To operate or not to operate

SteveDallas · 01-28-2006, 05:51 PM

My son received the classic game "Operation" for his birthday. While he and a friend were off doing Jedi Death Battle (or some such) with the toy lightsaber he got, my daughter requested a game of Operation.

It was such an annoying game for both of us that we didn't finish--it was all but impossible to get even a slight grip on some of the pieces, and the tweezers were so fat they were almost guaranteed to hit the edge of the bins. (Miss Dallas is convinced that the "wish bone" is physically impossible to pick up.)

It was so obnoxious that on a whim, I went to Amazon to see if it was getting good reviews. They seemed to be fairly split between "This is a great game! A classic! Everybody should have it!" and people who felt like I did.

So, what do you think?

glatt · 01-28-2006, 08:57 PM

I remember liking it as a kid, but then my daughter got a travel version of it a year or so ago. It sucked big time.

Happy Monkey · 01-28-2006, 10:06 PM

TRAVEL Operation!!?? So not only is it tiny, but you're supposed to play it it the car?

BigV · 01-28-2006, 10:34 PM

Sure, with plastic instruments. Honor system.

Elspode · 01-29-2006, 01:54 AM

I haven't played it since I was a kid, so perhaps the QC department of Milton Bradley has slipped and the tolerances are less stringent, making it impossible.

The wishbone *was* always the hardest piece, though, even as a kid.

xoxoxoBruce · 01-29-2006, 11:22 AM

Preferred playing Doctor.

Clodfobble · 01-29-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elspode

The wishbone *was* always the hardest piece, though, even as a kid.

No way! The pencil was harder--in the guy's left arm, if I recall. It was the only piece I don't think I ever successfully got out. I remember enjoying the game as a kid, but not hugely. I strongly try to avoid noise-making toys in my house nowadays.

Trilby · 01-29-2006, 12:20 PM

My nephew got the Homer Simpson version from Santa--it's AWESOME!

wolf · 01-29-2006, 01:12 PM

Does it buzz or say D'Oh! when you touch the edges? I thought that version looked very, very cool.

However, I also think that these character versions of classic games are, well, dirty somehow. Like they've whored Monopoly out ... (this is commentary from someone who owns both Star Wars-opoly and QVC-opoly).

Trilby · 01-29-2006, 01:39 PM

The Homer Simpson version says, "D'Oh!" and some other Simpson sounds. It's way cool. I want one.

I didn't know there was a QVC version of Monopoly! Far out! I want one of those, too. I like Lisa the best. She could sell ice-cubes to Eskimos, she's that good.

wolf · 01-29-2006, 03:52 PM

I don't know if QVC-opoly is still available. I got mine at the Studio Store at Studio Park in West Chester, Penna. (It's the old Commodore factory, if you want a touch of geek nostalgia). I think they sold it on-air for a while too.

SteveDallas · 01-29-2006, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

However, I also think that these character versions of classic games are, well, dirty somehow.

I agree. I took my kids out to use up some of their birthday gift cards today and I had to steer my son past Star Wars Risk and Star Wars Trivial Pursuit. (He might actually be good at that last.)

wolf · 01-29-2006, 04:17 PM

Star Wars Trivial Pursuit I can live with. A licensed trivia game restricted to one topic area can be fun for big fans. Trival Pursuit established a pattern of putting out topic-specific sets only a year or two after the master game was first introduced (sports, silvers screen, etc.)

Star Wars Risk meets my criteria for franchise whoring. So would Nascar edition Uno.

I can live with character chess sets, and to this day regret not spending $29.95/month for the Star Trek Chess Set from The Franklin Mint.

wolf · 01-29-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianna

The Homer Simpson version says, "D'Oh!" and some other Simpson sounds. It's way cool. I want one.

I was looking at this in the K-Mart this afternoon. In addition to The Simpons Sounds, the body parts are different from the original game. I especially liked the Twisted Ankle and the Pea Brain, but I thought there wasn't enough detailing on the Rubber Neck.

SteveDallas · 01-29-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

I can live with character chess sets, and to this day regret not spending $29.95/month for the Star Trek Chess Set from The Franklin Mint.

You mean this one?

View Poll Results: Operation? Or not?
It's a fabulous game. Love it!!!	3	33.33%
I liked playing it as a kid, but as an adult I just want to throw it against the wall	3	33.33%
I can't stand it and that obnoxious buzzer	1	11.11%
Why are you wasting my time with this poll?	2	22.22%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll

01-28-2006, 05:51 PM	#1
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	To operate or not to operate My son received the classic game "Operation" for his birthday. While he and a friend were off doing Jedi Death Battle (or some such) with the toy lightsaber he got, my daughter requested a game of Operation. It was such an annoying game for both of us that we didn't finish--it was all but impossible to get even a slight grip on some of the pieces, and the tweezers were so fat they were almost guaranteed to hit the edge of the bins. (Miss Dallas is convinced that the "wish bone" is physically impossible to pick up.) It was so obnoxious that on a whim, I went to Amazon to see if it was getting good reviews. They seemed to be fairly split between "This is a great game! A classic! Everybody should have it!" and people who felt like I did. So, what do you think?

01-28-2006, 10:06 PM	#3
Happy Monkey I think this line's mostly filler. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DC Posts: 13,575	TRAVEL Operation!!?? So not only is it tiny, but you're supposed to play it it the car? __________________ _________________ \|...............\| We live in the nick of times. \| Len 17, Wid 3 \| \|_______________\| [pics]

01-28-2006, 10:34 PM	#4
BigV Goon Squad Leader Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 27,063	Sure, with plastic instruments. Honor system. __________________ Be Just and Fear Not.

01-29-2006, 01:54 AM	#5
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	I haven't played it since I was a kid, so perhaps the QC department of Milton Bradley has slipped and the tolerances are less stringent, making it impossible. The wishbone was always the hardest piece, though, even as a kid. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

01-28-2006, 08:57 PM	#2
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	I remember liking it as a kid, but then my daughter got a travel version of it a year or so ago. It sucked big time.

01-29-2006, 11:22 AM	#6
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Preferred playing Doctor. __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

01-29-2006, 12:20 PM	#8
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	My nephew got the Homer Simpson version from Santa--it's AWESOME! __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

01-29-2006, 01:12 PM	#9
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	Does it buzz or say D'Oh! when you touch the edges? I thought that version looked very, very cool. However, I also think that these character versions of classic games are, well, dirty somehow. Like they've whored Monopoly out ... (this is commentary from someone who owns both Star Wars-opoly and QVC-opoly). __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

01-29-2006, 01:39 PM	#10
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	The Homer Simpson version says, "D'Oh!" and some other Simpson sounds. It's way cool. I want one. I didn't know there was a QVC version of Monopoly! Far out! I want one of those, too. I like Lisa the best. She could sell ice-cubes to Eskimos, she's that good. __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

01-29-2006, 03:52 PM	#11
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	I don't know if QVC-opoly is still available. I got mine at the Studio Store at Studio Park in West Chester, Penna. (It's the old Commodore factory, if you want a touch of geek nostalgia). I think they sold it on-air for a while too. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

01-29-2006, 04:17 PM	#13
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	Star Wars Trivial Pursuit I can live with. A licensed trivia game restricted to one topic area can be fun for big fans. Trival Pursuit established a pattern of putting out topic-specific sets only a year or two after the master game was first introduced (sports, silvers screen, etc.) Star Wars Risk meets my criteria for franchise whoring. So would Nascar edition Uno. I can live with character chess sets, and to this day regret not spending $29.95/month for the Star Trek Chess Set from The Franklin Mint. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

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