August 31, 2010
Online Monopoly
Monopoly, probably one of the world’s most popular board game, has been around since the 1930s. While there may be some confusion about its origins, either as the model from Elizabeth Magie’s “The Landlord’s Game” or as the brain child of Charles Darrow, this popular game has travelled through the decades right into the 21st century and onto the Internet. Online Monopoly is the most recent variation of the original family game and popular with devotees around the world. Bearing the Parker Bros. trademark and marketed today by Hasbro, the game remains a perfect way to pass some entertaining hours with friends and family and people you have yet to meet.
The premise of the traditional game, the buying, selling, and renting of real estate has not changed for 75 years, even for those who play online Monopoly. The streets, utilities, and even the landmarks are unchanged for today’s players, and the one who is not bankrupt at the end of the game is the winner regardless of accumulated property. However, there are options and variations available that can make the game even more entertaining. While the original board layout matched Atlantic City of the 1930s, online players can choose from a variety of game boards with customized city locations around the world. The pieces and tokens can be animated as well.
There are several advantages to playing online Monopoly. For one thing, it is possible to play the game for free at some sites. Others may require a subscription of user-fee. You can play the game with as many players as you wish, and in some cases, you can even chat with fellow gamers from around the world. While the game can be played internationally when it is accessed from your computer, you never have to leave the comfort of your own home. Play in your pajamas if you wish, stretched out on your bed, or in the backyard in an easy chair.
Newcomers to online Monopoly will appreciate the step-by-step instructions that help you understand the game and offer winning strategies. Because different sites have different rules and regulations, you can often customize these to some degree and play the game in your own version.
Some sites for Internet Monopoly actually allow betting and the transfer of real money. Some also hand you real cash awards instead of the expected printed paper money. Of course, these games must be played with caution or they will no longer be free entertainment. Online Monopoly is a modern day version of its popular ancestor. It would appear that there will always be a new generation of gamers attracted to it and willing to spend hours trying to become the game’s richest real estate mogul. Thanks to the Internet, the playing field is now world-wide.
For more information about online Monopoly and other related topics, visit Monopoly-Man.com.
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