The Best Basque Mobile Games For Language Learners
One of the best ways to learn a new language or solidify your skills in a language you already know is by playing video games. And, with the ubiquity of mobile devices, there are more opportunities than ever to do just that.
When it comes to Basque, options are limited, sadly. You won’t find big AAA games like “The Sims” or “Call of Duty” with Basque translations, as the language simply isn’t widely spoken enough.
However, there are a handful of interesting mobile games that can help you learn or practice your Basque skills. Because they’re not always easy to find, we did the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best Basque games currently available.
Please note: Almost all of the titles on this list are only available on Android devices, and many haven’t been updated in a while. Thus, depending on how new your device is, you might not be able to play some of these games.
Auskulo Lite
If you’re looking for a fun and educational Basque quiz game to play alone or with friends, look no further than “Auskulo”!
This digital board game is perfect for everyone over the age of 8 and features questions from five different subject areas: language, maths-ICT, music, sports-cinema-television, and the environment.
With all questions created by a group of educators, “Auskulo” is the perfect way to learn the Basque language, and learn more about the Basque Country and its culture.
Only available on Android.
Hitziki
“Hitziki” is a fun, interactive game that helps teach children the basics of the Basque language. The game is designed for children aged 0-6, but can be enjoyed by language learners of any age.
The first part of the game focuses on teaching words and their spelling through an engaging and easy-to-use interface. You’ll see a picture of the object, see how it’s spelled, and hear how it’s pronounced.
The second part of the game tests players’ knowledge of the words they’ve learned by presenting them with 4 possible answers and asking them to select the correct image.
Audio files of native speakers pronouncing each word are included, so players can learn proper pronunciation as they play.
With 189 words to learn across 8 different themes (animals, food, clothing, colors, shapes, at home, at school, and toys), “Hitziki” is perfect for learning common Basque vocabulary in a fun way.
Only available on Android.
Kokojokoa
In the somewhat bizarre children’s game “Kokojokoa” (Coconut Game), you help the character Io search for and find coconuts that are hidden in a drawing notebook. You’ll need to use your imagination and intuition to complete four different games in order to find all seven of the coconuts.
This game is entirely in Basque and is thus perfect for young kids who love weird drawings, or language learners who want to improve their Basque skills.
There’s plenty of native Basque audio throughout this short game, as well as animated gameplay. You won’t be timed while playing, so you can take your time to complete each game at your own pace.
Only available on Android.
Esaera Zaharrak
Improve your Basque language skills with “Esaera Zaharrak”, a fun and educational game of proverbs.
In this game, your task is to unscramble words to form the correct sentences. You’ll select words from a pool of options, and arrange them in the right order to create a complete sentence. But you’re on a timer. If you make a mistake, you lose time.
“Esaera Zaharrak” is a great way to learn new vocabulary and grammar, while also gaining insight into the folklore and popular values of the Basque Country and its people. With over 100 proverbs to learn, this game will keep you entertained and challenged no matter your level of expertise.
It’s easy to use, though it’s aimed at Spanish speakers, which means that translations of the proverbs will be in Spanish.
Esaera Zaharrak is the only Basque game currently available on iOS.
Kimu zuhaitz laguna (Kimu Save the Tree)
Virtual pets are awesome! They provide us with hours of fun and enjoyment, but they also promote responsibility for nature. Now, what better way to learn Basque than by playing a virtual pet game that’s entirely in the language?
In “Kimu zuhaitz laguna” (Kimu save the tree), your virtual pet takes the form of a seed, which you must take care of and help to grow into a tree. You’ll have to feed and water it, just like you would a real tree. As you play, the weather conditions will change and your tree’s health will be tested.
There are also 3 mini-games to play, which adds even more variety to the game.
Here at Language Hobo, we’re really excited about Kimu as a means of picking up some Basque in a natural, fun way. Though the game is light on text, we still think it’s great for learning basic words.
Only available on Android.
Amilaren Urrezko Orrazia
“Amilaren Urrezko Orrazia” is an interactive storybook and game about Basque mythology that’s written in Basque. It’s designed to promote reading, logic, and creativity in children and people who want to learn the language.
The story has multiple branching paths and different endings, depending on the choices the reader makes. Additionally, the book includes audio narration, music, and images to make the experience more engaging.
Though the game isn’t free, it’s very affordable – only $1.99/£1.69, which we think is a bargain for such an original and entertaining game.
Only available on Android.
We also thought you might be interested in a couple of other Basque apps that are not quite games but are useful all the same.
Euskalmoji
“Euskalmoji” is the perfect keyboard addon for anyone who wants to add a bit of Basque culture to their communications.
With “Euskalmoji”, you can easily send Basque-themed emojis and stickers in any messaging or social media app, making it a great way to show your support for the culture or simply to add some fun to your conversations.
The app is free to use, easy to install, and available in Basque, Spanish, and French.
Only available on Android.
Ipuinak entzun
“Ipuinak entzun” is the perfect app for parents who want to share classic stories with their children in Basque, or for language learners who need some easy-to-understand short stories to listen to in their target language.
The app contains 10 well-known stories, each with its own accompanying illustrations, read aloud by a native speaker in clear audio. You’ll see classics like “The Three Little Pigs”, “Hansel and Gretel”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “The Little Mermaid”, and more.
If you’re just starting out learning Basque, or you want to share your language with your children, “Ipuinak entzun” is the perfect app for you.
Only available on Android.
These are just a few of the great Basque language games and apps that are available. We may have missed some, so if you know of any other great ones, be sure to let us know in an email. We’re always happy to hear your suggestions and recommendations.
Staying in the realm of apps, do check out our list of the best Basque language learning apps to choose from.
Ondo pasa!
