App Catalog rejection. D'oh!

[Ian Price]

I've  just checked my email and found a rejection message from HP about my Mined Out! submission for the App Catalog.

The message states the app was rejected because -

"Required: Unable to tap and hold to flag a numbered square, only works on blank squares."

Has the reviewer never played MineSweeper before? You can't do this in any MineSweeper game (that I've played). I've just checked the versions that come with XP and W7 and you can't do this either. Why would you want to place a flag on a number? Has anyone played a version of MineSweeper where this is possible?



Interesting to note that they pick up on a play mechanic here, but never noticed that my last game did not work on a Pixi (despite supposedly testing for compatibility).

[MrTAToad]

Can't say I've ever seen that behaviour in other versions...  Might be worth querying it on the forums and/or email pdc. Or augment the reviewer notes with precise, unambiguous  details on how to play the game.

There is no point flagging a numbered square as you know the mine wont be on it...

I think they probably check to make sure its stable, doesn't contain anything dodgy and might have a quick play, but probably not a rigorous as Apple are supposed to...

[ampos]

Oh, the stupid reviewers... I got one on my latest Apple review...

He said "if I try to read the comic, it says 'no page found'"

My answer: if you press the HELP button, you can read "you have to download the pages before trying to see them". So, go to the main menu and press the button that says "Download pages" 

[Ian Price]

I did email the reviewer back, but I don't expect to get a response or a turn-around to the rejection.

I just stated that I'd make it clearer in the instructions that you can't place a flag on a number square. I'm guessing the reviewer had never played the game before and didn't really understand it. Dunno.

I was going to send an update to the game straight away anyway, so it's no big deal re-submitting.

[MrTAToad]

I think you have got to be clear about how to control/move things especially if its complicated - its possibly the reviewer (I suspect its only one person) hasn't come across some game types before...

Unfortunately I forgot to mention how to select and move in the Spots reviewer instructions... Oh dear...

[Ian Price]

I did get a reply. Here goes -

Oh, you're right.  I think I got confused since in old school minesweeper, the numbered blocks have a different visual style that more closely resembles cleared blocks rather than active blocks, and that's what made me think I should be marking those.  So consider that as "user's preference" feedback instead of required.  =]

Despite the obvious fact that the blank (clicked) squares are transparent and the number squares have numbers on she still gets the unclicked squares mixed up? OoooooKkkkkkkk...

This is despite the fact that there is a Theme in the game that is exactly the same as classic MineSweeper on M$ Windows (including the same colouring of each different number), she still gets it wrong.

And no mention at all of turning the rejection around, despite it being her mistake.

Fecking hell HP. It's a wonder that they have a single app in the Catalog.

[erico]

my god, now this is absurd! it dosen´t really matter whether it flags or not, I think this is related to the game itself. I thought they tested for functionality and security....but to reject based on game type?? Most likely he or a friend of his is working on a similar app...

I still can´t believe it!

[Kitty Hello]

Nice joke. If it wasn't true :/
So, it's approved now?

[Ian Price]

Nice joke. If it wasn't true :/
So, it's approved now?

Nope. I've got to re-submit and wait another 6+ days.

[Kitty Hello]

hopefully it won't be on the desk of another worker at palm who then rejects it for the very same reason again XD

[Ian Price]

Hopefully it'll go through - second time lucky

Anyway, here's an updated vid of it in action -

[Hark0]

Hopefully it'll go through - second time lucky

Anyway, here's an updated vid of it in action -

COOOOOL!!!

[Kitty Hello]

Very cool. And the manual - it looks so "done". I wish I could find the motivation to make a game that thoroughly. But I think that's what pays. Looks like a true winner to me.

[erico]

Hey Ian, you DID find some music for it at the end uh?
I really liked them, it all looks complete now, nice work.

[Leginus]

I wish I could find the motivation to make a game that thoroughly

Is a very impressive language not enough for you