Showing posts with label 14-year-old. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 14-year-old. Show all posts

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Turing Machine, By Scorpion Masque - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids/ adults that enjoy numbers/ logical deduction/ puzzles 

Turing Machine (from Scorpion Masque ) is a perfect game for mathematicians or anyone who enjoys numbers and logical deduction. The playtime is brief, the setup is easy, and the experience is incredibly satisfying. Thank you Let's Play Games for providing a copy. 

Why I love ❤️ it? 

(1) "Guess" 3 Numbers Using Criteria Cards + Verifiers

I’ve never seen anything quite like this before. For each chosen puzzle, the required criteria cards are placed in a wheel-like formation around a central “machine tile,” followed by their matching verification cards. To play, each player simultaneously creates a proposal: a sequence of 3 numbers (1–5) in three 3 colours -blue, yellow, and purple - using overlapping punch cards. Once everyone has made a proposal, players can question up to three verifiers. By placing the punch cards over a verifier, either a ✔️ checkmark or ❌ appears, revealing whether the proposal meets the criteria. Each player also has a notes sheet to track deductions. you create new proposals based on what you’ve learned, testing again until the answer is deduced. The first player to correctly “guess” the code wins. 

(2) Play Competitively Or Solo - A Quiet Thinking Game

You can play competitively or solo. It’s a gem for a clear mind - no chaos - Just quiet thinking and careful deduction. Perfect “me-time” gaming. The variety of criteria cards creates countless deduction challenges. Some tell you how many numbers are odd or even. Others reveal which colours contains the largest or smallest number. A card might say: “Blue is equal to / greater than / less than 3.” If you propose Blue = 2 and receive a ✔️, that means the number is indeed less than 3—but it doesn’t confirm it’s 2 (it could also be 1!) - a very common mistake that we kept making! 

(3) 20 Puzzles Included + More Available Online

The rulebook includes 20 puzzles, but the real magic is online at https://www.turingmachine.info. There you’ll find millions more. You can generate a random daily challenge (very much like a number version of Wordle). When you think you’ve solved it, you can enter your code online to check your answer.

(4) Build-Your-Own Card Holder + Cool Components

I love the cool partially cut-out game cover. The cards look fantastic, The build-your-own card holder is sturdy and satisfies my inner organizational obsession.


# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/


Check out more reviews of Scorpion Masque games here: 

Enjoy the video: 

Saturday, May 9, 2026

LPG Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Unicorn, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzles 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Jigsaw puzzle lovers 

I’m no stranger to Let's Play Games wooden puzzles — I’ve completed at least five similar ones before. So trust me when I say this LPG Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Unicorn is not for the faint-hearted. It’s mercilessly challenging, pushed my patience to the brink, and I nearly pulled my hair out in distress. 😮‍💨 But once it’s done? Ohhh, the joy! ✨🦄

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Pieces Wooden Puzzle

This unicorn puzzle consists of 200 pieces, and like other puzzles in the LPG wooden range, there are no clear visible borders and no traditional straight frame. You can sort of deduce where the edges might be by observing the slightly whiter space along the sides - a helpful hint, but one that doesn’t always work. Sorting the pieces is super challenging. The colour palette flows in similar tones of pink, purple, blue, and white throughout, intertwining around the unicorn’s horn, face, flowing mane, and even the floral petals and plants along the edges. Everything blends beautifully - and confusingly. Each piece is unique, with many shaped like curls and swirls of the mane, painted in harmonious shades and accented with subtle nature-inspired and floral motifs.

(2) Uniquely Cut With Fantasy Surprises Within!

Every puzzle piece is uniquely cut, with twisting, irregular shapes that stray far from the standard tabs and blanks of mass-produced puzzles. The uneven, random edges add another layer of difficulty, forcing us to rely on spatial awareness and intuition rather than logic alone. As we progressed, we were rewarded with delightful magical and fantasy surprises. Look closely and you’ll spot unicorns, shooting stars, kitten, butterfly, rainbow, crescent moon, and more — all cleverly hidden within the design. Assembling the puzzle became as much about discovery as it was about completion! 

(3) High Quality & Laser-Cut

Crafted from high-quality, laser-cut wooden pieces, this puzzle feels as good as it looks. The vibrant colours and striking artwork are visually captivating, and the pieces fit together smoothly, sliding effortlessly into place. Packaged in a compact wooden box, it’s both convenient and durable. We’re absolutely loving this. 💖


# gifted in exchange for review 


Read more reviews of similar puzzles from Let's Play Games: 


Where to buy this: 

https://www.hobbyco.com.au/products/lpg-puzzles-wooden-fantasy-puzzle-unicorn?_pos=1&_sid=87230c26c&_ss=r

https://www.ozziecollectables.com/products/lpg-puzzles-wooden-fantasy-puzzle-unicorn-1

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/


Enjoy the video! 

Monday, January 12, 2026

Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Treasure Chest, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW


Nature/ Type:              Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids/ adults who love a puzzle challenge! 

Every time I receive a wooden puzzle from Let's Play Games , I know I’m in for a spellbinding experience - where time seems to pause and the day instantly feels brighter. And once again, they’ve delivered. This time, it’s the Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Treasure Chest.

Why I ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Uniquely Shaped Puzzle Pieces

The Treasure Chest packs 200 uniquely shaped pieces - none of those neat, predictable borders you find in a traditional puzzle. Instead, it bursts with the wild, jagged silhouette of a treacherous chest: a gaping mouth lined with razor-sharp fangs, a grotesquely long tongue, and writhing tentacles guarding a hoard of gold like a dragon from some enchanted realm. It’s a scene straight out of a high-stakes fantasy - approach if you dare! I’d wager this is the most dramatic puzzle in the LPG collection. The pieces themselves are unapologetically tricky: swirls, sharp lines, and shapes so irregular - and so deceptively alike - that matching them is a test of both wit and patience. Sorting colors alone is an adventure: a rich clash of funky purples, deep reds, glints of gold coin yellow that could belong anywhere, and ghostly greys for those menacing fangs. Add in the stony granite floor - and you’ve got a puzzle that hooks you from first touch to the final fit.

(2) Discover Delightful Surprises Within

These are miniature works of art, each carved into wild shapes that twist and curl like ancient symbols. This puzzle tests your spatial skills and intuition with every move, but the real magic lies in its hidden treasures. Nestled within the irregular shapes are delightful surprises: a golden skeletal skull, a mischievous mini monster chest, a palm, an octopus, a wizard, a rainbow axe, a spider, and more. It’s a treasure hunt, where every piece feels like unlocking a secret.

(3) Laser-Cut From High Quality Wood

As with every wooden puzzle we’ve experienced from LPG, the Treasure Chest is a testament to craftsmanship. Each piece is precision laser-cut from high-quality wood. The colors are rich and bold, the fit is satisfyingly smooth, and the completed artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing. Presented in a beautifully crafted wooden box, it’s as perfect for display as it is for storage. 


# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/let-s-play-games-fantasy-series-01-treasure-chest-mimic-200-piece-wooden-jigsaw-puzzle

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/lpg-puzzles-wooden-fantasy-puzzle-treasure-chest-preorder?_pos=2&_sid=f33036cc9&_ss=r

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/


Enjoy the video!


Monday, November 3, 2025

Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Dragon Flight, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Jigsaw puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids/ adults that enjoy challenging, wooden jigsaw puzzles

Let's Play Games has done it again with their mesmerizing series of wooden puzzles! This “Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Dragon Flight” takes things to a whole new level. This isn’t just a puzzle—it’s an epic quest wrapped in rich colors, intricate pieces, and magical design.

Why I ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Uniquely Shaped Jigsaw Pieces

The Dragon Flight puzzle features 200 uniquely shaped pieces. Forget the usual clean borders of a traditional puzzle. This one embraces the wild, untamed outline of a soaring dragon—from the dramatically spiked tail to the wide, sweeping wings stretched in mid-flight. Even before the first piece clicks into place, the challenge is on. We began by sorting the pieces by color and pattern: deep blue-granite tones for the massive boulders in the dragon’s shadow, a dazzling blend of rainbow hues trailing from its tail, fiery red spikes, jagged teeth, textured scales along its powerful body, and the ornate designs etched into each wing. Between the smoky blues and the blazing scene unfolding within the wings, every section is a vibrant work of art just waiting to be revealed.

(2) Surprises Hidden Within - A Treasure Hunt

These are no ordinary puzzle pieces—each one is a miniature masterpiece, carved with wild, unpredictable shapes that twist and curl like ancient symbols or hidden runes. This puzzle challenges your spatial awareness and intuition at every turn. And as you fit piece after piece, the magic unfolds: a phoenix bursts into flight, a shooting star streaks across the sky, a mysterious indigo butterfly hovers in the shadows, and symbols of flame, heroism, and wonder emerge from within the dragon’s form. It’s a fantasy treasure hunt where every discovery feels like unlocking a secret—an adventure layered with intricate surprises that make the journey as rewarding as the final image.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Pieces

Crafted from high-quality, precision laser-cut wood, every piece of this puzzle feels as premium as it looks. The vibrant colors are rich and bold, the pieces fit together with satisfying smoothness, and the artwork—once complete—is utterly mesmerizing. It all comes beautifully packaged in a charming wooden box, perfect for storage or display as a keepsake.


# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Lets-Play-Games-Dragon-Fantasy/dp/B0D6B9P1T3

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/dragon-flight-lpg-wooden-puzzle

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/


Read more reviews of similar puzzles from Let's Play Games: 


Enjoy the video! 

Friday, June 20, 2025

Fantasy Series - Mermaid, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

 Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Puzzle lovers - especially those who love Mermaid-themed with unique shapes 

Get ready for an enchanting adventure under the sea with the stunning Mermaid puzzle from the all-new Fantasy Series from Let's Play Games ! This isn’t just any puzzle—it’s a breathtaking, brain-bending challenge for the brave-hearted. So, if you’re a fan of all things magical and mysterious, you’ll absolutely want to check this one out! 

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Pieces Mermaid Puzzle

This Mermaid puzzle comes with 200 pieces, and it’s no walk in the park! Unlike your typical puzzle with a nice, neat border, this one embraces the wild, swirling beauty of the sea. We started off by sorting the pieces based on their beautiful color palette: the mermaid’s fiery red hair, the soft purples and blues of her scales, and the vibrant coral reefs and bright green kelps. But the real magic happens in the ocean—the deep, mysterious blues that seem to go on forever. It’s like trying to solve the ocean’s secret, one piece at a time. And trust me, when you finally find where that perfect piece fits... it’s pure enchantment. 

(2) Uniquely-Shaped Pieces With Surprises Await!

These aren’t your ordinary puzzle pieces! Each one is uniquely shaped, twisting and turning like little treasures from the deep. Forget the boring standard shapes—you’ll need all your spatial skills and a pinch of intuition to make it work. And as you put it all together, surprise after surprise awaits: a starfish, a jellyfish, a playful seahorse, a cheeky dolphin, a mysterious anglerfish, a scallop shell, an unmistakable pufferfish, wavy kelp, a worm snail shell, and even a treasure chest hidden within the design! Each little discovery makes the experience feel like an underwater treasure hunt, filled with delightful details that make every moment of assembly a joy.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Wood

Crafted from high-quality, laser-cut wood, this puzzle feels as premium as it looks. The colors pop, the pieces slide together smoothly, and the artwork is absolutely mesmerizing. It all comes neatly packaged in a charming wooden box—convenient for storage and a lovely keepsake. This is a puzzle made to last and to enchant. If you’re ready for a challenge that will transport you into a world of mystery, this puzzle is the one to try! 

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where can I buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/lpg-puzzles-wooden-fantasy-puzzle-mermaid


Check out other puzzles from Let's Play Games here: 



Enjoy the video! 

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Oceania Animals Series 1 - Kangaroo, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone who enjoys non-traditional, challenging & unique puzzles 

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Kookaburra puzzle from Let's Play Games , and I was delighted by the fresh twist it brings to traditional puzzle designs. Today, I’m excited to share about the Kangaroo puzzle - a charming, wildlife-inspired puzzle from the Oceania Animals Series 1. 

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Pieces Puzzle With Natural-Inspired Colours

This Kangaroo puzzle consists of 200 pieces. Unlike traditional jigsaw puzzles with clear borders, this one lacks the traditional straight frame, but the thick black outlines on some pieces provide a helpful hint for the kangaroo’s shape. The real challenge lies in sorting the pieces by the subtle and distinct patterns. The color palette is a rich tones of yellow, brown, and nature-inspired greens. Each piece features unique patterns drawn from nature and leaf prints —swirls, curvy lines, circular shapes, and symmetrical designs—that guide the placement of pieces within the kangaroo’s divided sections. I love how the puzzle beautifully integrates intricate, nature-inspired motifs, adding depth and complexity to the overall design.

(2) Irregular & Unique Shapes - Spot The Wildlife Surprises!

Each puzzle pieces is uniquely crafted, with twisting, irregular shapes that deviate from the standard tabs and blanks of mass-produced puzzles. The edges, random and uneven, add a layer of challenge, requiring us to rely on our spatial skills and intuition to piece everything together. As we progressed, we were treated to a series of delightful wildlife surprises (and not just Australian creatures!). You’ll spot, amongst others, a giraffe, spider, emu, lion, snail, koala, lizard, alligator, an Australian map, and even a tiny kangaroo—all cleverly integrated into the design. As we assembled the puzzle, we marveled at the hidden shapes and the thoughtfulness behind each piece, making the experience as much about discovery as it was about completion.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Wooden Pieces

This puzzle is crafted from high-quality, laser-cut wooden pieces. The vibrant colors and striking artwork make it visually captivating, while the pieces fit together smoothly, sliding effortlessly into place. Packaged in a compact wooden box, it offers both convenience and durability. We’s loving this! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Lets-Play-Games-Australiana-Kangaroo/dp/B0BCZ6ML4Y

Enjoy the video! 

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Oceania Animals Series 1 - Kookaburra, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW


Nature / Type:             Wooden jigsaw puzzle  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids/ adults who enjoy unique, challenging, non-traditional puzzles  

Let's Play Games brings a fresh twist to the world of puzzles with their stunning collection. Their Oceania Animals Series 1 showcases four beautifully crafted puzzles inspired by Australia’s native creatures. Today, let’s talk about Kookaburra - a charming masterpiece that’s as fun to assemble as it is to admire!

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 219 Wooden Jigsaw Pieces

This Kookaburra puzzle is made up of 219 pieces, each contributing to the final image of this iconic Aussie bird. What makes it stand out is the lack of a traditional frame, which adds extra challenge as you can’t rely on edge pieces to start. Without the usual edge pieces to guide us, we would need to rely on our limited spatial skills and intuition right from the start - which was a truly humbling experience! 

(2) Uniquely Shaped, Non-Traditional Pieces With Wildlife Surprises

The real magic lies in the puzzle pieces themselves. Each one is uniquely shaped, with twisting forms that break away from the standard tabs and blanks of mass-market puzzles. As we worked through the puzzle, we encountered series of delightful Australian wildlife surprises. Look closely and you’ll spot a spider, emu, wild dog, lizard, galah, an outline of the Australian map, and MORE - all cleverly integrated into the design. We had a blast assembling the puzzle whilst discovering the hidden shapes and marvelling at the thoughtfulness behind each piece. 

(3) Artistic & Intricate Motifs

The bird is made-up of and divided into multiple artistically-done sections, each featuring intricate motifs inspired by Australian Indigenous culture. Wavy lines and circular patterns, reminiscent of traditional Aboriginal art, are woven throughout the design, adding a rich layer of cultural inspiration to the puzzle.

(4) High-Quality, Laser-Cut pieces

The puzzle is made from high-quality, laser-cut wooden pieces that are chunky and precisely crafted. The vibrant colors and bright artwork make it visually striking. The pieces fit together smoothly and slide seamlessly into place. The puzzle comes in a compact wooden box, making it a convenient and sturdy package. The craftsmanship and attention to detail makes this puzzle an engaging experience, offering both a challenging build and a beautiful finished piece to display.

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

Dymocks (Australia)

Games World (Australia)

Gameology (Australia)

Mind Games (Australia)


Enjoy the video! 

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Be Herd, By Bailey Brothers Boardgames - REVIEW


Nature/ Type:           Board Game 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults who enjoy stress-free, cooperative games 

Looking for an ice-breaker / “get to know each other better” game for a stress-free evenings? Look no further. Allow me to introduce this joyful game by Bailey Brothers Boardgames - “Be Herd”! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Cooperative Game - Get To Know One Another In A FUN Way!

This is a cooperative game that generates endless laughter and conversations. A fairly straightforward game - Each player takes turn to be the “Leader of the Herd”, draws 4 cards, and fixes a “Target” (an estimate of the number of players who will guess the “right” answer). All the players simultaneously vote for the card that best describes the Leader of the Herd by casting a cube of matching colour. Next, players get to build a “Herd Tower” together using the Herd Animal blocks / Snake blocks (depending on the actual number of players who has voted in the same way as the “Leader”). For example, in one game, my team was asked to vote amongst 4 values that best describes “yours truly” - Strength, Frugality, Optimism, Persuasiveness. (And if you want to know, everyone - including myself - voted for “Optimism”, unanimously). Since we had hit the “target”, we got to place a Herd Animal block and remove all annoying Snake blocks from the tower. The higher the tower, the stronger the herd! 

(2) 240 Cards & 8 Categories 

I love the insightful questions! The 240 cards are divided into 8 categories - “Bucket List”, “Character”, “Acts”, “Fears” and more. The game is targeting audience of 14 year-old and above, but I think they work for younger kids as well (as long as we first “filter away” the naughtier and complex questions). My 7 year-old’s favourite category is the “Bucket List” - it has fun selections like “drive the world’s fastest supercar”, “climb Everest”, and “Skydive”. I love the “Profession” group - it makes me want to re-evaluate my career choice - “Art Appraiser”, “Crane Operator”, “Makeup Artist- Theatrical”, “Forensic Psychologist” - how cool are they! 

(3) 18 Wooden Herd Animals Building Blocks 

I love the 18 wooden Herd Animals building blocks with puzzle base - colourful, vibrant, durable, and they make such awesome balancing game on their own. I am also really impressed with the adorable animals artwork. Super cute and irresistible! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/be-herd/ (Australia) 

https://www.baileybros.com.au/be-herd (Website) 

Enjoy the video!