Monopoly Soccer

Copyright: KBkids.com

Soccer and Monopoly may seem like an odd combination. Hasbro has, however, pulled this combination off quite smoothly. This version of Hasbro’s Monopoly is fun, with a few new twists. Unlike the Star Wars Edition, this version retains much of the original game feel. Star Wars traveled a bit too far afield for some, whereas this version is more true to the original Monopoly game board and game play.

What makes Monopoly World Cup different? The pieces are animated soccer players. They dribble the ball and toss it to the next player. Rather than "properties," you will purchase soccer teams. The best teams in the world are represented. Instead of utilities and railroads, you can purchase concessions and stadiums.

Two new play variations add a nice touch:

Match Play- Picture in your mind States Avenue standing up, walking around the board and switching places with Boardwalk. Two teams are chosen are random and pitted against each other in a soccer match. The winning team (a single "property) can then be ‘promoted’ to a different spot on the playing board. In this way, the Monopoly playing board is never static.

Penalty Shoot-Out- This is the second game variation. A shoot-out is held between your player and Rich Uncle Pennybags (the little Monopoly guy). This happens when you pass Go. If no goal is scored you loose a turn. If one goal is scored, your turn continues as usual. If you are lucky enough to score two goals, you become the temporary owner of a third die! This third die allows you to select which two die to use during your turn. The next person to pass GO may be able to take the third die back from you if they are lucky.

You can establish game rules when you start. There are always arguments over what to do with Free Parking, landing on Go, and what happens to your rents when you are in Jail. You and up to five computer, or human opponents can decide up front how the game will be played.

This is a wonderful game. There were a few technical problems, however. Error messages made testers a bit nervous. The errors involved graphical memory. It sounds like Hasbro is scrambling for a few fixes after the fact. Tech Support said they were working on a few patches, but would not specify what the patches would be for. It appears they will be for graphics problems. It is a very new game, and with that ‘newness’ comes the risk of a few problems. As is usual in the world of computers, it is very difficult sometimes to tell where the problem lies. Proceed with caution on this one, and be willing to call tech support if you run into any problems. If you have no problems, you will be rewarded with a very fun Monopoly variation.

Bottom Line: A wonderful Monopoly variation that soccer fans will really enjoy. A very new game, however, which may still have a few technical glitches.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 2

FunFactor: 3 ½

EasePlease: 3

Sorry, this program is no longer available. Watch for it on Ebay.com