With only six months to go until Santa makes his annual appearance, it’s time to think about the true spirit of CHristmas: What I want people to buy me.

It’s been ages since I played (and usually lost, if my dad was playing, the competitive sod) the classic that is Monopoly. Since computer games have taken over my life, board games have not had much of a look-in; a noteable exception to this is Cosmic Encounter, which can now be played online.

Now that’s all about to change (if someone gets the readies out), with Nintendo Monopoly Nintendopoly Monopoly: Nintendo Collector’s Edition. No more fighting over who wants to be the hat, because all the figurines rock like Jon Bon Jovi doesn’t. Even the manufacturers are exulted, if their blurb is anything to go by:

The most recognizable characters in the video game industry – Mario, Donkey Kong, Zelda, Luigi, Ganon, Link, Kirby – team up with the world’s favorite board game to offer Nintendo fans of all ages a brand new risk-taking gaming experience. Includes 6 collectible Nintendo-themed pewter tokens: Donkey Kong barrel, Link’s Shoes, Koopa Shell, Mario Hat, Controller, and Hylian Shield. For 2-6 players ages 8 and up.

Their hearts are just not in it, are they? And after the millionth themed edition based on the same idea, who can blame them. I certainly wouldn’t trade my current employment to be a part of the Monopoly advertising/marketing team.

Still, rubbish text aside, I’d like to relive my (painful) Monopoly memories in a Nintendo suit. And since it’d be my game, my father is banned from partaking. Bwa-ha-ha!

N.B. Jo has pointed out that I have omitted Scrabble (amongst others), which I certainly do rate as one of the best non-computer games. However, Scrabble elevates itself from the realms of Monopoly and the like. Just because it is played on a board, does not, in my twisted mind, make it a board game.