Customer Reviews (500)

Adam Engesetter • 2025-03-07T08:23:39-07:00

I remember as a kid playing this with my grandparents. My sister, her husband and myself are the only ones that really know how to play this game around us. Being able to play on this app has been a joy. I wish it was live and you were able to play with other players and not just the computer.

R R Morgan • 2025-03-02T06:40:17-07:00

It’s incredibly frustrating how the computer cheats for itself. It obviously knows the cards in your hand and plays to set you. For instance, it leads with the Rook. And since it always knows what your weak suit is, it next will play the 14 in that very suit, forcing you to follow with that color. Then guess what? Its partner has the 10 and just like that, two cards into the game, you’re set. I literally screamed in frustration the third time that happened today.

kiwipreacher • 2025-02-05T11:48:01-07:00

I enjoy playing but it’s plain that whoever programmed doesn’t know the games ins and outs

Summary of Key Insights

The app "Blackbird!" is generally well-received, with a high percentage of users enjoying the game's ability to replicate the classic ROOK card game experience. A major strength is the customization options, allowing players to tailor the rules to match their preferred "house rules." However, the app suffers from significant weaknesses related to the AI's gameplay logic, particularly concerning the computer partner's behavior. The lack of a functional multiplayer mode (or its perceived absence, as some reviews suggest it existed previously) is a recurring and significant complaint. Many users also feel the game is rigged in favor of the computer opponents. Overall sentiment is positive, but the negative feedback highlights crucial areas for improvement.

  • Overall Rating: High (significant proportion of 5-star reviews)
  • Key Strengths: Rule customization, faithful ROOK recreation.
  • Key Weaknesses: Poor AI partner logic, dysfunctional/missing multiplayer mode, perceived cheating by the computer.
  • Overall Sentiment: Mostly Positive, with significant frustration regarding specific AI and multiplayer issues.
  • Score Distribution: {"1":38,"2":27,"3":65,"4":89,"5":281}
    • 5-star: 56.2%
    • 4-star: 17.8%
    • 3-star: 13%
    • 2-star: 5.4%
    • 1-star: 7.6%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a significant period, with mentions of updates from as far back as 2018 and references to COVID-19, suggesting a range of several years.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review of individual comments, keyword extraction (e.g., "multiplayer," "AI," "partner," "rules"), sentiment categorization (positive, negative, neutral), and frequency analysis to identify recurring themes.

Key User Pain Points

  • Poor AI Partner Logic: This is the most significant and frequently mentioned issue. Users complain about the AI partner making illogical plays, failing to throw points when appropriate, bidding irrationally, and generally acting in a way that hinders the user's success.
  • Dysfunctional/Missing Multiplayer Mode: Many users report that the multiplayer mode is either completely non-functional or plagued with bugs (crashing, connectivity issues, desynchronization). Some believe the multiplayer mode was removed entirely.
  • Perceived Cheating by the Computer: A sizable number of users believe the game is rigged in favor of the computer opponents, citing consistently poor hands for the user and their partner, while the opponents always seem to have perfect hands and the necessary cards to "set" the user.
  • Bidding Issues: Complaints about the AI's bidding behavior are common, with users reporting that their partner either bids too aggressively or not aggressively enough.
  • Bugs and Glitches: Some users experience technical issues like the game freezing, scores being incorrect, or difficulty dragging cards.
  • Lack of a "Take All Remaining Tricks" Option: Many users want an option for the computer to automatically play out the remaining tricks when it's clear who will win.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Working Multiplayer Mode: By far the most requested feature. Users want to play with friends and family.
  • Improved AI: Specifically, smarter AI for the partner, with better bidding, point-throwing, and general strategic play.
  • "Shoot the Moon" Option: Many users want the ability to "shoot the moon" for a significant point bonus.
  • More Rule Customization: Specific requests include the ability to call a partner, force players to call trump before viewing the nest, and adjust the number of cards in the nest.
  • Option to Call "No Trump": Where the Blackbird/Rook is the only trump card.
  • Adjustable Difficulty Settings: Users want to be able to adjust the difficulty of the AI opponents.
  • Option to "Take All Remaining Tricks": To speed up gameplay when the outcome is obvious.
  • Chat Functionality in Multiplayer: For communication with other players.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Customizable Rules: This is the most praised aspect of the app. Users love the ability to tailor the rules to match their preferred "house rules."
  • Faithful ROOK Recreation: Many users feel the app accurately recreates the experience of playing the classic ROOK card game.
  • Addictive Gameplay: Many users describe the game as addictive and enjoyable.
  • Good Graphics and Smooth Animation: Some users praise the app's visual design and smooth performance.
  • Easy to Learn: Users find the game easy to pick up and play.
  • Single-Player Mode: Provides a way to enjoy the game even without other human players available.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Fix Multiplayer Mode: This is the most critical issue. Investigate and resolve the bugs and connectivity problems that are preventing users from playing with friends and family. If the mode was intentionally removed, clearly communicate this to users and explain the reasons.
    • Improve AI Partner Logic: Address the complaints about the AI partner's illogical plays. Implement more sophisticated AI algorithms that take into account factors like the user's hand, the current score, and the cards that have already been played.
    • Address Perceived Cheating: Review the game's card dealing algorithm to ensure it is truly random and that the computer opponents are not unfairly advantaged.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Implement "Shoot the Moon" Option: This is a popular request that would add an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the game.
    • Add More Rule Customization Options: Consider adding the requested rule customizations, such as the ability to call a partner and force players to call trump before viewing the nest.
    • Add Option to "Take All Remaining Tricks": This would improve the user experience by speeding up gameplay when the outcome is obvious.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add Adjustable Difficulty Settings: This would cater to a wider range of players, from beginners to experienced ROOK players.
    • Improve Graphics and User Interface: While the graphics are generally well-received, consider making minor improvements to the user interface to make it even more intuitive and user-friendly.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered ROOK Training App: Develop an app specifically designed to teach users how to play ROOK, with AI opponents that adapt to the user's skill level and provide helpful tips and feedback.
  • Social ROOK Platform: Create a social platform where users can connect with other ROOK players, form teams, and compete in tournaments.
  • Customizable Card Game Engine: Develop a game engine that allows users to create and customize their own card games, with options for AI opponents, multiplayer support, and rule customization.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Nostalgia Factor: Many users mention playing ROOK with their family growing up, indicating a strong nostalgia factor that contributes to the app's appeal.
  • Importance of "House Rules": The wide variety of "house rules" for ROOK highlights the importance of customization options.
  • Desire for Social Interaction: The frequent requests for a working multiplayer mode underscore the desire for social interaction and competition.
  • Persistence of Issues: Some issues, such as the multiplayer bugs, have been reported for a long time, indicating a need for more frequent updates and bug fixes.

Conclusion

"Blackbird!" has the potential to be the definitive ROOK app on the App Store. Its strengths lie in its faithful recreation of the classic card game and its highly customizable rules. However, the app is currently being held back by significant weaknesses related to the AI's gameplay logic and the dysfunctional multiplayer mode. By addressing these issues and implementing the requested features, the developer can transform "Blackbird!" into a truly exceptional app that will delight ROOK fans for years to come. Focus on fixing the multiplayer, improving AI, and adding highly requested features like "Shoot the Moon" for maximum impact.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blackbird/id563960217?uo=2