Most families in the world have attempted to play Monopoly together at one time or another, but unfortunately, most of the time it just results in a gigantic row.
You argue with your sister over the price of rent, you sneer at your brother as you go to jail, and you laugh at your dad as he goes bankrupt. Sooner or later it turns friend against friend and teaches us all a little lesson about the pitfalls of capitalism ... and then your mum inevitably wins anyway, making the whole thing pointless in the first place.
If only there was a friendlier version of Monopoly available, where people could enjoy playing for much smaller stakes. Well, wish no longer: because if that's the case then we have the perfect stocking-filler for you: a special version of Monopoly where, instead of buying up London properties, you buy cute dogs instead. Awwww!
The game, which has been creatively named: "Dog-Opoly", is currently available to buy on Amazon for £39.00 ($48.77) with free delivery for customers living in the United Kingdom. According to the item description:
"Dog-Opoly is a game that celebrates our fabulous four-legged friends and it is a tail-wagging good time. Buy your favourite dogs, become the proud owner of the neighbourhood butcher shop or the ever-popular fire hydrant! Collect $200 every time you pass Go."
So far the critical response to the game has been very positive. One satisfied customer wrote in a five-star Amazon review:
"Brilliant. We already had horse-opoly and this is equally as much fun. Well worth the money for the hours of fun we have had with our grandson. Slight twist on the original game of monopoly – different enough to make it a good game with the principal being the same. The playing pieces are made from metal, not the usual plastic which is lovely, and all the names are different. [sic]"
They added:
"The whole family has enjoyed this over Christmas. Not too childish - appeals to all ages. It’s been well thought through, so although it was a risky purchase, it’s proved well worth the money and risk. The kids love it! It keeps them quiet on wet afternoons - also on cold ones! The grown-ups don’t have to get involved ... It’s great! It’s as much fun as the horse version and you learn about different dog breeds, but it’s one of the best board games to share with good friends. Enjoy it - I have!"
Interesting fact: the game Monopoly was originally designed by a woman named Elizabeth Magie way back in 1903. Magie had intended for the game to be didactic, and demonstrate that economies which rewarded wealth creation were better than those where monopolists work unfettered.
So there you have it: there was a reason why Monopoly inevitably descends into conflict. But maybe if you're playing to buy some nice doggies, things will be friendlier when you're sat around the table together ... I hope.