It’s up to the residents of Whoville to take back Christmas in the How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Game published by University Games in 1997.
Based on the 1957 children’s book by Dr. Seuss, the roll-and-move How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Game was created for two to four players, ages four and older. The game box included the playing board, 20 miniature 3D presents, four player pieces with Whoville characters depicted, and a spinner card illustrated with numbers one through four. The object of the game was to be the player who recovers the most gifts from the Grinch.
Beginning at the Start position, players take turns flicking the spinner and moving their player pieces along the board. Three different actions are represented at the stops along the board: colourful spaces marked with letters that allow players to take a present from the Grinch, spaces illustrated with the Grinch, and spaces with Cindy Lou. Players landing on a space with a letter choose from the Grinch’s presents in the centre of the board. The underside of each present is printed with the name of the gift. The gift name must include the letter of the space on which the player has landed in order for the player to keep possession of the present. If there is no letter in common, the player must return the present to the Grinch. Players landing on a Grinch space on the board must return a present from those they’ve collected. Players landing on a Cindy Lou space may choose a present to keep. Players paying close attention have an advantage if they can recall which returned presents contain a letter that matches the space on which they have landed.
The game ends when a player makes it to the finish line. Players count the gifts they have captured from the Grinch. The player with the most presents wins the game.
Do you need a soundtrack for family game nights this holiday season? Listen to Boris Karloff read How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
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