Uncle Pennybags' New Digs

I had no idea that Hasbro last year redesigned the classic board game Monopoly to add the new version Monopoly: Revolution.

With a circular board, property prices in seven figures instead of three, electronic bank cards instead of paper money and sound effects that play when you do things like go to jail (you'll hear a door slam), it's certainly different than the best-known version.  Some custom-made boards in the 1930s were round, but the usual shape has always been square.

The use of the cards is also not completely new, as they were a part of an electronic banking edition of the game released a few years ago. I see a little irony there, as the new U.S. currency designs sometimes make a guy who grew up with nothing but greenbacks think he's using Monopoly money. Of course, the current administration is working as hard as it can to increase the similarity.

Probably one thing that stays the same is that a majority of the really good deal-making happens off the board, as you try to get your opponents to sell you property you want or see how much you can get out of them for property they want. Such situations may prompt defensive strategies as well. Yes, Boardwalk is doing me no good since you own Park Place, but as long as I have it and you don't it's not doing me any harm either.

An item worth noting for those interested in purchasing the new version. It requires 3 AAA batteries, which are not included. Can't get something for nothing, after all.