One of the most popular board games in the world, Monopoly, has entertained game enthusiasts ever since it was created in the early 1900s by Elizabeth Magie. Later, “thought up” by an unemployed man named Charles Darrow in the 1930s, he has since been the one to get the recognition for the game, when it was truly Magie who created it. Since the game has been around for so long, there are many Monopoly versions out there, from collector’s editions to anniversary editions, and even specialized games for other popular franchises. Dive into the various editions with these six facts about Monopoly versions below.
6. For Sore Losers Edition
Starting our list of facts about Monopoly versions is the Sore Losers Edition. One of the most recent versions on our list, this 2020 edition turns this upside down. Players can now earn money by going bankrupt or landing in jail. Sore Loser coins are also awarded when players have to pay taxes or rent, and a large Mr. Monopoly token allows players to travel around the board collecting money. “Don’t get sad. Get even!”
RELATED: 6 Forgotten Board Games That Deserve a Comeback
5. NASCAR Collector’s Edition
Fifth on our list of facts about Monopoly versions is this NASCAR collector’s edition. For all the racing fans out there, you can enjoy a board game dedicated to favorite teams, speedways, and more NASCAR lore. Other fun quirks include the black flag and Caterpillar, with each token specialized towards the race theme, with a steering wheel, a race car, a mechanic, and a trophy. This edition was released in 1997.
4. Astronomy Edition
Next on our list of facts about Monopoly versions is this 2001 Astronomy Special Edition set. Instead of the normal properties you can buy in Monopoly, players can purchase comets, planets, star clusters, and galaxies in space instead. Utilities are two large telescope manufacturers, while the railway stations are space stations or observation domes, Chance cards are moons, and the Community Chest cards are suns. The best part? Tokens include a lawn chair, binoculars, and telescopes to peer up into the stars.
CHECK OUT: 5 Historical Board Games You Need to Revisit
3. Pokémon Edition
Rounding out the top three facts about Monopoly versions is the Pokémon Edition from 1999. An extremely popular video game and card game, expand your love of Pokémon to board games as well. The tokens are popular Pokémon characters, and many of the “properties” are Pokémon-themed too. One particular rule that changed to stay consistent with the theme is that if you roll doubles, you receive Pokémon Powers instead of rolling again.
ALSO READ: 6 Hardest Video Game Achievements
2. The Landlord’s Game
Second on our list of facts about Monopoly versions is the original game idea, The Landlord’s Game, from 1904. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie from Virginia received a patent for the game, which is quite similar to the Monopoly we love today. Magie created the game to show the differences between rich landowners and poor tenants as players roll the dice, buy property, and advance around the board, paying taxes and utilities. A later 1939 version of the game has a photo of Magie on the box.
1. World War II Special Edition
Last but not least on our facts about Monopoly list is the World War II Special Edition. Now used as a collector’s item, there was a greater purpose for Monopoly during the Second World War. The British Secret Service M19 was able to get maps and tools to prisoners being held by the Germans by hiding them in regular Monopoly sets. The U.K. manufacturer was able to sneak a compass, metal files, and a silk map into compartments in the board, which the Germans just thought were a humanitarian gesture. Today, the Special Edition board calls attention to Monopoly’s historical importance in 1941.
CHECK OUT: 6 Key Leaders of World War II and Their Legacy
