100% Boardgames

It wouldn’t be entirely unreasonable to suggest that boardgames are the ancestor of the games console - especially when you look toward the like of the original Pong consoles.

Dedicated gaming systems in people’s living rooms, intended to provide a bit of light, interactive entertainment for the whole family. Lots of folk at the latter end of the '70s were breaking out the electronic bat ‘n’ ball instead of Monopoly, so it was only natural that the trend would shift back the other way.

Boardgames have therefore provided surprisingly suitable inspiration for video games, including (and especially) on the mobile platform. It takes an imaginative, intricate, and yet ultimately simple concept to make a good boardgame and, as our 100% Boardgames list indicates, those are precisely the same requirements for a great mobile game design.

So let’s take a look at some of the best examples of pocket boardgaming.

The 100% Boardgames

Cluedo (EA Mobile) As an aspiring journalist, you must solve the mysterious murder of Black. Search his fabulous house in the hills and uncover the secrets that his devious guests are hiding and record clues with a Crime Map. Discover who did it, where, and with what weapon to earn stars and advance your journalism career. Was it Mustard in the Study with the Candlestick? Discover the secrets!
Monopoly (EA Mobile) With all the original locations, tokens and rules, Monopoly recreates the flavour, feel and deal-making action of the world's most popular boardgame. The game features the boardgame's fresh new look for 2008, including for the first time Monopoly's very own currency. Choose from all your old favourite tokens, get deal making and own it all to win! Read the Monopoly review
Jenga (I-play) The famous game for family and friends is now coming to mobile. It's an unpredictable, quick playing, tactical game that combines suspense and risk-taking, where mounting anticipation comes to a crashing climax. With sophisticated physics, intuitive console controls and a multitude of play options, this hopes to grab you to your mobile for hours. Read the Jenga review
Disney Board Games Master (Disney) Disney Board Games Master offers a trio of boardgame classics - Reversi, Checkers, and Four-in-a-Row - in an all-new format made just for mobile. Play in single play or in the content-rich, 27-level campaign against three AI's with distinct mindsets that take the game in different directions every time. Eighteen self-standing puzzles, lots of customisable features and more make this old-skool game suite ever-new!
Scrabble Mobile (Real Arcade) After 60 years of popularity with millions of players worldwide, Scrabble goes mobile with an all-new version. Challenge up to 3 virtual opponents in traditional Scrabble or build your vocabulary in Solitaire Mode. Scrabble Quick Play arrives for the first time on the mobile, allowing you to maximise your score for 4 sets of 7 letters. Get the real Scrabble experience on the go! Read the Scrabble Mobile review
Battleship & Connect 4 (EA Mobile) Two classic games in one amazing double pack! Make connections with Connect 4 in the timeless row making game. Be the first to get four in a row, but keep an eye on your opponent's moves and get ready to block and counter! Hit or miss with the ultimate game of skill, tactics and judgment in Battleship. Set up your fleet and get your radar ready - the naval battle is about to start. Carefully plot your co-ordinates, aim and fire!
Cranium (EA Mobile) Test all four corners of your brain in Cranium. Find out if you're a Creative Cat, Data Head, Word Worm or Star Performer in this brand new mobile version of the smash hit boardgame. You have over 300 fun-filled puzzle challenges on your way to the grand finale on Planet Cranium. Wherever your skills lie, Cranium will help you shine and discover the talents you never knew you had. Read the Cranium review
Want more games? Get more 100% mobile games by checking out the wap portal now. Visit www.100percent-mobile.com or text TRYGAMES to 2020 for an SMS with a direct link.
Get the 100% gaming magazine! There's even more 100% mobile gaming available in our new digital magazine, including news, features, reviews and the ability to buy off the page and have links sent to your phone. Click here to check out the 100% Mobile games magazine now!

Four ways to get 100% from your mobile gaming

100% Mobile isn't only about delivering the best games. The service also offers a whole host of new ways to get hold of them.

You don't have to pay a one-off charge for your mobile gaming thrills. 100% mobile has plenty of ways for you to enjoy the entertainment on your own terms.

Try Before You Buy: Not sure if the game's really what you're after? Then download a completely free demo version to test it out first.

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide to try b4u buy on 100% Mobile.

Pay Per Play: Remember those arcade machines at the seaside? This is just the same principle. Rather than stumping up the whole price up front, you just pay a small fee for each time you play a game.

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide to pay per play on 100% Mobile.

Rental: Faced with a long train journey and think you'll be able to finish the game in a day? Why not simply rent the title for 24 hours?

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide showing you how to rent games on 100% Mobile.

Subscription: The perfect option for people who want to change games every couple of days, the subscription model allows you to pay for the days you want the game. You can cancel at any time.

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide to subscription on 100% Mobile.

Note: 100% Mobile is currently only available to O2 customers in the UK. Hopefully we'll see more of it soon!