Nearly 50 years after it first appeared on shelves, a long-lost regional board game inspired by one of New York’s most famous winter storms is making an unexpected return. And this time, the story behind it might be just as interesting as the game itself.
Storm Origins
As the 50th anniversary of the Blizzard of ’77 approaches, the Marino family has launched a Kickstarter campaign to revive The Blizzard of ’77 Travel Game - a board game originally created in the aftermath of the historic storm.
The original game was co-created by graphic artist Charles “Chuck” P. Marino and his wife Donna after Chuck found himself stranded during the blizzard. While stuck at a fire station alongside other stranded travellers, he passed the time playing cards and sharing stories with complete strangers.
When he eventually made it home, he spotted his son Paul improvising a snowy driving game using toy cars and cardboard. That small moment sparked the idea that would eventually become The Blizzard of ’77 Travel Game.
The original release reportedly sold more than 40,000 copies across the region, turning it into a memorable local hit.
Family Project
Now, decades later, Paul Marino - the same child who unknowingly inspired the game in the first place - is leading the effort to bring it back.
The new Kickstarter campaign isn’t just aiming for a straight reprint either. The upcoming anniversary edition plans to keep the spirit of the original while giving it a modern refresh.
According to the campaign, the new version will feature restored artwork from the original release alongside upgraded materials and premium components. There’ll also be special 50th anniversary branding throughout the package.
It’s clearly being positioned as both a playable family game and a nostalgic collector’s piece for people who remember the original.
Board Flip
The game itself leans into a simple but surprisingly clever idea.
Players start on the “Sunny Side” of the board, driving around town in little car-shaped pawns while completing errands before returning home. Movement is dice-based, but players also have to pay attention to which direction their vehicle is facing, adding a small layer of strategy along the way.
Things stay fairly relaxed - at least until the blizzard arrives.
At a certain point during the game, the entire board flips over to reveal a snow-covered version of the city. Roads become harder to navigate, obstacles appear, and movement suddenly becomes much more difficult.
That shifting game board is still the main hook nearly five decades later. It gives the game a slightly chaotic energy while keeping the rules approachable enough for families and casual players.
Nostalgia Appeal
There’s definitely a strong nostalgia angle here, but the campaign also feels pretty personal.
Much of the Kickstarter page focuses on Chuck Marino’s experience during the blizzard and the sense of community that emerged during the storm itself. Paul Marino describes the project as a way to preserve both his father’s legacy and a story tied closely to Western New York history.
Rather than simply cashing in on retro appeal, the campaign comes across more like a family-led restoration project built around a very specific moment in time.
That probably explains why the team has kept the focus on authenticity instead of dramatically reinventing the game.
Kickstarter Plans
The anniversary edition is currently available through Kickstarter with a pledge tier of around $40 for one copy of the game.
The campaign is running until June 15, 2026, and if funding succeeds, delivery is currently estimated for November 2026.
For tabletop fans who enjoy retro games, unusual regional history, or simply quirky family board games with a good story behind them, this is one of the more unexpected Kickstarter revivals around right now.
