I have added one of the Holy Grails to my collection, the GODZILLA BOARD GAME made by Ideal in 1963. Not only does is this game rare as hen's teeth, and not only does this game boast gorgeously beautiful artwork, BUT I read on one website that it was the second Godzilla item ever produced, barring one tin toy in Japan. More importantly: the FIRST AMERICAN GODZILLA ITEM!
Now, common sense tells us that this might be a bit of an exaggeration...you mean by the third Godzilla movie, Japan, toy geniuses of planet Earth, had only made one Godzilla toy between the years of 1954 and 1963? But I digress, let's talk about the game!
I have to be careful not to drool on it. It's just that lovely to behold. It's wonderfully complete--I have seen some on Ebay that came with an instruction sheet, but mine has the instructions printed on the inside of the box lid. The game was made during the excitement surrounding KING KONG vs. GODZILLA, which, as I've said below, was a big hit on both sides of the ocean.
I'd be remiss if I didn't plug the great Vintage Board Game Guru I bought it from--if you are looking for a vintage board game, you absolutely must check out GAMES GONE BY and talk with Desi. Not only does he have a huge and amazing collection, and literally wrote the book (two, in fact) on the subject, but he also has an entire page of classics for sale. You'll be glad you did!
13 comments:
I have been trying to get my hands on this game for a while now to no avail...so I've decided to make my own. I have images of the board and spinner that I am having laser etched into an actual piece of wood along with the spinner. Unfortunately I cannot find an image of the instructions with a high enough resolution to be legible. Would you be willing to send me images of the instructions so that I know the rules and can play the game properly? That would be MOST appreciated! Thank you for your time!
Craig
That sounds really cool--where do you even get laser-etching like that done? I'd be glad to help--my game is the one with the instructions printed on the inside of the lid (I know there was also one made with a separate sheet), so I can photograph it if that helps. Do you want me to email it to you, or just post it here? Either way is fine with me.
I'm not sure if you ever did take pictures of the instructions or not, but I would LOVE it if you posted them. I always seem to come across your blog when looking for Godzilla-related collectibles (Perhaps because it's awesome?) and strangely this post of yours is really the only information available on the internet regarding this game. There's really nothing else out there. It's kinda sad. So anyways, you'd be doing both myself and the Godzilla community at large a huge service if you were ever able to post additional photos. Either way, thanks for the blog!
Oh good! I was wondering if you still needed the photo! I will be glad to get that done this weekend, and get it posted here. Thanks for the compliments!
Photos will be posted today! I hope they are what you're needing!
I had this game when i was a boy in the 60's
This was my Holy Grail as well. Had it when I was a kid in the 60’s. Hadn’t seen a Godzilla film yet. That took place soon after when GIDZILLA VS THE THING was released. Now I’m a fan for life. I got to play Godzilla in PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE. I have no bucket list.
Wow, that's awesome! Thank you for the comment!
Hello, I just found this site as I was trying to find the value of my Godzilla aboard game from 1963. Can anyone help me with this? Thank you
@DanielleJ - Welcome! We aren't much of a price guide around here, but I can tell you I see a LOT of Ebay, and, conservatively, a complete Ideal Godzilla game that's in very good condition can easily be $400 or more. Ones with heavier use and/or damaged boxes can be $250. The game isn't "super" rare, but definitely rare, and it's stayed in high demand. I just did a quick check, and there hasn't been one on Ebay in the last 90 days (and no current ones)! I fully expect the values to keep climbing. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for your help, I appreciate it. There is very little info on the internet! Makes me want to hold onto it!
Thanks for the information about the game. My Dad got it for me when I was a kid. Still have it. Was one of my favorites.
Post a Comment