Narde: A Classic Backgammon Style Game for Android

Narde: Written Android Apps Review

Some of the best Android apps out there are interpretations of classic games, so we were glad to get our hands on Narde from A^2 Studio. This app gives players several different options for enjoying a traditional twist on backgammon. Our Android app review of Narde will tell you what we make of this app.

Gameplay

If you’re unfamiliar with narde backgammon, the goal is to move each of your game pieces around the entire board in a counter clockwise manner before your opponent can do the same. Players begin in opposite corners, and roll the dice to receive a certain number of spaces they can move. Narde is a slightly kinder version of backgammon, since there is no hitting of other player’s pieces. It’s simply a matter of negotiating the board, and your opponent’s roadblocks, successfully.

More details about the game’s rules and exact practices are available in the application, so even if you’re not familiar with backgammon at all, it’s not too hard to pick up the basic mechanics.

Narde gives you three distinct gameplay options (although only two are currently operational). You can play against your Android, pass and play locally or connect with other players online. The online play is still in the works, but there’s already an option for it in the game and we think it will add greatly to the app’s appeal once it’s up and running.

Some user reviews for Narde include requests for Bluetooth gameplay, and we think this feature or a local Wi Fi option would be great since passing and playing can be a bit frustrating and time consuming.

Layout & Design

Narde is supported by advertisements, and the board is decidedly boring, much like an actual backgammon board. It could definitely use a little sprucing up, or at least some fun color options to bring the game up to date. But no, you choose from traditional black and white game pieces, and there are no themes or color options.

The graphics themselves are fine, and the game mechanics work well. The app also works in portrait and landscape mode, a definite plus. We just expect a bit more these days, even from free apps.

Overall Value

We already let the cat out of the bag, but it’s worth reiterating that Narde is entirely free to download and enjoy. There are no hidden scams that try to make you buy in-app credits. Just try not to tap an ad by accident like we did. It’s definitely a lot of fun, and backgammon lovers will appreciate this simple, yet solidly made way to enjoy their favorite game on the go.

As long as you can put up with a few banner ads, we suggest checking out Narde for a challenging classic.

Android Apps Review Details: Narde Android app is free. This app requires Android 2.1 and up. You may download Narde from the Android Market.

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