Hasbro's Electronic Monopoly: A Vintage Tale
Here's a bit of a change. We archaeologists like to investigate and report on old and new technologies. When of my first projects as an undergrad was to study games from the early to mid 20th century. Well, today, I wanted to continue of the track, looking at some vintage games but from a more recent time: the late 20th century. It was in the late 90s that my Dad bought me an electronic, handheld Monopoly game, produced by Hasbro (the device itself having a production year of 1997, if I am reading the tag correctly). Now, as a prehistoric-specialized archaeologist, that's not old, but then again, that's going back a couple decades now (and we are getting close to 3 decades).
Now, the beauty of the game is that it let you play monopoly anytime against 3 computer players of varying skill level. You can choose your opponents (3 out of 5 choices) or select 'instant setup' where 3 random opponents are selected by the device. I mostly play against choices 3, 4 and 5, which are the most difficult opponents: Connie Cashola, Hot Shot, and Greedy Grannie - Grannie being the toughest). It follows the rules of the regular board game and has a list of 'Transactions' you can utilize during your turn. Now, almost 30 years later, the device operates, but a few properties are not functioning. Understandably.
If memory serves, the screen used to light up. As for the sound, which you could turn on and off, it no longer works. Yet, I still can play the game as the actions of other players are spelled out on the screen. As for the instruction manual, it was not too difficult to track down (I found some at Hasbro.com). The bummer is that I did not see this game for sale anymore. Thankfully, eBay sellers provide an outlet to obtain the game. Some are for sale for under $30, but ones in pristine condition are listed for between $60 and higher. Honestly, if I ever need to replace mine again, $30 to $50 is a range I would be willing to pay. That said, it seems to be a hot item on eBay right now.
Hasbro really outdid itself with this game. You can purchase this game on eBay and Etsy. I imagine there are online toy & game vendors that sell it, too. I ended up getting a second one for under $15 a few years back. The game is a lot of fun to pass the time. I am also researching now how playing such a game can help with a person's brain health, especially as we age. I will update as I conclude that research. Cheers to all and a heartfelt thank you to Hasbro for a great electronic game! Please consider remaking it.
