We’ve all played it – the iconic dice-rolling, property-buying board game where you need to invest your paper money wisely to force your opponents into bankruptcy.
In case you hadn’t guessed, we’re talking about Monopoly. This is one of the most famous games of all time. It has a history that can be traced all the way back to 1903. However, it was not until it was acquired by Hasbro that officially-licensed products began popping up on the market.
You’ll now find Rich Uncle Pennybags – the famous moustachioed mascot – teaming up with plenty of your favourite franchises; he’s the star of his own Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation releases, as well as multiple casino slot games online; you’ll even spot him as you chow down on your Big Mac, fronting the national McDonalds’ Monopoly campaign.
This wave of new licensing also saw a rise in some truly unique editions of the board game. Here’s our pick of the top 10. . .
1. Monopoly Disney Edition
If you’ve got little ones – or even if you’re just a big kid yourself – you’ll love this game. It stars all the characters from your favourite films, including Lady and the Tramp and Toy Story. Work your charm on the board to build Castles and Cottages, whilst picking up Magic Moments and Show Time cards.
2. Monopoly: The Disney Theme Park Edition III
Another Monopoly game sprinkled with Disney magic, this edition is based on the famous Disneyland theme park. As soon as you open the board, the Disney Castle will pop up. Move your counter around it whilst collecting deeds for your favourite attractions, like The Haunted Mansion and Disney Monorail, or build your own community of Toontown houses.
3. Monopoly Game of Thrones: Collector’s Edition
Based on the Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones is the screen adaptation created by HBO. Fans were delighted when the fantasy creators teamed up with Hasbro to produce this collector’s edition of the game. Travel across Westeros building Custom Villages and Keeps, whilst braving dragons and White Walkers, to conquer the realm.
4. Monopoly Gamer
Here’s one for the video gamers. Join your favourite Super Mario stars in a Nintendo-based edition of Monopoly that lets you play as Mario, Princess Peach, Yoshi or Donkey Kong. Battle against fellow players for the highest score.
5. Monopoly Queen
Released in May 2017, Queen’s version of Monopoly takes players through all the pivotal moments in celebrated rock band’s history, from their first gig in 1970 to their last with Freddie Mercury in 1986 at Knebworth House. Game pieces include Brian May’s guitar and the iconic vacuum cleaner from the ‘I Want to Break Free’ music video.
6. Monopoly Pokémon: Kanto Edition
Featuring Pikachu, Charizard and Squirtle counters, this Pokémon-inspired edition will take you on a mission to ‘catch ‘em all’. Establish an empire of Poké Marts and Pokémon Centres as you battle other trainers and get surprise cards from Professor Oak.
7. Monopoly Lord of the Rings: Trilogy Edition
Claim territories in Middle-earth, the fantasy world created by J. R. R. Tolkien, by securing Strongholds and Fortresses in this edition based on the Lord of the Rings films. You’ll discover one of the dice has been replaced with the Eye of Sauron, which moves the One Ring Token around the board. Land on the same space to claim it for yourself.
8. The Simpsons Monopoly
Since the first episode aired in 1990, The Simpsons has established itself as one of the most successful animated TV series of all time. Have a go on the branded Monopoly game to get hot Springfield properties under your belt, including Mo’s Tavern, the Kwik-E-Mart and Barney’s Bowlarama.
9. Monopoly AC/DC: Collector’s Edition
An Australian group formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, AC/DC have been pleasing their legions of fans with rock n’ roll hits since 1973. This collector’s edition of the Monopoly game sees you take on fellow players to gain the rights to their most iconic albums.
10. Monopoly Jurassic World
Build your own Jurassic empire trading dinosaurs and park attractions in this special edition of the board game. With helicopter, dinosaur skull and jeep counters, it captures all the drama of the latest release in the iconic film franchise. Capture the valuable Indominous Rex to strike fear into your opponents’ hearts.
