11 Free iPad Board Games You Shouldn't Miss
Free iPad Board Games: A Comprehensive List
As previously mentioned in my introductory remarks, I have a strong affinity for the iPad and frequently review premium board games designed for both iPhone and iPad platforms on my website.
However, today I am delighted to share a curated selection of 11 completely free board games specifically optimized for the iPad experience.
Exploring Free Gaming Options
For those who haven't yet acquired an iPad, rest assured, I anticipate you will in the future. In the meantime, Nancy has compiled a list of 8 iPhone games that are surprisingly available at no cost.
Furthermore, Tim has detailed free board game alternatives accessible directly within your web browser, while Mark highlighted the top 5 games catering to Android users.
Discovering the Games
Below is a compilation of the free iPad board games I have discovered.
- Each game offers a unique experience.
- They are all readily available for download.
- These games provide hours of entertainment without any financial commitment.
Let's delve into the specifics of these exciting finds.
Game Room: A Collection of Classic Board Games
Game Room consolidates eight timeless board games into a single, user-friendly application, prioritizing a straightforward gaming experience. The app offers a diverse selection of traditional pastimes.
Included Games
- Checkers
- Reversi
- Halma
- Go
- Mancala
- Tafl
- Atari Go
- Cups
Links to Wikipedia have been provided for some of the less familiar games. Furthermore, the application conveniently provides a comprehensive rule set for each game included.
Beyond the pre-loaded games, users have the ability to design their own custom board game experience for iPad. This feature allows for adjustments to board dimensions and visual themes, such as checkered, leather, wood, or stone patterns.
Within the custom game mode, piece placement is unrestricted, though a convenient double-tap function is implemented to quickly change a piece's color.
It's important to note that Game Room is designed exclusively for two-player gaming on a single device. Online multiplayer or single-player versus AI options are not available.
However, for those seeking a dedicated abstract board game application, Game Room delivers a comprehensive and satisfying experience.
You can download GameRoom from Metaversal Studios via this [iTunes link].
Words With Friends Free (Scrabble clone)
Words With Friends distinguishes itself from the officially licensed Scrabble version by offering a remarkable capability: the option to engage in several online games concurrently.
A streamlined, quick-access menu facilitates effortless switching between ongoing games. This menu is consistently available with a single tap, displaying all active games and indicating those awaiting your turn.
Advertising Considerations
Despite being a free application, this version incorporates advertisements. Users sensitive to in-game advertising, particularly pop-ups, may find the experience disruptive.
Advertisements, lasting approximately two seconds, appear after a few turns, briefly occupying the entire screen. However, for enthusiasts of Scrabble and word games, the multi-game functionality presents a compelling advantage.
This feature is particularly valuable for dedicated players seeking to maximize their gameplay.
Download Words With Friends HD Free - Newtoy Inc. [iTunes link]
Ludo
Ludo isn't a complex game, yet its enduring appeal lies in its accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels. Typically, I wouldn't recommend games of this nature, but I did experiment with it alongside my wife and discovered a surprising amount of enjoyment. I don't recall Ludo being quite so intensely competitive, however.
The game is available without any initial cost, though it offers optional in-app purchases for varied board themes and enhanced 3D dice. Multiplayer functionality is restricted to local, in-person games, but artificial intelligence opponents are available for solo play.
Gameplay and Features
Ludo provides a straightforward gaming experience. Players race their tokens around the board, aiming to be the first to get all of them home.
The inclusion of different board designs and 3D dice adds cosmetic variety to the core gameplay. These elements are not essential to the experience, but can enhance visual appeal.
Download LUDO board game - SIS software [iTunes link]
Blood and Honour Lite (Risk clone)
This game possesses a surprisingly compelling nature – perhaps indicative of a hidden ambition for global control. The sole restriction of the 'lite' version lies in its player limit, accommodating a maximum of three participants, whether controlled by humans or artificial intelligence. Online play is also an option, though the game's host must possess the full version.
A notable enhancement is the inclusion of special cards, introducing a layer of strategic consideration and complexity. These cards offer temporary advantages, such as increased attack or defense dice, or even devastating effects like nuclear strikes. This addition significantly elevates the experience compared to the original game.
While I wasn't previously a devoted fan of Risk, I anticipate maintaining this title on my iPad for the foreseeable future.
Download Blood & Honor Lite - Sandstorm Interactive [iTunes link]
The iPad, naturally, cannot entirely substitute the experience of traditional board games. Its screen size presents a limitation, allowing comfortable tabletop play for only two players.
Many Euro-style games, with their numerous physical components, are simply impractical to replicate on the iPad’s smaller display. Perhaps an iPad for each player would be necessary. However, the need for "travel versions" of board games can now be considered obsolete.
Anyone who has struggled with flimsy magnetic pieces during a car journey will likely share my enthusiasm.
What are your thoughts on the iPad as a platform for board gaming? Do you foresee a decline in sales of classic games like chess and checkers, or do you value the tactile experience of physical pieces?
Share any other free, iPad-optimized board games you recommend in the comments below!
Important Note: This review was based on testing with iOS 4.2. Users who have jailbroken their iPads are advised against upgrading at this time, as the current jailbreak solution is tethered. This means a re-jailbreak is required after each battery depletion or hard reset. A comprehensive tutorial will be provided when a more stable solution becomes available.
