Summary of Key Insights

After Inc. is generally well-received, with users praising its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and lack of aggressive microtransactions. It's often compared favorably to the developer's previous titles, Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., with many finding it a worthy successor. However, some users feel the game is short on content, especially after completing the initial campaign, and express concern over the cost of DLC. Difficulty balancing, particularly on "Normal" difficulty, is also a recurring point of criticism. There's a strong desire for more open-world or sandbox elements, as well as increased replayability and endgame content. Overall sentiment is positive, reflected in the high average rating.

• Overall Rating: High (majority 5-star reviews)
• Key Strengths: Engaging gameplay, strategic depth, no aggressive microtransactions, well-made tutorial, unique blend of genres.
• Key Weaknesses: Short campaign, perceived lack of content, DLC cost concerns, difficulty balancing issues, limited endgame content.
• Sentiment: Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

• Total Reviews: 500
• Score Distribution:
  • 5-star: 394 (78.8%)
  • 4-star: 65 (13%)
  • 3-star: 15 (3%)
  • 2-star: 10 (2%)
  • 1-star: 16 (3.2%)

Data & Methodology Overview

• Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
• Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the context (launch celebration sale), it's likely within the first few weeks/months of the app's release.
• Analysis Methods: The analysis involved a qualitative review of the provided user reviews. This included:
  • Sentiment analysis to gauge the overall tone of the reviews (positive, negative, neutral).
  • Keyword extraction to identify frequently mentioned topics, features, and issues.
  • Thematic analysis to group related comments and identify recurring patterns.

Key User Pain Points

• Lack of Content/Short Campaign: Many users feel the initial 8-level campaign is too short and leaves them wanting more. This is exacerbated by the perception that significant content is locked behind DLC purchases.
• DLC Cost: Several reviewers express concern about the price of the expansion packs, especially compared to the base game price. Some feel it's too expensive for a mobile game.
• Difficulty Balancing: Some users find the difficulty curve too steep, particularly when transitioning from "Casual" to "Normal" difficulty. The "Normal" difficulty is often described as feeling unbalanced or too punishing.
• Lack of Endgame/Replayability: Once the campaign is completed, there's little incentive to continue playing. Users desire more sandbox elements, endless modes, or alternative goals to extend the game's lifespan.
• Authority Mechanic: Several reviews mention issues with the authority mechanic, claiming that it depletes too quickly, especially on higher difficulties.

Frequently Requested Features

• Sandbox/Open World Mode: A significant number of users request a mode where they can freely build and manage their settlement without being constrained by specific objectives.
• Endless Mode: Many users want an endless mode where they can continue to develop their settlement indefinitely, facing increasingly challenging threats.
• More Content/Levels: Users consistently request more levels, scenarios, and challenges to extend the game's lifespan.
• Multiplayer: A few users suggested incorporating multiplayer elements, such as cooperative or competitive gameplay.
• Improved Resource Management UI: Some users request enhancements to the resource management UI, such as displaying production and consumption rates for all resources at once.
• PC Version: A few users have expressed interest in a PC version of the game.
• More Control over Zombie Behavior/Taunting: One user specifically requested that taunting and killing zombies before cleansing a zone should actually decrease the number of zombies left to cleanse.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

• Engaging Gameplay: The core gameplay loop of building a settlement, managing resources, and defending against zombies is widely praised.
• Strategic Depth: Users appreciate the strategic decision-making required to balance resources, manage morale, and expand their settlements.
• No Aggressive Microtransactions: The absence of pay-to-win mechanics and intrusive ads is a major selling point. Users appreciate that the DLC is a one-time purchase rather than a continuous drain on their wallets.
• Well-Made Tutorial: The tutorial is effective at introducing new players to the game's mechanics and concepts.
• Unique Blend of Genres: The combination of city-building, survival, and 4X elements is seen as innovative and engaging.
• Connection to Plague Inc.: Fans of Plague Inc. appreciate the thematic connection and Easter eggs referencing the original game.
• Charming and Delightful: Some users simply describe the game as "charming" and "a delight to play."
• Good Value for Price: Many users feel the base game is worth the initial purchase price.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

• High Priority:
  • Address Content Shortage: Develop and release additional levels, scenarios, or an endless mode to address the lack of content after completing the initial campaign. Consider bundling existing DLC content into a more comprehensive package at a reasonable price point.
  • Rebalance Difficulty: Fine-tune the difficulty curve, particularly on "Normal" difficulty, to make it more accessible to a wider range of players. Provide clearer feedback on factors affecting authority loss.
  • Improve Endgame: Add more engaging endgame content or objectives to encourage continued play after completing the campaign.
• Medium Priority:
  • Enhance Resource Management UI: Implement UI improvements to make resource management more intuitive, such as displaying production and consumption rates for all resources at once.
  • Expand Sandbox Elements: Consider adding more sandbox elements, such as customizable starting conditions or randomly generated maps.
  • Address Bugs: Fix reported bugs, such as the scrolling issue in the building/upgrading list and any scenario-specific bugs that prevent level completion.
• Low Priority:
  • Explore Multiplayer Options: Investigate the feasibility of adding multiplayer elements, but prioritize core gameplay improvements first.
  • Consider a PC Version: Evaluate the potential market for a PC version of the game.
  • Artifical Intelligence Art: Consider replacing AI-generated art with human-created art to better support artists.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

• Procedural City Builder: A mobile city-building game with a focus on procedural generation, creating unique and replayable maps and scenarios.
• Post-Apocalyptic Resource Management Platform: A platform where users can create and share scenarios for post-apocalyptic resource management games, similar to a game engine but specifically tailored for this genre.
• Zombie AI Simulation Engine: A detailed zombie AI simulation engine that can be used to create realistic and challenging zombie behaviors in games or simulations.

Trends and Observations

• Comparison to Previous Titles: Many reviews explicitly compare After Inc. to Plague Inc. and Rebel Inc., highlighting similarities and differences in gameplay. This suggests that the developer's reputation and existing fanbase are significant drivers of the game's popularity.
• Limited Language Support: One review specifically thanked the developer for Ukrainian localization, implying that there may be demand for additional language support.
• Positive Initial Impression: A large number of reviews are written after only a few hours of gameplay, suggesting that the game is immediately engaging and creates a positive first impression.
• Desire for Continued Development: Many users express hope for future updates and expansions, indicating a strong desire for continued support and content from the developer.

Conclusion

After Inc. is a successful addition to the Ndemic Creations lineup, praised for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth. However, addressing the concerns regarding content length, DLC cost, and difficulty balancing is crucial to maximizing the game's long-term appeal and player satisfaction. Prioritizing these improvements and considering the requested features will solidify After Inc.'s position as a top-tier mobile strategy game. Overall, the game is well worth the purchase price but should be viewed as a foundation for future content and enhancements.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/after-inc/id1631859420?uo=2