A Stellar Update
More than just a classic, Monopoly is the board game. It's the game that put the Parker Brothers on the map and inspired millions of people to go into real estate. It's a family favorite, despite the fact that to win you must be cutthroat and savvy. Over the years, it's seen countless variations. Here and Now is one of the best takes on the game that you're bound to see.
Welcome to the Present
Welcome to Monopoly for the current generation. Instead of the Electric Company and the Water Works, you can purchase a cell phone company and internet service. All of the railroads that you know and love have been updated to airports such as LAX and JFK. Oh, and say goodbye to Park Place and Boardwalk. Now it's all about Fenway Park and Times Square. The line might be cliche, but I think it applies well here: this ain't your grandmother's Monopoly.
Along with all of the locale changes, the other most notable change is the amount of money that you'll have to spend from time to time. You could expect to pay close to $500 for some of the top real estate in the old version, in this version you'll be shelling out dough in the millions. Last I checked, four houses on Times Square required a rent of seventeen million dollars. Please, pick up your jaw and stop embarrassing me. You're playing in the big leagues now.
The Chance and Community Chest cards have been redone and with some hilarious results. You'll be winning Reality TV shows and getting arrested for insider trading in no time flat!
A Classic Formula
What makes this product work so well is the fact that the only thing unchanged are the gameplay mechanics that made it a hit in the first place. The makers knew exactly what needed updating and left the rest alone. If you've ever played before, (and really, who hasn't) you'll have absolutely no trouble jumping into this one. It provides the same fun as before, while keeping the experience fresh and new.
Eye Candy
The game looks fantastic. From a graphics standpoint, it's very impressive and pleasing to the eye. The interface is absolutely amazing. You'll be able to see what you own, which properties are mortgaged, a log of everything that's happened and more, and all in a display that is very streamlined. The game deserves a hand for being able to display all of this information without becoming cluttered and unorganized.
The pieces, which now include a box of french fries, a cellphone, a hybrid car and more 21st century items, all look great and are nicely animated.
An Absolute Must
If you're a fan of this classic game, then this new version is a must have. It really does provide the ultimate experience of Monopoly for today's aspiring billionaires!
Legal Stuff: HASBRO and its logo and HERE & NOW are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and character, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board and playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment. Copyright 2007 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
