Monopoly Here and Now World One of the 2008 Best Christmas Gifts

Welcome to the exciting new world of Monopoly. Every time you travel around the board of the Monopoly Here and Now World Edition, you also travel through six continents. If you're shopping for a board game that will truly delight your Christmas gift recipients, this new take on a long-time classic is sure to please.

This 21st-century version of the popular classic board game keeps the very best ingredients of classic Monopoly while adding thrilling new twists to the game play. The utilities--water works and the electric company--are now hip new renewable energy sources (solar and wind). The oh-that's-so-industrial-revolution railroads now include rail, air travel, ocean cruises and space travel. Banking is now effortless thanks to digital electronic banking that keeps track of your transactions.

The electronic banker doesn't exactly replace a human banker, but it sure makes their job easier. Shove a couple of AA batteries into the banker (um, the electronic one) and it's ready for business. Monopoly Here and Now World can begin when everyone picks a moving and a credit card.

The electronic banking unit really makes game play simple. Some people (like me) can find that Monopoly banking is somewhat of a chore, but the new electronic system makes everything easy, even fun. The banking unit also rides herd on all the wheeling and dealing that goes on when someone lands on a property they don't want. It even includes a random auction timer to add even more excitement and chance.

The game comes with six randomly selected mover pieces that bring even more international flair to this hot Christmas gift. Although your game will only come with six moving pieces, there's a total of 24 mover types available (I sense an eBay opportunity here). You could get any six of the following: Kangaroo, Koala, Surfer, Boomerangs, London Cab, Pretzel, Matador, Windmill, Canadian Mountie, Cowboy Hat, Baseball Glove, Nascar, Inca Mask, Easter Island Moai, Football, Inca Statue, Safari Hat, Egyptian Head Mask, African Mask, Camel, Chinese Dragon, Tuk-Tuk, Russian Dolls, or a Sumo Wrestler.

The cities on the board read like a rock star's world tour. Your properties are located in Taipei, Tokyo, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Toronto, Rome, Shanghai, Vancouver, Sydney, New York, London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Paris, Belgrade, Cape Town and more.

Monopoly Here and Now World teaches and informs the players during game play. The community chest and chance cards include a selection of international facts and holiday festivals. Every property on the board includes stunning photography from around the world.

Let's be honest. When the presents are being opened on Christmas morning, the board games may not be the first things played with. But this Monopoly Here and Now World Edition will be a long-term favorite even after Christmas has come and gone. Every family should have one (or more) Monopoly games in the house. Whether this is your first game or a new addition to the family, it's sure to please everyone.