Customer Reviews (500)

Grandpa83 • 2024-11-15T09:02:10-07:00

Every day I have my first coffee with a “daily” Solitaire. It helps me fight the challenges of being a senior citizen.

BottomLineBina • 2024-03-08T17:07:12-07:00

I just want to play peaceful and alone - hence Solitaire. Please tell me that money is not involved? I’m freaking out now. I just purchased your ad-free version for $11.99. I pray that’s the only fee I’m paying!?! Why aren’t you telling us that in your explanation of the game on this app and on the developers website? That would slow my heart rate… until then - I need to delete the app from my phone. Balls, or, Cards are in your court…

Foxie Lee • 2024-02-20T07:57:49-07:00

I had the free version and then saw the paid which I bought. This is a very good solitaire game as saves your game when exit, bigger cards, themes, card backs and one tap moves your cards. Thanks to the developers for doing a GREAT job!!

Summary of Key Insights

  • ⋆Solitaire+ by Brainium is generally well-received, with a strong base of loyal users who appreciate its simplicity, customization options, and lack of ads (in the paid version). However, recent reviews indicate growing concerns about the introduction of ads even after purchasing the ad-free version, changes to the game's algorithm that users perceive as unfair, and UI/UX issues related to button placement and unwanted animations. The overall sentiment is positive, but the negative reviews raise significant concerns about the app's future trajectory if these issues are not addressed.

  • Strengths: User-friendly interface, customizable cards and backgrounds, no ads (historically in paid version), smooth gameplay, statistics tracking, option for left-handed mode, and good customer service (in some cases).

  • Weaknesses: Recent introduction of ads in the paid version, perceived unfairness in the card dealing algorithm, UI/UX issues (button placement, unwanted animations), occasional freezing, and unhelpful hints.

  • Overall Rating: The app has a high percentage of 5-star reviews, but recent negative reviews related to ads and gameplay changes suggest a potential decline in user satisfaction.

  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 74.6%, 4-star: 8.8%, 3-star: 5.4%, 2-star: 4.4%, 1-star: 6.8%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span several years, with a noticeable increase in negative reviews in recent months/years.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews, focusing on identifying recurring keywords, sentiments, and patterns in user feedback.

Key User Pain Points

  • Ads in Paid Version: The most significant and frequently mentioned issue is the introduction of ads in the paid version of the app, which users purchased specifically to avoid ads. This violates user expectations and damages trust.
  • Unfair Card Dealing Algorithm: Many users believe the card dealing algorithm is not truly random, leading to a perceived lower win rate, especially after purchasing the app. They report patterns of impossible hands and suspect the game is rigged to encourage ad views (in the free version) or in-app purchases.
  • UI/UX Issues:
    • Poor button placement (e.g., the "Rules" button being too close to the "Back" button, the "New Game" button being difficult to access).
    • Unwanted animations (e.g., card popping) that some users find distracting and irritating.
    • The slide back option is terrible.
  • Freezing: Some users experience occasional freezing, requiring them to restart the app and lose their progress.
  • Unhelpful Hints: The hint system is often criticized for being unhelpful, suggesting moves that are pointless or lead to a dead end.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Customization Options: Users request more background and card deck options, including the ability to customize the daily game background.
  • Adjustable Difficulty: Some users want the ability to adjust the difficulty level of the game, particularly in the daily game.
  • Improved Hints: Users desire a more helpful hint system that provides meaningful suggestions and indicates when no more valid moves are available.
  • Disable Daily Game Nags: A toggle to completely disable the daily game and associated notifications.
  • Option to Disable Animations: A toggle to disable or tone down animations.
  • Scores when in Solitaire: To be able to see scores when pressing the button while in solitaire.
  • Statistics for Games Won and Lost: Number of games won and lost including average times.
  • Auto Play: Auto play options.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • User-Friendly Interface: The app is generally praised for its clean, simple, and intuitive interface.
  • Customizable Cards and Backgrounds: Users appreciate the ability to personalize the game with their own photos and preferred card styles.
  • Ad-Free Experience (Historically): The paid version was previously valued for providing an ad-free experience.
  • Smooth Gameplay: The game is generally smooth and responsive, with quick loading times.
  • Statistics Tracking: Users enjoy tracking their progress and statistics.
  • Left-Handed Mode: The availability of a left-handed mode is appreciated by left-handed players.
  • Good Customer Service (in some cases): Some users report positive experiences with customer service, particularly in resolving issues related to ads.
  • One-Tap Moves: A feature where one tap moves the cards.
  • Saves Game when Exit: Saves games when you exit the app.
  • Bigger Cards: The bigger cards are appreciated.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Remove Ads from Paid Version: Immediately remove all ads from the paid version of the app and issue an apology to affected users. This is critical for restoring trust and preventing further negative reviews.
  • Investigate and Improve Card Dealing Algorithm: Thoroughly investigate the card dealing algorithm to ensure it is truly random. Address any biases or patterns that users perceive as unfair. Consider offering different difficulty levels with varying degrees of randomness.
  • Address UI/UX Issues:
    • Relocate the "Rules" button to a less disruptive location.
    • Provide an option to disable or customize animations.
    • Review and improve the placement of other buttons (e.g., "New Game," "Auto-Complete") to prevent accidental taps.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Hint System: Enhance the hint system to provide more helpful and relevant suggestions. Ensure the system indicates when no more valid moves are available.
  • Optimize Performance: Address any reported freezing issues to ensure a smooth and reliable gameplay experience.
  • Add More Customization Options: Expand the range of background and card deck options, including allowing users to customize the daily game background.
  • Disable Daily Game Nags: Add a toggle to completely disable the daily game and associated notifications.

Low Priority:

  • Implement More Achievements: Consider adding more achievements to provide additional goals and challenges for players.
  • Add Statistics for Games Won and Lost: Number of games won and lost including average times.
  • Auto Play: Auto play options.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Solitaire Tutor: Develop an app that uses AI to analyze gameplay and provide personalized tips and strategies to help players improve their skills.
  • Solitaire Community Platform: Create a social platform where solitaire players can connect, compete, and share their achievements.
  • Adaptive Difficulty Solitaire: Design a solitaire app that dynamically adjusts the difficulty level based on the player's skill and win rate, ensuring a consistently challenging and engaging experience.
  • Solitaire Puzzle Hybrid: Combine solitaire mechanics with puzzle elements to create a unique and challenging gameplay experience.

Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment: There is a noticeable shift in sentiment from overwhelmingly positive to more mixed, driven primarily by the introduction of ads in the paid version and concerns about the card dealing algorithm.
  • Paid vs. Free Version Divide: Users who paid for the app are particularly vocal about their disappointment with the introduction of ads, while free users are more tolerant of ads but still express concerns about the game's fairness.
  • Long-Term User Loyalty: Many users have been playing the game for years and express a strong attachment to the app, making it even more critical to address their concerns.

Conclusion

⋆Solitaire+ by Brainium has a strong foundation of loyal users who appreciate its simplicity, customization, and previously ad-free experience. However, recent changes, particularly the introduction of ads in the paid version and concerns about the card dealing algorithm, have damaged user trust and satisfaction. Addressing these issues is crucial for preventing further negative reviews and maintaining the app's long-term success. By prioritizing the removal of ads from the paid version, improving the card dealing algorithm, and addressing UI/UX issues, Brainium can restore user trust and ensure that ⋆Solitaire+ remains a top-rated solitaire app.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solitaire/id463565130?uo=2