Apps to enjoy at drinking parties: from games to handy utilities

Last updated:2025/5/27

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

When you’ve got a little downtime in the middle of a drinking party or want to spark some excitement, smartphone apps are the way to go!

Most apps are free or can be installed for just a few hundred yen, making them easy to enjoy.

In this article, we’ll introduce smartphone apps recommended for drinking parties—from full-fledged party games that get everyone hyped to handy, slightly fun utility apps that are useful to have around.

Many of these apps are available for both iPhone and Android, so if you find one that interests you, be sure to install it and have fun together!

Apps to Enjoy at Drinking Parties: From Games to Handy Tools (1–10)

NG word game

A staple of variety shows and YouTube is the NG word game.

The rules are very simple.

First, each person is assigned one word they’re not allowed to say—this is the NG word.

The game is won by making your opponent say their NG word.

Naturally, to get them to say it, you need to steer the conversation.

For example, if “toast” is the NG word, you might ask what they ate for breakfast.

There are all kinds of strategies and surefire tactics for this game, so give it a try and master it!

NG word game with everyone
Category: Games, Free, iOS Universal, Rating: 4.07545
iPhone / iPad Android

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Uta-don!

When it comes to quizzes that music fans love, isn’t the buzzer-style game where you guess the song from its intro the classic choice? I often see it on TV and admire it, but organizing one is surprisingly tough.

That’s why I recommend an app called UtaDon.

It’s a game app specialized in quizzes where you guess songs from their intros.

It includes a wide range of tracks across genres like Japanese music, Western music, and K-pop! You can even narrow it down to specific categories like folk songs or movie soundtracks.

Play it with music lovers and it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Uta-don!
Category: Games, Free, iOS Universal, Rating: 3.10404
iPhone / iPad Android

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Roulette

There are times when you want to decide something at random—like holding a drawing at a drinking party or choosing a penalty game.

That’s where I’d like to introduce “Ordinary Roulette.” As the name suggests, this app simply lets you use a regular roulette, and precisely because of that, it’s versatile in so many situations.

If you install this app, it’ll come in handy in all kinds of scenarios.

By the way, the app also lets you save the roulettes you create and share the results on social media.

Try coming up with your own original ways to use it!

normal roulette
Category: Entertainment Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.68831
iPhone / iPad Android

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Angry old man

Some people may be looking for a game app you can enjoy on a single smartphone or tablet.

In that case, I recommend “Angry Old Man.” When you start the game, a box stuffed with tiny old men appears.

Tap an old man and he’ll say something as he leaves the box.

Among them, there’s one who gets extremely angry, and the person who taps him loses.

It’s similar to Pop-up Pirate.

It’s thrilling, yet the little old men’s movements are soothing.

Angry old man
Category: Entertainment Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.04013
iPhone / iPad Android

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Brain Maker

When it comes to classic novelty apps, Brain Maker is the go-to.

You type in a name and it supposedly reveals what that person is thinking.

Since its release in 2007, Brain Maker has continued to receive updates and now offers various features—for example, entering two names to check their compatibility.

It’s just a joke app, but it’s surprisingly accurate.

If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot!