Customer Reviews (100)

Bobby Jo Ellison • 2025-03-25T04:53:19.825Z

Perfect Game

Bryan Dunn • 2025-03-25T04:18:49.299Z

My new go-to game! I truly enjoy every minute that I'm playing this game!!

Eric Zwick • 2025-03-25T04:06:25.880Z

lots of adds but it's free so......

Summary of Key Insights

  • Infinity 8 Ball™ Pool King receives mixed reviews, with a significant portion of users enjoying the gameplay and finding it fun and relaxing. However, the overwhelming complaint revolves around excessive advertising, which severely impacts the user experience and often leads to frustration. The game's monetization strategy, perceived as aggressive and expensive, is also a major point of contention. Some users also report technical issues like game crashes and aiming sensitivity problems. While the game boasts good physics and an easy-to-use interface, these positives are often overshadowed by the negative aspects mentioned above.

  • Key Strengths: Fun gameplay, realistic physics, easy aiming, simple and intuitive interface.

  • Key Weaknesses: Excessive and intrusive advertising, aggressive monetization (expensive upgrades, pay-to-open piggy bank), technical issues (game crashes, aiming problems), potentially rigged gameplay (especially on weekends), lack of clear instructions for certain features.

  • Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While many users enjoy the core gameplay, the negative aspects, particularly the advertising, significantly detract from the overall experience.

  • Overall Rating: Based on the provided data, the average rating is approximately 3.6 stars (weighted average calculated from the score distribution).

  • Score Distribution:

    • 5-star: 53%
    • 4-star: 14%
    • 3-star: 6%
    • 2-star: 5%
    • 1-star: 22%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews appear to span from at least March 2023 to March 2025 (based on one review mentioning the date).
  • Analysis Methods: Primarily qualitative analysis, focusing on identifying recurring themes and sentiments expressed in the user reviews. Keyword extraction was implicitly used to identify frequently mentioned issues. Sentiment scoring was based on the star rating assigned by the user and contextual understanding of the review text.

Key User Pain Points

  • Excessive Advertising: This is the most prevalent complaint. Users report being bombarded with ads after every game, and sometimes even during gameplay. The length and frequency of ads are described as "infuriating" and "tedious." Some ads are reported as invasive, repeatedly opening installation pages.

  • Aggressive Monetization: Users feel pressured to spend real money to progress or enjoy the game fully. The cost of upgrades and items is considered "extortionate," and the "pay-to-open piggy bank" mechanic is seen as unfair.

  • Technical Issues: Some users experience game crashes, making it difficult to complete a game. Aiming sensitivity issues are also reported, making it hard to control shots accurately.

  • Potentially Rigged Gameplay: Several users believe the game is rigged, especially on weekends, making it difficult to win. They report issues with the break and inconsistent ball physics.

  • Lack of 9-Ball Option: One user specifically mentioned the absence of a 9-ball game mode.

  • Inadequate Time to Make Shots: One user felt they didn't have enough time to plan and execute their shots.

Frequently Requested Features

  • 9-Ball Game Mode: As mentioned above, at least one user explicitly requested a 9-ball option.
  • More Control Over "Ball in Hand": One user noted confusion and lack of instructions on how to use the "Ball in Hand" feature.
  • An "Eyeroll Emoji" for Communication: One user suggested adding an eyeroll emoji for in-game communication.
  • Fix Challenge Racks: One user complained about challenge racks often resulting in dead breaks.
  • Option to Play Alone Without Joining a Group: One user wanted to play without being forced to join a group.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Fun and Engaging Gameplay: Many users describe the game as fun, enjoyable, and addictive.
  • Realistic Physics: The game's physics are often praised for being realistic, contributing to an immersive experience.
  • Easy to Aim and Shoot: The simplified aiming system and guiding lines are appreciated by many players.
  • Simple and Intuitive Interface: The game is generally considered easy to learn and navigate.
  • Relaxing and Time-Passing: Some users find the game relaxing and a good way to pass the time.
  • Variety of Game Modes: The diverse challenge modes are appreciated.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Reduce Advertising Frequency and Intrusiveness: Implement a less aggressive advertising strategy. Consider offering reasonable ad-free options. Prioritize user experience over short-term revenue gains.
  • Re-evaluate Monetization Strategy: Adjust pricing for upgrades and items to make them more accessible. Reconsider the "pay-to-open piggy bank" mechanic.
  • Address Technical Issues: Investigate and fix game crashes and aiming sensitivity problems.
  • Investigate Rigged Gameplay Claims: Analyze game data to determine if there is any evidence of rigged gameplay and address any imbalances.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve "Ball in Hand" Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to use the "Ball in Hand" feature effectively.
  • Consider Adding a 9-Ball Game Mode: Evaluate the demand for a 9-ball mode and prioritize its development if feasible.
  • Optimize Challenge Racks: Adjust the algorithm for generating challenge racks to avoid frequent dead breaks.

Low Priority:

  • Add an "Eyeroll Emoji": While a fun suggestion, this is not a critical issue.
  • Provide Option to Play Alone: Evaluate the demand for solo play without group requirements.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Pool Game with Ethical Monetization: A pool game that prioritizes user experience over aggressive monetization, offering a fair and enjoyable experience without excessive advertising or pay-to-win mechanics.
  • AI-Powered Pool Training App: An app that uses AI to analyze a user's pool playing technique and provide personalized feedback and training tips.
  • Social Pool Platform: A platform that connects pool players online and offline, allowing them to find opponents, organize tournaments, and share tips and tricks.

Trends and Observations

  • Dominant Complaint is Advertising: The sheer volume of complaints about advertising suggests this is a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
  • Monetization Concerns are Widespread: A significant portion of users express concerns about the game's monetization strategy, indicating a potential disconnect between the game's value proposition and its pricing.
  • Technical Issues Impact User Experience: Game crashes and aiming problems detract from the overall enjoyment and can lead to frustration and abandonment.
  • Perception of Rigged Gameplay: The belief that the game is rigged can erode trust and discourage players from investing time and money in the game.

Conclusion

Infinity 8 Ball™ Pool King has the potential to be a highly successful game, but its current weaknesses, particularly the excessive advertising and aggressive monetization, are holding it back. Addressing these issues should be the top priority. By focusing on improving the user experience and fostering a sense of fairness, the developers can unlock the game's full potential and build a loyal player base. A shift towards ethical monetization and a focus on gameplay quality over short-term profits is strongly recommended.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sports.eightball.pool.rival