Monopoly

Monique had spotted a classic Monopoly game board set at the Eastwood Mall--this version is a throwback to the early years of the game, a set encased in wood, with streets and and equipment made to look like the game set issued in the 1930s.  An instant game favorite of the kids, this game can be traced to 1904, created as a teaching aid to students of economics.  Parker Brothers, a subsidiary of the Hasbro toy company, manufactures the game (well, that make Hasbro the owner of the 3 of the most recommended parlor game sets: Life, Monopoly and Pictionary).  Without a second thought, we picked up a set, and we're scheduled to play our inaugural game over the next few weekends when a family quorum can be mustered.  I think that the game is so familiar, and is probably the most popular of the commercial board games.  The picture shown above is a redesigned concept of the board game box that I found on the web, and I must say is a work of art--a very refreshing concept work indeed!

The Game of Life

If I remember correctly, Monique was only around 7 or 8 years old when her Tito King and Tita Bella gifted her with a the Game of Life, a very popular American board game made the the Milton Bradley company (yes, he's the same Milton Bradley that advocated Kindergarten in American education).  The object of the game is to make the most in life--of course, based on the roll of the die (or the spinner, as the case may be).  Players study, choose to go to college or work, go on date, start a family, and get "life points" by achievement, much like in real life.  I understand that this board game dates back to 1860, and is of now 150 years old.  Relaunched in 1960, the modern version has several variants, and we recently found a special limited edition of the board game, sold by Hasbro Toys (which acquired the Milton Bradley Company in 1984).  We've spent several fun-filled family hours playing this board game, and I believe that it is a very good way of teaching children the intricacies of life.  I'd like to see an international edition, though, as the commonly sold game set revolves mostly around the American way of life.  Very enjoyable, plenty of amusing times with the children, and one board game that is a definite must-have in anyone's household.