Introduction
The holidays are traditionally a time to spend with family. But once you have everyone under one roof, what do you do? Sure, there’s the holiday meal, how do you maintain the feeling of family togetherness after dessert? Family board games are a time honored tradition, and a gift that everyone in the family can share, even long after the holidays are over. Many traditional board game favorites have even been updated so that they can be played on tablets or Smartphones.
Traditional Board Games
You may have enjoyed games like Uno, Sorry or the Game of Life when you were a kid. These favorites are still around, and they’re just as much fun as you remember. Many traditional board games are easy enough for young kids to understand, but challenging enough to keep teens and adults entertained. Board games are also handy to have around if the power goes out, or to take along on road trips or camping outings. Best of all, board games are affordably priced, so why not stock up on several?
Monopoly and its Cousins
Of course, the king of all board games is Monopoly, still going strong nearly 80 years after it was first introduced in 1935. This iconic game has been translated into 20 different languages for players in 20 different countries. In addition to the original game, several adaptations of Monopoly allow you to test your knowledge of cities like Chicago, Indianapolis or Houston as part of the fun.
Hasbro has also updated many of its favorite old school board games for the 21st Century. Some of the familiar names include Life, Monopoly and Battleship. Each game allows you to launch apps on your iPad to bring the board to life.
In addition to the electronic version, Hasbro has also adapted Monopoly into several different board game versions. Along with the classic version of Monopoly, your family may enjoy one or more of the following adaptations:
- Monopoly Millionaire: The object of the game is to accumulate one million dollars. The first player to reach the magic number wins. Along the way, collect limousines and bling, but be careful, you just might lose it all!
- Monopoly Electronic Banking: This version of Monopoly allows you to collect as much Monopoly money as you can manage. Collect gifts from other players on your birthday, or hit up the game to collect your paycheck from your labors. You also have to pay bills, such as rent and other debts, while setting aside enough cash to purchase properties.
- Monopoly Crazy Cash: This version of Monopoly is like a version of 52-pickup. The object is to grab as much Monopoly cash as possible that the electronic cash machine spits out. But along with the cash are Chance cards, and if you grab one of those, be prepared to carry out goofy challenges like making elephant noises.
- Monopoly Zapped: Monopoly Zapped allows you and your family to play the iconic board game along with your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Mini apps on your iOS device enhance the action on the board. If you land in jail, an app allows you to attempt to break out and escape in a getaway car,
- Cityville Monopoly: This version of Monopoly merges the iconic board game with the popular online game Cityville. Cityville Monopoly allows you and your family to purchase properties within the online game and apply them to the board game. The first player to build four skyscrapers is the winner.
- Monopoly Disney Pixar Cars 2 Edition: This version of Monopoly borrows characters from the popular Disney Pixar movie Cars 2. Players race around the board and purchase properties along the way. The richest player at the end of the race is the winner.
Jack Harding enjoys getting the whole family involved in fun activities. He also enjoys sharing his stories on various family lifestyle blogs. Click here to see more great gift ideas.