The Game of Life

Copyright: KBkids.com 1998

The Game of Life board game has made the jump to computer. You will find the game play very much like you remember, expect for the 3D travel around the board. This is a fun game to play with a group, but not as much fun to play against a computer.

The Game of Life has two play modes. The classic mode is just like you remember. Your automobile moves around the board, and you make choices as you go. You must first choose the college, or career path. Many of the things which happen to you as you land on various squares are out of your control. You may have to pay large bills, pay for weddings, or deal with family finances. If you land on a "stop" space, you have to make a decision of some sort. These decisions can drastically effect the rest of your 'life.' The goal is to retire with the most amount of money.

This new program also includes an Enhanced mode. The game play is basically the same, but there are luck based games strewn throughout the program. When you land on a "Life's little games" square, it is time to try your luck. You will spin the spinner, and be assigned a game. This game may lead to riches, or financial ruin. The appeal of these games is much like a casino. You usually quit when you want to, or take that last risk at fortune. There are eight games in all:

Safecracker- Click on four items containing money. Keep the last revealed item. You can quit at any time.

Cannonball- Shoot eight cannons. Any two matching amounts of money are yours to keep. Much like concentration.

Skunk Money- Click on as many money squares as you like. If you hit the skunk square, however, you loose everything.

Treasure Chest- Click on up to six items. If you get a match, you keep that amount of money and game play ends.

Get a Life- Try to click on the hidden L, I, F, and E cards. You have six clicks. The less clicks it takes, the richer you become.

Up or Down- Click on as many cards as you like. Some will add money to your pile, some will take money away.

Crane Dump- Drop up to six balls in five slots, and win money. If two balls fall in the same slot, you loose your money.

Trash Can- Move cans in order to catch six falling balls.

Other than these luck based games, and a few other 'spin and get a surprise' spots, the game play is the same in either mode. You can play this game with up to six players, either computer based, or real. Testers found this game enjoyable with real life contestants. You can cheer, or jeer each other as you go. The game was not as much fun with computerized opponents. Since this is, more or less, a game of luck, playing against the computer became a bit dull. Bottom Line: A good board game to computer transition. More fun to play with a group than against computerized opponents.

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

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 2 1/2

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 3 1/2

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