When Bad Things Happen to Good Board Games

Gamemaker Hasbro has updated its formerly fabulous murder mystery game Cluedo (known as Clue in America). While hoping to making Cluedo hipper to a new generation raised on celebrity worship and faster-acting weapons, Hasbro has succeeded in making the purists amongst us bemoan our lost childhoods. (Colonel Mustard, you'll never change in my eyes!)

The new crime scene is a party for the rich and famous, held
at a mansion including such modern luxuries as a spa and theatre. (Maybe that,
curious Jezebel writer, explains the reason for the woman with a disconcerting
resemblance to Catherine Zeta-Jones on the box.)
The deliciously sinister lead pipe has been replaced with a preppy trophy, while the old school revolver is now a sleek pistol. And remember the refreshingly nerdy Professor Plum? He is now a dot.com billionaire. Colonel Mustard is now a football star.

Worst of all, Miss Scarlet has been given a sexy first name: Cassandra. The old Miss Scarlet may have been a vixen, but we had to imagine her that way.

Hasbro, it's not just the game you're messing with; you’re putting me through changes as well.

Photo: NPR