Customer Reviews (500)

internkevin • 2024-07-04T17:52:29-07:00

It’s ok

Jackavius • 2023-12-30T20:52:19-07:00

Great game. I’d buy the other categories if it was just a one time purchase and not a subscription. Other than that my fam likes it and eagerly for an update bc we’ve seen all the words bc we’ve played it so much.

Pogoz94 • 2023-09-25T19:27:52-07:00

I purchased two categories in the past and they’re not available anymore even when I restore purchases… can you please help?

Summary of Key Insights

Phrase Party! — Guess Phrases is generally well-received, with a strong base of enthusiastic users who enjoy playing it at parties and gatherings. The app is praised for its resemblance to the physical game Catch Phrase, its wide variety of categories (especially the adult-themed ones), and the ability to create custom word lists. However, there are recurring complaints about bugs, crashes, and in-app purchase issues, which detract from the overall user experience. The subscription model for categories is also a point of frustration for some users. While the AI-powered single-player mode and video recap features are mentioned, they don't seem to be the primary drivers of positive sentiment. The developer's responsiveness to feedback is highlighted as a positive.

Key Strengths:

  • Fun and engaging gameplay, similar to Catch Phrase.
  • Large variety of categories, including customizable options.
  • Great for social gatherings and parties.
  • Developer responsiveness.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Recurring bugs and crashes.
  • Issues with in-app purchases (restoring purchases, unexpected charges).
  • Subscription model for categories is unpopular.
  • Some users find the timer sound too quiet.
  • Some users report repetitive phrases.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: 4.59 stars (calculated from the score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 73.2% (366/500)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 11.2% (56/500)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 4.6% (23/500)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 2.6% (13/500)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 8.4% (42/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews from the App Store.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but the reviews span several years, indicating a long-term view of user sentiment.
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved a manual review of the content of each review to identify key themes, sentiments, and recurring issues. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned features, bugs, and requests. Sentiment was categorized based on the star rating and the language used in the review.

Key User Pain Points

  • Bugs and Crashes: Many users reported crashes during gameplay, especially after updates or when starting a new round. Party Head mode also has crash issues.
  • In-App Purchase Issues: Users have encountered problems with restoring previous purchases, being charged multiple times for the same content, and unexpected charges. Some feel misled by the pricing model.
  • Subscription Model: The subscription model for accessing categories is a common complaint. Users prefer a one-time purchase option.
  • Sound Issues: Some users find the timer/buzzer sound to be too quiet.
  • Repetitive Phrases: After extended play, some users notice phrases repeating, reducing the game's novelty.
  • Party Heads Mode Issues: Users are having issues starting Party Heads mode.
  • Video Saving Crashes: App crashes when saving a video after a round.

Frequently Requested Features

  • One-Time Purchase Option: A one-time purchase for all categories instead of a subscription model.
  • More Content/Phrases: More phrases and categories to reduce repetition.
  • Pause Button: A pause button to stop the game temporarily without ending the round.
  • Shorter Timer Option: A shorter timer setting for more intense gameplay.
  • Ability to Share Created Categories: Users want to share their custom categories with friends.
  • Fixes for Bugs and Crashes: Stability improvements and bug fixes are a priority.
  • Back Button in Menu: A back button in the menu for easier navigation.
  • Option to name teams: The ability to name teams in team mode.
  • More Skips: The ability to have more skips during gameplay.
  • Fixed icons on the screen: Fixed icons for "skip" and "got it" to avoid confusion.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Fun and Engaging Gameplay: Users consistently describe the game as fun, addictive, and a great way to spend time with friends and family.
  • Variety of Categories: The wide range of categories, including adult-themed and customizable options, is a major selling point.
  • Social Game: The app is highly valued as a social game, suitable for parties, gatherings, and road trips.
  • Easy to Use: The game is generally considered easy to learn and play.
  • Developer Responsiveness: Some users have praised the developer for being responsive to feedback and quickly addressing issues.
  • Customization: The ability to add custom words and categories is a valued feature.
  • Video Recap: The video recap feature is popular.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Bugs and Crashes: Address the recurring bugs and crashes reported by users, particularly those related to starting new rounds, Party Heads mode, and saving videos. Impact: Directly affects usability and user frustration.
  • Address In-App Purchase Issues: Resolve issues related to restoring purchases, unexpected charges, and misleading pricing. Impact: Affects trust and willingness to spend money on the app.

Medium Priority:

  • Reconsider Subscription Model: Explore offering a one-time purchase option for accessing all categories. Impact: Could increase sales and improve user satisfaction.
  • Add More Content: Increase the number of phrases and categories to reduce repetition. Impact: Enhances long-term engagement and replayability.
  • Improve Sound Quality: Address the issue of the timer sound being too quiet. Impact: Improves accessibility and overall experience.
  • Improve Party Heads Mode: Fix the Party Heads mode start issue.

Low Priority:

  • Implement a Pause Button: Add a pause button for more flexible gameplay.
  • Add Shorter Timer Option: Include a shorter timer setting for more intense rounds.
  • Allow Sharing of Custom Categories: Enable users to share their custom categories with friends.
  • Back Button in Menu: Add a back button for easier navigation.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Social Game Platform with User-Generated Content: Create a platform for social games where users can easily create, share, and play custom word lists and categories. Phrase Party's custom category feature is highly valued, indicating demand for user-generated content.
  • AI-Powered Phrase Generation Tool: Develop an AI tool that helps users generate creative and relevant phrases for their custom categories, addressing the "utterly worthless" user-generated phrases mentioned in one review.
  • Enhanced Video Recap Features: Expand the video recap feature to include editing tools, filters, and the ability to easily share highlights on social media.
  • Live Streaming Integration: Integrate live streaming functionality to allow users to play Phrase Party with remote friends and audiences.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment Driven by Social Gameplay: The majority of positive reviews emphasize the app's suitability for social gatherings and parties.
  • Adult Categories are Popular: The adult-themed categories are frequently mentioned, suggesting a strong demand for this type of content.
  • Long-Term Users: Many reviews indicate that users have been playing the game for years, suggesting strong loyalty.
  • Bug Reports Increase After Updates: A pattern emerges where new bugs and crashes are reported after updates, highlighting the need for thorough testing.
  • Comparison to Catch Phrase: The app is consistently compared to the physical game Catch Phrase, indicating that users view it as a digital alternative.

Conclusion

Phrase Party! — Guess Phrases is a popular and engaging social game with a strong base of loyal users. The app's strengths lie in its fun gameplay, variety of categories, and customization options. However, recurring bugs, in-app purchase issues, and the subscription model detract from the overall user experience. By addressing these issues and prioritizing user-requested features, the developer can further enhance the app's appeal and retain its position as a top choice for party games. A shift towards a one-time purchase model for content could significantly improve user satisfaction and potentially increase revenue.

Overall Recommendation: Address high-priority bugs and in-app purchase issues immediately. Re-evaluate the pricing model for content. Continue to focus on enhancing the social gameplay experience and providing fresh content to keep users engaged.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phrase-party-guess-phrases/id306628397?uo=2