How recent the review is
A game can change a lot after an update. Older reviews describe a different version, so look at the date.
Reviews
Reviews
Reviews in the app store are a useful but uneven source. Among them you will find detailed accounts from experienced players, short emotional reactions and reports of technical problems on particular devices. In this section we explain how to read reviews so they are genuinely useful, and what to check on the app's page yourself before you tap Install.
One review saying “doesn't work” tells you almost nothing. Ten reviews saying “doesn't work after the update” are a signal.
How this section works: we do not give scores, compile rankings or retell other people's reviews. We explain how to read reviews and the app's page for yourself, and what to rely on when choosing a game.
How to read reviews in the store
Five things to pay attention to in reviews.
The reviewer's device
Complaints about freezing are often tied to a particular phone model or Android version. If your device is different, the problem may not affect you.
Facts versus feelings
Separate verifiable information, such as how often ads appear, whether there is an offline mode or crashes, from general impressions like “boring” or “best game ever”.
Complaints about purchases
If many people write that the game is nearly impossible to progress in without paying, that tells you something important about its format.
Developer replies
See whether the developer responds to reviews and fixes problems. It shows whether the game is still supported.
What to check before installing
| What to check | Why it matters | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Fakes often give themselves away with a similar but inaccurate developer name | Below the game's title on the store page |
| Permissions and data | Excessive requests are a reason to be cautious | The data safety section on the app's page, and prompts on first launch |
| Purchases and ads | They determine how much you spend and how many ads you see | Labels on the app's page |
| Age rating | Shows whether the game's content is suitable for a child | The rating badge on the game's page |
| Last updated date | A game that hasn't been updated for a long time may run poorly on newer Android versions | The app information section |
How we write our breakdowns
Our breakdowns describe how games and apps work: how they make money, which permissions games in different genres usually need, and where difficulties tend to arise. We rely on the official Google Play Help pages and on what you can check on your own device.
We do not give scores, we do not call games the best or the worst, and we do not quote figures that cannot be verified. We do not link to files for installing outside the store. The decision whether to install a game is yours.
Related sections
- Game catalogue
Genres and formats of mobile games for phones and tablets, with no scores, rankings or file links.
- Guides and walkthroughs
The kinds of mobile game guides, how to install a game safely and how to spot a fake app. The publication catalogue is here too.
- FAQ
Answers about this reference, installing apps and app safety, in-game purchases and children.
Sources
- Google Play Help (purchases, parental controls, Play Protect)
- International Age Rating Coalition (IARC)
Information about Android and Google Play is based on Google's official documentation and help pages. The store interface, setting names and policies change over time, so check them in official sources and on your own device.