Want to review a new game like a pro?

Want to review a new game like a pro?

𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁.
Before diving in, understand the landscape.
• Read user reviews in app stores
• Play 3-5 competitor games
• Take screenshots of key moments
• Analyze gameplay tempo, monetization strategies, and engagement hooks

𝟮. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗲.

1️⃣ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵:
• Does it engage from the start?
• Is the user flow intuitive?
• Do mechanics fit together?
• Are objectives and progression clear?
• Is monetization appealing or intrusive?

2️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵:
• Is the tutorial effective?
• Do mechanics evolve or get repetitive?
• Are boosters balanced?
• Does level design introduce challenges?
• Are UI, art, and social mechanics well-integrated?
• Are ads and offers well-placed?
• Any bugs or glitches?

𝟯. 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘇𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀.
Once you’ve played, dig into the data.
• Retention – Are players coming back?
• Engagement – Daily playtime, levels completed
• Monetization – IAP vs. ads, revenue sources
• Onboarding – Tutorial completion rate
• Game balance – Resource flow, difficulty, and progression

𝟰. 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸.
Avoid vague comments like “too easy.” Instead:
• Explain why it feels easy (e.g., enemies are weak early on)
• Offer solutions (e.g., add reload mechanics for pacing)
• Prioritize feedback by urgency, attach screenshots
• Provide competitor examples for reference

This approach helps dev teams refine their game efficiently.