The Inventors (1974) Board Game

The Inventors is a classic board game released in 1974 by Parker Brothers. It is a game that revolves around inventing and patenting new creations. The game has been popular among families and game enthusiasts for decades, thanks to its unique theme and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of The Inventors

Game Board: Features two tracks, the Royalty Track and the Invention Track.

Invention Cards: Represent actual, patented inventions like the Bird Powered Flying Machine, Eye Protectors for Chickens, and the Automatic Hat Tipper.

The Incredible Patent Picker Move Maker Machine: A plastic device that rolls dice and dispenses patent claim clips.

Patent Claim Clips: Indicate the royalty value of the inventions (0, 1, or 2).

Eureka Cards: Special cards that players can use to influence gameplay, such as becoming a “Silent Partner” in another player’s patent or advancing around the board.

Player Tokens: For tracking progress on the board.

How To Setup The Inventors

To set up the game, players start by placing their tokens on the Invention Track. Each player is dealt three Eureka cards. The Invention cards and patent claim clips are placed within reach of all players. The game board is laid out, and The Incredible Patent Picker Move Maker Machine is assembled and ready for use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Invention Purchase: Players buy invention cards and attach patent claim clips to them.

Royalty Collection: Players move to the Royalty Track to collect royalties based on their patents.

Eureka Card Usage: Players can use special cards to gain advantages or hinder opponents.

Legal Fees and Invention Stealing: Players can pay legal fees to lay claim to patents or steal inventions from other players.

Game Objective

The objective is to make the most money by buying inventions, securing patents, and collecting royalties.

Player Experience

Playing The Inventors is a fun and quirky experience, especially for those fascinated by the odd inventions of the past. The game teaches children about the process of inventing and patenting ideas, albeit in a humorous and simplified manner. The Eureka cards add an element of surprise and strategy, making each game unique.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game features real but bizarre patents, making it stand out.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of invention buying, patent securing, and royalty collection keeps players engaged.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 9 and up, making it a great game for families.

Educational Element: Teaches children about the concept of patents and inventions.

Cons

Durability Issues: The edges of the patent cards can get frayed quickly due to constant use of the patent claim clips.

Assembly Challenges: The Incredible Patent Picker Move Maker Machine can be difficult to assemble properly.

Personal Thoughts on The Inventors

The Inventors is a nostalgic gem for those who grew up in the 1970s and a delightful discovery for newer generations. It is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a game that is both entertaining and lightly educational. While it may not be as widely known as other classic board games, it offers a unique blend of strategy, luck, and humor that makes it a memorable experience.

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