The image shows the cover of a Trivial Pursuit Classic Edition game box by Hasbro Gaming, recommended for ages 16 and up.
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Trivial Pursuit: Genus Edition (1981)

ByMichail

Trivial Pursuit

Trivial Pursuit is a board game that was created by two Canadian journalists, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, in December 1979. The game involves answering trivia and popular culture questions from six categories, including “history” and “science and nature”. The game’s design is based on a ship’s wheel with spokes leading to the center, and the artwork was created by 18-year-old Michael Wurstlin. The game was first released in 1981 and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. Hasbro bought full rights to the game and its iterations for $80 million in 2008.

Why is Trivial Pursuit Popular?

Trivial Pursuit is significant because it is one of the most popular board games of the late 20th century, with over 100 million games sold in 26 countries and in 17 languages. The game’s enormous success led to spinoffs, including games themed around Star Wars, Harry Potter, Baby Boomers, and many more. Trivial Pursuit is also significant because it was one of the first games to combine trivia and popular culture in a board game format.

Game Components of Trivial Pursuit: Genus Edition

  • Game Board:** The classic board featuring various categories.
  • Question and Answer Cards:** 3600 questions in the base edition, divided into six categories: Geography, Entertainment, History, Art & Literature, Science & Nature, and Sports & Leisure.
  • Player Pieces:** 6 player tokens, each with 6 scoring wedges.
  • Dice:** 2 dice for determining movement.
  • Rules:** The instruction manual.
  • Double Code Card:** For decoding certain questions.

    How To Setup Trivial Pursuit: Genus Edition

    To set up the game, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the “Start” space. Each player receives a set of scoring wedges. The question cards are shuffled and placed face down on their respective category spaces on the board. Players roll the dice to determine who goes first, with the player rolling the highest number starting the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rolling the Dice:** Players roll the dice to move their token around the board.
  • Answering Questions:** When a player lands on a space, they draw a question card from the corresponding category and try to answer it. Correct answers allow the player to fill in a scoring wedge.
  • Filling Wedges:** The objective is to fill all six scoring wedges by answering questions correctly.
  • Winning the Game:** The first player to fill all their wedges wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Trivial Pursuit: Genus Edition is a nostalgic and engaging experience, especially for those who grew up with it. It was a cultural phenomenon, often played at family gatherings and social events. The game encourages learning and bragging rights, with its challenging questions spanning a wide range of topics. However, the passage of time can make some answers outdated, which can affect gameplay.

    Pros

  • Extensive Question Library:** 3600 questions in the base edition provide immense replay value.
  • Broad Categories:** Covers a wide range of subjects, making it appealing to diverse interests.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages family and friend gatherings, fostering a competitive and fun environment.
  • Cultural Significance:** It was a major part of many people’s childhoods and remains a memorable game.

    Cons

  • Outdated Questions:** Some questions and answers are no longer accurate due to changes over time.
  • Complexity:** The questions can be very challenging, which may deter some players.
  • Time-Consuming:** Games can be lengthy, especially if players are not familiar with the answers.

    Personal Thoughts on Trivial Pursuit: Genus Edition

    Trivial Pursuit: Genus Edition is ideal for trivia enthusiasts, families, and those looking to relive nostalgic moments. It is a great tool for learning and can be a fun way to engage in competitive trivia. However, it may not be as appealing to younger players who are accustomed to more contemporary and updated trivia content. For those who appreciate the challenge and the historical significance of the game, it remains a classic and enjoyable experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl