Niantic and Punchdrunk will bring immersive theater experiences to AR

Niantic makes augmented reality games like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. These games allow players to venture around the real world and interact with superimposed characters and items. The company is now teaming up with theater group Pu...

Robot Plays Settlers of Catan

One thing that really stinks about playing games like Settlers of Catan is that if you or your friend accidentally bumps the board, all of the roads and cities go flying everywhere. Robots don’t have that problem. At least not ones that are bolted down.

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Students from the Computer Science and Mathematics departments of the OTH Regensburg Technical University of Applied Sciences in Germany programmed a KUKA industrial robotic arm to play Settlers of Catan. The robot uses cameras above an LCD game board that displays virtual versions of the game’s hexagonal pieces to interact with human opponents.

It precisely places the game’s settlement, city, and road pieces, with nothing out of place. If you play against this robot and the board gets all messed up, everyone knows that it is the human’s fault, because this robot plays a neat and organized game.

See, it’s better than you at this too. When will they stop one-upping us?

[via iEEE Spectrum via Gizmodo]

Settlers of Catan Nachos and Pizza: I’ll Trade You Wood for Pepperoni

This Settlers of Catan setup is perfect for a Super Bowl party. The big game is almost here, so why not spice things up a bit and enjoy the game with your other favorite game?

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I wouldn’t try to play using these game boards though. The dice tend to not roll well and get stuck on all those toppings. It wouldn’t work with that nacho setup either.

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These dishes are perfect for Super Bowl night on February 7th. That should give you a few nights to perfect these dishes and get everything ready. Make these and invite some friends over for a meal they will never forget.

[via Geeks Are Sexy]

The 18 Best Party Games for Adults

Party Games for Geeks Cards Against Humanity

Not all party games are meant for little kids! Meet some of the greatest party games for adults of all time in this list – all of which only get better once you can legally drink.

The days of being an outcast just because you had geeky or nerdy interests are long gone, and nowadays these same hobbies are not only what makes us friends in the first place, but even themes for parties and get-togethers. The idea behind this list is to recommend some fun games for both guys and gals that can be played with their buddies and have a laugh together.

In this list you will see many popular card games that you might or not have heard of, board games, and even party video games because in this day and age, all of us have at least one console around the house. If you’re organizing an adult birthday party, adult Christmas or just an adult get together away from the kids, read on, and find something that fits your group!

Card Games for Adults

Disturbed Friends

Disturbed Friends is a sleeper hit amongst those who enjoy party games, and it is special for it might reveal a side of your friends you’re not familiar with. This game faces the players with horrible situations or unethical debates, some of them with overt sexual themes. The real fun comes from trying to guess what your friends will actually choose, and how much this will affect your friendship in the end. Hey, losing a friendship is not that bad if you get to laugh about it afterwards, right? Disturbed Friends and its expansions is almost guaranteed to cause a few laughs or break ups.

Cards Against Humanity

This card game almost doesn’t need an introduction – the slogan “a party game for horrible people” pretty much tells you all you need to know about one of the most beloved party games of the last couple years. The idea is to match the cards to create hilarious and unlikely answers to hard-hitting questions, and the opportunities to mix and match are almost endless. The base game can be bought for $25 USD, but its many expansions will ensure that the game stays fresh once you’ve started playing a while longer. It’s seriously the best possible game for an adult birthday party.

SUPERFIGHT

This game has an incredibly neat idea, but one that requires the player’s creativity to actually be fun. SUPERFIGHT is a deck of cards with several attributes that players will draw from in order to create a character, monster, figure, whatever – with strengths, weaknesses and other characteristics. Examples of this include the likes of a dinosaur on a jetpack or a pirate on a segway breathing fire – the more cards you draw, the more insane it gets. The idea is that after you’re happy with your creation, you get to argue with other players over which of these would win, and just exactly how each fight would go. We assign bonus points if there is a bit of acting involved in the discussion but that bit is your call.

We Didn’t Playtest This At All

We Didn’t Playtest This At All is different from most of the games on this list, for it is a freeform game where players get to make rules on the fly. The game is purposely precise and purposely vague in different cards (each one with its own set of rules) so players get to argue the meaning and come up with their own scoring systems. It also doesn’t hurt that this game likes to create random win conditions that toy with the players emotions and give opportunities for a comeback at just about any moment. The game is quite silly, and it totally embraces that aspect, so be ready to face some ridiculous situations. Also, once you’re done with the base game, be aware there are several expansions you can try out.

Personally Incorrect

Careful, for this game is not for everyone, and we truly mean it! Personally Incorrect is a game where you will get to roast your guests, call them names, and bring up horrible, embarrassing stuff. The idea is that players will pick a an attendee’s name and then an offensive answer card for them – roasting at its finest. The game is a huge hit with people who don’t mind offensive jokes, but it can get personal pretty quickly so having a thick skin is advised.

A Terrible Time

 

A Terrible Time is a fun game with challenges of all kinds. Players will draw cards and have to perform a particular task that will test their knowledge, a skill or whatever else not unlike other games like Cranium. Still, what makes A Terrible Time different from other party games with similar concepts is that when players fail a task, they will have to draw a card from a humiliation deck and get stuff written in their foreheads, scratch plates with a fork and knife, or other incredibly annoying or shameful displays. While we consider this game hilarious, it totally needs a trigger warning, for it’s not for everyone and might make you do or bring out things from your friends or yourself you don’t want to know.

Board Games for Adults

Taboo

There is nothing quite like a classic. Taboo, for those who don’t know it yet, is a fantastic guessing game where players have to guess phrases or words but can’t use certain others to hint the members of their team. The game has been around for many years, and is beloved by players of all ages and backgrounds for being a clever mix of mind games, mimic, and wit but also having a hilarious, very physical side. We spent so much time with it we can’t help but recommend it.

Cranium

In Cranium you get to show how much better than everyone else you are – for real. Players will have to move through a board by rolling a dice, and drawing cards that will have them perform, do or use different skills involving trivia and their own creativity. Players will have to figure out words, hound clues, perform songs or draw, and more – it’s sort of a jack of all trades, mixing elements from almost all of the other games in this list. We recommend Cranium for those who can’t figure out exactly which game they like the most, and want to dip their feet and do a bit of each thing. If you happen to really like Cranium, be aware that there are many expansions that can arrange the game more to your liking.

Monopoly

Here comes Monopoly, the ultimate friendship tester! We are not exactly sure what it is about this game that gets everyone’s most competitive side out, and won’t be able to put the game down until crushing the competition with over-priced hotels and well placed houses that will enrage whoever lands in them – and that is exactly the part that makes Monopoly so much fun. Be ready for the tears, the yelling and cursing that are inherent to the game, but in case this isn’t geeky enough for you there are special editions based off of Game of Thrones, Doctor Who,  Marvel, and so many, many more. We’re sure you will find your own.

RISK

Playing RISK with the right people can be one of the most intense experiences in the world. In this game, the world map is divided in “zones” which the players will attempt to conquer with their ever-growing armies, and clash against each other with the roll of a dice. Still, that’s only a superficial description of what is really going on: the alliances, the betrayals, the crushing defeats or grasping victory from the hands of our opponents, that is the real backbone of this game and the reason why we think this game is a must for any one game night. There are also several special editions such as Game of Thrones RISK, Star Wars RISK, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and many, many more.

Adult Loaded Questions

The classic Loaded Questions has released a hilarious, new revision entitled Adult Loaded Questions which dumps all pretense of clean fun for a way raunchier version. Players will use a spinner, draw a card, and ask a really awkward question to everyone currently participating (examples include “what is an instant mood killer” or “which should would you watch if it contained nudity”). Players then have to write down their answers and have whoever asked the question read them anonymously. For extra fun you can try and guess who answered what, but be aware this might lead to break-ups or divorces.

Settlers of Catan

Settlers of Catan is a game about building a civilization, conquering the land and improving life for everyone – or pissing your friends off because you refuse to trade with them for wool, which they clearly need. There will be a lot of yelling, name-calling, and telling your buddies how big of a jerk they are because they’re the only party with access to ore, and how they’re cheating, because you clearly know they are. Settlers of Catan can be played with other expansions and extra rules on top, and adding on top the fact that the tiles and placements get randomized each time ensures no two games are the same. This is pretty much the definition of an endless game.

Pictionary

The game of sketches and guesses makes an appearance on our list. In Pictionary you will have to draw something from a card drawn at random. It might be a movie title, a book, action, noun, or many other concepts. Other players will have to guess what the player did actually draw, and that is the best part, as not everyone is exactly a talented artist. The game is good for players all ages, as more adult versions of the games also exist. There are some other similar games that explore the concept but have focus on pop culture, or in acting instead of drawing too, with prominent examples being Win, Lose or DrawDraw Something or Charades.

Party Video Games For Adults

Mario Party

We just can’t have these type of lists without mentioning the silly fun that the Mario Party series brings to the table. This title simulates a board players traverse and then jumps into a collection of minigames where players compete for stars, coins, and their pride. The fact that the Wii U comes with so many different control types makes the whole thing extra special as you never know exactly what type of thing you are going to have to do next. If you are among gamers, Super Mario Party is absolutely a must. By the way, we’re recommending Mario Party 10 for Wii U as it is the most recent one, but don’t be afraid to delve into some of the older titles that go back all the way to the Nintendo 64 – some gamers even tend to prefer those over the most recent, but that’s a matter of personal taste.

Mario Kart

Everything we said about how much fun Mario Party is also goes for Mario Kart. This is a racing game where players get to grab different weapons and use those to hinder the CPU opponents or their friends through beautiful, colorful courses. Using bananas to stop the enemies behind, different colored shells to shoot at your opponents, or even the dreaded blue shell that never misses whoever is in the first place all create hilarious situations that get funnier the more serious the players get about the whole competition. The good thing about Mario Kart is that each new entry is better than the previous one and you seriously can’t go wrong with the most recent one, Mario Kart 8, where you can even take control of Link from The Legend of Zelda and Isabelle from Animal Crossing via DLC.

Just Dance

Let yourself go and flow with the music in Ubisoft’s Just Dance, one of the heaviest hitting games at any party or social gathering. The game has players (up to 4 at the same time) follow a choreography on the screen to some of the biggest hits of each year – because yes, this game DOES come out yearly, it’s not like popular music doesn’t renew itself. Also, it’s not all recent hits and you will get to do some classics such as You Spin me Round (Like a Record) or Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, for those of you who like oldies. As of now, Just Dance 2015 is the most recent edition, but be aware that Just Dance 2016 is just around the corner. At least you can play it on pretty much any console. Some of them do not even need add ons like Kinect or PlayStation Camera!

Rock Band 4

The drought is over! After years and years without a release, rhythm games with a rocking edge are coming back, and they are coming back full force. For those who haven’t heard of the Rock Band / Guitar Hero series before, in these games players get to hold plastic instruments and “play along” with some of the most popular songs of all time, spanning from the late 60s to the last few years. You might find yourself rocking out to The Who, Metallica, Nirvana or Imagine Dragons. Furthermore, in the case of Rock Band, your old songs and DLC you paid for will still work with the newer versions, so if you’ve played the game before, now is the right time to come back as its better than ever.

Super Smash Bros

This is an actual fact that can not be disputed: when it comes to partying and videogames the Wii U is the greatest video game console out there. Super Smash Bros for Wii U is a fighting game that both newcomers and trained players can enjoy side to side as it features a really low entry barrier but a high skill ceiling: no matter how good you are, a newcomer might find a way to take you down, and the fact that you can use some of the most beloved Nintendo characters of all time in incredibly gorgeous stages created completely in high definition graphics, it makes for a hell of an experience. From Donkey Kong to Pikachu, from Mega Man to Sonic and from Mario to Marth or the Wii Fit Trainer, there are characters of all kinds for everyone. The only bad part of this game is that it might kick off an obsession with the amiibo figurines.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories at Kat Walk VR Treadmill Makes Games more Immersive and 6thfinger Mimics Human Touch in Tablet Games.

 

Settlers of Catan Globe: Catanosphere

Instructables settler PenfoldPlant traded Settlers of Catan’s flat board game for a globe. A modified truncated icosahedron, to be exact. The result is a multipurpose piece that can serve as decoration, a container for game pieces and yes, a playing surface, albeit one that’s not as convenient as the original.

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PenfoldPlant calls his creation the Catanosphere. If it looks like a lot of work, that’s because it is. You’ll need lots of glue, nearly 500 small magnets and a steady hand for this project.

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Also, as you may have noticed some of the Catanosphere’s spaces for the tiles are pentagonal, but the game’s tiles are all hexagonal. So you’ll have to make or print pentagon-shaped copies of the tiles as well.

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The globe’s shape and the presence of pentagonal tiles also affect the game somewhat, though PenfoldPlant believes that you can still play with the exact same rules as the original.

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Colonize Instructables to for his detailed instructions and notes on the Catanosphere.

Wood for Sheep: The Settlers of Catan Cookbook

So you’re engrossed in a game of Settlers of Catan and don’t want to leave the game board to grab something to eat. What will you do? You could call for a delivery order, or you could eat something much more appropriate, courtesy of the geektastic cuisine of Chris-Rachael Oseland.

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Her new book, Wood for Sheep offers tasty recipes for Settlers from all walks of life.

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The book includes over 100 recipes designed for hexagonal service, including many for vegetarians, vegans, gluten free diets, lactose intolerants, and low-carb eaters. Inside, you’ll find full meals and snacks for hungry board gamers.

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The book offers two main sections – one focused on edible, configurable food maps, the second one focused on recipes with sheep and grain as well as clever uses of wood, brick and ore.

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The book is available now over on Amazon for about $13 (USD) – a savings of about 34% off the retail price of $20. That money will give you enough to pick up some hexagonal dishes to go with.

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I don’t know about you, but food just looks so much better crammed into hexagons.

Socks of Catan: A Game Is Afoot

People really seem to go crazy for the Settlers of Catan game. It is a fun game, but how big of a fan are you? Are you willing to wear socks with hexagonal land tiles printed all over them?
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Well, if that makes you happy, that is a thing now. In partnership with the creators of Settlers of Catan, Betabrand has created socks designed to look like the board game. They are appropriately called “Socks of Catan.”

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Pre-order them now from Betabrand for $14(USD) and they will ship this October. You don’t even have to trade in any sheep cards to get them.

[via Laughing Squid]

Star Trek: Catan or How to Settle Beyond the Final Frontier

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The popularity of themed versions of classic board games is certainly on the rise. In most of the cases (this one included), the variations are improved over the original games, to make things even more entertaining.

September 8, 2012 marked 46 years since the first episode of Star Trek: The ...
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