Board games aren't relics of a bygone era. These titles use apps to enhance the experience, bringing tabletop fun to a new generation.

With board games becoming increasingly popular, game designers have been experimenting with different ways to enhance and further immerse players into the hobby. From legacy board games that feature narrative and personalized campaigns to games that rely on other senses, it’s no surprise then that board games have now been paired with apps to deliver unique experiences that traditional board games can’t.

A growing number of games deliver on this premise. Paired with an app companion, these games can streamline the gameplay or act as worthy AI challengers for players. With multiple options to personalize them, players can truly enjoy a one-of-a-kind tabletop experience.

Players may be familiar with the original and highly acclaimed XCOM video games. Similarly, in XCOM: The Board Game, up to 4 players must defend humanity against an encroaching alien threat. Players recruit elite soldiers, engage alien fighters, acquire funds, research alien technology, and eliminate the alien menace.

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The board game variant introduces a companion app that is a core part of the gameplay. The app coordinates the escalating alien threat by throwing several hurdles at the players, heightening the tension. The app also makes players respond to decisions in real time, further adding fuel to the flames if players make ill-advised choices. The AI offers no reprieve and will immediately coordinate the next alien effort based on player choices. Players can also play the game solo should they want to feel all the weight placed on their shoulders.

Although not set in a magical school or at Hogwarts, Alchemists does make players feel like a wizard. Up to 4 players will attempt to solve a logic puzzle to create potions and, more importantly, publish theories to gain the most reputation.

Using the app, players will combine various properties and test their ingredients to gain knowledge. The game can be run without the app if one player acts as a Game Master, but the app streamlines and smoothens out the gameplay. Players will race to acquire knowledge, wealth, and most importantly, fame to become the most renowned alchemist in all the land.

Set in a dark medieval universe, Destinies is a competitive, story-driven game filled with daring adventure and exploration. Up to 3 players will select their avatar and must fulfill their destiny through a number of ways. The main methods include engaging with NPCs, completing actions, and exploring the land.

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Players will have at least two very different pathways to victory, which are composed of a branching series of quests and tasks. The app companion to this game offers a dynamic number of quests that determine the fate of an ever-changing world. Players will learn more about the story as the app adapts and evolves with player choices, making Destinies an unforgettable and unique fantasy adventure.

An extremely popular game that uses an app, Chronicles Of Crime takes mystery-solving to the next level, and is a definite must-play for fans of detective stories and murder mysteries. A cooperative experience that has up to 4 players working together, the game’s goal is to have players solve the case and catch the killer responsible in the shortest time possible.

The app utilizes Scan&Play technology whereby each component (items, characters, locations) has a unique QR code. Players will scan these codes using their phones, which can then activate or trigger events and clues to progress the case. The game also features a VR experience where players can use VR glasses synced to the phone and place their mobile phone in front of their eyes. By doing this, players will be able to immerse themselves into the game world and uncover clues within the virtual world.

Lord Of The Rings: Journeys In Middle-earth is a fully cooperative game where 1-5 players team up to create their epic tale. Players will select a character and embark on scenarios that feature battles against the forces of evil, the unveiling of unique treasures, and critical choices that will affect the world around them.

The companion app essentially replaces the role of the Game Master. It shows players how to set up the various scenarios, determines enemy movement and actions, and unveils random events that will impact the game. Thanks to the app, the game allows players to envision their fellowship and create their sagas within Middle-earth.

Similar to Journeys in Middle-earth, Mansions Of Madness 2nd Edition utilizes an app that replaces the role of GM, and streamlines a cooperative experience. Up to 5 players will attempt to complete various scenarios set in a world festering with Lovecraftian horrors.

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Players will take on the role of investigators who must explore locations to gather information, tools, and items that will be vital to their scenario and survival whilst at the same time fending off eldritch terrors and retaining their sanity. The game is exceptionally well-designed thanks to the streamlined and helpful app companion.

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Kai is just a dude who really likes all things fantasy and sci-fi, provided they're good of course. A trained actor and aspiring writer, Kai is a creative who craves elaborate worldbuilding and great stories. He believes that video games have a unique place and role to tell powerful narratives. More often than not, Kai can be found making geek content, playing tabletop games, and traumatizing his cat with copious amounts of love.