When it comes to games, most of us have fond memories of the classics. Monopoly, chess and checkers seem almost quaint, but the truth is that they have kept up with the changing times pretty well. With access to portable, powerful technology, a whole new generation is learning the appeal of the games that many of us grew up with. If you take a quick look at what some of your old favorites are doing right now, you may be surprised to find they’ve evolved with the times!
Checkers: Played by Computers
Checkers: Played by Computers
It seems like a natural leap for computer programmers to take on checkers, known as “draughts” in the UK. It’s a fairly simple game, but much like chess, it has an impressive amount of variation in moves. There have been several checkers-playing computer engines that have come out, and some are immensely powerful. The Nemesis engine has been the one to beat for some time, with Cake++, Chinook and KingsRow not far behind. While the average online checker games are not nearly as powerful, it is worth picking up a free or nearly free program so you can play checkers on your phone whenever you have a free moment!
Monopoly: More and More Complexed
You probably have fond memories of long (long!) Monopoly games that you never finished. But the field has changed with several new add-ons meant to make the game more complex. Stock Exchange is one such add on, typically purchased separately from the main game and designed to make play more engaging and fast paced. As long as a Monopoly game is, there is of course room for two mini-games, including Free Parking and Get out of Jail, which can also be played independently of the Monopoly game itself. Some variants on the regular Monopoly game include Monopoly City, which is more complex, and Monopoly Deal, a card game version
Game of Life: Video Games
The Game of Life has actually remained quite similar to what you remember. What might surprise you, however, is the format it’s now in. Instead of being confined to a board, you will find that the Game of Life can easily be played on your tablet or your smartphone. When you are looking for an alternate version, make sure you consider the Game of Life variations themed after The Simpsons, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars and Spongebob Squarepants.
Risk: Variations Galore
When it comes to games that require tactical skill, immense amounts of patience and under-the-table dealing, take a moment to look at Risk. It’s a game that seems to invite variations, and the designers have risen to the challenge. For example, one of the more recent editions is known as Risk: Reinvention, where capital cities, missions and streamlined rules come into play. Risk: Halo Wars Collector's Edition takes its source from the Halo games, and the territories involved include The Flood, the Covenant and the UNSC. Starcraft Risk is a board game that brings in three different races and four different play modes. Two very recent additions to the Risk universe include Risk: Mass Effect Galaxy at War and Risk: The Walking Dead Survival Edition.
Take a few moments to think about your favorite games, and then look them up. You never know when there has been a new and exciting variation!
This article was provided by CJ Gordon, recent Computer Science graduate and online gamer. If you're looking for a more low-tech gift for your child, CJ recommends visiting Card Kingdom.
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