We have all been suffering from a dilemma of spending a balanced amount of time on active sports and lethargic games. Because the evolution in the game industry somewhat suppressed the percentage of physical activities and we realized that the border was getting thicker. The dilemma led to the invention of all-time famous hybrids including "Laser Tag" and "Paintball", which provided a nice fusion of both. However, they are not frequently available and require specific gears leading to an increased cost of the activity.
'Ready Player 1' game style isn't far:
That's where technology kicks in, especially with the development of 'Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)'. Yes, you got it right 'Ready Player 1' is just a glimpse of what's the near future is going to look like. And, I am pretty sure much earlier than 2045 and with much more physical activities. The initial version is already here and surprisingly the basic idea was given by a 71-year-old entrepreneur. So, lets cut the chase, welcome "Father.io" and take a tour of the game's playing dynamics.
Have you..
- Ever wanted to terminate that annoying best friend just enough to revive back? or
- Take out your anger on the husband by avoiding a serious knock. or
- Wished your boss could get on his knees in front of you and beg for mercy?
- Wondered how to get your kids out of the gaming room to the playground?
Congratulations, your Santa has arrived with all the goody bags. The developed hybrid is playable with smartphones and it also converts the whole world into an unlimited game arena. Real-life people around you can become the victims of your virtually unleashed wrath.
There are two main modes in the game:
Single Player Mode (Drone fight Game):
Screenshot of my cellphone
In this mode, you get some drones flying in the air with real-time background, which you have to shoot and their difficulty level increases with time. There are two weapon options at the top right corner of the screen and the drone gives you a hard time locking it. It's very similar to 'Pokemon Go'. Even though it's not a very exciting one, but its good enough to give you some spins, chase and a bit dizziness.
Real time background (my office window)
In my point of view, the drone graphics and game-play are smooth but, it is little hard to see the menu and text on the screen. Also, a little more fun is required in the single mode where more exciting stuff like fighter planes and tanks with energy bonuses to catch at different locations would be a great addition.
Multiplayer Mode (with Inceptor):
Image Source
I think this would be the best mode of the game, why am i saying 'would be' is because i have not tried it because of two main reasons.
That the small piece of equipment you are seeing around the phones is called 'inceptor' and is required to play the multi-mode. It connects with the game and gives you a map of people connected to the multi-player game mode and ready to start the battle. Apparently, it is available on Amazon for about 39$ and I am looking forward to ordering it.
Even though in my multiplayer mode 2 people are showing within 1 km distance whom I can go to poke, but still I think abundance and adaptation of the game are less in the surrounding and I need to convince a couple of colleagues to get the device as well and get into the game.
For more, check out this amazing video.
Summary:
Overall, the game seems very exciting to me and I would surely love to give the multiplayer mode a try. MP mode also has many formats including 'headshot', team kill, secure the flag and deathmatch, etc and a variety of weapons and unlimited participation is possible. It is a lovely gift for the parents and kids especially, for those parents who are tired of seeing their kids play indoor video games the whole day. The only thing to be careful about is that such games also divert attention from the dangers of the real world around so, better play it an open area and avoid traffic and dangerous edges.
Download Link: Father.io available for IOS & Android (Free)
Disclaimer:
