In celebration of Monopoly’s 75th birthday, EA plans to re-imagine the iconic game by bringing it into a 3D world. Monopoly Streets will allow players to experience the seemingly never-ending action from a street level view. The new visuals should come as a breath of fresh air to a very familiar franchise.
As players purchase properties and construct buildings, they’ll be built in accordance with the neighborhood’s economic standing. The same goes for utilities departments and railroads, as well. Also, each player has a headquarters that will develop or deteriorate as his or her personal fortune changes.
Chip Lange, General Manager and Senior Vice President of EA’s Hasbro Division, stated “we’re taking Hasbro’s number one family game brand and masterfully striking the balance of offering the classic MONOPOLY play experience and adding a spectacular new visual treatment as we bring the classic board to life with players walking the streets of MONOPOLY. MONOPOLY Streets will bring people together and connect families all over the world by offering online gameplay through their gaming consoles. We think this unique, combined offering will bring families together around the TV this holiday season for a classic family gaming tradition they’ll remember for years to come.”
If all of this sounds a bit crazy, you’ll be glad to know that Monopoly Streets will feature a classic play mode.
The game is set to release for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii this holiday season. The PS3 and 360 versions will feature online play and DLC.