Summary of Key Insights
Hockey All Stars 24 receives generally positive reviews, with many users praising its gameplay, customization options, and lack of excessive ads. However, the "energy" system, AI issues (both teammate and opponent), and a desire for more game modes and customization are recurring complaints. The game is viewed as a fun and engaging mobile hockey experience, but the limitations imposed by the energy system and certain gameplay quirks hinder its full potential. The overall sentiment is positive, but with significant areas for improvement.
Overall Rating: Based on the score distribution, a weighted average would be approximately 4.14 stars.
Score Distribution:
- 5-star: 57%
- 4-star: 15.8%
- 3-star: 11%
- 2-star: 4.6%
- 1-star: 11.6%
Data & Methodology Overview
- Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
- Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent given the "Hockey All Stars 24" title.
- Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis to identify recurring keywords, sentiment, feature requests, and pain points. No automated sentiment analysis was used.
Key User Pain Points
- Energy System: The most frequently mentioned complaint is the energy system, which limits playtime and forces users to wait or pay to continue playing. Users find this restrictive and frustrating. Impact: Reduced engagement, negative sentiment.
- AI Issues: Users report issues with both teammate and opponent AI. Teammates are often described as unintelligent, failing to defend or make logical passes. Opponents are sometimes seen as overpowered or cheating, particularly at higher levels. Impact: Unfair gameplay, frustration.
- Goalie AI: Many users complain about the goalie AI, citing instances of goalies leaving the net unnecessarily or being unable to make basic saves. Impact: Unrealistic gameplay, frustration.
- Injuries: Frequent player injuries and expensive med packs are another source of frustration. Impact: Hindered progression, perceived pay-to-win mechanics.
- Bugs/Glitches: Some users report bugs and glitches, such as players freezing, controls being unresponsive, or the game crashing. Impact: Reduced playability, frustration.
- Difficulty Imbalance: Some users find the game too easy initially, then too difficult later on, suggesting a need for better difficulty scaling. Impact: Reduced engagement.
Frequently Requested Features
- More Game Modes: Users consistently request additional game modes, such as:
- Career mode (player or goalie)
- Season mode with NHL teams
- Practice mode/free skate
- Shootout mode
- Online multiplayer (PvP)
- More Customization Options: Requests for more customization options include:
- More jersey/logo designs
- Custom goalie pads
- Team mascots and goal horns
- Arena customization
- Player appearance customization (skin tone, hair)
- Improved AI: Enhancements to both teammate and opponent AI are desired.
- Controller Support: Many users requested controller support for improved gameplay.
- Chat Functionality: Users in clubs want better communication through in-game chat.
- Longer Periods/Adjustable Period Lengths: Many players want longer game periods or the ability to adjust period length.
- Trade System: A player trade system is a frequently requested feature.
- Michigan/Lacrosse Goals: Implementation of the Michigan goal (lacrosse-style goal) is often requested.
Strengths and Positive Aspects
- Gameplay: Many users find the gameplay fun, engaging, and addictive.
- Customization: The ability to create and customize a team is a popular feature.
- Lack of Ads: Users appreciate the limited number of forced ads.
- Graphics: Some users praise the graphics, especially compared to previous versions.
- Fighting: The inclusion of fighting is seen as a positive addition.
- No Wifi Required: The ability to play offline is a plus for many users.
- Realistic aspects: Some users find the game realistic compared to other mobile hockey games.
Prioritized Action Recommendations
High Priority:
- Re-evaluate the Energy System: This is the most significant pain point. Consider reducing the energy cost per game, increasing the recharge rate, or offering alternative ways to earn energy. Explore options like a daily energy bonus or completing challenges.
- Improve AI: Address the issues with both teammate and opponent AI. Focus on making teammates more intelligent and responsive, and ensuring opponents don't feel overpowered or "cheating."
- Fix Goalie AI: Improve goalie behavior to prevent them from leaving the net unnecessarily and to ensure they can make reasonable saves.
- Address Bugs/Glitches: Prioritize fixing reported bugs and glitches to improve the overall stability and playability of the game.
Medium Priority:
- Add More Game Modes: Implementing popular requested game modes like career mode, season mode, and practice mode would significantly increase player engagement.
- Enhance Customization Options: Expand customization options to include more jersey/logo designs, custom goalie pads, arena customization, and player appearance customization.
- Implement Controller Support: Adding controller support would enhance the gameplay experience for many users.
- Rebalance Difficulty: Adjust the difficulty scaling to provide a more consistent and challenging experience throughout the game.
- Reduce Injury Frequency: Decrease the frequency of player injuries and/or reduce the cost of med packs.
Low Priority:
- Add Chat Functionality: Implement a chat feature for clubs to improve communication.
- Longer Periods/Adjustable Period Lengths: Add options for longer game periods.
- Trade System: Consider implementing a player trade system.
- Michigan/Lacrosse Goals: Add the ability to perform Michigan goals.
Opportunities for Startup Ideas
- Mobile Sports Game AI Enhancement SDK: Develop an SDK that provides realistic and challenging AI for mobile sports games, addressing the common complaints about AI in games like Hockey All Stars 24.
- Customizable Mobile Sports Game Engine: Create a game engine specifically designed for mobile sports games with extensive customization options for teams, players, and arenas.
- Energy-Free Mobile Game Monetization Platform: Offer an alternative monetization platform for mobile games that relies on non-intrusive ads and optional cosmetic purchases instead of restrictive energy systems.
- Mobile Sports Game Community Platform: Build a platform specifically for mobile sports game players to connect, share tips, and organize online tournaments.
Trends and Observations
- Language Preferences: The majority of reviews are in English, with some reviews in Russian.
- Sentiment Shift After Updates: Some reviews suggest that recent updates have negatively impacted the gameplay experience, particularly regarding player speed and AI behavior. This highlights the importance of thoroughly testing updates before release.
- Recurring "Pay-to-Win" Concerns: The energy system and the cost of med packs contribute to a perception of "pay-to-win" mechanics among some users.
Conclusion
Hockey All Stars 24 is a well-received mobile hockey game with a strong foundation. However, the restrictive energy system, AI issues, and lack of certain features are hindering its potential. Addressing these issues and implementing the frequently requested features would significantly improve the user experience and increase player engagement. Distinctive Games should prioritize addressing the energy system and AI issues to retain existing players and attract new ones.
Original App Link
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hockey-all-stars-24/id6443469257?uo=2