Can augmented reality take over the gaming world? It seems like augmented reality has already established itself as a primary satisfaction source for gamers. Though the application of AR can vary and there are a lot of amazing applications of modern augmented reality outside gaming, we will solely be focusing on the top 5 best-augmented reality games in this article.
Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go was probably the biggest game of 2016 even if we take out the fact that this game was heavily dependent on augmented reality. Pokemon already had a loyal support base for a long time and when the company partnered with Nintendo to launch this game, the gaming world saw a huge storm. Pokemon Go has quickly become a culture instead of just being a game and this game was able to take people out of their homes to ‘catch Pokemon characters’.
In case if you are not familiar with the gaming experience, the idea was very simple. You had to download the Pokemon Go app and with the help of the app on your cellphone, you had to catch Pokemon characters. The game was initially launched in North America and it very quickly became popular in other parts of the world. The best part about this game was the fact that you didn’t have to use any special AR device to enjoy the experience.
Some might debate the fact that Pokemon Go is not a pure AR experience, however, it was the first exposure towards the AR world and is a massive success.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Though a newly launched augmented reality game, it still managed to draw huge crowds of passionate gamers in such a short time. The game is based on the globally famed fictional world of Harry Potter and characters from the wizarding world. The movie and books have already been a powerful hit in almost every country, so many might say that this is why another so many “Potterheads” have been attracted to this game.
The game was announced in November of 2017. This Augmented Reality (AR) game developed by Niantic and WB Games San Francisco. In this world of filled with unique magical creatures, the user can cast spells, fight wars against other evil entities, discover magical artifacts, and encounter well-famed characters from Harry potter.
The creators of the game have revealed that it has taken inspiration from other famed games such as Pokemon Go and Ingress. The game shares many similarities with Pokemon Go and players can see the best effects with a smartphone.
Many are even calling it the new Pokemon Go but with the element of magic. In this game, you will be given assignments that you have to complete to move up the wizarding hierarchical ladder. Another element, largely popularized by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, has also found its way here; the Portkey. If you have been a fervent admirer of Professor Severus Snape, you can also use your potion skills here. Overall, for a Potterhead and even for those who are yet to complete the movie franchise but have a bit of magic within them, they are guaranteed to love this game.
Batman Arkham VR
You are a liar if you never, at some point in your life, put on a black cape and a masquerade mask to play Batman. Well, the good news is that you don’t have to pretend to be Batman behind closed doors anymore. You can very much the savior of Gotham for real, all thanks to the smashing Batman Arkham VR!
Developed and produced by the Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros in 2016, the Batman Arkham VR is hands down one of the best-augmented reality games out there. This gem of a game is specifically for the Playstation 4 and Microsoft Windows for all those die-hard Batman fans out there. Part of what makes this AR game so special is that it isn’t your typical combat and fight-or-die sort of game. It focuses more on the psychological aspect of solving puzzles, connecting links and pretty much testing your inner Bruce Wayne. Speaking of which, you play as a first-person perspective where you will, of course, be role-playing for Bruce Wayne, AKA, the Batman. The entire game goes by the classic Batman plot which all of us are more than familiar with.
However, there are certain deviations and surprises in the plot that really get does manage to blow your mind away. In conjunction with the amazing graphics, eerily crisp audio and massive attention to detail, the Batman Arkham VR is going to send shivers down your spine… at least when the Joker comes into the scene!
Elite: Dangerous
If there any game that could serve as the textbook definition of the ideal AR game, the Elite: Dangerous would undoubtedly win the title. If you seek thrill, adrenaline, combat, and a whole of intergalactic and space action, then Elite: Dangerous is right up your alley.
Elite: Dangerous was 5 Best Augmented Reality Games sometime early in 2016 and has become a hit among players ever since. This game supports virtual reality devices, including the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift among many other gaming devices and consoles. The game has you controlling and delegating all the in and out of your Spaceship with your team. Speaking of team, one of the things that make Elite so engaging is that it is an interactive game in all true sense. It is multiplayer so you play with your arsenal and team. One thing very unique to Elite: Dangerous is that it very high-drama for a game. You never know what happens next. And that unpredictability of the game, for us, is the best part of the entire thing. There is a lot of teamwork and calculative moves involved that closely tests your skills as a player and a leader. An action-packed storyline that really keeps you on your toes!
Zombies, Run!
Ahh yes, the aged old video game classic: zombies. Most zombie games tend to run and operate on the same old, repetitive and boring storyline of gory, brain-dead humans coming at you for your brains. But Zombie, Run! is different.
Zombie, Run! It is a mobile augmented reality game developed and published in 2012 by Six to Start and Naomi Alderman for iOS and Android platforms with one thing in mind: to get you running. This “game” is nowhere close to your generic on-couch games. If anything at all, in order to play, you must get on your feet and start running for your lives to save yourself from the zombies! We are particularly amazed by the storyline which is so simple and yet so fun and addictive. You basically have a mission to run/walk/jog to a certain distance of up till a certain time to collect and gather survival supplies to build up your base against the Zombies. Speed up your running pace whenever there are Zombies near or after you. What we really like however is that you don’t have to run outdoors if you don’t want to. Zombies, Run! will work on your treadmill as well! With a million players worldwide, you can reach out for their help, tips, and support in your survival quest. And with over 200 missions, the game hardly ever ends and it is a fantastic way to get active, burn some calories and build some muscles.
Zombies, Run! goes to show that not all AR games need to get you into your competitive mode. It is a refreshing deviation from all your standard zombie games, and AR games in general. If AR games mean more to you than sitting on your couch and cussing at the screen, then you definitely appreciate Zombies, Run!
Conclusion
We would love to know from you if you believe there are better AR games than these. Let us know in the comments below.
Also, if you are someone who shares the inclination to learn more about game development and also make a career in this field, try out the “Unity Game Development – Build a First Person Shooter” online courses. It comes with 4 hours of video that covers 5 important sections. They include create ammo and causing damage, customizing the players, shooting at the targets, and much more.
Wow these games are awesome, I have played some of these games.