For better or worse, the classic real estate game Monopoly is getting a modern makeover. The new way to play involves a mobile app that’s supposed to make the game easier, since the financial aspects are handled by technology. There are no longer any property cards to collect and display, nor is there any play money to organize. With the Monopoly App Banking Game, the role of banker shifts to a smartphone or tablet. Along with the app — which tabulates earnings and lets you scan bank and property cards to pay rent and upgrade assets, the actual board has also been redesigned. Gone are the original squares like St. Charles Place and New York Avenue, replaced instead by a giant aquarium, robot lab, and VR roller coaster. Don’t worry, Chance still remains, though there are 5 not 3, and tokens can still rest on Free Parking. According to Hasbro, these modifications to the game were created to help quicken the pace of what’s often an hours-long affair. Plus, the app comes with built-in mini games that may entice younger players to keep playing. What parents don’t like about the new version of the game is that there’s not a lot of hands-on learning that the old game provided. Math is virtually eliminated, there’s no need to learn how to navigate currency, more screen time is involved, and — worst of all — there’s less family bonding time. Should you stick with the original? It’s up to you, but even with the app, there’s still fun and some learning to be had. If, however, you prefer the “old school” version of Monopoly, no one is going to judge you, Play on!
