Ordinary board games do not hold my attention for long. I am more of a brainteaser and puzzle kind of gal and my 11-year-old is the same way. We enjoy games that really challenge our minds like word puzzles and Sudoku. The more challenging they are, the more fun we have. You can understand why I was thrilled when ThinkFun sent us Color Cube Sudoku to review.
Husband and wife Bill Ritchie and Andrea Barthello founded ThinkFun (originally called Binary Arts) in 1985. The couple set out to change the world and make learning fun through play. They began operating out of their basement which is exactly where their first product, the Hexadecimal Puzzle was born. From the beginning, the husband and wife duo set out on a mission to take ideas from some of the most brilliant minds and bring those ideas to life in the form of toys and games.
That mission continues today as ThinkFun continues to develop fun games that exercise the mind. They offer games in four major categories: logic and problem solving, visual perception and reasoning, STEM and creative thinking, and word and language skills. You can find games for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults. Some of their best-selling games include Code Master, Math Dice Jr., and Rush Hour.
The Color Cube Sudoku is not your traditional Sudoku game, though the rules are similar. Instead of lining up numbers however, you line up the colors. The game comes with a 3 x 3 tray and nine color cubes. Each cube features four colors, but no two cubes have the same four colors. After placing the cubes on the tray, players flip and rearrange each cube until each colors appears once in each column and row. After mastering the basic puzzle, players can try out one of the bonus challenges. The game is recommended for ages 8 and up.
This game was an instant hit at my house. I was the first to try it out and let me tell you, while it may sound easy, it definitely gives your brain a good workout. I eventually solved the puzzle, but it took awhile. My 11-year-old was up next and he really got into the game. It was a bit of a challenge for him, but in a good way. He did get a little frustrated at times, especially when he had most of the colors lined up only to find that the other cubes did not fit. He kept on however and he was determined to solve it. My 8-year-old even joined in on the fun in an attempt to help him.
We leave the puzzle out on our coffee table and one of us is constantly fidgeting with it. Almost everyone that comes to visit inquires about the game and almost instinctively, begins trying to line the colors up. If you enjoy a good puzzle, this game is a must-have. It is challenging, entertaining, and maybe even a bit addicting. I love that Color Cube Sudoku really makes my boys think. It stimulates their mind and keeps them engaged which is crucial for brain development. You can pick it up from Amazon for $19.99.
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