Board games have always held a special place in family memories. From weekend game nights to friendly competitions, these games brought people together. However, some beloved classics are no longer produced, leaving only nostalgia in their wake. Today, we’re looking back at a few of the
Mall Madness
Mall Madness was the ultimate shopping experience in board game form. Players moved around a mall, buying items and avoiding sales traps. An electronic voice directed shoppers, adding an interactive twist. The goal was to be the first to purchase everything on your list and make it back to the car. Released in the late 1980s, it became a favorite among teens but was discontinued in the 2000s. A complete, working set today can fetch around $75 to $150. Its fun combination of shopping and strategy still holds nostalgic value.
Fireball Island
Fireball Island took players on an adventurous quest to retrieve a jewel from a dangerous volcanic island. The game board was a 3D island where players moved across bridges and paths while avoiding “fireballs” launched from the volcano. Released in 1986, it gained a cult following for its unique board and unpredictable gameplay. The game was discontinued in the 1990s, but its value has risen to about $200 to $400, depending on condition. Its vivid design and thrilling premise left a lasting impression on players.
HeroQuest
HeroQuest was a dungeon-crawling adventure game where players took on the roles of heroes exploring a monster-filled dungeon. The game featured detailed miniatures and a modular board, offering endless replayability. Released in 1989, it was one of the earliest role-playing board games accessible to younger audiences. Production ceased in the early 1990s, and complete sets are now worth $200 to $400. Its blend of fantasy storytelling and tactical combat made it a hit with fans of both board games and RPGs.
Torres
Torres was a strategy game where players built castles using tower blocks and tried to outmaneuver opponents for control of the board. The game focused on smart construction and tactical positioning. Released in 1999, it was praised for its deep strategy and minimalist design. Despite its popularity, production stopped in the early 2000s. Today, it’s valued at around $50 to $100. Its balance of simplicity and strategic depth made it a favorite among abstract board game fans.
Squatter
Squatter was a simulation game based on sheep farming in Australia. Players competed to build the most successful sheep station, managing land, livestock, and resources. Released in 1962, it gained a following for its realistic and educational approach to farming. The game was widely produced through the 1970s and 1980s, but is no longer in regular production. Original sets can sell for $50 to $150. Its unique theme and detailed gameplay made it a standout among economic simulation games.
Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs
Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs was a thrilling adventure game where players searched for treasure in a valley full of dinosaurs and volcanic dangers. The game featured a dynamic board where lava and dinosaurs could move and disrupt players’ progress. Released in 1985, it was known for its exciting theme and colorful components. The game was discontinued in the 1990s, and complete sets can now go for $100 to $200. Its mix of adventure, danger, and unpredictable gameplay made it a hit with kids.
Shogun (Samurai Swords)
Shogun, later rebranded as Samurai Swords, was a strategic war game set in feudal Japan. Players took on the roles of daimyos (warlords) who commanded armies of samurai, ninjas, and ashigaru (foot soldiers) in their bid to control the most provinces. The game’s components included detailed plastic army pieces, a beautifully illustrated map of Japan, and a unique bidding system for hiring ronin and ninjas. Released in 1986, it became popular for its in-depth strategy and historical theme. The game was discontinued in the early 2000s, with copies now valued between $100 to $300, depending on condition. Its complex gameplay and immersive setting made it a favorite for strategy enthusiasts.
Battle Masters
Battle Masters was a large-scale battle game set in a medieval fantasy world where players controlled armies of knights, orcs, and other mythical creatures. The game board was massive, resembling a battlefield, and players moved their armies of miniatures across it, engaging in combat using simple dice-based mechanics. Released in 1992 by Milton Bradley in collaboration with Games Workshop, it appealed to fans of both board games and miniatures wargaming. The large armies and sprawling battles were a major draw. Production ended in the late 1990s, and complete sets today are valued between $100 to $250. Its epic scope and easy-to-learn rules made it a classic for fans of tactical warfare games.
Screaming Eagles
Screaming Eagles was an aerial combat board game where players piloted fighter jets in dogfights across a large, hex-based map. Each player controlled a jet, using missiles and machine guns to shoot down opponents while avoiding incoming attacks. The game included 3D plastic jets that added a fun, tactile element to the action. Released in 1987 by Milton Bradley, it offered a mix of strategic maneuvering and action-packed combat. The game was discontinued in the early 1990s, and complete sets are now valued at $50 to $150, depending on their condition. Its fast-paced gameplay and unique jet models made it a memorable experience for fans of aerial combat games.
Space Crusade
Space Crusade was a tactical board game set in the futuristic universe of Warhammer 40,000. Players took on the roles of Space Marines battling alien forces aboard a derelict spacecraft. The game featured modular boards that could be arranged differently for each mission, and players controlled squads of marines armed with various weapons, including heavy bolters and plasma guns. Released in 1990 by Milton Bradley in collaboration with Games Workshop, it combined miniatures and strategic combat in a sci-fi setting. Production ceased in the mid-1990s, and today, complete sets can sell for $200 to $400, depending on condition. Its detailed miniatures and immersive missions made it a favorite for fans of space warfare and tactical board games.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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