[Review] Monopoly Streets

As a young child I have very fond memories of playing Monopoly with friends and family. Everyone gathering around the board, divvying out money and settling down for a 3-4 hour game a-thon the likes of which no other game could bring. The best part was when someone new came over, they always had a new "house rule" that usually ended up changing the way we played completely. I can clearly remember the first time I found out about the "Money on Free Parking" rule, instead of the car causing frustration it was suddenly the most coveted spot on the board!

Monopoly Streets is basically the same old Monopoly that we all grew up with, collect properties, build houses and hotels all while trying to out maneuver the other players. There is not much in the way of innovation here aside from an auction mode that you can choose instead of outright buying a property.  However the simplicity of the game may very well be why it has endured this long.

The Wii version of the game plays exactly like the other consoles, players pick a piece and begin playing. Each of the traditional pieces also has a character to go along with it, a small girl rides in the boot while a zany old ship captain rides the boat around the board. While some players may grow tired of the single line sound bytes the characters use, for me they were a perfect match with the art style the game uses. Borderline cutesy with just a touch of cartoon humor.

One very noticeable difference between the Wii version and the other versions is the lack of online multiplayer. Players will need to have some friends and family over if they want to play with more than one person. While the computer controlled opponents all provide a fairly good challenge there is nothing quite like beating another person at monopoly.

Featuring a robust set of customization options players can also setup games to match their particular style of monopoly. Like getting money on Free Parking? Done! Want to get $400 for landing on Go? Done! Bankrupt players give there property to? Who they owe? The Bank? Your choice!

If you have friends and family around to play with you Monopoly Streets for the Wii would be a great buy. However if you are lacking in that department you may want to go with one of the other versions so you can get the same experience online, somehow I feel like beating complete strangers over Live! might be just as rewarding as beating your little brother ♥

Monopoly Streets released  October 26, 2010
And was Published by Electronic Arts