressing the server stability issues and providing more customization options are crucial for maintaining user satisfaction and attracting new players. The positive sentiment and strong community provide a solid foundation for continued growth and improvement.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize fixing server issues and adding shorter turn timer options. Continue to monitor user feedback and iterate on the app to address remaining pain points and enhance the overall experience.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.czechgames.codenamesdigital