Customer Reviews (500)

CaThorn • 2025-03-21T21:35:30-07:00

The app freezes every 5-6 weeks and has to be deleted then downloaded again.

belgium_waffle • 2025-03-21T03:08:38-07:00

After updates and bug fixes this is the very best of ALL solitaire games out there. The graphics are fabulous and there are many games to play. But there are some glitches. The cards aren’t shuffling properly and I get many cards all the same!! The playing field is usually three or four of the same card, then another two or three the same; so I could have four 10s, two Queens, three 7s, and more duplicates over and over. Each time I press the “New” button ridiculous duplicates each time. Once in a great while, I’ll get only two pairs of duplicates and i can play that but as i play, I usually uncover more ridiculous amounts of duplicates. Another thing that is ridiculous is the Global Scoreboard. There are some people who have a computer program that plays the game (Spiderette for example) for them and finish the game in say, 35 seconds!! That is impossible for a human to play that fast but they are on the scoreboard. Still, I find mindless fun and I hold out hope for actual random shuffles.

titaniumskull • 2025-03-20T02:46:27-07:00

Tried to submit a bug report and ended up with a 404 code. This app lately is draining the battery at 1% by the minute. Time to find an alternative that is worth the money.

Summary of Key Insights

Solitaire City (Ad Free) is generally well-received, with a strong emphasis on its ad-free nature and the variety of games offered. However, there are recurring concerns regarding the fairness of the card shuffling algorithm, the frequency of unwinnable games, and some UI/UX issues. While many users appreciate the customization options, others find the graphics dated. Scoring inconsistencies and a lack of certain expected features (like auto-complete and easy tap-to-move) are also mentioned. The overall sentiment is positive, but the negative reviews often highlight significant frustrations that impact enjoyment. The app has a high overall rating, but many recent reviews indicate a decline in satisfaction, possibly due to recent updates.

  • Key Strengths: Ad-free experience, variety of games, customizable options, helpful tutorials.
  • Key Weaknesses: Perceived unfair shuffling algorithm, frequent unwinnable games, dated graphics, scoring inconsistencies, lack of auto-complete, occasional freezing/bugs, UI/UX issues (small fonts, difficult card movement).
  • Overall Sentiment: Positive, but with growing concerns about game fairness and usability.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: High (based on star distribution)
    • Score Distribution: {"1":76,"2":32,"3":37,"4":49,"5":306}
      • 5-star: 61.2%
      • 4-star: 9.8%
      • 3-star: 7.4%
      • 2-star: 6.4%
      • 1-star: 15.2%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame of Reviews: Reviews span a long period, with a higher concentration of recent reviews (late 2023 and 2024).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (general assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback).
    • Keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and issues).
    • Categorization of issues (grouping similar complaints and feature requests).
    • Frequency analysis (determining the prevalence of specific issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • Unfair Shuffling/Rigged Games: Many users believe the card shuffling algorithm is not truly random, leading to an excessive number of unwinnable games. This is a major source of frustration.
  • Scoring Inconsistencies: Several users report that the scoring system seems arbitrary and inconsistent, with faster times sometimes resulting in lower scores.
  • UI/UX Issues:
    • Dated Graphics: Some users find the graphics outdated and aesthetically unappealing.
    • Small Fonts: Recent updates have made the text and card images too small for some users, especially on larger devices.
    • Difficult Card Movement: Some users dislike the required dragging of cards and prefer a tap-to-move option. They also note that the automatic card flipping is missing.
    • Sensitive Borders: Some users report that the borders are too sensitive, leading to accidental card movements.
  • Bugs and Freezing: Some users experience freezing issues, requiring them to delete and reinstall the app.
  • Missing Features: Some users mention the absence of expected features like auto-complete and the ability to choose difficulty levels.
  • Misleading Ads: Some users report seeing ads despite purchasing the "Ad Free" version.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Shuffling Algorithm: Users want a fairer and more random card shuffling system.
  • Difficulty Levels: Users request the ability to adjust the difficulty level of the games.
  • Auto-Complete: Many users desire an auto-complete feature for faster gameplay.
  • Tap-to-Move Option: Users want the option to tap cards to move them instead of dragging.
  • Adjustable Font Size: Users want the ability to increase the font size for better readability.
  • Confirmation for New/End Game: Users request a confirmation prompt before starting a new game or ending the current game to prevent accidental loss of progress.
  • New Games: Some users request the addition of new solitaire variations.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ad-Free Experience: The absence of ads is a major selling point and a source of satisfaction for many users.
  • Variety of Games: The app offers a wide selection of solitaire games and variations, providing users with plenty of options.
  • Customization Options: Users appreciate the ability to customize card designs, backgrounds, and sound themes.
  • Helpful Tutorials: The app includes interactive training and instructions for learning new games.
  • Universal App: The app works well on both iPhones and iPads.
  • Long-Term Value: Many users have been playing the game for years and appreciate its continued updates and reliability.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:

    • Investigate and Improve Shuffling Algorithm: Address user concerns about the fairness and randomness of the card shuffling system. Implement a more transparent and demonstrably random algorithm.
    • Fix Scoring Inconsistencies: Review the scoring system and ensure it is consistent and fair across all game types.
    • Address UI/UX Issues:
      • Provide an option to adjust font size.
      • Implement a tap-to-move option.
      • Address the sensitive border issue.
    • Eliminate Bugs and Freezing: Thoroughly test and fix any reported bugs or freezing issues.

  • Medium Priority:

    • Implement Auto-Complete Feature: Add an auto-complete feature to speed up gameplay for experienced players.
    • Add Difficulty Levels: Allow users to adjust the difficulty level of the games.
    • Update Graphics: Consider updating the graphics to a more modern and visually appealing style.
    • Add Confirmation Prompt: Implement a confirmation prompt before starting a new game or ending the current game.

  • Low Priority:

    • Add New Games: Consider adding new solitaire variations based on user feedback and market trends.
    • Improve Sound Effects: Update the sound effects to be more appealing and less "dorky."

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Solitaire Coach: Develop an app that analyzes gameplay and provides personalized tips and strategies to improve a player's skills.
  • Solitaire Game with Customizable Difficulty and Winnability: Create an app that allows players to fully customize the difficulty and winnability of each game, providing a truly personalized experience.
  • Social Solitaire Platform: Build a platform that allows players to compete against each other in real-time solitaire games, with leaderboards, tournaments, and social features.
  • Solitaire App with ASMR Soundscapes: Combine the classic solitaire gameplay with relaxing ASMR soundscapes to create a unique and calming experience.

Trends and Observations

  • Recent Decline in Satisfaction: Many recent reviews express dissatisfaction with the game's fairness and usability, suggesting a potential decline in user satisfaction due to recent updates.
  • Importance of Fairness: The perceived fairness of the card shuffling algorithm is a critical factor in user enjoyment.
  • Value of Ad-Free Experience: The ad-free nature of the app remains a major selling point.
  • Long-Term User Base: The app has a loyal and long-term user base, highlighting the importance of maintaining the quality and stability of the game.

Conclusion

Solitaire City (Ad Free) is a popular solitaire app with a large and loyal user base. Its strengths lie in its ad-free experience, variety of games, and customization options. However, recurring concerns about the fairness of the shuffling algorithm, scoring inconsistencies, and UI/UX issues are impacting user satisfaction. By addressing these issues and implementing the recommended improvements, the developers can significantly enhance the user experience and maintain the app's position as a top solitaire game.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize addressing the high-priority issues related to game fairness and usability to improve user satisfaction and prevent further decline in ratings.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solitaire-city-ad-free/id283436103?uo=2