Monopoly

I’ve always been a fan of Monopoly and have purchased most of the official computer game adaptations of the game. It’s been a while since a good one was released so I was excited to see this come out. Over all, this is a good game, with pretty good and challenging AI characters. The game offers more than just the traditional game, by including both the Monopoly and Richest editions, as well as mini-games if you’re short on time. The Monopoly edition starts with the classic board, and as you complete games new boards become available. Most of the “House Rules” you expect are present and easily configured at the start of the games, except trade house rules – there is no “free pass” option available. You can play up to 4 humans, or up to 3 AIs (at least one human and 1 AI required), and game play can be extended over several sessions if desired.

My only issues are within the game play itself. The game is nicely animated and narrated, the latter which can become annoying very quickly as the same phrases are repeated over and over and over as actions are taken. The background music is also repetitive and you find yourself quickly looking for the volume control to turn it down (off). There are no options to reduce the narration, turn off the excessive animations, or change/stop the background music. None of these are a show stopper – just turning the volume down resolves most of them. The game also does not have on-line playing, so if you no longer want to play with the AIs and have no other humans at home, you’re out of luck. Over all, a good rendition of the game, closer to 3.75 stars for me.

Rating: 4 / 5

The more you play this version, the more you’ll get out of it. At first glance it seems limiting and the music/animations can seem repetitious and annoying, but I’ve found that with a little patience and some simple tweaking, Monopoly PS3 can be a blast and is certainly more engaging than a traditonal board game.

There are many boards to choose from, and as the player unlocks the alternate boards the true variety offered by this version becomes apparent. My favorite of them so far is the Future Board, which is not only visually *stunning* but features a really cool Space Mountain-esque soundtrack. Another is the Cheese Board. Scrumptious visuals, pleasant music.

Other reviews note that the “Monopoly Guy” is severely repetitive and becomes irritating fast, and I won’t argue that point. However, simply turning down the volume or just ignoring him and focusing on your game are two easy ways to deal.

Overall, I’m pleased with my purchase and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys family gaming but hates picking up stray playing pieces, houses, hotels, money, and all the other paraphernalia that inevitably end up on the floor (especially when you’re playing with a kid).
Rating: 4 / 5

Graphics are great, a bunch of different boards to play on. The game can be very addictive at times. It’s great game!!
Rating: 4 / 5

I adore this game. I got it for the kids but now Im sitting up at 10 at night to hop around a chocolate game board.

I know it’s silly, but I find it wonderfully relaxing alone and with the kids (ages 10 and 7) we end up having a ton of fun.

I wasn’t interested in video games, but I like this and I enjoy the interaction.
Rating: 5 / 5

I’ve read several reviews with mistaken details about the game. These are answers that i would have liked before i bought the game.

First of all, you CAN play up to 4 people with just one controller. You have that option in the menu. You simply pass the one controller to the next players. I almost bought 2 more controllers because i wanted 4 people to be able to play. I’m glad i waited.

Also, another reviewer wrote he was annoyed that if you played a one-player game, you had to play against 3 CPU opponents. In other words, each game had to have 4 players, whether they were CPU or a real person. That’s not true either. If you want to play a 1-player game, you can cancel CPU players 3 and 4 and just play with one CPU opponent.

As far as fun, i give this game 3 stars. I find that the game rolling the dice for you takes a lot of fun out of the game. In the board game, you control your roll. Sure, it’s random, but least it’s you who threw the dice. In this game, you hit X. As i was playing, i was imagining that my friends would rather play the board game. BUT, it’s too soon to tell. I will try it out on them and check out their reaction.

Graphics are good and the game boards are pretty cool. It’s just not the “party” game i thought it would be.
Rating: 4 / 5