Beatles Monopoly and Other Monopoly Board Games

Usaopoly The Beatles Monopoly

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Retail Price: $39.99

Amazon Price: $29.17

Certainly, unless you’ve been living in a cave, there’s no reason to explain what the Monopoly board game is. So we will only give you a brief history. There has been some argument over the origins of the game of Monopoly. Tradition holds that it was Charles Darrow who made the game in 1935, during the height of the Great Depressoin., however earlier variations are known to exist. But what matters now is not how the game got started but the fact that it remains one of the best selling games in the United States. It is estimated that 500,000,000 have played this game that never seems to lose it’s appeal.

The classic game remains as popular as ever, but Hasbro has offered up some great variations as well. This is where Beatles Monopoly comes in. For lovers of the Fab Four, this is the ultimate way to play the game. But the variations are not limited but in fact they are numerous. There is a Disney version, a Transformers version, a Pixar version, even versions for the Littlest Pet Shop and Star Wars. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ve probably seen the game featuring your favorite College or University. There’s Lord of the Rings, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokemon, Coca-Cola and much more.

Monopoly City Edition

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Retail Price: $39.99

Amazon Price: $31.28

All those games are played with the standard rules, but Hasbro has introduced editions that add new elements. In monopoly City you can build factories, schools or stadiums on your property, but your opponents can place a sewage plant next door thereby drastically reducing the value. The world edition let’s you build skyscrapers and malls instead of houses and hotels. The Monopoly universe continues to expand.

Another thing that can make Monopoly fun are house rules. These are unofficial rules, and are a common feature of play at the non-tournament level. Getting money when you land on free parking, not auctioning off properties that aren’t bought on the first pass, or adding “depots” and “stations” to the railroads are a few examples. The official rules are fun, yet you can change them to make the game more exciting for your family. The game is extremely flexible.

It does, of course, take a while to play, but that’s just part of the fun. What a great way for the family to spend quality time together for the night.

And the game is no longer limited to a board and dice. The Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition replaces all cash transactions with debit cards! Monopoly Slots Pocket Pogo Game is a handheld slot machine game that goes wherever you go. There are also versions for the Wii, PS3 and XBox 360, as well as ones for your iPod and iPhone.

Monopoly

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Retail Price: $18.99

Amazon Price: $13.14

Why is the game still so popular? Well there are several reasons. Every game is different. There’s an element of luck that plays a part in every game. Sure you want to get Boardwalk and Park Place (standard edition), but without luck of some great negotiating skills, it rarely happens. That sums it up. The game requires both luck and skill in negotiating a good deal, which when you think about it, is not too far removed from basic business in life. You can’t win if you don’t know how to save money, make a deal, or recognize an opportunity.

So do not pass go and don’t collect $200. You can pick up either the classic version or one of the special themed editions this holiday season and have a great evening with your family or friends. We like Beatles Monopoly, but if it’s not for you, there is surely a version your entire family will love.