It’s been 80 years since the iconic board game Monopoly first debuted. Since its initial pressing the game of real estate domination has seen countless adaptations and special editions.
If you think of a popular television series, major metropolitan city or type of food, chances are there’s been a Monopoly version based on it.
Here are nine surprising Monopoly special editions that were made either by the game’s parent company Hasbro or one of the game companies officially licensed to use the Monopoly name.
Alan Turing Edition
Alan Turing, the man who essentially invented computer science in World War II-era Britain, was immortalized in 2014’s Academy Award-winning movie “The Imitation Game.” Two years before that film hit theaters, Turing got his own special edition of Monopoly.
The game has perhaps a better background story than any other Monopoly spinoff, as it was originally designed by the son of Turing’s mentor in the 1950s. The game’s property spaces are based on important locations in Turing’s life.
“The Walking Dead” Survival Edition
Forget paying your luxury tax, this Monopoly special edition takes all the high-end frills out of collecting properties. “The Walking Dead” Monopoly, based on the graphic novels not the popular TV series, trades buying houses and hotels for walls and guard towers. The game’s player tokens include a bucket of body parts and Rick Grimes’ hat.
One Direction Edition
A must-have for tween girls at Christmas 2013. The special One Direction Monopoly, made by Hasbro licensee Winning Moves Games, features tour dates, albums and singles as the board’s property spaces.
Luxury Edition
Ever wish your Monopoly board was a solid wood cabinet featuring a faux-leather dice-rolling area and gold foil-stamped game spaces? The opulent Monopoly Luxury Edition is right up your alley — but it will set you back about $200. Unfortunately, it’s built-in storage drawers are not lined with real cash.
The .com Edition
This one is a blast from the past. In 2000, Hasbro capitalized on the explosion of Internet culture by releasing this edition, that saw Chance and Community Chest cards replaced by “Emails Just In” and “Download” cards. Properties on the board included late-1990s powerhouses like Lycos, Nokia and Excite@Home. The game pieces included a pixelated cursor hand, a computer monitor with tower and a surfboard to signify “surfing the net.”
“Power Rangers” 20th Anniversary Edition
In honor of the 20th anniversary of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” this special edition was produced in 2013 by USAopoly. Nostalgic Millennials will geek out by buying locations from the syndicated TV series including Gosei’s Command Center and Rita Repulsa’s Palace.
AC/DC Edition
Monopoly and hard rock — a match made in heaven. Instead of battling over control of properties like Boardwalk and Marvin Gardens, players in this 2011 special edition can buy up the band’s classic albums. Player pieces include a cannon, a bundle of T.N.T. and a lightning bolt.
Sephora Edition
This is Monopoly for beautiful people. This 2006 edition, created by USAopoly, is based on the French cosmetics company and swaps out the Luxury Tax for a Primping Tax. Each property space is a Sephora beauty product and the player pieces include a blow dryer, compact, lipstick and mascara.
Alaska’s Iditarod Edition
There’s officially a Monopoly for every occasion. The famous Iditarod dog sled race was given its own special edition in 1999. The board features towns and landmarks that are along the race’s course but beware, friendships may be torn asunder as players fight over tokens like a ski plane, head lamp and bull moose.
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
