Monopoly GO gives the ever-popular board game an interactive makeover – and breaks exciting new ground along the way. You still move around a board, build new property and avoid stints in jail, of course, but with demolitions, mini-games and the chance to take on opponents from all over the world, the virtual game puts a modern spin on a much-loved classic.

At heart, Monopoly GO remains the game the world has known, and loved, since 1935. You choose a token (the veteran Scottie dog and top hat are here, along with a few newbies), then roll the dice to progress around a board featuring locations from the real-life game. You also build landmarks, pick up Chance cards and charge rent to your rivals in your quest to become the ultimate high roller.

The game’s ambition stretches way beyond its tabletop roots. Landing on a railway station square, for example, whisks you off to a mini-game, where you can attempt to steal cash from your rivals or shut down their landmarks (acquiring shields can help protect you from extremely hostile takeovers). And because board games are built to be sociable, you can invite friends to join in or play against fellow fans you’ve never met before.

Business school can wait, because all you need to get your property portfolio cracking is a few throws of the dice. Bear in mind, though, that your dice rolls are finite, and once they run out you may need to purchase more.

There are plenty of rewards on offer for turning up every day, as well as score multipliers that will grow your net worth faster. Remember: this wheeler-dealing world never sleeps, so you may find your opponents have acquired some of your hard-earned cash in your absence. All’s fair in the topsy-turvy world of Monopoly finance, however, so revenge is very much an option.

Once you’ve completed your portfolio in one location, you fly off to another environment ripe for development. You don’t have to draw the line at real-life cities such as Paris and London either, because fantasy realms including Camelot and Atlantis are also up for grabs.

This jet-setting feature is just another example of how Monopoly GO builds on the familiar foundations of the original board game – which was named Game of the Century by the Toy Retailers Association.