Where Tech meets Table
Posted by CLAYTON RETAIL
Board games - typically made from cardboard, plastic, paper and even some have metal pieces. With every new game trying to be different from the others, we are all spoilt for choice as there will be a game for everyone! With technology changing every day, some board games have incorporated apps into them and we have decided to showcase some of these games - so get your friends ready, phones and iPads charged as we get into it!
1. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
So phones have been charged and you've got a group of 6 ready to play a quick and fun game of One Night Ultimate Werewolf!
To play, gather a group of 3 to 10 players (Best at 8) and set up the game components and the central game app, which acts as a moderator. Each player receives a character card, which they keep secret from others, representing various roles like Werewolves, Villagers, and special characters with unique abilities. The goal is simple: for the Villagers, it's to identify and vote out the Werewolves, while the Werewolves aim to remain hidden and escape suspicion.
The game unfolds in a single night, with a series of timed actions. Players take turns using their character's special ability or swapping cards with others in the middle of the table. Once these actions are complete, everyone discusses and debates who they believe the Werewolves are, with the aid of the app's narration. Players must bluff, mislead, and persuade to save themselves or hide their true identity. The game culminates in a vote, where players point to who they suspect is a Werewolf. If the majority identifies a Werewolf, the Village wins; otherwise, the Werewolves claim victory.
Click here to view this quick and awesome game!
2. Gloomhaven
Starting off this list, we thought we would ease you in but this 2nd game takes a deep dive into the theme of App driven games!
Gloomhaven (Former #1 on BGG) is a highly acclaimed cooperative board game that plunges players into a dark and richly detailed fantasy world. Designed for 1 to 4 players, Gloomhaven combines elements of role-playing, strategy, and tactical combat. In this game, players assume the roles of mercenaries in the city of Gloomhaven, embarking on a series of interconnected quests and adventures while exploring a sprawling, evolving storyline. One of the game's standout features is its legacy-style gameplay, where the choices and outcomes of one scenario can affect subsequent ones, creating a dynamic and immersive narrative experience.
To play Gloomhaven, start by selecting a character class from the available options, each with its own unique abilities and playstyle. Players work together to complete objectives, defeat monsters, and uncover the mysteries of Gloomhaven. The game revolves around a deck-building mechanism, where players use their character's ability cards to plan their actions in each round of combat. These cards are played face-down, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability as players must manage their card hand throughout the scenario. Players can input their choices and actions into the app, which then reveals the outcomes and consequences, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience without the need for an all-knowing game master.
If you'd like to grab this amazing game, click here and if you're looking for the new 2nd edition, click here! (It comes out in Q2-2024)
3. That Sound Game
Ever played a game where sound is the main part of it? Well, with That Sound Game, that's about to change! That Sound Game is an innovative Australian board game that seamlessly blends traditional tabletop gaming with modern technology through the use of a dedicated app.
This unique game challenges players to test their knowledge of sounds and music across various categories. Players use the app to access a library of sound clips, including music, nature sounds, and more. The goal is to listen to these clips and correctly guess their origins or identify specific details. Whether you're a music aficionado, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and interactive way to engage with friends and family, That Sound Game offers an entertaining and immersive experience that brings a new dimension to board gaming. Its incorporation of technology adds a dynamic twist to the traditional board game format, making it a captivating choice for players of all ages.
Click here (really wanted to say hear) to view That Sound Game!
4. Alchemists
Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn and caldron bubble! Wanna make potions? Of course you do! Come check out Alchemists!
Alchemists is a captivating and intellectually stimulating board game that immerses players in the world of mystical potions and alchemical experiments. Designed for 2 to 4 players (Best at 4), the game combines deduction, strategy, and a unique mix of app-based and physical gameplay elements. In Alchemists, players take on the roles of alchemists competing to discover the properties of various magical ingredients. The game features a central app (Free!) that serves as an essential tool for concocting potions, while physical components like ingredient cards and a colorful game board provide a tactile and engaging gaming experience.
The heart of Alchemists lies in its deduction mechanics, where players must deduce the properties of different ingredients by conducting experiments. These experiments involve combining ingredients, recording their outcomes, and using logic to deduce their alchemical properties. Making correct deductions not only advances players' knowledge but also earns them reputation points. However, incorrect deductions can lead to embarrassment and penalties. The game's blend of logical deduction and strategic planning keeps players engaged and challenged throughout, making Alchemists a rewarding and intellectually stimulating choice for those who enjoy complex board games with a unique twist.
Click here to view Alchemists!
5. Chronicles of Crime
Ever wanted to solve the unsolvable? Even better, solve them in London? Well, in Chronicles of Crime, you get that chance!
Chronicles of Crime is an immersive and innovative board game that combines elements of deduction, storytelling, and digital app integration to create a thrilling detective experience. To play, gather a group of 1 to 4 players and start by setting up the game components, which include character cards, location cards, evidence cards, and a central app. Each player takes on the role of a detective, and their objective is to solve a series of interconnected cases.
The game revolves around using the app to scan QR codes on various cards and locations, which provides clues and information needed to solve the case. (Make sure your phones are charged!) Players can also interrogate witnesses and suspects by selecting the appropriate character cards and scanning them with the app. The app's database keeps track of all the information, allowing players to piece together the narrative and draw connections between the different elements of the case. As time ticks away, players must work collaboratively to solve the mystery by identifying the suspects, motives, and evidence. "Chronicles of Crime" offers a dynamic and engaging experience that combines the best of board gaming with the interactivity of a digital app, making it a fantastic choice for those who love detective stories and puzzle-solving games.
If you'd like to solve these crimes, click here!
In conclusion: As technology continues to advance, board games are evolving to offer new and exciting experiences. The integration of apps into board games is a prime example of this evolution, as it enhances gameplay, immerses players in rich narratives, and introduces new dimensions of strategy and surprise. Whether you're trying to find those clever werewolves in One Night Ultimate Werewolf, brewing potions in Alchemists or unraveling crimes in Chronicles of Crime, these app-enhanced board games are pushing the boundaries of what tabletop gaming can be. So, gather your friends, download the apps, charge your phones and embark on these digital-assisted adventures in the world of board gaming!