GeekSugar

Classic Board Games With an iPhone Flair

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:50:33 PST

Classic toy brand Hasbro thinks game night is in dire need of a tech edge, based on their just-revealed spin on classic games Monopoly and The Game of Life. At this year's Toy Fair, the company is previewing tech savvy versions of the games that use iOS devices during play.

Monopoly zAPPed plays generally like the classic real estate game you know, but instead of fake paper money players tap "debit cards" on their iOS device of choice to withdraw or add funds to their game account. The app will also have side games to try for a free "get out of jail" pass.

Being mildly obsessed with The Game of Life as a kid, the zAPPed version of the game is what I'm most excited to try. Use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch for a digital version of the giant number spinner and view family snapshots of your fabulous life by the end of the game. The game also features over 100 videos from America's Funniest Home Videos, which I really hope can be skipped through on the app.

Life zAPPed will hit store shelves in Spring, while its Monopoly counterpart debuts in the Fall. Both games will retail for $25. Are you interested in playing an apped-up version of the games, or is classic better when it comes to board games?

Couple Up: 5 Games For Valentine's Day Fun

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:00:46 PST

Rather than going broke on the usual Valentine's Day dinner for two, why not stay home, cook a meal together, and play a few video games? Not only will you save some cash (and calories), but you'll also heighten the mood with a bit of playful competition. Check out five of my favorite games, perfect for couples.

Which Band Created Their Own iPhone Game?

GeekSugar — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:00:27 PDT

Bands and artists making their own iPhone apps to deliver news and music to their fans isn't a new practice, but bands making mobile games? Well, that is. Which band created their own iPhone game that has you fighting to help stop the evil Pixxelkorp HD Empire from trying to take over the band's "awesome 8-bit world"?

Take the Quiz

Reader Redux: What Are Your Favorite iPhone Games?

GeekSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:31 PDT

Last week, I asked you about which games I should load up on my iPhone, and you guys totally came through for a geek gal in need. I already play Plants vs. Zombies on my computer, but more than a few of you suggested that I start playing on the go. Consider it done! What other games did you suggest? Just read on to find out!

"Right now: Words With Friends. I think it's excellently set up for iPhone usage. I wish more games would take the "take your turn at your pace" idea and run with it." - gwenix
"Civilization Revolution (I have the Lite version, but I prefer it on my DS) and Oregon Trail." - aniline
"Zen Stones! So addictive and free!" - guruguru

To see a few more suggestions, just

"There is a quickie version of Katamari Damacy for the iPhone. If you like the Playstation version of this roll up everything game, then you'll enjoy the version on the iPhone." - stilettopanda
"Plants vs. Zombies! Also Words with Friends, Puzzle Quest, Defender Chronicles, Flight Control, Everest, Sally's Spa . . . I could go on and on!" - The Sass
"Doodlejump is fast and utterly addictive, and really quick to pick up for the younger set (i.e. your kids who want a turn. ZenBound is very calming, and Glyder makes you really feel like you're flying." - Toddie
"If you like Plants vs. Zombies you would love The Creeps. It's even more fun (and can get way more difficult) and almost as adorable." - EricaJane
"Chuzzle and Words with Friends" - CandyG

What Are Your Favorite iPhone and iPod Touch Games?

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:45:36 PST

I feel like a sham. Even though I call myself a gamer, my 4-year-old godson was quick to say otherwise. Why? Because my iPhone isn't jam-packed with portable games. I guess that's not entirely true - I have a few notables buried on page three of my apps. And while I was a little hurt by his comment - I mean, c'mon, I own a Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, DS Lite, and a vintage Commodore 128 - he's sorta right. A real gamer would most definitely take advantage of all the iPhone games out there, if only to make a bus ride more bearable.

I'm the first to admit that when it comes to games for the iPhone and iPod Touch, I haven't been the best student. Last time I checked, you guys were playing games on your iPod, so I'm leaning on you, dear readers for advice. What games are you loving on your iPhone and iPod Touch right now? Help me out by sharing in the comments below!

Daily Tech: This All-in-One Outlet Is the Best Thing Ever

GeekSugar — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:15:54 PST

TruePower Outlet charges via USB . . . and it's only $20 - Dvice
Lucky Arizona students get free WiFi on school bus, are now more productive - Oh Gizmo!
Hazzah: Plants vs. Zombies hits the iPhone - Crave
Genius behind ChatRoulette is only 17 years old - Switched
Is James Cameron working on Avatar prequel? - io9
Apple gets serious and starts banning iPhone hackers - Gizmodo

Download of the Day: Words With Friends (Careful, It's Addictive)

GeekSugar — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:00:46 PST

Remember when Plants vs. Zombies was taking over my life? It's officially been ousted as my number one time-suck, replaced by Words With Friends, a game for the iPhone very similar to another popular word game to play with your friends.

You can play up to 20 games simultaneously with different friends, or if you're really in need of a Words With Friends fix (trust me, you'll get there), the game will match you with a random opponent. There's also a pass-and-play option if you and a friend are in the same room and want to play. Allow push notifications from the app, and it'll ping you when it's your move, meaning you can play with any friend who has the app, not just someone in your vicinity you've linked iPhones with.

Fierce competition has settled in quickly, so if your friends are anything like mine, be prepared for some heated games!

Would You Play DS Games on Your iPhone?

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:33:43 PDT

It's a well known fact that the iPhone and the iPod Touch are becoming full-on competitors to the traditional gaming platform. With thousands of games available to download and play at the touch of the screen, it's easier than ever to keep yourself entertained wherever you are. But the one thing I can't see myself doing is playing Nintendo DS games on my iPhone. I mean, the DS does what it does so well, why should there be any substitute?

I recently read a story on CNET about the five best DS games available for your iPhone, and although I'm all for mobile gaming, I just couldn't get on board. Yes, buying a $7 Cooking Mama app saves you a few bucks from the $20 sticker price of the DS version, but I just don't know if it would bring the same flair. How about you - would you play DS games on your iPhone?

Get Your Game On: 10 Cool iPhone Games

GeekSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:44 PDT

I know you probably purchased your iPhone to stay connected to friends, family, and business contacts, but you gotta have some fun sometimes! Not only can you download some sweet apps to keep you productive and streamlined, but you should save some room for a few of the fun and entertaining games that are available too!

Check out my slideshow of the best games you can add to your iPhone arsenal; perfect for car trips, bus rides, jury duty, or whenever you need a game break!

iPhone Games: The Original Duck Hunt

GeekSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:00:47 PDT

Unlike Super Mario Bros. for the iPhone, here's a classic game that you can play without having to perform several software hacks to get it to work. Developed by Deron Dantzler, this Safari-compatible Duck Hunt game lets you shoot down ducks with your fingertips (so you can put those giant red guns away). Unfortunately there isn't any sound like the Mario game, but it does load a lot faster. Thanks to technabob for discovering this!To play the game, go to this site on your iPhone.