Many collectors seek more obscure games or those difficult to find complete with all the pieces still in the original box, and they’ll freely spend to get them. Keep an eye out for the following games when you’re foraging garage sales and flea markets for a chance to earn a tidy profit. Because the towers tended to lose functionality with play, it is rather difficult to find one in good working order today. That, coupled with the fact that it was produced for a very limited time (due to accusations of intellectual property theft by the creators of a similar game), makes it one to watch for when you’re shopping vintage. When in excellent condition with all pieces present and a tower in good working order, this game can sell for $200–$300. If you locate one at an estate sale or thrift store, consider snatching it up. Fireball Island can easily sell in the $300–$400 range if in great condition. While an original HeroQuest board game can sell in the $200 range when complete and in very good condition, the expansion packs can bring even more when sold through online auctions. Continued interest in this title among adventure game enthusiasts fuels bidding wars for these add-ons to a game that has remained popular for decades since it was introduced. If that price point is out of reach for you, perhaps a Partridge Family game from 1971 at $10 to $20 would fit your budget. While there are several hard-to-find Milton-Bradley games worth a good sum, there are many others that are just as interesting that can be collected without breaking your piggy bank. With some luck, your mom saved that game set for you since 1985 when it was new. If so, you’ll be pleased to learn that it could be worth more than $100 today. Of course, that’s only if you played with it gingerly and stowed all the pieces back in the box after your adventure. In addition to this one, look for other board games (especially those dating back to the 1950s and 1960s) featuring movie and television themes. Old Milton-Bradley games based on shows such as Lost in Space, Outer Limits, and Batman all have fans willing to pay $75 to $150 to own them. Finding a Which Witch game complete and in excellent condition can be a challenge, although they do come up for sale from time to time in the online auction marketplace. Complete large box versions can sell in the $75 to 125 range; smaller box versions usually sell for $45 to $65. No matter which vintage game you’re buying, remember not to overpay for boxes in poor condition, even if all the parts are inside. On the other hand, if you find one of these games at a bargain price even with parts missing, or a box in less than stellar condition, consider buying it anyway. Sometimes people will pay a good amount just for missing pieces to complete a game they already own.
