Empire Building | First Impressions | Objectives | In Play | Verdict | Rating
Computer: Spectrum 48K
Price: £6.00 (Cassette)
Publisher: Automata
Reviewer: Trevor Jones
Rating: 5/5
Automonopoli (Spectrum 48K)
Automonopoli (Spectrum 48K)
Automonopoli (Spectrum 48K)
Automonopoli (Spectrum 48K)
Automonopoli (Spectrum 48K)
Automonopoli (Spectrum 48K)

Empire Building

Those of you who have that empire building streak but not the finances to match can take refuge in Automonopoli - a version of the board game.

The game is similar to its counterpart with between two and five players and five tokens to choose from. And of course, the old familiar streets in London are there for the taking.

The Spectrum can be a competitor and/or banker.

First Impressions

Automonopoli comes in the standard cassette casing with a clearly labelled cover on how to load and play the game. It didn't take long to get the hang of the game and before I knew it I was well on my way to beating the Spectrum.

Objectives

Your aim is to monopolise all the sites and property within the field of play through wheeling and dealing. If another player has the misfortune of landing on one of your sites, he then has to cough up the rent.

In Play

I opted to play the Spectrum. So after entering my name and selecting my token I was given £1,500 to kick off the game.

The Spectrum made the first move as the dice rolled automatically on the screen. To get the dice rolling for me I had to enter my initials.

On each player's turn his token, amount of cash and mortgage value of his property is shown on the right hand side of the screen. The lower part of the screen is divided into three windows - showing your position and two places after you. When the dice have been rolled, the windows scroll to the left.

I landed on the inexpensive Angel and snapped it up immediately. If properties are not bought they are auctioned to the highest bidder. My mistake was to buy property too quickly, thereby ending up with very little cash. On several occasions the Spectrum outsmarted me - knowing I had £50 left, it would offer £51 and snap up a site.

During a play a constant rundown of what property you own is available using the X key. In addition, this gives you a menu system enabling you to buy a house, mortgage property, swap property and all the usual transactions needed.

Chance and Community Chest cards are featured to musical accompaniment.

Verdict

Automonopoli has to be seen to be appreciated. It certainly gave me a run for my money and was a change from the usual shoot-'em-up epics.

With careful planning you can make the right moves and deals to add a bit of flavour to your game. The game can also be saved, giving you a break.

Rating

Lasting Appeal 4/5
Playability 5/5
Use Of Machine 5/5
Overall Value 5/5

Empire Building | First Impressions | Objectives | In Play | Verdict | Rating