App review & release date

To the best of my knowledge, the only way to provide someone with a 'real' copy of an app before its release is through promo-codes (if the app has been accepted by Apple). Reviews on apps purchased with promo-codes have been disabled a while ago to prevent manipulation of the rankings algorithms.

 

Yes they will be able to download it but they won't be able to review it :/ Unless you're not talking about iTunes reviews.

 

It's a great idea to offer "pre-release" promo codes to the big review sites. As mentioned: if the app is approved but not released yet you can still generate promo-codes. If you mention that in your review request as: Exclusive early preview, some sites are more inclined to write about your app due to the special status and opportunity to get the first review out

That only works for external reviews though. In store reviews for apple only work once the app is officially available.

 

I suppose you are talking about App Site reviews, not in-iTunes reviews.

Some sites do reviews based on Ad-Hoc released apps, signed and built for their devices. I've never done it, so I can't say anything about whether that increases your chances of getting a review. And I also think Apple is not really approving this kind of use of Ad-Hoc distribution.

 

There's also the problem of getting actual reviews!


Edit: I'm editing this post because I unintentionally came across as rude. I was simply pointing out that the chances of getting a website review are still slim to none even when it is possible to send pre-release promo codes.

 

Just bumping this post as I've edited the above reply to clear something up.

Fact is the AppStore is flooded with new apps, my advice would be to call your game "AAAA" as the "Next" button seems broken on the store's New Releases!