Released in 1966 from Ideal, the Mission: Impossible board game immersed players in the high-stakes world of espionage, challenging them to outsmart their opponents and complete a series of covert missions.
The game was a tie-in to the now classic Mission: Impossible television series, which aired for seven seasons on CBS beginning in 1966. The show followed a group of Impossible Missions Force (IMF) agents tasked with protecting national and global security. Younger generations are more likely to be familiar with the franchise through the long-running film series starring Tom Cruise.
GAMEPLAY
The objective of the spin-and-move game was to be the first player to complete four missions.
Each player selected two pawns and placed them at one of the four starting corners of the game board. The player with the highest spin went first. On their turn, players spun and moved one of their pawns along a path made up of three types of squares: yellow (no action), red (Road Block), and blue (Mission: Impossible). The red and blue spaces were central to gameplay, offering players either setbacks or chances to advance.
To complete a mission, players first had to obtain a Mission: Impossible card and then move one of their pawns to the Mission: Impossible space at the centre of the board. Once there, the player turned the card over to signal the mission’s completion.
The player then returned to their starting position, worked to draw another mission card, and made their way back to the centre of the board to complete it. Road Block cards were used to strategically impede opponents, costing them time and moves in the process. Progress could also be hindered if a player landed on a space already occupied, forcing them to either steal a Mission: Impossible card from the player or return their pawn to the starting position.
The first player to outmaneuver the competition and complete four missions won the game.
IN THE BOX
A complete game included a game board, four pairs of pawns (yellow, green, blue, and red), Road Block and Mission: Impossible cards, and a spinner. Instructions were printed inside the box top.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Mission: Impossible has inspired a wide range of toys, games, and collectibles. The franchise has been reimagined in View-Master reels, video games, comics, figures, LEGO sets, and more. The value of collectibles tied to movies and television shows fluctuates, often spiking around major new releases and dipping during quieter periods. Collectors should be mindful of this cycle: aim to buy when demand (and prices) are low and sell when excitement (and prices) are high.
Note: If you buy something using the eBay link in this story, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting independent toy journalism!