7. Milton Bradley’s Operation Game
Where It Was Sold: Milton Bradley Company, FAO Schwarz, Sears
* Original Cost: $5.99
In the 1960s, Milton Bradley’s Operation game jolted our hearts by transforming tense laughs into a competitive advantage. This fascinating board game created tight yet exhilarating moments by daring players to perform “surgery” without setting off the buzzer.
Operation Game by Milton Bradley, @etsy/Pinterest
The operation required a firm hand and steely nerves because of its eccentric patient, “Cavity Sam,” and its assortment of medical oddities. It evolved into a significant experience, teaching precision and patience, and potentially sparking an interest in medicine in some individuals. Its mix of difficulty and humor has made it a cherished classic over the years.