Trouble Retro Board Game Review - Ideal (1980) vs. Hasbro (2019)

Get your copy of Trouble here: https://amzn.to/3PcQMiX

Trouble was introduced by the Irwin Toy company (Ltd.) in 1965. Designed by the Kohner brothers, the game features a unique die rolling system called the “Pop-O-Matic.” The pop-o-matic game board stores the single die required to play the game in a clear dome that “pops” when pressed to roll the die. This design prevents cheating and keeps the die safe from loss. The pop-o-matic very well may be the biggest reason that Trouble has become an iconic game over the years, as the gameplay is derivative of other pre-existing games such as Pachisi.

Each player selects a color, and is provided with four pawns. The object of the game is for the player to get all of their pawns around the game board, starting from the home space and finishing in their corresponding leg of the board. In order for players to exit their home space, they must roll a six. If they roll a six, they may advance a pawn to their “Start” space indicated by the double ring around the space. Rolling a six at any time during the game also provides the player with a second turn. If a player lands on another player’s pawn, even in their start space, the pawn they landed on returns to its home space to start over. Players cannot land on their own pawns, and must vacate their start space before another pawn can be brought out. The first player to successfully navigate all four of their pawns around the board wins the game!

Today we’re going to have a look at a version of the game produced by Ideal in 1980, and compare it to the current version published in 2019 by Hasbro. Let’s have a look at what has changed, and what has stayed the same over forty years!

0:00 Intro
0:32 1980 Ideal Box
1:56 2019 Hasbro Box
3:43 1980 Ideal Board & Rules
10:30 2019 Hasbro Board & Rules
16:06 Rule Book Comparison
16:39 The Verdict

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying sales. It helps me keep the lights on so I can make more great content for you! Please use the links provided in my video descriptions if you see an item you like so I receive credit for your purchase. Thanks very much for your support!