Monopoly Star Wars
| Monopoly Star Wars | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Artech Digital Entertainment |
| Series | Monopoly Star Wars |
| Release | 1997 |
| Genre(s) | Strategy, board game |
Monopoly Star Wars is a 1997 video game based on the board game of the same name. It is one of many video game adaptions of the board game Monopoly. The game was developed by Artech Digital Entertainment and published by Hasbro Interactive.
Gameplay
The gameplay closely resembles that of the original source material.[1] The game contained animation and clips from the films, which played out when players landed on properties,[2] while the action was narrated by C3PO.[3] Instead of building houses and hotels, players accumulate starports.[4] Players also had the option to compete in multiplayer LAN games, and observe such games through Microsoft's Interactive Gaming Zone,[3] through agreements with Microsoft and Sony Online Entertainment.[5]
Production
Previously, Hasbro had created a board game version of Star Wars Monopoly, which has sold very well; 1997 was the year of a Special Edition version of the Star Wars original trilogy, so it was decided to release a video game version for the Christmas season,[6] to build on the Monopoly franchise.[7] Programmer Alexander G. M. Smith was in charge of software design for the rules engine.[6] The 3D crew produced a sizzle reel to show Hasbro, and the project was approved.[6] Anthony Daniels, who portrays the droid C3PO in the Star Wars films, contributed his writing skills to the game.[8] During the development process, the "simple but effective dialog boxes and 2D board were replaced by fancy animations, sound effects, and speech".[6] Due to the rushed development toward the end, certain features such as a user interface for trading immunities and futures was left out, while a Japanese version of the title was postponed.[6] The game was officially finished on October 18, 1997.[6]
Upon the title's announcement, Jack Sorensen, president of LucasArts, explained "the Star Wars franchise will expand to a much broader audience who will now have an opportunity to experience two cultural icons in a whole new way."[9] Meanwhile, Hasbro Interactive President Tom Dusenberry commented that "both of these entertainment properties are so ingrained in our culture..together they create an even bigger, more thrilling entertainment experience".[10] The game was officially previewed at the 1997 Children's Interactive Expo.[11] Hasbro Interactive launched a companion website for the game in October–November 1997.[12]
Critical reception
Nick Smith of AllGame liked that the game did more than simply slap the Star Wars name on a Monopoly game; rather the design authentically incorporate aspects of the Star Wars universe.[1] Similarly, The Adrenaline Vault noted the game's "authenticity", noting the potential for a quick cash-in through the merging of the popular Star Wars and Monopoly franchises.[13] Walter Morbeck of GameSpot thought the melding of the two properties was a good idea, but that the resulting game was "somewhat pointless".[14] The Boston Globe thought the endeavour "married tradition and pop culture".[15][16] The Boston Herald deemed the game "marvelous".[17] The Cincinnati Post said aspects of the game were "classic" and "stunning".[18]
Star Wars Monopoly won the 1998 Software Publishers Association Award for "Best Use of Visual Arts in Multimedia".[19]
References
- ^ a b "Monopoly Star Wars - Review - allgame". 2014-11-14. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ Computer Gaming World. Golden Empire Publications. 1998-01-01.
- ^ a b Windows Magazine. CMP Publications, Incorporated. 1998-01-01.
- ^ "CLASSIC BYTES AGELESS TOYS AND GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY NOW ON CD-ROM.(Entertainment/Weekend/Spotlight)(Review)". 1997-12-18.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Video game wars Hasbro Interactive fights for share in crowded market". 1999-06-02.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ a b c d e f Smith, Alexander G. M. "About Alexander G. M. Smith (agmsmith, @AGMS00, etc)". web.ncf.ca. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1997-08-23). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
{{cite book}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Biography - Anthony Daniels". Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "The Most Popular Game Meets The Greatest Movie of All Time... Monopoly Star Wars CD-ROM Game Makes History This Fall! - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "Original Star Wars Cast Member Anthony Daniels Stars As His Beloved C-3PO Character In Monopoly Star Wars CD-ROM Game - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "Leading All-Family Games Publisher Hasbro Interactive To Showcase Premier Line-Up Of CD-Roms At The Children's Interactive Expo - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "INTERACTIVE: HASBRO LAUNCHES WEB SITES FOR FIVE INTERACTIVE GAMES: MONOPOLY STAR WARS, PICTIONARY AND OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE ONLINE". Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "Monopoly Star Wars PC review | The Adrenaline Vault". 2016-10-02. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "Monopoly Star Wars Review". Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ "Area toy firms bet on Patton, games". 1997-12-14.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Toy firms betting on Gen. Patton doll, interactive games". 1997-12-14.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Casino game hits Monopoly jackpot.(Arts and Lifestyle)". 2001-08-12.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "TOP SOFTWARE PICKS MAKE DANDY STOCKING STUFFERS.(LIVING)". 1997-12-10.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "SW Monopoly". 2001-03-10. Retrieved 2016-10-02.