Gone are the days of counting paper money, moving tiles, and rolling die. Favorite board game classics have been app-ified, ready to be played on your smartphone or tablet, anywhere, anytime. Host game night with a tech edge, or partake in the competitive spirit in the virtual world. Either way, board game classics are just a download away. Let the games begin!
Source: Flickr user Nara J
It's hard to imagine that our kids will never know the joy of being the banker in Monopoly or invent their own games to play with Barbie. But even the most traditional of children's toys are making the leap into the digital age. According to a study conducted by Common Sense Media, half of all children ages 0 to 8 have access to a new mobile device (like a smartphone, video iPod, or iPad/tablet) — making good old-fashioned playtime a thing of the past. Check out five classic kids favorites that are withstanding the test of time — thanks to some digital enhancements — and vote on which one you'd pick for playtime for your family.
Classic toy brand Hasbro thinks game night is in dire need of a tech edge, based on their just-revealed spin on classic games Monopoly and The Game of Life. At this year's Toy Fair, the company is previewing tech savvy versions of the games that use iOS devices during play.
Monopoly zAPPed plays generally like the classic real estate game you know, but instead of fake paper money players tap "debit cards" on their iOS device of choice to withdraw or add funds to their game account. The app will also have side games to try for a free "get out of jail" pass.
Being mildly obsessed with The Game of Life as a kid, the zAPPed version of the game is what I'm most excited to try. Use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch for a digital version of the giant number spinner and view family snapshots of your fabulous life by the end of the game. The game also features over 100 videos from America's Funniest Home Videos, which I really hope can be skipped through on the app.
Life zAPPed will hit store shelves in Spring, while its Monopoly counterpart debuts in the Fall. Both games will retail for $25. Are you interested in playing an apped-up version of the games, or is classic better when it comes to board games?
Playing board games with your children is the perfect way to spend some indoor quality time together this Summer. It helps build important learning and social skills too. Paint the town, or Summer, pink with these special editions of your favorite classic board games just for girls, both big and small.
What is this madness? Hasbro unveiled a new version of Monopoly this week, and instead of the classic, pastel-colored currency, the game is run by a computer. Called Monopoly Live, it retains some familiar elements — the board itself has stayed the same. But other elements have changed, including ditching fake cash and dice, and adding an infrared tower that keeps track of players' money and makes sure players stick to the rules — even counting the number of spaces they advance!
Apparently creators wanted to give the classic board game "a social experience." And while this game certainly won't replace the classic, its makers hope that it will attract a younger generation that prefers video games to older classics.
Monopoly Live will be available this Fall for $50. Fans of the classic game Battleship can also expect an updated version of the game this Fall.
Generations of families have made a tradition out of gathering around the game Monopoly for a night of competitive fun. It is on the beloved square board that many youngsters saved up to buy their first home or hotel. While sisters and brothers squabbled over pawns — who got to be the dog, the boot, or the race car — they also learned to count bills by testing out their banking skills. In honor of the game's 75th anniversary, Hasbro modernized the game's look with a circular makeover (CasaSugar has all the details!). Will you purchase the new version?
To celebrate the game's 75th anniversary, this Fall Hasbro will unveil a circular Monopoly board, "Monopoly: Revolution Edition." The game, which will sell for $35, will feature an electronic pod and pin credit cards to keep track of players' finances digitally — and prevent cheating! Hasbro has also adjusted monetary amounts to account for 75 years of inflation, so when you pass Go, you'll earn $2 million, instead of $200. It'll also feature sound effects relevant to events in the game, like a jail door closing and even Elton John songs.
I definitely think the round board shape will be a step forward for entertaining purposes, but I'm curious to see how the electronic console affects the "house rules" (snake-eyes, free parking cash, etc.) we've all come to know and love. I wonder if Monopoly considered adding these to the game. I'd love to try my hand at this new edition, but considering that after 75 years Monopoly is still one of the most popular board games, I don't really think it needs any adjustments!
We have several rubrics here at TrèsSugar that this news story could have fit under. Stranger Than Fiction. Très Bizarre. And then there's the less-oft-used Dumbass of the Day. The following story is a rarity — I will file it under all of the above.
A 54-year-old Michigan man was playing Monopoly Saturday night with a female friend. He tried to buy Park Place and Boardwalk from her, but she wasn't budging. So what did the guy do? He hit her in the head and broke her glasses. Needless to say, he was subsequently arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.
May I add another charge? Terminal stupidity.
I don't know what it is about being able to play old classic games on the iPhone. I always get this nostalgic feeling that is usually accompanied by a wave of fond memories. . . like when I play Simon, especially because I don't have to take turns with my sisters! Electronic Arts has brought two oldies but goodies to the iTunes App Store — Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly, both costing $5 each. Suffice to say, these "contemporary" versions have way more features and enhancements than the actual board game.
It's really for serious: Ridley Scott is going ahead with his movie version of the Monopoly game, and now the project has a screenwriter who will help to "shape a narrative out of the iconic real-estate game." Apparently Scott wants to give the film "a futuristic sheen along the lines of his iconic Blade Runner."
So . . . there's that. Now I'm wondering who they'll get to play the main money man himself, Mr. Monopoly. Fun fact: If Wikipedia isn't doing me wrong, Mr. Monopoly has gone by a variety of different names, including Rich Uncle Pennybags (or more formally, Milburn Pennybags), Stanley Monopoly, and Toby. In 1999 he was renamed Mr. Monopoly from Rich Uncle Pennybags. But I digress. Who could play the old top-hatted guy? I would love to see Victor Garber do something awesome with the role, and Bob Balaban definitely looks the part. Any other suggestions? And can you see a Monopoly movie working?
