Android and iPhones have opened many real opportunities for their users and today many advanced games have popped up recently to enhance user’s experience. For this reason, we have listed out the best augmented reality (AR) games.
I know there are questions running through your mind. Question like:
What is augmented reality in gaming? How does augmented reality works? But not to worry, all you need is to pay attention as you read through to this review as it expatiates all about augmented reality games (AR) for androids & Iphones in 2022.
What is Augmented Reality?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of reality created by using technology to overlay digital information onto a live camera feed.
In simpler terms, AR allows digital content to look like it is part of the physical world. This differs from Virtual Reality (VR) which transports users into a completely digital world.
Furthermore, augmented reality is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.
This is a system that incorporates three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects.
What Is Augmented Reality In Gaming?
Augmented reality (AR) usually sounded like a wild, futuristic concept, but the technology has been for more than 50 years now.
It is literally dominating the mobile gaming industry by becoming the future of mobile gaming. Android augmented reality games to iPhones shooting games users today can enjoy the experience conveniently on their smartphones.
AR apps run the gamut from interactive map overlays and virtual showrooms to massive multiplayer skirmishes.
Think of what these gaming apps can provide to gamers and augmented reality lovers. The users can literally enjoy the game while being virtually present in the game.
How Do Augmented Reality Games Work?
Augmented reality in gaming works by enriching the real world with digital information and media, such as 3D models and videos, overlaying in real-time the camera view of your Smartphone, tablet, PC, or connected glasses.
Every AR system comprises 3 components – hardware, software, and application.
#1. Hardware
The hardware refers to the equipment through which the virtual images are projected. In this case, they are your smartphones and iPhones.
For Augmented reality games to work on devices, they must have the hardware components like sensors and processors to support the high demands of AR. Here are some of the key hardware components:
Processor: This is the brain of the device. It is a major determinant of the speed of the phone.
The speed of the phone, however, determines if it will be able to manage the heavy AR requirements together with the normal functions of the phone.
Graphic Processing Unit (GPU): The GPU task is in rendering the visual phone’s display. Thus, AR needs high-performance GPUs so that the digital content can be created and superimposed seamlessly.
Sensors: For android phones or iPhones devices to make sense of their environment. Depth Sensor measures depth and distance. A gyroscope detects the angle and position of your phone.
An accelerometer detects changes in velocity, movement, and rotation. Proximity Sensor measures the proximity of objects. Light Sensor measures light intensity and brightness.
Hence, it is crucial to pinpoint, that only the later generations of mobile phones have these AR capabilities.
#2. Software
Software is another important component which is ARKit (Apple) and ARCore (Android). In other for these software’s building augmented reality experiences, they have 3 fundamental technologies.
Environment Understanding: To make your phone map out the prominent feature points and flat surfaces in relation to the surroundings.
Motion Tracking: This makes it possible for your phone to map out its position in relation to its environment.
Thus, making it possible for Virtual objects to be planted on their digital designated spots on the image in relation to the surrounding.
Light Estimation: This component makes the phone to be able to perceive the environment’s current lighting condition so as to place virtual objects in the same lighting conditions to enhance realism.
Application
AR Applications place has its own database of virtual images and triggering logic. They function by pulling virtual images from their database and issue them out onto the live images.
There are generally 2 ways that applications trigger AR features – Marker-based tracking and Marker-less tracking.
Marker-based Tracking: This mode makes use of optical markers, like QR codes, to trigger the AR features. When you point your mobile camera at one of these barcodes, the application recognizes it and superimposes the digital image on the screen.
Marker-less Tracking: Marker-less tracking is triggered when they recognize certain real-world features. This mode is premised on object recognition.
How Do You Play AR Games?
To play AR games, one has to understand the various methods for each various AR game.
The stimulation processes and controls are all different depending on the programming. Generally, all AR games are connected to the use of phones camera.
Hence, the first step towards playing AR games is to first have a good specified android phone or Iphones with good graphical properties, then download the particular AR game of your choice and follow up the setting instructions of the game.
It is pertinent you note that each game has its diverse instructions and experience and to play any games found in the play store or app store, you must have to try to understand their various requirements and modalities.
Read this: 15 Best Android Games With Controller Support In 2022
The 15 Best Augmented Games For Android And iphones
This content expatiates the highly innovative augmented reality (AR) games that are literally rocking the AR market which are from interactive maps to virtual showrooms.
So, are you ready to learn about the most exciting genre in the world of augmented reality gaming?
Are you willing to invest in AR mobile games, here is a list of the 15 best-augmented 2021 reality apps available on Google Play Store and Apple Store that are inspirational.
Let’s dive right in and learn some of the most inspirational best-augmented reality apps as they are reviewed in their sequential order of higher user ratings.
#1. Zombie, Run!
This is one of the best-augmented reality (ar) games for your android and iphones. A free app that offers thrilling adventures to Android and iOS users and is specially designed for those who love a morning jog throughout the city.
Your morning jog will never be the same once you start using this augmented reality gaming app.
From the start, the game throws the player into a zombie-filled world where you have to run and collect items along the way to survive the zombie attack.
Also, the game plays music and motivational narration to boost your morning exercising experience and willpower.
User-Ratings: 5
Developer Details: ZombiesRunGame
This is one of the best-augmented reality (ar) games for your android and iphones.
A multiplayer augmented reality shooter game that offers comets, mysteries. It works perfectly fine on both Android and iPhone.
Also, the app’s progeny enables the player to freeze time, defend the world from the virtual comets by shooting, and a whole much more.
User-Ratings: 4.7
Developer Details: Hookbang
#3. GEO-Caching.
Geo-Caching is one of the best augmented reality (ar) games for your android and iphones. And out of several AR apps, Geocaching is a highly interactive augmented reality gaming app that truly stands out.
With its treasure hunting persona combined with AR, the users get to explore their surroundings, searching for Geocaches.
Geo-Caching enables the user to find geocaches or log-in photos and hide them again to locate them.
User-Ratings: 4.4
Developer Details: GeoCaching
Website: www.apps.apple.com
#4. Jurassic World Alive
This game scenario dived into prehistoric times when huge creators used to walk the Earth. The game will take you into a world where wild prehistoric creatures are running freely in modern-day civilizations.
You are exposed to different species of historical animals like mammoths, dinosaurs, tyrannosaurus, and Pteranodonsto collect DNA samples in other to create your very own raptor.
Furthermore, the game allows you to share your creation with other players and compete with other creatures in real-time. This is one of the best augmented reality (ar) games for your android and iphones.
User-Ratings: 4.3
Developer Details: Ludia
#5. King of Pools
King of pools is a billiards game with stunning visuals and a unique premise. The app comprises a pool table that offers its users a look and feel of being physically present in front of the digital user.
Hence, it offers online support with a multiplayer option and a real experience while leveraging AR Technology with an interactive pool experience.
User-Ratings: 4.2
Developer Details: Uken
Website: www.apkmonk.com
#6. Pokémon Go
This app is surely an inspiration for several AR-based mobile applications. Its inception marked the turning point of the gaming industry.
Pokémon Go is known for its stunning performance, astonishing user experience, and extremely engaging.
The game offers a virtual battlefield and brings virtual objects to life in real-time. The users can see and capture Pokémon in their surroundings.
User-Ratings: 4.1
Developer Details: Niantic
#7. Dark: Subject One
Dark: Subject one is a horror story-based game where the user is the protagonist who is investigating the disappearance of his friend.
It is one of the most intuitive virtual reality apps games full of mysteries and adventures creating suspense for lovers.
This game will take you beyond the portal into a parallel universe for a breathtaking experience where you’ll find clues and try to solve the case.
The overall experience is astonishing, and the augmented reality hardwired within the app is commendable.
Moreso, Its one of the best Augmented Reality (AR) Games that belongs to the Android and iPhone
User-Ratings: 4.0
Developer Details: Fabrik
Website: www.steprimo.com
#8. Army Of Robots
Army of Robots is an augmented reality (ar) game that belongs to the Android and iPhone shooting games genre. It delivers a spectacular first-person shooting experience with its AR aspects.
The app itself is integrated with an immersive interface and exceptional performance, ensuring that the player can enjoy destroying hoards of robotic enemies of various sizes.
The game also senses how you move in the real world and replicates the experience by incorporating it into the game.
User-Ratings: 4.0
Developer Details: Singergia
#9. Knightfall AR
Knightfall is a battle strategy game that takes the user into the world of Knights and Warriors. The aim is to defend Acre from the enemies (Mamluk Warriors).
The games plunge the user into a flat surface and in its AR mode, the user’s viewpoint acts as a targeting system that allows you to fire at the enemy units as they march towards you.
You can kill enemies, earn gold, reinforce your defenses, and push warriors back. The more you win battles and succeed, the more you unlock features and new challenges.
During the gameplay, AR does its magic and provides the user with a live and action-packed experience.
In addition, the game has a feature that comes in the form of “Photo mode,” where the game enables you to choose the characters from the game and use them for your own amusement.
This is one of the best augmented reality (ar) games for your android and Iphones.
User-Ratings: 3.8
Developer Details: AeNetworks
#10. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
This is one of the best augmented reality (ar) games for your android and iphones.
Harry Potter; Wizards Unite games is an adventure and a captivating story-based game in which a catastrophe has struck the magical world of Harry Potter.
In other to defeat the enemies, the Wizards of the world must unite to solve this issue and battle together. The player is a Wizard, and he must fight his way through enemies to collect various elements.
User-Ratings: 3.7
Developer Details: Niantic
Also, read this: 10 Most Addictive Online Games in 2022
#11. AR Sports Basketball
This is another top-notch augmented reality-based (ar) mobile gaming app where the player shoots the ball in real-time at any location.
Unlike other apps on this list, AR Sports Basketball is based on a simpler AR integration level.
Having a different gaming mode, including a multiplayer option, the user can literally enjoy playing basketball in person.
User-Ratings: 3.3
Developer Details: ThunderGame
#12. Jenga AR (Android)
The game is simple, you have to move the blocks one at a time from the center to place them on the top. However, the challenges come when the tower topples, and the one who triggers the tower’s fall loses the games.
Without a doubt, Jenga AR is an innovative game with every feature ranging from stunning visuals to access controls and even a multiplayer option.
Furthermore, this is one of the best-augmented reality (ar) games for your android and iPhones.
User-Ratings: 3.2
Developer Details: FreeRange
#13. Temple Treasure Hunt
Temple Treasure Hunt is another app designed for the Android augmented reality (ar) games.
The game uses geolocation to support the augmented reality mode. Full of tons of mysteries, legends, and adventures within the game, the game’s scope is yet simple.
In the game options, you can choose to be a treasure protector or a hunter; however, you have to follow the interactive map the game offers in both cases.
If you are playing as the treasure protector, you have to create treasure trials so that the hunters find it difficult to locate the treasure. Similarly, if you’re playing as the hunter, you have to find the treasure.
Finally, to get to the treasure, you have to bypass legendary Indian characters, which is all to enhance the gaming experience.
User-Ratings: 3.1
Developer Details: Mobi-tech
#14. Ingress Prime
Ingress Prime is an impressive strategy game where the player has to choose between two groups; either the player is part of the enlightened or the resistance group.
Choosing either side, the player would have to fight for the fate of the universe.
With an amazing, engaging, immersive, and interactive experience, the app stands as one of the best virtual reality games for iPhone and Android.
User-Ratings: 3.1
Developer Details: Ingress
#15. Beer Pong AR
The future of board games is Beer Pong AR. The game offers the users to choose the surrounding where they want to install the beer and afterward can throw ping pong balls.
More also, the Beer Pong AR also lets your select the best angle before throwing the ball, and the one who sinks ten cups with the least throws wins the game.
Furthermore, its one of the best-augmented reality (ar) games for your android and Iphones.
User-Ratings: 2.6
Developer Details: Androidezone
CONCLUSION
Augmented Reality (AR) gaming became a big trend a couple of years ago, thanks to titles like Ingress and Pokemon Go. An AR game steps it up from regular games and often brings the entertainment outside the Smartphone.
Augmented reality games are becoming front-runners in the gaming industry. Hence, AR games allow you to have an amazingly realistic experience like it is in the real world.
However, the above-listed AR games are basically selected to provide you with all the amazing, captivating experiences with this game niche.
Hence, these are the best augmented reality (AR) games for Android & iPhones in 2022. Therefore, you are urged to enjoy your gaming experiences with these AR games.
REFERENCES
- https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/augmented-reality-app-AR-app
- https://thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-augmented-reality-games/
- https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/01/ar-gaming-is-a-work-in-progress-but-there-are-good-games.html
- https://www.augment.com/augmented-reality-apps/
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/augmented%20reality
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