Game: Checkers Game-Quick Checkers
Genre: Board game
System: iOS, Android
Developers|Publishers: GamoVation
Price: Free to download, but has in-app purchases
Age Rating: US 4+
Thanks to GamoVation for bringing this game to our attention. This is a review of the free version, no paid features are reviewed here.
I have fond memories of playing checkers with my dad as a kid. It was the game that taught me to be a good sport, and was just a great way to spend time with him. So I jumped on the chance to revisit some childhood memories by trying out GamoVation’s Quick Checkers app.
What is it?
Care for some checkers?
It’s a very straightforward checkers app, where you always play with a live opponent. There’s no AI here, just fellow human beings. During these times of staying at home, this is a major draw for me. Your opponents are random, so this is not a good way to stay connected with your friends like Words with Friends, but a nice way to have fleeting digital contact with the world outside.
What’s the game play like?
Unlock other locations.
It’s timed checkers. You have to pay attention or your turns will time out and cause you to lose. The game instructions are a Wikipedia link to English draughts. The only rule I wasn’t familiar with is that if a jump is presented you HAVE to take it. So be veeeery careful or you’ll be forced into some jumps you won’t like!
Why should I care about THIS checkers app?
One thing I really appreciated is that you play anonymously. If you don’t want to sign up for their paid subscription, or make any in-app purchases, you just download the app and start playing. I didn’t even pick a username. This is refreshing in the world of constant hacks to not even have to give up my email address to play the game.
Ads are minimal. One at the end of each game, which is also a major plus. You can watch additional ads for gems.
You can earn coins and gems by meeting goals.
Although you’re always playing with a human, you can’t chat with them. There are some emoticons and preset phrases so you can interact in a limited way, but it’s very limited. Again, I find this a feature not a bug, since you’ll never be having awkward conversations with strangers using the game app as a dating app.
I enjoyed the free checker pieces skins. I’m using the glass ones and they’re pretty snazzy! I also enjoy the sound effects of the pieces being moved. Makes it feel a little more real. There’s an assortment of items you can “buy” with gems and coins you earn. Of course, you can buy gems and coins with real money, but it’s not required.
Anything puzzling?
As you gain more experience and coins, you can play at different locations. I’ve gotten as far as New York. You basically level up in entry fees and possible rewards. Frankly, it didn’t make much difference to me where I was playing. If you’re interested in leveling up, I suppose it matters, but it does not at all seem to matter to the serious business of playing really short games of checkers.
Conclusion
Just download and get started. No account necessary.
This may be the case of the right game for the right time, but I’m sure I’ll be opening this app for a quick game quite a few times over the coming weeks. In addition to checkers just being a classic, fun game, there’s something reassuring in knowing that there are other bored people out there looking for a round of checkers as well.
If you would like to try it too, you can find it in the Apple Store and Google Play Store here.
Final Verdict: I like it! 