If only, if only... – Backgammon NJ HD Review

OFFLINE PLAY: I truly believe this is a great app- especially for offline play. Many people in their reviews state that the computer happens to get “the perfect dice rolls”, thus is rigged/manipulated. I am not too sure about this myself. Indeed, more often than not, the computer manages to roll the exact combination is needs, and also has managed to roll four doubles in a row. It does seem to be at least slightly favorable to its own play. HOWEVER, though frustrating, I’m not too upset about this because all in all, I am trying to become a stronger player- what better way to become better if you’re facing a near-impossible scenario? ONLINE PLAY: I made the in-app purchase for the online package so I can play live matches. It’s great but I have a few criticisms. The first, is the ongoing issue of the app crashing during online matches. The developer(s) claim it’s an issue with Game Center, not the app itself. I’m not too sure how this may be the case, but admittedly, I don’t know enough about why this may be occurring. I’m the many other reviews complaining about this reoccurring issue, the developer simply states that “it’s an issue with Game Center, and that you should just play offline”. Additionally, I have seen the developer respond to others by telling them to file a complaint to Apple about this Game Center hiccup. THIS is what is most frustrating out of EVERYTHING. If this is a reoccurring issue that the majority of players are experiencing the developer should be the one to reach out to Apple. The developer should be the one attempting to find a resolution with Apple’s Game Center. After all, the developer is the party with a direct relationship with Apple. It seems that the app developer simply does not want to put in too much direct effort into finding a resolution to this issue [since he/they claim that they’ve ran programs to support their claim that the issue is with Game Center, not the app]. Instead of him reaching out, he just responds to other reviewers by telling them to do it for him, essentially. Extremely frustrating and speaks volumes in regards to one’s lack of active investment to satisfying customers/consumers. To only further support my claims of the lack of active involvement in better this backgammon app, at the time of writing this review (July 4th) the last time this app was updated was a WHOLE FIVE (5) MONTHS AGO. This certainly doesn’t seem to represent a developer’s active involvement and investment into bettering this app. Understand that I truly do like this app. It’s functionality and features are terrific. But because it’s so unstable and because it seems like the developer isn’t demonstrating active, ongoing efforts, I cannot suggest anyone to download this app UNLESS THEY INTEND TO PLAY OFFLINE ONLY. I sincerely hope the developer will take the time to read this, and digest these words. Please be more involved in trying to resolve the crash issue when playing online. You are the one with a direct relationship with Apple, not us. Maintaining active, open communication with Apple in order to find the issue is a must if you truly want to satisfy your players.
Review by Dylan J. on Backgammon NJ HD.