Monopoly City (2009) – Board Game Guys

Monopoly City: A Version of the Classic Board Game

Monopoly City is a version of the classic Monopoly board game that has been adapted to include real estate from various cities around the world, such as London, Paris, and Atlantic City. The game retains the same core mechanics as the original Monopoly, where players roll two dice to move around the game board, buying and trading properties, developing them with houses and hotels, and collecting rent from their opponents. The goal is to drive opponents into bankruptcy while accumulating as much wealth as possible.

History of Monopoly

The history of Monopoly can be traced back to 1903 when American anti-monopolist Lizzie Magie created a game called The Landlord’s Game to illustrate the negative aspects of concentrating land in private monopolies. The game was intended as an educational tool and was first patented in 1904. In 1935, Charles B. Darrow, an unemployed heating engineer, sold the concept to Parker Brothers, and the game gained popularity during the Great Depression.

Gameplay Mechanics and Key Components of Monopoly City

Monopoly City includes several key components and features:
1. Game Board: The board is divided into districts, which are mapped to real estate in the center of the board.
2. Properties: Players buy and trade properties, developing them with houses and hotels to increase their rental value.
3. Rent: Players collect rent from their opponents, and taxes can also be paid or received.
4. Chance and Community Chest Cards: These cards can provide favorable or unfavorable effects on gameplay.

Significance and Adaptations

Monopoly City is popular and significant because it has been a best-selling privately patented board game in history. It has been adapted into various versions, including Monopoly City, which expands the gameplay by incorporating real estate from different cities. The game’s popularity has also led to numerous Hollywood adaptations, although none have been successful so far.

Game Components of Monopoly City

Game board

Six movers

80 3-D buildings

22 District cards

25 Chance cards

Six Reminder cards

One Rent Dodge card

Two dice

One money pack

One electronic trading unit with instructions

2 “AAA” batteries (not included).

How To Setup Monopoly City

To set up Monopoly City, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a mover and places it on the “Go” space. The District cards, Chance cards, and Reminder cards are shuffled and placed face down on their respective spaces on the board. The money pack is divided among the players, and the electronic trading unit is prepared for use. The 3-D buildings are kept aside to be used as players build their districts.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to build a high-rent area and collect the most money by acquiring and developing districts.

Building Mechanics: Players can build residential or industrial buildings on their districts, with each district having an 8-block building limit.

Electronic Trading Unit: Used for auctions and building notifications. Players have 50 seconds to bid on districts during auctions.

Railroads: Allow players to move to any district with a railroad, avoiding high-rent areas. However, rent must still be paid if landing on an opponent’s district with a railroad.

Hazards and Bonuses: Players can build hazards to decrease opponents’ rent or bonuses like schools or stadiums to increase their own rent.

Monopoly Towers: The ultimate goal is to own all districts in two full color groups to build the Monopoly Tower, which significantly increases rent income.

Player Experience

Monopoly City offers a dynamic and fast-paced experience, deviating from the traditional Monopoly gameplay. Players engage in building a 3-D city, managing property values, and strategizing to outmaneuver opponents. The game teaches important lessons about money management and real estate development while maintaining the fun and competitive spirit of the original game. Games are generally shorter than classic Monopoly, lasting a maximum of three hours.

Pros

New Features: Includes electronic trading unit, 3-D buildings, and modern monetary values.

Educational: Teaches money management and strategic planning.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged eight and up.

Shorter Gameplay: Games typically last up to three hours, making it more accessible for a wider range of players.

Cons

Rules Complexity: May be challenging for younger players.

Limited Buildings: Games can end quickly if players run out of buildings.

Auction Mechanics: The electronic auction system can be frustrating and is often modified by players to silent bids.

Personal Thoughts on Monopoly City

Monopoly City is an excellent choice for families and long-time Monopoly fans looking for a fresh spin on the classic game. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic building and property management. The game’s educational value and the fun of building a 3-D city make it an engaging and rewarding experience. However, it may require some patience to understand the new rules and mechanics, especially for younger players. Overall, Monopoly City is a great option for anyone seeking a modern, interactive, and exciting board game experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.