Saturday 13 February 2016

Franklin Mint tridimensional chess set returning for the 50th anniversary

As I mentioned in my recent board game update, one of the many planned Star Trek games this year is a tridimensional chess set. This will be released by Wood Expressions, and it turns out they are actually resurrecting the Franklin Mint TOS tridimensional chess set released in the 1990s. I think this is one of the the most beautiful and well made items of Star Trek merchandise ever made, befitting of the iconic design, so having it return is no bad thing (especially given the crazy secondary market prices). Like the previous release, this will include gold and silver plated pieces, and instructions on play, as Wood Espressions outline in their description. Continue after the jump for more images.
The Star Trek Tridimensional chess set is bold, distinctive, eminently logical, and has everything you’ll need to start your intergalactic chess playing expedition. The 32 game pieces are precision cast and coated in sterling silver or 24 karat gold, with three main playing boards, and four moveable “attack boards”. It also comes complete with a specially designed collectible booklet containing the history of the game and the rules of play. It is a stunning showpiece, moving the Star Trek saga into a bold new dimension. This chess set, from the Franklin Mint, is being released in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek TV series. The release is also timed in conjunction with the anticipated film Star Trek Beyond, the 13th film in the 50 year Star Trek franchise, being released summer of 2016. Since its inception in 1964, Star Trek has captured the hearts and minds of fans eager for a brighter future. The series’ views and ideas have moved beyond the screen and inspired the world outside of Science Fiction. Since the debut of “Court Martial” fans have been fascinated with the Tri-dimensional chess set featured in the episode. There have been many pop culture references to it, including episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” and “Doctor Who”.





UPDATE: StarTrek.com have posted a mock-up of the packaging too:




3 comments:

  1. Wish there was a price listed for this. Also hope that they block scalpers so the entire stock isn't bought out and re-sold for an insane markup by profiteers like happened with the Franklin Mint set.

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  2. Commonly available for around $300 on the secondary market. Price better be significantly lower.

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  3. If anyone wants PLAYABLE rules,,, http://www.yestercade.net/tactical.htm

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