Zorro game 1966 parker brothersThe Character of Zorro (Spanish for Fox) made his debut in 1919.  It was from the mind of Johnston McCulley, in his novel, The Curse of Capistrano, that the country was first introduced to this dashing masked vigilante.  Zorro was a huge success, and through the years movies, tv series, comic books, video games, and board games were produced, based off this loved character.

One such game, of course, is Walt Disney’s Zorro board game of 1966, published by Parker Brothers.  The game’s instructions begins with the following:

“Zorro was a Spanish Caballero, a masked man dressed in black who rode by night to punish those who did wrong to the good people of the town. Zorro used a sword and a whip but first of all, he used his brain to outwit the offenders.  Zorro fought not to kill anyone but to disarm, to punish, and to expose those who broke the law. Through his untiring efforts he was able to rid the town of the evil Comandante and his Sergeant, Garcia, who had exploited the people….”

Zorro game 1966 parker brothersThe board game is a simple race style, with a few special elements.  It includes 4 metal playing pieces of Zorro on a horse, a die, 5 Zorro cards, and board with spinner.

Players move around the board according to their rolls.  There are different obstacles and shortcuts for players to maneuver around.  There are also spaces on the board to pick up a ‘Zorro Card’.  These are used at the end of the game.

In order to win the game, a player has to reach the end of his correctly colored path (matched to his game piece), and match his end of the Zorro Card with an opponent. On one end of the Zorro Card is Zorro; and on the other end is enemy Garcia.

The Matching is attempted by a player who has arrived at the last space.  He can choose any opponent he wants to go up against.  Both Zorro Cards are placed face down- end to end to each other.  They are then turned over together to see if the ends Match-  Zorro to Zorro or Garcia to Garcia.

Zorro game 1966 parker brothersIf they do not Match, the turn ends, and the player can try again on his next turn.  The player who firsts succeeds in Matching a Zorro Card, at the last space, wins the game.

There are a few other basic rules to follow during game play, but the above are the basics.  Players race around the board, grab Zorro Cards, and at the end tries to make a Match with their Zorro Card to an opponent’s to win!

Taking Zorro to the game board, and moving the metal game pieces, brings the excitement found from the Books and Films to the table top.  It offers the imaginative play of being Zorro, and giving justice to the world!

 

Play a game today!  Any game!

 

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