Move Over Boardwalk

Ever dream of owning your own lighthouse? Maybe building an inn there... and charging folks a whopping $2,000 every time they stay?

USAopoly's New England edition of Parker Brothers' long-lasting Monopoly game, which substitutes New England attractions and destinations for the Atlantic City-inspired properties in the original game, makes it possible for you to become a New England property mogul in minutes. That is, if you can stay out of jail (that's what you get for digging clams without a license!) and avoid landing on that Lobster Dinner space, which will set you back $75. 

The rules of play for New England Monopoly are the same as the original, so if you're familiar with Monopoly, it's easy to play. Buy up properties, accumulate color groups such as the three yellow properties--Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket--then begin building B&Bs and inns and charging a ransom when your opponents have the unfortunate luck of visiting you via a role of the dice. Chance and Community Chest cards are replaced by Fall Foliage and Summer Beaches cards with clever instructions, sometimes favorable, such as, "Your Chowder Wins At Local Chowder Fest; Collect $50," and sometimes not so pleasant, such as, "Cheer for Yankees at a Red Sox Game--Go to Jail; Go Directly To Jail; Do Not Pass Go; Do Not Collect $200." 

The creators of this regionally themed edition demonstrate a clever knowledge of all things New England, and though a game may go on for an eternity while players wrestle to drive each other into the poor house, playing will transport you to New England places you've visited and provide abundant opportunities to reminisce about times you've spent in this beautiful part of the world. The photography that embellishes the game board captures New England's best-loved spots and four-season glory. A game box inset teaches interesting facts about the six New England states. And you're sure to get a little thrill as you peel off $260 in colorful, leaf-marked bills to buy Martha's Vineyard for just $260. 

Monopoly: New England Edition is recommended for ages 8 to adult. It's a wonderful addition to the games collection of any New England lover, and it's a must for those rainy days in your New England rental cabin, for nights camping out under the New England stars or even for long drives through New England if you have room to spread out a bit in an RV or minivan. 

Just be prepared for a small delay of game while you sort out who gets to use the lobster token. The miniature Minuteman, clam basket, lighthouse, church and Gloucester fisherman are cool, too, but the lobster is definitely the lucky talisman.