Reintroducing Classic Board Games to the New Generation of Gamers
Most kids today are very much engaged with their mobile devices. This gives them access to a great number of app games that they can instantly download on their phone. While this gives them a great form of entertainment, the platform may also expose them to games that are not suitable for their age. Most of which promote violence, sex, and other sensitive themes. Roblox, for instance, is a popular game that is merely designed for kids but may still expose children to other risks due to some inappropriate content and even cyberbullying. This is why most applications have a parental control system that allows parents to monitor or limit the activities that can be done by their kids online.
When online classes were highly imposed during the peak of the pandemic, kids have become more engaged in various online activities. Their focus has been shifted to many other things and they became more interested in various online gaming activities. While it is impossible to divert their attention from online gaming, we can at least introduce them to games that are educational and fun.
This might surprise many but video games can become a great tool for learning. Some kids will find these games fun and entertaining without realizing that they are also learning something new at the same time. Back in the day when the Internet is not yet a thing and consoles are still too expensive for every household, we used to enjoy playing various tabletop board games that, unfortunately, not many kids today are aware of. Are they even familiar with the classic Snakes and Ladders? How about Battleship or Ludo?
Good thing, there are many independent game developers who are attempting to bring these classic board games on mobile and in browsers to reintroduce them to the young generation of gamers. Interestingly, I came across Calculators.org, a site that offers a wide array of free calculation tools for loans, mortgages, math, and health purposes. Originally, they have added a special section on their site dedicated to a great collection of math games for kids but they have expanded their library and added browser-based board games to their roster.
Boardgames are undeniably fun but they are also effective tools that help increase brain function. Most of which stimulates brain areas that are responsible for complex thought and memory formation. They help improve kids’ cognitive skills and are also good for their mental growth. Listed down are five of the best board games from Calculators.org that you and your kids should definitely try. Take note that these are simple browser games and you do not need to download them on your phone. Just access the website and you can play them directly from the browser.
Battleship War
First on our list is a classic strategy game that was first introduced in the 1930s. The game initially started as a pencil and paper game and was eventually released as a plastic board game by Milton Bradley (the same company behind popular board games like Connect 4, HeroQuest, and Candy Land). The mechanics are very simple, players will be prompted to a 14×14 grid where they secretly position the six battleships. Once done, the player and the AI opponent will take turns selecting one grid in an attempt to hit the opponent’s hidden ship. The player who sunk all the opposing ships will win the game.
Snakes and Ladders
Snakes and Ladders is another classic board game that originated in India in the 19th century. As the title of the game suggests, it takes you to a numbered board game composed of a 10×10 grid. The game can be played by 2 to 4 players taking turns rolling a dice. The goal is to become the first player to reach the 100th Grid. Along with the grids are snakes and ladders which could either harm or help you in the process. If you step on a ladder, you will advance your position on the board but if you step on a snake, it will drag you back to lower positions.
Etch and Sketch
Etch and Sketch is a drawing toy that became extremely popular in the 1960s. It has simple yet tricky mechanics. An Etch A Sketch has a thick, flat gray screen in a red plastic frame. There are two white knobs on the front of the frame in the lower corners. To start sketching, simply twist the knobs to move the stylus. One knob allows you to draw a line horizontally and the other one draws vertically. It is very surprising to see a digital version of this classic toy. Here, instead of knobs, you are given rotatable dials. It is ideal to play this game on a mobile browser so you can turn both dials and draw curve lines.
Guess Who
Guess Who is one of my favorite board games when I was a kid. The game became popular in the early 80s. The game comes with two boards with 24 cartoon images. Each player selects a card of their choice from a separate pile of cards containing the same 24 images. The objective of the game is to be the first to determine which card one’s opponent has selected. Players will take turns asking questions answerable by yes or no to eliminate candidates. In this digital version, you play against an AI opponent and you take turns asking predetermined questions.
Dominoes
Domino is probably the oldest board game on this list with a history that can be traced back to Ancient China and the early 18th century. This tile-based board game has very simple mechanics. Each player will draw seven Domino tiles and the goal is to place a tile next to the other tile with an identical value. The game ends when one player wins by playing their last tile. In this digital version, the original gameplay was wonderfully captured along with nice visuals that provide you with an authentic Domino gaming experience.
The site has many other iconic board games to offer including Master Chess, Checkers, Connect 4, Minesweeper, and more. It is a great game portal for kids and it could be an excellent source of educational and entertaining games. To top it all off, these games are very light and browser-based which means that they no longer need to download the actual game on their phone just to enjoy it. Just open the browser, access the site and you are good to go!
How about you? What was your favorite browser game when you were a kid?
If you are not into boardgames and video games, well, you might find action figures more engaging and fun. Today, there are so many types of action figures that kids and even the “kids at heart” can collect and play. Some of which are based on popular superheroes while others and inspired by different animes and cartoons. Pop vinyls are becoming in-demand these days. There are pop vinyl shops where you can buy large collection of pop vinyl toys and if you are lucky enough, you might spot some rare and limited edition that you can confidently add to your growing collection.
