The best companion apps for gamebooks and tabletop games

Many gamebooks and even tabletop games are coming to the mobile market today, but some are making the transition only in part. Companion apps for gamebooks and pen and paper games are making it easier to keep a record of your game info. You can always have it on hand for an impromptu adventure, or just make sure you don’t lose it or overlook anything.

In addition to being able to just play DestinyQuest on your device thanks to DestinyQuest Infinite, there’s a fan-made companion app in the works to use with the print version of DestinyQuest. And it looks awesome!

I’ve put together a list of companion apps that are great for any pen and paper player. Some of these I’ve used myself, others were recommended to me.

• Gamebook Companion: How could I leave this app off? It somehow escaped my notice when I did my browsing around. Here’s your all-purpose Fighting Fantasy companion app so you can take your gamebook on the go even easier. £1.49 on iOS.
• Sheet Yourself: A highly customizable character sheet app that can be used with practically any game. $2.99 on Android, $4.99 on iOS.
• Dice and Dragons: This app just looks awesome. It’s a dice rolling app with flair and exploding dice. If you’re looking for something flashier than just your regular dice rolling app, check this one out. Free on iOS.
• The Dicenomicon: This has every possible die you can imagine, and you can even write your own script for it. $4.99 on iOS.
• Dice: Here’s one for the Android users. It’s actually the app I use. While it’s certainly not as awesome looking as the iOS dice rollers, it works really well and has a nice selection of dice. And really what more could you want? Free on Android.
• Stone Sword: This map maker is actually available for free on your browser, and after clicking around with it for a while I just have to include it in this list. Easy to use and plenty of options. Free on browser.
• Hex Map Pro: A robust map making app for Apple users. $2.99 on iOS.
• Dungeon Mapper: An excellent alternative to mapping for non-Apple users. $3.99 on Android.
• SoundBard: Nothing sets the mood for your game like the right music and sound effects. SoundBard has it all – specifically designed for tabletop gaming, you can find the right sound effect or short song for any occasion. $2.99 on Android and iOS.

I don’t know all of these from firsthand experience, so if you think there’s a better app out there for any of these, I’d love to hear about it!

Now I wish I could have someone read along with me when I’m playing a gamebook and select the appropriate sounds from SoundBard as I go along. Actually, let’s just have someone follow me around my everyday life doing that.

The baby needs changing – Clash of swords sounds. Battle music, begin!

Enjoy and share your own favorite apps with us on Twitter of Facebook!

Yuliya

Yuliya handles marketing and writing at QuestForge, and is the self-appointed chief of keeping Chris sane (despite Chris's insistence that he is the sane one).