Customer Reviews (500)

60xy • 2025-03-26T19:37:21-07:00

I’ve played for 4 years. Never a dull moment!

gam3add!ct • 2025-03-25T17:44:03-07:00

Great for beginners but if you’ve been playing for years like I have you are probably stuck with infinity blocks. It did update once and added a few levels but it’s been awhile so I am thinking it won’t update anymore. I. Still “play” for fun but can’t advance.

I do not know how! • 2025-03-25T07:57:32-07:00

I really like this game! It’s very simple and the visuals are really great, and the sound design is SUPER satisfying. From the little piano clinks to the sound you get when you get a lot of numbers, it just sets off the seretonin in your head. I have dyscalculia, which is a lot like dyslexia but with numbers. That, in combination with math anxiety, makes simple math facts feel very overwhelming and can impact one’s self esteem a lot. But this game is a lot like exposure in a comfortable way. It’s helped me memorize some multiplication combos I used to struggle with, and formats multiplication in a visual format that some people like me find really understandable. If you struggle with Dyscalculia or just don’t feel comfortable with multiplication, play this game for a couple minutes every day and see how it feels. It’s not life-changing but it’s a nice boost to confidence and understanding that can make a difference!

Summary of Key Insights

The app "2248 - Number Puzzle Game" is generally well-received, with many users finding it addictive, relaxing, and a good way to pass time. However, the overwhelming consensus is that the excessive number of ads significantly detracts from the user experience. Several users also report encountering malicious or misleading ads that redirect them to potentially harmful websites, raising serious security concerns. A significant number of long-term players have reached the "infinity" level and are requesting more content. Recent updates appear to have negatively impacted some users, with complaints about color scheme changes, locked blocks requiring in-app purchases or ad views, and game resets.

Key Strengths:

  • Addictive and engaging gameplay
  • Relaxing and calming effect
  • Simple and easy to learn
  • Good for brain training and math skills

Key Weaknesses:

  • Excessive and intrusive ads
  • Malicious or misleading ads leading to potential security risks
  • Lack of content after reaching the "infinity" level
  • Negative impact of recent updates on gameplay and aesthetics

Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While many users enjoy the core gameplay, the negative aspects, particularly the ads, significantly impact the overall sentiment.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.0 stars (calculated based on review distribution)
  • Score Distribution: 5-star (50.8%), 4-star (8.4%), 3-star (9.6%), 2-star (10.2%), 1-star (21%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but reviews appear to span several years, with many referencing recent updates.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews. Keyword extraction to identify frequently mentioned issues and sentiments. Quantitative analysis of star ratings to determine overall sentiment.

Key User Pain Points

  • Excessive Ads: The most frequent complaint is the sheer number of ads, which interrupt gameplay and make the experience frustrating. Many users report ads appearing every few minutes.
  • Malicious Ads: A significant number of users report encountering ads that redirect them to suspicious websites claiming their phone is infected with viruses or malware. This is a major security concern.
  • Lack of Content After "Infinity": Long-term players frequently mention reaching the "infinity" level and feeling that there is no longer any progression or challenge.
  • Negative Update Impacts: Recent updates have introduced unwanted changes, including color scheme alterations, locked blocks requiring in-app purchases or ad views, and game resets, leading to user dissatisfaction.
  • Frozen Ads & Game Crashes: Many users experienced that ads freeze or cause the game to crash, disrupting gameplay.
  • Difficulty Exiting Ads: Users mention it being difficult to close ads and that they are often redirected to the app store without intending to.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Levels/Content Beyond "Infinity": Users consistently request more levels or an extended game beyond the current "infinity" level.
  • Option to Disable Ads (Affordable Price): While an ad-free version is available, many users find the $9.99 price too expensive.
  • Customizable Color Schemes: Users want the ability to customize or revert to previous color schemes, especially after recent updates changed the aesthetics.
  • Improved Ad Filtering: Users want the developers to filter out malicious or inappropriate ads.
  • Ability to Restart Game: Users want the ability to easily restart the game from the beginning.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Addictive and Engaging Gameplay: Many users describe the game as addictive and enjoyable, providing a fun way to pass time.
  • Relaxing and Calming Effect: The simple mechanics and lack of pressure make the game a relaxing and calming experience for many users.
  • Simple and Easy to Learn: The game is easy to pick up and play, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Good for Brain Training and Math Skills: Some users find the game helpful for improving their math skills and keeping their minds sharp.
  • Offline Playability: Several users appreciate that the game can be played offline.
  • Satisfying Sound Design: Some users find the sound design to be particularly satisfying.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  1. Address Malicious Ads Immediately: Implement stricter ad filtering to prevent malicious or misleading ads from appearing in the game. This is a critical security issue that needs immediate attention.
  2. Reduce Ad Frequency and Intrusiveness: Significantly reduce the number of ads and ensure they don't interrupt gameplay. Consider less intrusive ad formats or offering rewards for watching ads voluntarily.
  3. Investigate and Resolve Game Resets: Determine the cause of the game resets and implement a fix to prevent users from losing their progress.
  4. Fix Freezing Ads and Game Crashes: Investigate and resolve the technical issues causing ads to freeze or the game to crash.

Medium Priority:

  1. Expand Content Beyond "Infinity": Develop new levels or gameplay modes to provide long-term players with fresh content and challenges.
  2. Offer More Affordable Ad-Free Option: Consider lowering the price of the ad-free version or offering a subscription-based option.
  3. Provide Color Scheme Customization: Allow users to customize the color scheme or revert to previous versions to address dissatisfaction with recent updates.
  4. Improve Game Mechanics: Address the issues related to dragging mechanics and incomplete chains.

Low Priority:

  1. Implement User Feedback on Sound Design: Consider incorporating user feedback on the sound design to make it even more satisfying.
  2. Add Instructions & Goals: Add a tutorial or instruction booklet to explain goals better.
  3. Address Number Math Errors: Fix the math errors in the billions.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Ad Filtering Service for Mobile Games: Develop a service that helps mobile game developers filter out malicious or inappropriate ads, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable user experience.
  • Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment System: Create a system that dynamically adjusts the difficulty of puzzle games based on the player's skill level, preventing boredom and maintaining engagement.
  • Mobile Game Content Expansion Platform: Build a platform that allows game developers to easily add new levels, challenges, and features to their existing games, extending their lifespan and keeping players engaged.
  • Ethical Ad Network for Mobile Games: Establish an ad network that prioritizes user experience and only serves high-quality, non-intrusive ads.

Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment After Updates: There's a noticeable trend of negative sentiment following recent updates, primarily due to changes in aesthetics, gameplay mechanics, and ad frequency.
  • Ad-Related Complaints Increase Over Time: As the game's popularity grows, the number of complaints related to ads seems to be increasing, suggesting that the ad strategy is becoming more aggressive.
  • Long-Term Player Frustration: Users who have played the game for a long time are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of new content and the repetitive nature of the gameplay after reaching the "infinity" level.
  • Impact of Malicious Ads: The presence of malicious ads is a recurring theme, indicating a significant risk to user security and trust.

Conclusion

"2248 - Number Puzzle Game" has a solid foundation with its addictive gameplay and relaxing nature. However, the excessive and sometimes malicious ads are severely damaging the user experience. Addressing these ad-related issues is the top priority. Expanding content and providing customization options can further enhance user satisfaction and engagement. The developers need to carefully balance monetization strategies with user experience to ensure the long-term success of the game.

Overall Recommendation: Focus on improving the ad experience and expanding content to retain existing players and attract new ones. Prioritize user security by implementing stricter ad filtering.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/2248-number-puzzle-game/id1487607878?uo=2