Yes, that is the title of an NSYNC song.  Yes, it relates to Cornhole.  Your favorite backyard game has now gone digital.  In today’s age – an “instant access” world where we are used to having the highest forms of technology at our fingertips and a library’s volume of information readily-available – we almost expect that we should be entertained at all times.  From movies, to music, to video games, we are so used to being occupied twenty-four hours a day that when we don’t have something to do, the jitters start to set in.

Luckily, a few clever game creators noticed that this same sensation arises when we go too long without a good ole’ game of Cornhole.  Seeing the potential for a solution to both problems, they set about programming applications and games so that everyone’s urges could be satisfied. 

Okay, so that whole situation was completely made up, but I think you get the picture.  Cornhole is a pretty mobile game to begin with –  the boards and bags are easily stowed in trunks for transportation between tailgates, parties, and other get-togethers – but sometimes weather, too many other travel items, or lack of an appropriate location get in the way of our fun.  Now, though, the game has turned into a pocket sensation.

There are a couple of ways to play your favorite game in the digital world: through downloadable games for your iPhone or on a Wii console.  All have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, so take a look below to see how they play.

CornHole! by the FORM Group

Cue the crazy banjo music!  No, seriously.  As soon as you open this app for the iPhone (downloadable, like all other iPhone games, through the iTunes store), you are transported to the backcountry with some battling banjos, chirping crickets, and a zany, hick commentator encouraging you and calling out your every shot.  If this soundtrack doesn’t suit your style, the game provides sounds options to give your ears a little rest.

One advantage to this game is that it has toss and flick options, and you don’t have to change the settings every time you want to use a different method to throw the bag.  Tossing the bag works well when you have a little room to move your arm or if you want to have more of the actual tossing “feel.” It does take a while to get used to, though, because the most effective tossing motion falls somewhere between a small wrist flick and a slight arm swing – lofting the bag doesn’t work too well because it isn’t a “sharp” enough motion, but the full arm swing usually makes the bag sail too far.  Once you get the hang of the short, quick wrist movement, the bag flies pretty accurately.  The flick option is great for desk play; all you have to do is act like you are flicking a paper football to get the bag to fly onto the board.

In terms of rules, the game outlines the typical “play to 21”  under the “Rules” menu in a simple numbered format that anyone should be able to understand.  There are a couple of different formats to play under – one player versus the computer or two players against each other – and it is simple to quit a game and resume it later.  The graphics on this game are also the most detailed of the three iPhone applications, which makes the gaming atmosphere seem the most realistic.  Overall, CornHole! is an iPhone application that anyone could play easily, made even more fun by the interactive graphics and sounds.

Cornhole Pro by Benjamin Covington

The simplicity of Cornhole Pro is appealing in that you don’t have to jump through any gimmicky hoops to play the game.  The opening screen is straight-forward, providing options for two players, four players, or practice rounds.  Unfortunately, there is not an “Options” menu to turn off the sound of a crowd clapping for you every time you hit the board, so if you need to be discreet (say if you’re playing somewhere you’re not supposed to…not like you’d do that, though…), the sound of the whole phone needs to be turned off.

Other than the sound, it is fairly simple to keep the game inconspicuous because the motion required to toss the bag is so small.  The motion detector of the game must be extremely sensitive, because anything more than a subtle flick of the wrist sends the bag over the board.  I even found that simply lifting the iPhone can cause the bag to fly (although I wouldn’t recommend trying to play that way because the throw almost always ends up being too short).  That being said, the motion is really easy to get a hang of, making it the easiest game out of the three available for the iPhone.

The most realistic aspect of the game is the wind resistance.  There is a flag in the back of the playing screen, telling you in which direction the wind is blowing.  If you don’t aim carefully, the wind will carry your bag right off the side of the board.  Another thing that helps is the availability of the practice round; the game shows the flight path of each throw, providing instant feedback and enabling you to become better accustomed to the intricacies of the game.

The graphics are fairly basic, consisting mostly of flat planes of color.  One interesting point, though, is that if you pan the angle from side to side, you can see that you are accompanied by a cooler, a picnic table, and stacks of empty cans.  Didn’t know you were having so much fun, did you?

Tailgate Games 4-in-1 by Ryan Eade

In the world of sports, nobody really wants to hear that the only thing going for them is their in-depth knowledge of the game.  That being said, one of the most enduring aspects about this game is the description given for the rules and gameplay.  That sounds horrible, but it’s true.  Under the “Rules” menu, I found descriptions so detailed that I swear they came from a document written by the ACO.

As another plus, there are many options to choose from to enhance your playing experience – you can choose from flicking and swinging, throwing right-handed or left-handed, and whether or not you want to listen to the sounds in the background.  If you get tired of Cornhole (which obviously wouldn’t happen, seeing as how it is the reason you bought the game in the first place), you can also choose to play ladder ball, washers, or horseshoes.

In terms of actual gameplay, this app is by far the most difficult.  There are so many factors affecting the flight of the bag that it becomes a little confusing.  Among the different factors are the point where you lift your finger off the screen (flicking), the speed with which you drag your finger across the screen (flicking), the angle of the iPhone in your hand (swinging), the speed your arm (swinging), and when you lift your thumb off of the screen (swinging).  Very subtle movements also affect the trajectory of the throw, making it pretty difficult to reach the board.

In all, I found this game to be more frustrating than fun.  If you’re up for a challenge, though, and don’t mind concentrating on a seemingly simple game for an extended period of time, this might just be the thing for you!

Overall, these games are good for some cheap entertainment.  At ninety-nine cents per game, they are a great way to stay occupied during breaks or times where nothing else is readily available.  On the other hand, they are Cornhole only in name and aim.  While they are graphically accurate, they don’t necessarily evoke the feeling or atmosphere of a true Cornhole competition.  For something a little closer to a real game, check out…

Target Toss Pro: BAGS by Incredible Technologies

...for the Nintendo Wii.  With almost every other sport represented in the gaming world (games like Madden NFL, NBA Live, Major League Baseball, FIFA Soccer, and NCAA Football leave shelves almost as fast as they are set down upon release), it only makes sense that Cornhole has joined the ranks.  And although the graphics aren’t necessarily Madden-esque, (individual blades of grass blowing in the wind?  Increasing amounts of sweat visible as the innings progress?  I think not), the game is a far cry from being a letdown.

In regards to throwing the bag, it is a game that lends itself to the natural motion of the sport – as would almost be expected from the Wii.  I found myself using my usual technique for each throw, and the results were satisfactory (if not better than when I play with the real boards).  The game recognizes the differences between throwing hard and soft and lofting or flipping the bag, which makes you forget you are playing in front of a TV.  Changing wind speeds and directions provide an interesting challenge when contemplating your angle and speed of release, and they both affect the flight of the bag in a believable way. 

Between innings, the game shows an updated scoreboard and provides a pretty rockin’ soundtrack to get each player pumped up for the next round.  I think the music that was chosen for the game helps bring some of the essence of a real Cornhole game to life: it’s upbeat, rambunctious, and fun.  Even if you are only playing with one other person, it feels like you are surrounded by friends at a typical backyard party.

So don’t worry if the rain rolls in over your big get-together…there are several ways to play the game – you can set up a head-to-head match-up or play tournament-style (with up to sixteen players).  One thing that this version of digital Cornhole has over the iPhone apps is that it brings in the element of competition.  The game draws you in and feels real enough that things have the tendency to get heated – just like in any Cornhole game.

One question that comes to mind when thinking about the impact that digital games will have on actual play is whether or not they cheapen the original game.  Does it take away the appeal, the fun, or the originality of two opposing boards set up thirty-three feet from each other?  From playing each of the different games, I can honestly say that I don’t think they take anything away from the original.  The digital versions provide for some good fun on a different level – when you’re waiting in line, riding the bus, or stuck inside on a rainy day.  They don’t serve as substitutes; rather, they serve as supplements to the original, spreading the name and making it possible to play a great sport at any place and time.