In the board game world, Monopoly has undergone more facelifts over the past few decades than an ageing movie star. But now, after going mostly unchanged for over 50 years, it’s time for Risk to finally get some fresh paint, polish, and redesigned game tokens.
The game’s troops, cavalry, and artillery figures have all been re-sculpted with added detail, and the map on the Risk board is getting lavish new illustrations with additional topographical features and some lovely faux antiquing.
You’ll have to wait until August of next year to drop $US30 on the new version, though. But your patience will be rewarded with some lovely new boxart, and the reintroduction of Mission Cards that can speed up the game by giving players secret goals and objectives to carry out with the promise of instant victory if they do.
But wait, that’s not all. Joining the revamped classic version of Risk comes an updated version of Risk Europe that hasn’t really been seen on store shelves since the mid ’80s.
The European version of the game turns back the clock allowing players to pretend to be a medieval conqueror attempting to topple countries and kingdoms in feudal Europe. Players can hire independent mercenaries to help them wage battles, while King’s Orders cards, awarded after taking over a new capitol, provide special powers to use in future skirmishes.
You’re unfortunately also staring down about an 11 month wait for Risk Europe to return to store shelves for about $US40, with local pricing and availability on both versions to be seen. But that gives you plenty of time to hone your tactics, refine all of your battle plans, and for your family to forget all the emotional scars and trauma from the last time you all played Risk together.
However, should dedicated gamers happen to find themselves at the 2015 Spiel games show in Essen, Germany, in the coming days, they should stop by the Hasbro booth (Hall 3, J-107) where demos of Risk Europe will be given well ahead of its official release. [Hasbro Games]