Okay, look.
I really wanted to try one of these “unscrew the screws” type of puzzle games, but every single other app like this seems to want a ton of permissions— identifiers, trackers, location, access to absolutely absurd amounts of information. I wasn’t about to consent to that just to sate my curiosity. But I found WoodScrewPinPuzzleGame! It said, “no data collected,” and I thought, “Finally! Someone with a conscience.” I saw and promptly ignore the reviews complaining about too many ads because I reasoned, “Look, they have to make money somehow, and they aren’t selling my personal information to do that. I’ll take an ad between each level any day.”
So, I had no problem with that. Yes, there’s a 5-second-or-so ad between every level. But who cares?
That’s not what my issue is. I wouldn’t even mind if every few levels, the ad was 30 seconds. But no. Instead, ads are *forced into the gameplay.* There’s a “you can’t put a screw in this hole unless you watch a 30-second ad” gimmick on some levels. Mid-level! And then you don’t even get to skip the short ad once you complete that level. Considering short the early levels are, this is just absurd.
I don’t want to complain. I understand that games need ads to make money, ESPECIALLY when the developers have a conscience and don’t sell all your information for profit. I am okay with annoying ads! But to force them into the gameplay itself, and not even have THOSE be the short ones?? Come on, man.
Oh, and you can’t play without internet? Seriously? Again, I understand needing the ads, but what about when I’m on a flight? Or a road trip?
I reeeeaaaally wanted to say only good things, but forcing ads into the gameplay itself is a big let-down. Otherwise, it’s a good game so far.