Monopoly for the Wii: Tradition Meets Gamer Fun!

November 26, 2008

Like many people my age, I grew up playing the game of Monopoly.  I played with my older brother and sister many, many times.  They knew that I had no idea what I was doing, so they were able to whip up on me every time.  The upside?  I could cheat.  I mean, the bank money was right there and that way they could never bankrupt me.  Also? They always took the coolest game pieces like the sports car or the Scotty dog.  That usually left me with the thimble.  That was just fine with me because I could then put it on my pinky and act goofy with it to annoy them.

I was ecstatic to hear that Electronic Arts came out with a Monopoly game.  Now the world’s most popular board game is available in an all new fun and exciting way to play.  Surely, now I was finally old enough to win!   My kids and I have played several times since we received the game.  I would love to tell you that I won at least a few of those times.  I would love to tell you that but I can’t. I am still losing.  But!  I am having a lot of fun.  A big pro to the game when playing with “cheaters” is there is no way to rob the bank.  (Bummer for me, though!)   Another change is since it is on a video game, I also can’t put the thimble on my pinky and act like a dork.  (However because I am now the Mom, I can choose the sports car, baby!)

The Wii version of Monopoly stays faithful to its board game origins while offering a few extras to give new life to the age old game. The heart of the game, however, is a straight console version of the traditional board game.  Up to 4 players can play.  If there are fewer players, the computer console fills those players’ spots to keep the game active and fun.  Speaking of fun, a digital version of Mr. Monopoly walks from player to player on their turn helping in his ever so cheerful voice.  He is encouraging when you do something great and supportive when you do something, well, stupid that could cost you the game.  And? He doesn’t even mock you when you land in jail.  For the fifth time in one game. 

As this is the Wii version of Monopoly, players are encouraged to shake their controllers in order to reproduce the sound of rattling dice before pressing the A button to throw.  Of course, trying to convince my 7 year old that she doesn’t need to shake it 15 times to get a good roll, she loves the sound of the dice shaking and will stop at nothing less than a 15 shake roll. (In fact, you will soon find you don’t actually have to shake the remote, but where is the fun in that?)

There are two ways to play. ‘Monopoly Edition’ stays true to the standard game.  There is even a way to change the ‘House rules’ on a per-game basis.  And, that my friends can completely change the dynamics of the game. (Which may actually help me win a game once in a while.)  In the ‘Richest Edition’ the game offers three options for quick play by limiting the number of turns each players makes. This version incorporates some “mini-games” based on the elements of the actual board games like ‘Get out of Jail’ and ‘Bank Pays You Dividend’. You have to unlock these features through game play, but once they are unlocked they are able to play them.  However, with these mini-games, it will probably appeal more to the younger age set.

I love that this version of Monopoly for the Wii brings with it a party feel.  It is less a competitive, cut-throat game and more of a fun romp through an age old classic most of us grew up playing.  Here are some features that are very cool looking and add more fun and variety to the game!

Get Rick Quick! — In this all-new, super-fast version, trade properties and compete in exciting mini-games to see who makes the top of the rich list!

Group Play! — Up to four players can simultaneously join in on the “rags to riches” fun.

Monopoly Past, Present & Future — The most extensive collection of MONOPOLY boards all in one package – from the newest MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: The World Edition to classic MONOPOLY.

Now Boarding — Fill up your passport as you play to unlock new and never-before-seen MONOPOLY boards.

Overall, my entire family loves playing Monopoly.  I think it has more to do with the fact that keep beating me, but nevertheless, game night has become a nearly nightly event at our house, which to me, is worth all the money I could have stolen from the bank…if I had that ability.  I definitely recommend this for families. It gets everyone involved and if by chance only a couple of people want to play, you can still enjoy a full game. A certain add to any gamer’s gift guide.

This product review was sponsored and hosted by BlogHer Ads.  Wii Monopoly normally retails for $39.99.

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