Risk: The Game of Global Domination
Copyright: KBkids.com
Risk is a board game which has been around for a very long time. This classic board game is now available for your computer, and are you in for a surprise! If you thought the board game was difficult, wait until you see all of the fantastic options Hasbro Interactive has included on the computer. This is a case where the computerized version far exceeds the board game. You might miss sitting around the fireplace as a family, but if you are ready for serious game play, you will like this version better.
The most basic goal of Risk is to dominate the world. It is similar to playing with army men, except more socially acceptable for teens and grown ups than the little plastic guys. You can either play with the goal to conquer the entire world, or choose to have a goal set for you by the game. This is a rather complex game, so you will need to read the instruction manual if you have never played the regular board game. In a nutshell, you will place your armies (battalions here) around the globe. Players then attempt to attack other countries in order to expand their territory. In the classic version of Risk this is done by rolling dice to determine who is winning each battle.
The computerized version of the board game offers some exciting features which are not possible with the board game. Regular Risk with dice rolls you are familiar with is of course included. A variant of Classic Risk can be played called Ultimate Risk. This version is a cross between Risk and Civilization II. Here the game board looks very different and there are no dice. You can place generals, forts and more. There are even POW's which must be dealt with as you build alliances and try to negotiate with other countries. This is a mind-boggling version of the game and is well deserving of the label, "Ultimate."
Unlike the board game, you can also select different maps. The classic Risk map is included, as are several others. You can play a game which just includes North America, Europe, or Asia. A World map is also included which is much more detailed than the old classic map you are familiar with. 3D maps and brilliant colors make this game much more visually appealing than the original board game. 3D video clips are scattered throughout the program. None are terribly violent, but the guillotine which chops heads off when someone looses (nothing is shown) is a bit scary for younger kids. Not really a worry, as this is not a younger kids game by any stretch of the imagination. You will also find many variations on dice rules, card trading rules, and an option called Blind Risk. These various options make the game one which will last a long time and will satisfy any family's 'personal rules.'
If you like the board game, you will love Risk now that it is available for your home computer. If you can never seem to find anyone who will play with you because you are such a tyrant, you can log on to the Internet and play with people from around the world.
Bottom Line: A superb rendition of an already great board game. Your family will love this one.
Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)
Overall: 4
BrainGain: 3 1/2
FunFactor: 4+