If you're reading this and need money, then I've got a million dollar* idea for you. 

There are several Monopoly versions for the Simpsons, Star Wars, New York City, etc., out there.  But what about an Economic Meltdown Monopoly game?! 

I'm sure someone else has thought of this in some form, though I haven't googled the idea.  Mainly because I'd rather think that it is original.  But if the game hasn't been invented, and a reader goes to Parker Brothers and strikes it rich, I won't sue him/her as long as I get to replace the thimble with a Mini Cooper-driving sock monkey (don't ask)...

                      

... and the sock monkey is pictured as the first place winner in the card "You've won 2nd place in a beauty contest."

                   



As for the special twists in my version, let's start with properties: AIG replaces Boardwalk, Bear Sterns becomes Baltic Avenue (you get the idea) and McMansions stand in for hotels.  

Next, Community Chest cards end up with worse consequences for players than Chance cards (unlike the original version), symbolizing people's misplaced faith in the banking industry and Wall St.  Here are my favorites:

• You lose all McMansions after your adjustable rate mortgage resets and your mortgage company refuses to modify your loan.
• The Dow Jones just went below 7000 and most of your money is in mutual funds and stocks.  Take half of your money and shred it.  (Shredder not included.)
• After watching Jim Cramer on Mad Money last summer, you bought Bear Sterns Stock.  Well, you just lost $5000. In unrelated news, Jim Cramer just got paid $5000 due to the popularity of his show.
• Congratulations!  You've successfully run a Ponzi scheme, evading SEC suspicion.  Take $1000 from each of the other players.
• Congratulations!  You're an AIG executive. Due to severe loses, give $100 to the bank.  After your next turn, collect $5000 from the bank in bonus money thanks to a bailout!
  

Another twist-- when you pass Go, you don't always collect $200.  Sometimes, especially if unemployed, you collect nothing.

The game plays out as normal.  And the last person standing pulls out a final card that reveals a reward: