The (De)evolution Of Candyland

Ah, Candylan. Out first game as children. And so it boasts:

Don't we all wish we could visit Candyland? This, the 1984 version, is the one we all remember:

There have been many different versions of the game including a Disney version. But recently things have changed. Check out this 2010 board:

First we see about 100% more candy on the board. Nevertheless, the children have become thinner and more diverse.

Then we notice several characters are missing. Plumpy? Mr. Mint? Grandma Nut? Gloppy? Where'd you go? Maybe this tiny tree is all that's left of Plumpy (and the only fruit on the board).

This path may be homage to Mr. Mint:

And that face behind our new grandma? Perhaps it's Gloppy!

Queen Frostine got demoted and sexualized:

And let's not forget the idealized images of men:

Even Lord Licorice had become sexualized, dashing evil:

Even with all these changes Candyland is still the perfect first game for children. We have let out culture change it, though, and that is a shame. Now everyone is slimmed down and the board is chocked full of candy. It's kind of a paradox.

The game that will always be in my mind is one of fun and adventure. The board I love is one with nuts and fruit and it didn't matter that the kids and characters weren't skinny. It's Candyland, people. Have some fun.