Whenever I find interesting versions of Monopoly — or games that appear connected to the Monopoly brand I pick them up, mainly because its my daughter’s favorite game. (One year she even had a Monopoly-themed birthday party.) I’ll admit, though, I was a little surprise by the Advance to Boardwalk game, because it is related to the Monopoly franchise in name only.
For starters, the board is completely different in style (long and narrow) since it is designed to represent an oceanfront boardwalk, there are three dice instead of two — and the basic goal is to build not acquire. The game, which BoardGameGeek compares to Manhattan, a player wins by building high-rise hotels and amassing the largest fortune. View Rules [pdf].
For those interested in collecting vintage games — this one is not a high value one. In mint condition you will probably only get $25. The real value for Monopoly games is in some of the alternate versions. Like Risk, the game’s value increases based on the version.
Themed-Monopoly games consistently in Top 10 on eBay (current list). Some of these sell for $200 or more.
- Pokemon
- Crooks & Castles
- Batman
- Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
- Dr. Who
- Star Trek
- USMC
- Boy Scouts
- Simpson’s Halloween edition
- Justice League America
If you are curious about all the themed versions, take a look at the USAopoly list. To learn about other sanctioned Monopoly options and spinoffs read this article I wrote for LoveToKnow.
Since Monopoly is the highest-selling game, there have been more than a few offerings that either make fun of the game, ridicule its concept or try to create a niche market. A few collectible board games in this genre include:
- Gay Monopoly released in 1983 by Parker Sisters. MIB sell for around $120 — do not confuse it with Gayopoly which is worth considerably less.
- Anti-Monopoly created in the early 1970s by San Francisco State University Professor Ralph Anspach. It was the subject of a lawsuit filed by Parker Brothers over the name Monopoly. Anspach claimed the name was in the public domain — they settled out of court and the game is still in print. Original versions MIB condition are worth $20-$25.
- Public Assistance: Why Bother Working for a Living. MIB versions sell for around $100. The game has an interesting history including an effort by the American Public Welfare Association to have the game banned.
- Class Struggle. Another game invented by a professor. Game, designed around the concepts of Karl Marx, is highly collectible and sells for around $100-$125.
Charlie R. Claywell 