Monsters of the Midway (1982)

Monsters of the Midway Board Game

Monsters of the Midway is a board game that was published in a 1982 edition of Dragon magazine by TSR. The game is a fantasy-themed American football game where players draft monsters to create their teams. The game is based on the nickname of the National Football League’s Chicago Bears, which was originally used for the University of Chicago Maroons football team. The nickname “Monsters of the Midway” referred to the team’s location in the Midway Plaisance, a park located in the Hyde Park community area of Chicago.

Game Components of Monsters of the Midway

Game Parts: Includes a set of monster-themed game counters, some of which may be blank for customization.

Scoreboard: Not included in the original magazine insert.

Instructions: Part of the magazine insert.

Teams: Each side consists of a team of monsters battling on the football field.

How To Setup Monsters of the Midway

To set up the game, players need to distribute the monster counters according to the team rosters provided in the instructions. Since the game was a magazine insert, there is no box or additional packaging, so players must ensure all counters and instructions are present. The scoreboard, if missing, may need to be improvised.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Fantasy Sports/Football Simulation

Mechanics: Counter-based movement and combat, simulating a football game with fantasy elements.

Designer: Not specifically identified, but developed by TSR.

Objective: The objective is to score points by moving your monster team down the field and scoring touchdowns, similar to traditional football.

Turn Structure: Players take turns moving and using their monster characters to tackle opponents or advance down the field.

Player Experience

**Monsters of the Midway** offers a quirky and imaginative twist on traditional football games. Players get to engage in a fantasy version of football, using monsters instead of human players. This adds a fun and creative element to the game, making it appealing to fans of both fantasy and sports.

Pros

Unique Theme: Combines fantasy elements with football, offering a fresh take on traditional sports games.

Customization: Blank counters allow for player customization and creativity.

Nostalgia: For those who enjoyed *Dragon Magazine* and early TSR products, this game can be a nostalgic treat.

Cons

Incomplete Sets: Some sets may be missing components, such as the scoreboard.

Condition: Since it was a magazine insert, the condition of the game parts can vary, and some may show signs of wear.

Availability: It can be challenging to find a complete set due to its age and original distribution method.

Personal Thoughts on Monsters of the Midway

**Monsters of the Midway** is a game that will appeal to a specific niche of players who enjoy both fantasy and sports. It is particularly suited for collectors of vintage games, fans of TSR products, and those looking for a unique and entertaining take on traditional football. While it may not be as polished or comprehensive as modern board games, its charm and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any retro gaming collection.

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