Wide World (1956) – Board Game Guys

Wide World

“Wide World” is a board game published by Parker Brothers, a subsidiary of Hasbro. The game was released in 1962 and features a 2-dimensional representation of the world overlaid with a grid pattern. The playing surface of the opened board is a stylized map of the world divided into 240 squares. The game aims to travel around the world to pick up and deliver cargo.

Why is Wide World Popular?

The game “Wide World” is popular due to its simple gameplay and the ability to explore the world while playing. It has been a classic board game for many years, and its popularity has persisted through various generations.

Game Components of Wide World

Board: A world map board

Tokens: 6 metal plane tokens

Cards: 20 Destination cards, 28 Travel Agent cards, and 56 Product cards

Dice: 6 dice

Additional Features: In later versions, a “Weather Vane” plastic sheet was added.

How To Setup Wide World

Setup for Wide World is relatively quick, taking about 5 minutes. Players are dealt a number of Destination cards, and each player chooses a plane token. The board is laid out, and the cards and dice are distributed according to the instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Dice rolling and card drawing with medium chance involvement.

Objective: Players fly around the world to visit destinations listed on their Destination cards.

Movement: Players roll a die to move their plane tokens around the board. They do not need to land exactly on their destinations.

Travel Agent Cards: If a player lands on a red spot, they must take a Travel Agent card and follow its instructions, which can move them around the board or grant additional turns.

Weather Vane: In later versions, rolling a six moves the Weather Vane, relocating any player on it to a different part of the board.

Winning Condition: The player who visits all their destinations and returns home first gets an extra 5 points. The player with the most points, including those from Product cards, wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing Wide World is a fun and interactive way to explore the world on a board. The game combines elements of luck and strategy as players navigate through various destinations and deal with the challenges posed by Travel Agent cards and the Weather Vane. It’s a relatively short game, lasting about 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet engaging gaming session.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Easy to set up and play within a short time frame.

Interactive Elements: The Travel Agent cards and Weather Vane add exciting unpredictability.

Educational Value: Players learn about different locations around the world.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to understand but still challenging and fun.

Cons

Luck-Heavy: The game relies heavily on dice rolls and card draws, which can be frustrating for some players.

Limited Strategy: The gameplay is more about luck than deep strategic planning.

Outdated Components: Some versions may have missing or damaged components, especially in vintage copies.

Personal Thoughts on Wide World

Wide World is perfect for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy light-hearted travel-themed games. It’s an excellent choice for introducing children to board games due to its simple mechanics and educational value. However, players seeking complex strategies or competitive gameplay might find this game a bit too straightforward. Overall, it’s a charming and entertaining game that offers a delightful travel adventure around the world.

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