Board game "TRIOPOLY," featuring colorful graphics depicting city landmarks, transportation, and property spaces, with text at the bottom reading "THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL GAME OF BUYING & BUILDING CITIES."
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Triopoly (1997)

Triopoly

Triopoly is a board game invented in 1989 by Jeffrey Berndt, drawing inspiration from a five-hour game of Monopoly and the Tri-Dimensional Chess game he had seen an episode of Star Trek the following day. The game was co-designed and illustrated by Jeremy Parrish and Chris Hornbaker. The game was licensed to Reveal Entertainment, Inc., a company co-founded by Berndt, Maynard and Judy Gulley and Borden Duffel. The company raised funds to publish the game in 1997.

Why is Triopoly Popular?

Triopoly is a unique twist on the classic game of Monopoly, with three tracks of properties instead of one, and additional buildings which may be constructed on each property. The game also features explicit gambling, and a property auction system that allows players to bid on unowned properties.

Game Components of Triopoly

  • Three nestable boards arranged concentrically
  • Properties and building improvements (gas stations, shopping malls, skyscrapers)
  • ‘Mini airline’ tickets and elevator for level transitions
  • Game pieces and money

    How To Setup Triopoly

    To set up Triopoly, players first assemble the three-dimensional board by nesting the three levels together. Each player chooses a game piece and places it on the starting space. The properties, improvements, and other game components are distributed according to the instructions. Players decide whether to play on one, two, or three levels, which determines the length of the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:
    – Buying and improving properties
    – Constructing buildings (gas stations, shopping malls, skyscrapers)
    – Using ‘mini airline’ tickets and elevators to move between levels
    – Explicit gambling elements

  • Game Objective: Accumulate wealth by acquiring and improving properties, and eventually bankrupting other players.

    Player Experience

    Triopoly offers a dynamic and engaging experience, combining the familiar mechanics of Monopoly with the excitement of a three-dimensional board. The ability to move between levels adds a new layer of strategy, as players must navigate not just horizontally but also vertically. The game’s long playing time ensures a immersive and challenging experience.

    Pros

  • Innovative 3D Board: Adds a unique twist to traditional board games
  • Flexible Gameplay: Allows players to choose the length of the game
  • Strategic Depth: Multiple levels and building improvements enhance strategic thinking
  • Awards and Recognition: Named one of the “Best New Games” by Good Housekeeping and Games Magazine

    Cons

  • Long Playing Time: 240 minutes can be daunting for some players
  • Complex Setup: Assembling the three-dimensional board can be time-consuming
  • Limited Availability: Originally released in 1997, it might be hard to find new copies

    Personal Thoughts on Triopoly

    Triopoly is ideal for fans of Monopoly looking for a fresh and challenging experience. It is suited for families and groups of friends who enjoy strategic gameplay and are willing to invest time in a game. The game’s complexity and innovative mechanics make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate a blend of classic and modern elements. However, it may not be the best choice for casual or short gaming sessions due to its lengthy playing time.

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