Twister Air: The Classic Game Gets an Augmented Reality Makeover

Hasbro has announced a new version of the classic Twister game called Twister Air. Twister Air is a smartphone operated game that uses augmented reality to bring the game to life, trading the famous white vinyl mat for a smart device and wrist and ankle bracelets.

Twister Air uses the camera on the device to track the players' movements with limb tracking and color recognition technology. Players wear elastic bands on their ankles and wrists during gameplay.

You’ll need to download the free Twister Air app (Android and iOS) to play; the set comes with an adjustable stand that holds any smartphone or tablet up to nine inches wide. Twister Air can be played in three different modes: Solo, VS, or Teams.

Classic board games ported VR

Twister isn't the first classic board game to get a VR port. There are a variety of chess ports to check out: Chess Club VR on the occulus is probably the most feature-filled and graphically appealing.

Board Games VR lets you play backgammon, checkers, chess and tic-tac-toe in a virtual environment. You need to supply your own chair for this one.

There is also a VR port of the ever-popular Settlers of Catan, which comes packaged with Skyworld: Kingdom Brawl

By now, you might be wondering, why does this exist? If you want to play a board game, why not just play the organic version? Isn't smartphone chess cool enough on its own?

There are a few reasons why VR ports of board games are a thing.

• Immersion: VR can provide a much more immersive experience than traditional board games. In VR, you can feel like you are actually in the game world, which can make the experience more engaging and fun.
  

• Accessibility: VR can make board games more accessible to people who have difficulty playing them in the traditional way. For example, people with physical disabilities may find it difficult to manipulate the pieces of a board game, but they can easily play a VR version of the game with their hands.
  

• Socialization: VR can make board games more social. In VR, you can play with people from all over the world, which can help you to meet new people and make new friends.
  

• New possibilities: VR opens up new possibilities for board games. For example, VR can be used to create games that are impossible to play in the real world, such as games that take place in outer space or in other dimensions.

Twister will be available for pre-order on Amazon starting today and at most major retailers August 1.