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Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition by Hasbro
Product SummaryManufacturer: Hasbro Brand: Hasbro Model: 199 Product features: - Features a gameboard
- Comes with title deed cards, chance and community chest cards, 6 debit cards, 2 dice, 6 tokens, 32 houses, 12 hotels and instructions
- For ages 8 and above
- Comes with board, Banker Unit, tokens, title deed cards, chance cards, community chest cards, Monopoly bank cards, houses, hotels, dice
- For ages 8 to 127
Accessories:
Toys and Games Reviews of Monopoly Electronic Banking EditionCustomer Review: Underwhelmed with "Electronic Monopoly" Summary: 2 Stars
I bought this game for my two younger sisters for Christmas since I grew up playing Monopoly and thought they would enjoy having their own copy of the game. We played this Christmas day and the day after, and I have to say I wasn't very impressed. Here is why:
1) The assumed value of an electronic banking system is that it would speed up the game vs. transferring paper money back and forth. In reality, this isn't the case. Loading the plastic debit cards each time you want to do a transaction takes 2-3x longer than just handing over paper money.
2) Everything in the game is branded. This isn't really 'modern' Monopoly. It's 'licensed' Monopoly. Most of the properties are tourist attractions or MLB ballparks. The continuity of the old version (which is based on famous streets) just isn't there.
3) Changing the prices by a factor of 10k seems like a nice way to update the game, but in reality it is unnecessary since the prices are all just arbitrary anyway. It makes certain things a real pain in the neck (for example: figuring out 10% taxes when properties are valued at x.xx millions--adding them up is a lot more complicated than it used to be; 2nd example: figuring out how much Street Repairs should be OR how much the 10% surcharge is for un-mortgaging properties).
4) End game scenarios such as trading properties for rent, selling properties in combination, etc, are all much more complicated when dealing with decimal numbers. Not impossible, but harder for your average 7-10 year old for sure. It was a good opportunity to talk about how decimal numbers work, so from a learning perspective it could be a plus.
There are a few changes I do like:
1) Updated pieces including fun things like a Space Shuttle, a ball-cap, etc... This is the sort of update that is well worth it (seriously who wants to be the anvil from the old game much less the iron?)
2) Instantly knowing exactly how much money you have. (You can put your debit card into the card reader at any point and it will tell you your existing balance).
Conclusions:
The electronic banking edition of Monopoly will not speed up your games. If that's your motivation, skip it because chances are it will end up taking longer! If you want a cool new Monopoly with interesting new properties, again this one isn't that impressive (seriously, Jacobs Field? Charging rent for the White House?). I'd rather they'd chosen actually properties or streets The Chicago Monopoly edition for example is very cool--especially for those who live in Chicagoland! It ended up feeling like the electronic banking option, while a good idea in theory, didn't really add much to the game. That said, Monopoly is still a pretty entertaining family game to play with a mix of kids & adults, and this version is no exception. I just think there are better versions out there.
2.5/5 Stars.
Description of Monopoly Electronic Banking EditionNow players can experience the most current version of Monopoly with an electronic banking unit instead of cash. A truly fun experience which utilizes today's trend of a cashless society.The Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition game combines the best of classic Monopoly with updated electronic transactions. As with the original version, players still operate with money, learn real-world economics, competition and strategy, try to stay out of jail, and try their best to get filthy rich. But this version has been updated to reflect changes in how the real world uses money: All transactions are conducted with Monopoly's new banking card system. Anyone from age 8 and up will enjoy this updated version of one of the world's most famous games. Uses two "AAA" batteries, not included. Includes gameboard, electronic banker unit, title deed cards, chance and community chest cards, 6 debit cards, 2 dice, 6 modern tokens - Segway Personal Transporter, Baseball Cap, Altoids Tin, Space Shuttle, Flat-Screen TV and Dog in Handbag, 32 houses, 12 hotels and instructions. Anyone from age 8 and up will enjoy this updated version of one of the world's most famous games. Uses two "AAA" batteries, not included. The Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition game combines the best of classic Monopoly with updated electronic transactions. As with the original version, players still operate with money, learn real-world economics, competition and strategy, try to stay out of jail, and try their best to get filthy rich. But this version has been updated to reflect changes in how the real world uses money: All transactions are conducted with Monopoly's new banking card system. Anyone from age 8 and up will enjoy this updated version of one of the world's most famous games. 
Updated from the original game, the Banking Edition features updated tokens, money system, and more. View larger. | 
This version of Monopoly features bank card accounts. View larger. | Classic Fun with Modern Twists Aside from the electronic banking, the basic rules of this game have not changed from the Monopoly everybody remembers. Tokens, houses, hotels, chance and community chest cards, cardboard property deeds -- if you've played the classic version, you'll know how to play. The board is different in how it folds up in the box, but once you spread it out, it's the same. The tokens have changed to reflect today's culture. Instead of irons and racing cars, the tokens depict modern icons such as a Segway and a tin of Altoids. Instead of railroads, there are airports. The utilities are Internet service providers and cell phone services. Properties have also been updated -- from the upscale blue Times Square to the economy purple Texas Stadium. In this game, you can go to jail for identity theft or lose $1 million when a virus infects your computer network. And of course, property values are exponentially higher than in the original game. The big switch, of course, is the electronic banking. Each player starts with $15 million in their bank card account, and the banker adds amounts (such as when the player passes go) or subtracts (such as when the player pays to get out of jail) by inserting the player's card in the plus or minus slot of the Banker Unit. When one player has to pay another player, the banker debits or credits each account as appropriate. Monopoly for Right Now The electronic banking is neat and easy to handle, and as an added educational bonus, the player who takes on the banker role will quickly become familiar with basic bookkeeping concepts. The bank cards operate more like debit than credit, so players will learn responsible money management, not how to run up credit card debt. This version of Monopoly doesn't play significantly differently than the original. The game can still take hours to play, and the instructions offer several alternatives for those who want speedier play. The updates introduce a few elements of surprise along the way, but for the most part it's still the same great Monopoly that will provide the same kind of family fun with some surprising, up-to-date twists. Pros - Same basic game play, but with up-to-date references
- Electronic banking works well, easy to learn
- Teaches responsible money management
- Fun for both kids and adults
Cons - Player customizations might not work with the new version
- Updated references will eventually become out of date, too
What's in the Box Game board, electronic Banker Unit, 6 tokens, 28 title deed cards, 16 chance cards, 16 community chest cards, 6 Monopoly bank cards, 32 houses, 12 hotels, and 2 dice.
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