In the beginning of this year, we observed how people are starting to stay in touch through social media and games versus making phone calls, or even texting. I don't use social games as my main form of keeping in touch, but I do play and connect with friends through them occasionally. Here are three I've been playing on a regular basis.
When you're not able to get together for a night of classic games like Taboo or Pictionary, playing games with friends on your phone or online is the next best thing. Check out one of these fun alternatives:
Draw Something: Draw Something puts Pictionary onto your phone. You can play with strangers or friends on Facebook and take turns drawing pictures. Choose between easy, medium or hard choices to draw.
TwitterScrabble: Although this microsite is originally in Dutch, playing Scrabble is pretty universal. You can play Scrabble with anyone in the Twitterverse. You're given a set of 100 random characters to make the best word you can and tweet it when you're finished.
Scramble with Friends: Every time Zynga comes out with a new version of "Scrabble" I download and play it for a good month or so before moving on to the next one. I'm currently stuck on Scramble with Friends. I'm sure a majority of "Words with Friends" fans are already playing this game, where the object is to find as many words as possible within a jumbled grid. You can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally to string letters together to create a word. Just like most of Zynga's games, it's very addictive — and it's timed to be a lot quicker to play than "Words with Friends" or "Hanging with Friends."
(Images: Julienne Lin.)
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I also want to point out Ticket to Ride Pocket! It's the US version of Ticket to Ride and formatted SO well. My husband and I play it all the time instead of dragging the game out of the box. It's also great because we can add extra players which we obviously can't do when we're sitting at our kitchen table! We have a blast with it, and simply have to connect to the same wifi network (he has an iPhone and I have an iPod). Love it!
I still prefer actual card games with friends, though the iPhone version of Settlers of Catan can be fun sometimes.
Wow, the title made me think this would be a look at nontraditional games like Apples to Apples, Bananagrams or HeroQuest! Sadly, since my phone is so old it doesn't even take pictures, I don't think it could handle any of these 'apps' you speak of.
Eh. Honestly, I'd rather wait and get together with friends to play actual board games. It's so much more fun to play in person. I'm on my phone all day, the last thing I want to do is spend more time in front of a screen. I think playing games together helps create and foster relationships, which I've never experienced in the online world. Some good in-person games: 7 Wonders, Puerto Rico, Ticket to Ride, Catan games, Power Grid, Agricola. More expensive than traditional games, but they are better designed and provide hours of entertainment.
another vote for ticket to ride. best game ive played since catan.
I am a TOTAL SCRAMBLE ADDICT!
Although, I do miss REAL game night with friends. Most of my friends don't want to play board games. Is this common?
No time for this stuff... I'm reading books, playing with pets, or sleeping most likely!