Game Daze Tucson Mall Manager Recommendation, September 2011

Gerri -

I’m an only child and I grew up with just about every educational game, every version of solitaire puzzles, books and flashcards available at the time. Those things are still fun for me and it seems they have improved with time.

Fundex has really hit the nail on the head with Castle Logix. The game is basically visual manipulation puzzles. There are big wooden blocks with various holes drilled into them that represent castle walls and towers depending on the side that they are painted. Three wooden spires of short, medium and long lengths are for placing inside the blocks. You’re given a spiral bound book that contains all the puzzles from Beginner to Master. Now it’s time to try and figure out how to configure the pieces to make them look like the picture in the book. (The solutions are like an x-ray and are on the opposite side of the page.) This is not a new concept, however the act of trying to fit the spires INTO the blocks that may be vertical, horizontal or even sideways is a new challenge. Also, some blocks have holes drilled in the side while others are from the top and bottom. Another new aspect is that the pieces are VERY large and chunky which makes this a perfect starter puzzle for toddlers. This is a great way to spend one on one time. The confidence kids gain from solving a puzzle by themselves just shines in their eyes.

The first time I saw it I knew I had to try it out. I was so impressed that I put this on my kids’ holiday wish list immediately... you should too.