Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun version of the iconic board game -- with extra modes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Monopoly Family Fun Pack
What's It About?
This isn't the first time the iconic board game of Monopoly has been digitized -- for TV, smartphones, tablets, or computers -- but the disc or download of MONOPOLY FAMILY FUN PACK not only includes a version of the original game (with animation and sound), but it also "bundles" new twists on the old favorite. This includes a new "speed die" mode to accelerate gameplay, customizable rules, personalized game boards and property spaces, and bonus games like Monopoly Deal, a digital card game that lets players compete against their friends around the world by playing "Forced Deal," "Deal Breaker," and "Debt Collector" cards (the first gamer to gather three complete property sets of different colors is the winner).
Is It Any Good?
Ubisoft has done a great job bringing the board game experience to a big-screen television (most versions of Monopoly are for mobile or computers). The core gameplay remains the same as the original, but you can adjust the house rules easily, download new backgrounds, and enjoy the slick presentation. Also, not having to roll real dice, which fly off the board, or count money can speed up the game (though parents might want their kids counting money as a financial lesson). The gameplay might not appeal to everyone -- for example, some might prefer a more visceral action game, and younger kids might not understand what being a real estate mogul entails -- but it will appeal to fans of the classic board game.
The extra content includes bonus game modes like Monopoply Deal, which is based on Hasbro's popular card game of the same name. You can log onto an online community and challenge friends or strangers to a card duel, which is always fun for those who want to play without getting invested in a multiple-hour-long game. Monopoly Family Fun Pack is great for a lazy Sunday afternoon and something Mom and Dad can get in on, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that monopolies play in the economy. In the real world, are they harmful? What other types of economic models exist besides capitalism?
How much can you learn from the game about investment, civil and community responsibilities, and property management? Is Monopoly more fun to play as a board game or a video game?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox One , PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X/S
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , reading , Social Studies : citizenship , government , the economy , Hobbies : board games , building , collecting
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , Creativity : producing new content , Self-Direction : identifying strengths and weaknesses , work to achieve goals , Responsibility & Ethics : following codes of conduct
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : November 24, 2014
- Genre : Strategy
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 4, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate