We are all fascinated by colonial America, and we wonder what life would be like during that time. Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown are both filled with visitors every day. But unless you are on the East coast you won’t get the chance to experience colonial America truly, until now.
Now you can spend an hour in colonial America as you play this great history game.
Made for Trade, a great colonial America history game
I first heard about Made for Trade when Phyllis from All Things Beautiful mentioned it in one of her weekly wrap ups. I noted it, and thought to keep an eye out for Made for Trade. Then we saw it in Williamsburg, and I snatched it up.
Made for Trade
Made for Trade premise:
You’re one of 5 (notice enough for my whole family to play) people from a colonial town going about life, buying, selling, working, and more. Each level of play becomes more complex, the easiest version you are trying to buy 5 items and have 5 pounds (I could be off on amounts). The harder levels have you buying specific items and trying to achieve goals, these require ability to read.
What I like about Made for Trade:
- It’s a great depiction of colonial life. Which makes it a fun way to learn about history.
- The cards for the game are big and easy to handle.
- There are different levels of play, so my kids can play the easiest level that doesn’t require reading, but someone with strong readers can try harder levels.
- Games last about 30 minutes at the easy level, I’m assuming harder levels take longer.
- There is some amount of strategy, but not much. It’s like a more fun version of Monopoly.
- I love the illustrations on the board and for the figures.
What I don’t like about Made for Trade:
- About those figures. The figures are cardboard and plastic. Very flimsy. I’m not a big fan of this type of figure.
- Okay, that’s my only real complaint.
- Jeff’s complaint: high chance, it depends on your die roll, and what you draw at the stores.
Final thoughts on Made for Trade:
We pulled this out a lot while studying American history, the kiddos really enjoyed being the different people and going shopping. They enjoyed deciding if they wanted to get the expensive 5 shilling item, or wait and see if they could get a cheaper item.
To see all of the games I’ve collected check out my pinterest board, or check out my Using Games in school series.
The boys thought that the game ran a little too long, but then they are a bit ADHD. 🙂 Thanks for the mention.
Mine are too for everything but games. Something about it keeps them focused better, I don’t know why.
Thanks for the review. I am adding this game to my “wish list” 🙂
Ha! My wish list is impressively long……
This game sounds interesting! Will add it to my “if I ever start investing in games” list.
I’ll convert you someday 🙂
Great fun! This will be one I keep in mind when we study that time period in history! 🙂
That looks like fun…but I’m not sure we can squeeze another game into the cupboard 🙂 Maybe I’ll have to take your advice and loose the boxes.
Or maybe lose the the boxes…now I’m picturing game boxes running loose across the plains of Montana…it might be time for nap.
That gave me a giggle as I pictured boxes roaming also.
I bought this game at a thrift store but there were no directions. How can I get directions?
You might try googling the company and looking for their email. Often times companies will send you replacement instructions if you have lost the instructions.
My sister and I had this game as kids (feels longer ago than it was, me being a mommy myself now and her getting married next month,) not, mind you, that we actually played the game itself more than a few times – just made up stories with the characters, board, shillings, and items. I was reminded of it today by my sister and am on a quest to recall all their names…
What a cool way to use the game to extend the playability.