Trivial Pursuit: Genus II (1984) Board Game

Trivial Pursuit: Genus II is an expansion for the original Trivial Pursuit game, which was first released in in 1984. It is designed for 2 to 24 players, making it a great party game for large groups. The game is intended for players aged 12 and up, and it has a runtime of around 90 minutes. Trivial Pursuit: Genus II is published by Chieftain Products and falls under the categories of Expansion for Base-game, Party Game, and Trivia.

Game Components of Trivial Pursuit: Genus II

Game Board: The main board where players navigate through different categories.

Question Cards: 1000 cards containing 6000 questions and answers, divided into six categories: Geography, Entertainment, History, Art and Literature, Science and Nature, Sports and Leisure.

Game Pieces: Tokens or pawns that represent each player.

Scorepad: For tracking players’ progress.

How To Setup Trivial Pursuit: Genus II

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a game piece and places it on the starting space. Shuffle the question cards and place them within reach of all players. Determine who goes first, typically by drawing a card and the player with the highest number goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll the Dice: Players roll a die to determine how many spaces they can move.

Answer Questions: When a player lands on a space, they draw a question card from the corresponding category and must answer the question correctly to stay on that space.

Fill the Pie: Players aim to fill their “pie” (a circular token with six slices) by answering questions correctly in all six categories.

Win the Game: The first player to fill all six slices of their pie wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing Trivial Pursuit: Genus II is a nostalgic and engaging experience, especially for those who grew up with the game. It combines social interaction with a test of knowledge, making it entertaining for family gatherings and friends. However, the questions can be outdated, which may reduce its appeal for newer generations.

Pros

Extensive Question Bank: With 6000 questions, the game offers a wide range of trivia, providing long-term replay value.

Social Interaction: Encourages socializing and competitive spirit among players.

Cultural Significance: It played a significant role in changing the perception of board games from being just for kids to being a viable form of adult entertainment.

Durable Components: Many sets have been preserved well, making them still playable today.

Cons

Outdated Questions: Some questions and answers may no longer be relevant or accurate due to the passage of time.

Time-Consuming: Games can be lengthy, especially if players are not familiar with the material.

Personal Thoughts on Trivial Pursuit: Genus II

Trivial Pursuit: Genus II is ideal for those who enjoy trivia, nostalgia, and social gaming. It’s particularly great for older adults who can appreciate the historical context of the questions. However, it may not be as appealing to younger players due to the outdated content. For anyone looking to reconnect with a classic game or experience a piece of gaming history, Trivial Pursuit: Genus II remains a fun and challenging option.

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