Monopoly Tycoon
Infogrames
deep_red

Introduction

This type of game has been long overdue, but it is also probably one of the hardest games to create and still make it have long lasting fun.

Positives

This game has a little of everything and then some.

For instance, all the properties from the board game are present, and then they add a handful of new ones. There are now four (4) utilities (Gasworks and Telecoms were added) and three new blocks (Albany, Jefferson, and ???).

Building is the way to usually win the game. The one who can build the fastest and not go into debt will usually end up the winner of each scenario.

There are so many different types of businesses that many times you lose track of what you have built in a certain area and what you have not built.

One of the best aspects of the game is being able to buy up a block of land, Vermont for instance, and then buying out all the other player's buildings on that piece of property. Of course, this can get expensive, but many times it comes in very handy against those players that were able to build just a little faster than you. Be careful, though, for they can do the same thing to you!

The utilities play a large role in this game as well. If you own a certain utility, then you not only get a certain percentage of everyone else's payment to that utility, but you also do not have to pay your daily bills to that utility. With each utility you own the percentage of the amount paid is raised, meaning you get a LOT more money, not just from a second utility, but from both the first and second utility.

The graphics and view of the game are both simple and nice looking. The 3D view can be a little hard to navigate at first and a little frustrating when trying to view large sections of the town, but overall the gameplay views are not too hard to master.

Negatives

There are several places the game could use some improvement.

The scenarios seem to become a little repetitive after the first seven (7) or so.

Also in the multiplayer mode, it would be nice if they had a option for playing indefinitely. One's desire to put everyone else out of business under your own influence would be desired.

Chance Cards are interesting and a plus to the game, but I haven't been able to determine why they just appear at random times. Perhaps a more organized implementation of the Chance Cards is needed.

A Map Editor is needed! The placement of buildings for the start of each game is not varied enough. If one could even change the layout of the city for certain scenarios and multi-player games that would be a nice addition too.

Being able to save a multi-player game over a network would be another GREAT addition. Right now, I am not able to save a game very well when playing a multi-player game against all computer players. Not sure if this is a bug or if it is not possible.

Conclusion

Overall I think this game has potential, but right now it has very low replayability. I would be willing to buy an expansion pack or Deluxe version if it incorporated some additions and changes. If the decision was made, I really would look forward to a possible Monopoly Tycoon 2.

Review Points (50 points = average game)

Min. System Requirements

Rating