Bargain Hunter (1981) Board Game

Bargain Hunter is a classic board game released in 1981 designed by Michael Gray and published by Milton Bradley. The game is centered around the theme of economic strategy, where players compete to find the best deals and make the most profit.

Game Components of Bargain Hunter

Game board shaped like a mall with 5 stores: 1 pet shop, 2 furniture stores, and 2 department stores.

Plastic credit card machine with spinner

4 pawns

4 plastic credit cards

Pad of shopping lists

17 Bargain-Finder cards

17 Event cards

20 Price cards (4 cards for each store)

Paper money

Label sheet

Instruction booklet.

How To Setup Bargain Hunter

To set up the game, each player starts with $1,000 in cash and a credit card with a $1,000 limit. The player with the highest spin on the spinner begins the game and acts as the banker. Players place their pawns on the starting point on the board and receive their shopping lists, which outline the items they need to purchase to furnish an apartment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Movement: Players move their pawns based on the number indicated on the spinner.

Shopping: Players enter stores to purchase items on their shopping lists using cash or credit.

Price Variability: Prices of items vary across different stores.

Event Cards: Include penalties (e.g., auto repairs, birthday gifts) and benefits (e.g., sales, loans from other players).

Bargain-Finder Cards: Provide extra moves, discounts, and other perks.

Objective

The first player to complete their shopping list and have a zero balance on their credit card wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing Bargain Hunter involves a blend of strategy and luck. Players must navigate the challenges of finding the best bargains, managing their finances, and dealing with unexpected expenses. The game simulates real-life budgeting and financial responsibility, teaching players the importance of balancing spending and debt repayment. The dynamic nature of the game, with changing prices and random events, keeps players engaged and requires constant strategic thinking.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches financial responsibility and budgeting skills.

Adjustable Game Length: Players can adjust the game length by modifying the shopping list.

Interactive Elements: Includes Bargain-Finder cards, Event cards, and variable prices to keep the game exciting.

Affordable: Generally available at a reasonable price.

Cons

Outdated Components: The game’s components may show wear due to age.

Limited Luck Mitigation: Players are somewhat at the mercy of the spinner and card draws.

Simple Board Design: The board is relatively plain, which might not appeal to some players.

Personal Thoughts on Bargain Hunter

Bargain Hunter is an excellent game for families or individuals looking to learn about budgeting and financial management in a fun and interactive way. It is particularly suitable for children aged 9 and above, as it introduces them to real-world financial concepts. While the game may appear simple due to its vintage design, it offers a rich and challenging experience that requires strategic thinking and good financial planning. For collectors of vintage board games or those interested in educational gaming, Bargain Hunter is definitely worth considering.

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