It’s a great time to be a Liverpool fan.
European champions for a sixth time, probable Premier League winners and their finest squad since the days of Shankly. The Kop is living in dreamland.
The only problem is the time between games: those days seem to drag on forever; what’s a Reds fan to do?
Of course, there’s always YouTube to watch match highlights, but there’s only so much of that you can watch before boredom sets in.
Why not try something different? Something a little unusual?
With Liverpool being the biggest club in the world, there’s a whole market of fun games with the club badge on them. A thriving industry of toys, games and gadgets exists that makes finding an ideal gift for a Reds supporter easier than ever.
Here’s a guide to some that you probably haven’t seen before.
Liverpool Monopoly
We all know this classic roll-and-move board game, but the Reds version comes with a twist – you collect Liverpool playing legends instead of properties.
Players can use the famous Monopoly money to barter with competitors – is a Kenny Dalglish worth as much as a Luis Suarez? Will Bill Shankly help you get the keys to the Anfield gates? You can also invest in stands and stadiums to further your way up the property ladder.
While it is a thrill seeing the different custom features, the game can drag on a little. The standard playing time of around 90 minutes means younger participants might start getting restless. Also, be careful not to get an older edition as some details will appear a little outdated.
That said, as a fun way to pass a sleepy evening, you can do a lot worse than buy this game – with real money, of course.
LFC 1000 Piece Jigsaw
Fans of Anfield AND fiddling with little bits of cardboard will be overjoyed with this super-puzzle.
Use your brainpower to form a mega LFC montage out of 1,000 assorted pieces. The end result is worth all the blood, sweat and tears with images such as Steven Gerrard lifting the European Cup, Michael Owen celebrating his cup final brace and the famous club crest waiting to be constructed.
Once again, the puzzle requires a high level of patience and might not be suitable for the easily-distracted amongst us. But the end result is impressive, and could even be framed and hung on the wall as a monument to the club’s achievements, as well as yours.
LFC Slots Game
Football slots games have been around for a while but Reds fans have had to wait a long time for their version.
Thankfully LFC Stars doesn’t disappoint. Creators Realistic Games, also responsible for hits such as Spin Dizzy and Shuffle Bots, have given the latest edition a much-needed revamp after its predecessor bombed in 2016. The graphics are clean and crisp and the game has been optimised to work on hand-held devices, so all you’ll need is an internet connection to play on your mobile.
Another big improvement is its ease-of-use. Its rules are simple and easy to learn, meaning you can get up to speed in no time. It’s also available at some online casinos where the jackpot is 250x your stake, although beginners may want to check out some tips and tricks for slots games before betting any money.
LFC Subbuteo
Time for the all-important question – can you flick it?
If the answer is ‘yes, I can’, then it’s time to reignite your passion for 80s fan favourite, Subbuteo. For those who remember a time before FIFA and Pro Evo, this will surely bring back warm memories of pushing little men around a velvet sheet on a Sunday afternoon.
The Liverpool version doesn’t let the side down. With ten Liverpool players, ten yellow-kitted opponents (Norwich City, maybe), corner flags, a playing pitch, and a limited edition LFC branded ball, the attention to detail is impressive. The game claims the new players are stronger and more flexible and even have different colour boots and hairstyles.
One downside is the price. 50 quid seems a lot for what it is, and might be too steep for some people. Fortunately, the official Liverpool site frequently offers discounts to fans, which is always useful in the run-up to Christmas.
FIFA 20 – LFC Edition
Playing the world’s most popular football game in your club’s colours is super-addictive. This year’s FIFA gives you the chance to do just that with its features tailored to specific club versions, as well as the general edition.
The Liverpool edition has been a great hit with fans, who love playing as the likes of Sadio Mane or Bobby Firmino in career mode. The famous FIFA player accuracy is there as well, from Mo Salah’s electric pace to Virgil Van Dyk’s ponytail.
Despite some reports criticising slower tempo and trickier controls in recent years, it’s easy to see why FIFA remains top of the perch, much like the Reds. The gameplay is as exciting as ever, with excellent shooting options and a wide range of passes to choose from.
Liverpool FC Table Football
Ready for some hectic fussball action? LFC Table Football gives you the full experience with realistic stadium graphics and a score indicator on each side of the pitch.
The game itself is sturdy and can handle being thrown around in the heat of the moment, however, this doesn’t stop the plastic balls from being flung out of the arena.
With the famous Liverpool logo emblazoned on its side, the game is a worthy addition to any LFC kid’s bedroom, just make sure tempers don’t get too heated!
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So now you have no excuse – Liverpool FC gift ideas really do come in all shapes and sizes.
Hopefully, this article has shone a light on a few you weren’t aware of before and no doubt there are hundreds more out there, if you look hard enough.
