Game of Thrones has become one of HBO’s most famous hits, and though 2019 will usher the end of the TV series, the franchise will continue to grow. Interestingly for fans, the book series will still continue, and a brand new Game of Thrones edition of Monopoly will be released in January of 2019. The release of the new game precedes the exciting conclusion of the TV series by three months, giving fans one final opportunity to score big before the eventual cooling of the red-hot hype around Game of Thrones.
Overview
For those of you thinking, “Oh, there are already hundreds of editions of Monopoly. What’s so special about this one,” let us tell you: What makes the Game of Thrones edition of Monopoly so cool is that it actually comes with music built into the game board.
How’s that for a twist?
This Version of Monopoly is actually the first to feature music inside the game board (located in the Iron Throne card holder), and it’s an experimental design that gives the game a unique touch.
Can you guess what song it plays?
Of course, it’s the iconic Game of Thrones theme song. Now, we get what some of you may be asking.
“Does it really play the theme song the whole time? Won’t that get to be irritating?”
While that’s certainly a concern, we find that the music helps set the atmosphere for a really unique gaming experience.
And let’s be real: is there any tune catchier than the Game of Thrones theme song?
That’s what we thought.
What’s Included
Game of Thrones Monopoly stays true to the source material with the inclusion of locations and items from the world of Westeros.
The following themed items are included:
- 12 Castles
- 28 Title Deed Cards
- 95 Cardboard Coins (53 silver stags and 42 gold dragons)
- Iron Throne Card Holder
- 6 Tokens
- 32 Hold Fasts
As you can see, instead of using paper cash, players will use coins that come from the Treasury of the Seven Kingdoms. This treasury will be controlled not by a banker, but by the Master of the Coins, giving yet another shout-out to the fictional world of Westeros.
The game works to set the right atmosphere in other ways, as well. Instead of the classic houses and hotels of traditional Monopoly, holdfasts and castles will be built onboard spaces. These spaces will represent actual regions and locations from the acclaimed TV series.
The six-game tokens won’t represent actual characters, however, as they are based on the different kingdoms of Westeros. This may actually give players more flexibility by giving them the opportunity to choose a token that represents the kingdom they wish would win the throne.
Pros
The Game of Thrones Monopoly gameboard is eye-catching and designed with a somber black that has become common among other products in the franchise. With its inclusion of different places around Westeros, the board helps position players in the heart of the Seven Kingdoms.
The intricately designed Game of Thrones game pieces help to set the tone even more. What’s best about them, though, is that they offer representation to all players. No matter which kingdom you support, you can be sure to find a corresponding game token.
While the gameplay is still classic Monopoly, the overall design of the pieces, tokens, and coins helps distance the game from more traditional versions. The constant theme music helps to add even more authenticity to the gameplay—even if it can start to wear on one’s nerves.
Cons
While the board game is a nice addition to the Game of Thrones franchise, true fans of the series may wind up disappointed.
The show has become known for its graphic depictions of violence and sex—both things that are obvious no-goes in the family-friendly Monopoly game.
Because of this, fans may feel as if the true essence of the series has been limited, or even cut entirely.
Despite its inclusion of Game of Thrones kingdoms and locations, at its core, it’s still Monopoly. While it’s great for a collector’s item, you’re not really going to be able to enter the Game of Thrones world through the gameplay alone.
We would have liked to have seen more of the violence and brutality that has made the show so popular. Though the idea of an X-rated Monopoly game is certainly taboo, the game’s intended market would definitely be able to enjoy a more adult version of the game.
Overall Review
Game of Thrones Monopoly offers a fresh take on a family classic. The game is a unique blend of family-friendly fun and adult entertainment, as the board game strikes a middle ground between the show’s serious nature and Monopoly’s kid-friendly design.
While this may be off-putting for some die-hard fans of the series, Hasbro and HBO scored a win with this updated Monopoly game in our book.
Maria Garcia