CrossMath, By MindWare - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Scrabble-style mathematics theme board game 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids and adults who love a maths challenge! 

If you have a mathematics enthusiast and number lover at home, then you NEED to check out “CrossMath” by MindWare ! It’s mind-stimulating, strategically challenging.Thank you Leisure Learning for providing a copy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Scrabble Game - BUT With Number Tiles! 

This is a scrabble-inspired game BUT with one major difference: instead of building words using tiles with alphabetical letters, we form mathematics equations with number tiles! The rules are straightforward and very much like Scrabble: set up the game board, each player draws 10 tiles from the drawstring bag, and takes turn to form maths equations horizontally (from left to right) or vertically (from top to bottom) by placing tiles on the board - starting from the upper left corner. Just like Scrabble, each player must use at least one tile already on the board as part of the new equation, and all equations touching the tile must be true and valid. The 120 tiles include options for multiplication, division, addition and subtraction - so there are plenty of possibilities and sufficient room for players of different skill levels to join the game!

(2) Interesting Scrabble-Inspired Scoring System 

I love the Scrabble-style game board that determines the final scoring and drives the strategy of the game. Players score one point for each tile placed on the board; when you place a tile on a square with number, you score that number of additional points (eg if you place a tile on a square that has a “4” on it, you score additional 4 points). When you place a tile on a # sign, you score additional points for the number on your tile (eg if you place a “9” tile on #, you score an additional 9 points for that equation). 

(3) Includes Parent And Educator Guide For Play Variations 

The rules book includes “parent and educator guide” for skill-specific play variations. For example, we can remove multiplication and division tiles when playing with younger kids, or adjust the scoring mechanism for more advanced players. 

(4) Reasonably Decent Components With Sturdy Game Board

Components wise, the tiles are made of thick cardboard, and the racks are made of “soft” plastic - which are okay (but I wish they were a little more solid). The drawstring bag and the game board are great, and I love the sturdy game box. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/crossmath (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Race to the Treasure, By Peaceable Kingdom - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Cooperative board game for young kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids around 5 year-old - this is a great first game for young kids to train up cooperation /teamwork 

There is something satisfying about creating paths and watching multiple roads extending longer and branching out to different directions. Peaceable Kingdom has a fun little game called “Race to the Treasure” that combines the magic of path-building with the theme of ogre and treasure. Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this for a review. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Cute Game For Kids With Adorable Themes (Treasure & Ogres)

This is a simple game with easy rules. First, throw the dice and determine the position of the 4 keys and Ogre Snack. Next, players take turn to flip a tile over from the draw pile. The tile would either reveal an ogre, or a section of road (which may comes in the form of a straight road, L-turn or T-intersection). The aim is to form a continuous path (each tile connecting to a road of another tile) to collect 3 keys, and then rush to the treasure before the ogre does (ie before 8 or 9 ogre tiles are being flipped over)! An Ogre Snack gives us the power to remove an ogre tile from the red ogre track (and reduces the speed of the ogre to reach its destination). 

(2) Cooperative Game - Win Or Lose Together 

This is a cooperative game - everyone win or lose together. Players work collaboratively to come up with the best plan to defeat the ogre. This is a great game to learn cooperation - an awesome skill for young kids (as well as for the grown-ups!). 

(3) Set Up The Board Using Grid System 

I also like that the game board uses grid system to mark the locations of the tiles. To set up the game, we throw the two dice (one with letters A-F and one with numbers 1-6) to decide the starting “squares” that the keys and snack would be placed. I get to show the kids how to identify the intersected spots by looking at the horizontal and vertical axes. It was a great way to teach and talk about map-reading using grid. 

(4) Environmental-Friendly Components - A 100% GREEN Game 

This game is also 100% green, made using soy-based inks and FSC paper. I also love the cute artwork, relatively sturdy components, and good quality wooden dice. The durable paper envelope (as opposed to the usual plastic packaging) for storing of components is a nice eco-friendly touch.

This is an awesome game to introduce to young kids, but probably not so much for older kids or seasoned gamers. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/race-to-the-treasure (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

ConeZilla, By Foxmind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Educational game for kids 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids that love to learn through games (and of course, anyone who enjoys a good scoop of yummy ice-cream will find this game appealing!) 

I am a BIG fan of clever and engaging educational games. ConeZilla by Foxmind falls within this category perfectly, and we are so pleased to be given a chance to review this game by Leisure Learning . 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Learn About Number Values & Numerical Order In A Real Fun Game 

This is an awesome game for kids to learn about number values and numerical order. To play this game, each player grabs a delicious-looking starting cone with a flavoured scoop that marked with “1”. Next, spread the rest of the scoop-shaped cards (each marked with one of the numbers from 2 to 49) face-down on a table. Now the REAL fun begins! Players take turn flipping over a scoop, look at the number, and decide if they want to add it on top of their growing cone or flip the card back into place. The objective is to build the most spectacular 10-scoop ice cream with ascending value of numbers (ie the lowest number at the bottom, and highest at the top). Beware: player can only add a scoop that has a number that is superior to the current top scoop (eg. you can’t put a “9” on top of “10”). 

(2) Decision-Making & Memory Game - ALL IN ONE 

Our 7 year-old loves this game and the strategy component hidden within! The rules might sound straightforward, but there are so many decisions and thinking involved to really nail it. First, players need to memorise the position of the cards that have been “passed” and flipped back as we might need the numbers at the later stage of the game. We also need to consistently make quick decisions on whether we want to “add” a number (and risk limiting our future options for scoop), or pass a card (hoping to reveal a scoop with lower value with closer proximity next turn). We are loving the tactical element of this game! 

(3) Game With Deliciously Irresistible Ice-Cream Theme 

Any game with ice cream theme is almost always a guaranteed win for our kids. The design of the game is attractive and deliciously appealing! Our kids love naming their flavours - “Cherry Caramel”, “Maple Syrup Pecan”, “Rainbow Sprinkles”, “Cookies and Cream”, and many more. I love how classic and scrumptious they look! The thick-cardboard scoops are large and easy to be grasped by little hands. I also love the box with compartments to keep everything organised. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/conezilla-memory-game

https://www.thegamesshop.com.au/estore/style/8717344310871.aspx

Enjoy the video! 

Architecto, By Foxmind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Puzzle with 3D building blocks 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone who enjoys a puzzle challenge, especially an advanced-level kind 

I didn’t think much of Architecto by Foxmind at first - after all, it’s just a usual “matching puzzle”, using geometric blocks to build 3D structures that replicate a range of 2D images. How HARD could that be, right?  As it turned out - this game is SUPER, unexpectedly challenging! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing a copy of review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) An Advanced-Level, Challenging Puzzle With 18 Geometric Blocks 

In this set, you will find 18 geometric blocks, and a puzzle booklet with 50 challenges. The rule is pretty straightforward - construct the structures based on the illustrated images, using the type and number of Geoblocks indicated in a window at the bottom of each puzzle page. I have done a few similar puzzles in the past where younger age-group was the target audience; Architecto is the most deceptive puzzle I have ever done - it “feels” simple, but each challenge pushes us to revisualise the final model, and look at those seemingly ordinary blocks from different angles and perspectives. There is no timer, rival, or judge for this game. The process is captivating, rewarding, and you can do it solitarily or share the joy with a team. 

(2) Think Beyond The Surface!  

I love that this puzzle encourages us to “think outside the box” and beyond the “surface”. Two triangular prisms can be combined to form a “cube”. An arch and semicircle are more than just their curvy appearance; put them together to transform the blocks into rectangular form! We also learned how to “hide things” behind visible blocks, and position two trapezoids at right angle to form a “L” shape. And if things get too frustrating for your liking, start your free-form creative play, and build whatever your imagination leads you! 

(3) Challenges Grouped In 6 Different Levels of Difficulty  

I love that the challenges are colour-coded and arranged in 6 different levels of difficulty. I love that this game covers a wide age, skill and experience range. Solutions are provided at the last few pages of the booklet. 

(4) Sturdy & Light Weight Building Blocks 

The plastic blocks are light weight, and I’m loving the bright, bold orange colour! I love the good-size booklet with pages combined with spiral binder, and the very sturdy storage box that keeps everything organised and neat! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/architecto

Enjoy the video! 

Jump In - Limited Edition, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Sequential movement puzzle with rabbits theme    

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: All SmartGames lovers / and anyone who loves brain puzzles with adorable components 

 “Jump In” has always been one of my favourite SmartGames. Imagine my THRILL when Leisure Learning sent me this “Jump In - Limited Edition” from SmartGames . Seriously, this game is incredibly CLEVER! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Sequential Movement Puzzle With FUN Hopping Rabbits

“Jump In” is a sequential movement puzzle about helping some rabbits to escape from crafty foxes, and jump into burrows for safety. SmartGames is an expert in incorporating FUN storyline into their ingenious brain-teasers. First, set up the game board as indicated in the challenge; the object of the game is to hop the rabbit over one or more obstacles (mushrooms, another rabbit, or a moving fox that can slide forward and backward) so that all the rabbits are safe in the brown holes. This Limited Edition shares the same rules, mechanics, and size as the original version; it includes 1 game board, 4 rabbits, 2 foxes, 3 mushrooms, booklet with 100 challenges and solutions. There is a new black rabbit added to this edition (compared to the original 3 rabbits), and the number of challenges increases from 60 to exciting 100! 

(2) Clever Puzzle Game With 100 Challenges  

I love that the game encourages pre-planning and “forward-thinking”. To successfully solve the challenges, we need to avoid focusing on just “short-term” gain of moving the bunnies into the holes whenever opportunity arises. As a bunny can only “hop over” to another space when there is at least one or more objects/animals right next to it, we need to strategise and use the bunnies wisely to help another bunny to move, before allowing them to jump into their ultimate “destined” burrows. The challenges are grouped in progressive difficulty levels, from “Stater” to “Wizard”. The first few challenges are relatively easy to give us a “taste” of the game; but they do get ridiculously difficult towards the Wizard stage (quite a few challenges require at least 80 or more minimum steps to complete!) 

(3) Puzzle With Quality Game Components 

The game pieces are well-made and beautifully-designed. I love how adorable the components look, especially how the rabbits can be “hidden” perfectly within the brown holes, but with two long ears sticking out so we can pull them out with ease. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/jump-in-deluxe

Check out my other reviews of similar SmartGames products: 

• Treasure Island, By SmartGames 
• Walls & Warriors, By SmartGames 
• Grizzly Gears, By SmartGames  
• Horse Academy, By SmartGames 
• Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe, by SmartGames 
• Pirates Crossfire, By SmartGames 

Enjoy the video! 

Treasure Island, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Matching game with a (literal) twist 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Collectors of SmartGames, and anyone who love a brain challenge with a theme! 

There are GREAT reasons why treasure-hunting is such a popular theme amongst kids (and adventure-craving adults); think about unknown awaits, thrilling scenes, and the danger we may face! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this fantastic “Treasure Island” from SmartGames for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Clever Game With Shape-Shifting Puzzle Pieces

We have tried many “matching puzzles” before, but SmartGames always pushes a little boundary and gives its games an unexpected, ingenious touch. “Treasure Island” is a matching puzzle with a (literal) “twist”. In this game, you would find a hexagonal game board, 5 puzzle pieces, and a booklet with 80 challenges and solutions. The goal is simple: choose a challenge, and match the puzzle pieces to the “treasure island map” with 4 terrains / colours. The most unique part of this game? The 4 shape-shifting, twistable puzzle pieces - each can be transformed into 4 different arrangements! I LOVE that this game requires us to keep our brain and hands busy at the same time. This is a puzzle of non-stop twisting, rotating, setting-up, matching, and re-testing, repeatedly! 

(2) 80 Puzzle Challenges In Different Difficulty Levels 

The 80 challenges are categorised in different levels and arranged in progressive difficulties- from starter, junior, expert, master, to wizard. The easier beginner puzzles have more obvious clues, with all the terrains clearly identified on the challenge map. The harder challenges show fewer hints and have more white (blank) hexagonal spaces. There is only one solution for each challenge. 

(3) Puzzle With A Story: Adventurer & Ancient Temple Theme! 

As usual, SmartGames is awesome when it comes to incorporating stories into its puzzles. This is a game about fearless adventurers, embarking on sea journey, in search of a long-forgotten ancient temple on forsaken island. The components are sturdy, the shifting mechanism is cleverly-done, and I love the clean division of colours symbolising 4 terrains (hills, rocks, forest, and water). I particularly love the temple that was designed to resemble a Mayan temple, but in a hexagonal shape to match the overall feel of the game. The white sailing ship (whilst not having a real function) is a nice touch that completes the story. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Check out my other reviews of similar SmartGames products: 

• Walls & Warriors, By SmartGames 
• Grizzly Gears, By SmartGames  
• Horse Academy, By SmartGames 
• Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe, by SmartGames 
• Pirates Crossfire, By SmartGames 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/treasure-island

Enjoy the video! 

Mindblock, By Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Modified, 3D-version of the classic Rummy game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Older kids and adults that love strategy games, especially those involving number, pattern, and anything methodical. 

We are BIG FANS of number games! The boy loves counting, exploring patterns of numerical order, and discovering magic of equations and all things mathematical. So it’s not surprising that we were instantly drawn to Mindblock by Blue Orange, a modified 3D version of the classic Rummy card games. Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this awesome game for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game?: 

(1) Game Rules: Arrange Blocks According to Numbers/ Patterns

This game would attract anyone who finds number, pattern and anything methodical fascinating. Mindblock contains 56 blocks (in 7 sizes, 4 colours, 2 of each), 4 block trays, 1 cotton bag, and an illustrated rules. The aim is to create “Sets” (3 or 4 blocks of same size but in different colours) and “Runs” (3 or more blocks of the same colour in consecutive order) by combining blocks that range in height of 1 to 7. On each player’s turn, we must play a “Run” /“Set”, or play at least one block and re-arrange the current blocks on the table to make valid “Runs” / “Sets”, or add a block to your tray (randomly drawn by another player, or course). There is another condition: each of the “Set” and “Run” must have a total sum of at least 15 (for example - “4, 5, 6”, but not “3, 4, 5”). The first player who gets rid of all the blocks on tray wins the game. This game is the exact genre that we LOVE! 

(2) Fantastic Strategy Game For Kids & Adults

We love that this game relies very largely on strategy, visualisation skill, and playing around with numbers (adding, subtracting, and re-arranging equations etc). I love that we can stack up like-coloured blocks to “substitute” a higher number block (eg stacking up a blue “2 and “3”, and use it as a blue “5”) - which is a great tactic to deplete the blocks in the tray quicker!

(3) Board Game With Vibrant & Bright Wooden Components

The wooden components are simply fantastic! The blocks are chunky, vibrant in colours (but with a hint of “seriousness” / grown-up feel in it due to the unique tone of colours), carved with tactile ridges, and have a very pleasing quality in them. The presentation is visually-appealing. The player trays are made of nice quality timber with a very luxurious and natural appearance, and I love the cotton storage bag for the blocks. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/mindblock

Check out the reviews of other Blue Orange games for older kids/ adults that I really love: 

• Tumblemaze, By Blue Orange 
• Dragon Market, By Blue Orange 
• Kingdomino Origin, By Blue Orange 
• Cloud City, By Blue Orange 
• Block Ness, By Blue Orange 

Enjoy the video! 

BrainBox The World, By BEZZERWIZZER Studio - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Fun facts around the world 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love fun facts and travel 

 “BrainBox The World” from BEZZERWIZZER Studio is an intriguing game for kids and adults who love fun facts about different nations and cultures, and enjoy quizzes and competitive race! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this game for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) 55 Picture Cards Featuring Countries Around The World - The set includes 55 picture cards, each focuses on a specific country with brightly-painted pictures and labels of iconic items associated with it - such as famous landmarks, cultural costumes, flag, map, native animals, musical instrument, and many more. For example, on the “China” card, you would see the “Great Wall of China”, a giant panda, Beijing the capital on the map, a Terracotta warrior, a pagoda, and a farmer harvesting rice. There are also cards about USA, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Turkeys, and many more. I love how succinct, easy to read, and appealing the cards are. Kids are drawn to the interesting cards immediately; they enjoy studying the pictures whilst searching for their “dream travel destinations”. 

(2) 440 Questions - Now let’s the true FUN begin! The kids spend 10 seconds (or more) observing the visual clues on the card; then flip the card around, throw the dice, and answer one of the 8 questions printed at the reverse side of the card (depending on which number is rolled). There are a total 440 questions, covering a mix of range. Some test the eye for detail and observation skills (eg. what’s the colour of the butterfly’s wings? How many Orchids are shown?); Some test your memory and geography knowledge (eg which sea is to the north of Panama? Name the capital city), and some are the mix of both (what colours are the stripes on the flag?). Both of my kids love the challenges, and my 4 year-old even outshines the brother in most questions about colours and objects! 

(3) Quality Of Components - The quality of the components are decent and sturdy. The 55 picture cards are made of thick durable cardboard, and there is also a ten-second sand timer, and a 8-sided translucent dice in cobalt blue included. 

(4) Unique Cube-Shaped Package Box - I love the cube-shaped package box that gives the game a wacky character, and I really love the magnetic closure on the lid that keep things neat! 

Check out also my review on:

BrainBox Maths, by BEZZERWIZZER Studio 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/brainbox-the-world (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

IQ Stixx, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Abstract logic puzzle  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults that enjoy logic puzzles / brainteasers 

Abstract game is probably not my first choice when it comes to solo logic puzzles (I prefer a brainteaser with background setting and story-telling components). However, from time to time, there are a few uniquely-designed abstract games that impress us immensely. “IQ Stixx”  by SmartGames is one of these amazing games we discovered recently that I can’t wait to share today (thank you Leisure Learning for providing a copy for review!). 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Packing + Stacking Puzzle - We have tested quite a few packing puzzles in the past, but we have never seen anything like “IQ Stixx” before! The set includes a game board, 10 puzzle sticks with indentations on different places, and a booklet with 120 challenges. First, place the sticks on the game board in the orientation and position as shown in the challenge; Next, place the remaining sticks on the board in a “criss-cross” manner so that 5 horizontal pieces would stack and fit nicely on top of 5 vertical ones (ie 2 cutouts cannot be placed on top of each other, nor 2 sticks without cutouts). This puzzle is fresh, innovative, and definitely “sticky”! 

(2) Different Difficulty Levels - Like the other SmartGames sets, the challenges are grouped in different difficulty levels, from “Starter” level (where plenty of hints are provided and with pretty straightforward solutions), to the almost impossible “Wizard” stage (where each of the challenge only comprises 2 sticks as clue on the base, and players need to figure out the positions of the remaining 8 sticks). There is only one solution for each challenge, and the solutions are included at the end of the booklet.

(3) Great Sturdy Components With Clever Design - The components are sturdy, excitingly colourful, of high quality, and cleverly-done; I love that the sticks are smartly- labelled (with numbers or letters, on both sides and at each end of the sticks) for easy identification and setup. There are also square images printed on the opposite side of the cutouts to make it “visually” easier to solve the challenges even when the sticks have their cutouts faced down. 

(4) Compact + Travel-Friendly - I love the compact and travel-friendly, portable case. This is a fantastic game to go on-the-road with the family! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/iq-stixx

Enjoy the video! 

My Fairy Game, By Peaceable Kingdom - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Board game for young kids 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Young kids who enjoy cooperative games, especially one with a cute fairy theme! 

Beautiful fairies, golden unicorn, glittery jewels - I knew without a doubt that “My Fairy Game” would appeal to my four-year-old girl. But what I didn’t expect is even my six-year-old boy has the greatest FUN playing with it too! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this amazing game from Peaceable Kingdom for a review. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Adorable Theme With Fun Rules - I LOVE the adorable Fairy theme, and the age-appropriate, easy-to-follow rules that make this game a breeze to learn. Yes, there are quite a few different tokens and special powers that would require a few reads from the adults before we can explain the rules properly to the kids; but once the kids started playing, the process is a natural. The object of the game is to accumulate sufficient “fairy powers” to install 4 hexagonal gems onto the wand to defeat the freezing effects caused by Mr Winter (a snowflakes-blowing, “villainous” cloud with a cute beard). Players shuffle the cards, takes one card at a time (which could be a “good” or “bad” card), match the colours, and takes an action to slow down the “chill”. Players work as a team to compete against Mr Winter to collect all 4 gems before a flower is frozen by 4 snowflakes of corresponding colour. 

(2) Luck + Strategy + Teamwork - There is a huge element of luck in this game (largely depends on the types and order of the cards being drawn), but there is also cooperative element that requires our young players to make “small decisions” collectively. For example, the “unicorn” card allows the players to hand over a card to another player to quicken the collection of jewel. I love that this is a game of team effort - everyone wins or loses together. There were plenty of “oh no!”, “yay”, “we did it”, “we won!”, and “high-five!” during the game, which was really amazing to see! 

(3) "Green" Components - This is a Peaceable Kingdom “green game” - all the paper and boards (jewel and snowflake tokens, playing cards, foldable board) are made with FSC papers and printed with soy-based inks. I would love if this set could include a cotton tote bag so we can keep the components organised, but overall, I love the environmental-friendly concept of the game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/the-fairy-game

Enjoy the video! 

Walls & Warriors, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Brainteaser with a theme 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: SmartGames collectors / anyone who loves unique brain puzzles, especially one with a story/ exciting theme! 

Cobblestones, elevated doorway, drawbridge spanned across moat, banners and flags, shiny armour and warhorses. We love a medieval kingdom and warriors theme! So imagine my thrill when we discovered SmartGames has created a puzzles that includes castle walls and battling knights in it. Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this ingeniously-designed set for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Medieval Kingdom Theme With Battling Knights - SmartGames is an expert in incorporating exciting, story-telling themes into brain-stimulating puzzles. The objective of the game is (deceptively) simple: first, set up the knights and tower on the game board according to the layout indicated on the selected challenge; next, enclose the blue knights and blue turreted twin-towers using the 4 pieces of uniquely-curved castle walls. The aim is to keep the blue knights safe and away from the invading red knights (that must be kept outside the walls). Our boy was immediately attracted to the visually appealing castle components, and we absolutely enjoyed accomplishing the “sacred” missions of defending our kingdom! 

(2) Challenging 4 Wall Pieces Puzzle - There are only four castle walls (puzzle pieces) - how hard can it be, right? As it turns out, it’s seriously tough. There are 80 challenges included in the spiral-bound booklet, grouped in 5 difficulty levels. At the starter level (puzzles 1-16), we were given hint about the location of some of the wall pieces. But once the extra clues are gone, the challenges become mind-bogglingly hard (but lucky for us, solutions are provided). 

(3) Amazingly-Designed Components - The game components are amazing! We love the metallic knights with shield and flag in army’s colour; the game board has “indents” to guide the positioning of the wall segments, which also enables the knights and tower to be placed securely on the board surface. The wall pieces are chunky and easy to handle, and I love the little details (like the crenellations, the “uneven” visual-appearance of the facade, the window bars, door outlines etc). I love the 3D raised game board that looks like rough stone foundation. The set also includes a sturdy cardboard box. This is an exquisitely-done game with smart execution! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/walls-warriors-smart-game

Enjoy the video! 

Cross Clues, By Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Word game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone who loves word games (Codenames, Scrabble, and the like) 

There are certain types of games - you either love it or hate it. I think word games fall squarely into such category. Leisure Learning sent us this “Cross Clues” from Blue Orange for review recently. If you are a fan of “Codenames”, “Scrabble”, or any word games in general - THIS is for you! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Fun Word Game - Cross Clues is a cooperative party game about finding links between pair of words. The rules are pretty simple; all players are both clue-giver and clue-guesser. Each player draws a Clue Card, think of a clever “clue word”; and everyone else work together to guess the location on the grid where two code words intersected. The “clue” must be a single word and must not share a root with either code word. The game can be rather frustrating when you are stuck with a series of non-sensical combinations. BUT, on those occasions when we figured out clever associations between pairs of random words, oh that sense of achievement is so incredibly satisfying! For example, the clue for “Pig” and “Small” for our family is “Peppa”; “Banana” and “Dessert” is “Fritters”, “Smart” and “Costume” makes “Tuxedo”. The game is easy to learn, suitable for kids as young as 7, and generally, quick and sweet! 

(2) No Downtime - I love that everyone can participate simultaneously as both clue-giver and clue-guesser. There is never a “downtime” or dull moment; everyone has a clue card, and can shout out a clue whenever a player is ready. Players can discuss / argue/ fight amongst themselves, before coming to a consensus for each guess. 

(3) Awesome Replay Value - This game has great replay value - there are plenty of words for different combinations (no two games are ever the same). Included within are 10 Axis Tiles, 25 Clue Cards, 50 Code Word Cards (double-sided, 4 words on each card), and a 5-minutes sand timer. We can start with an easy 3x3 grid, before moving on to the more challenging 4x4 and 5x5. Alternatively, if you want  to ramp up the challenge, use the sand timer! 

(4) Work Cooperatively - The kids love cooperative games - everyone wins or loses together. Everyone can have a great laugh whilst pushing themselves to the next level of words challenge! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Leisure Learning (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

BrainBox Maths, By BEZZERWIZZER Studio - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Mathematics / speed game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy learning through games + anyone that loves maths 

Leisure Learning recently provided us this “BrainBox Maths” by BEZZERWIZZER Studio / BrainBox that is (surprisingly) really engaging and kept both of the kids intrigued for a really long time! If you are looking for something educational, not too “action-packed” but fun nevertheless, then this is your game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) All About Maths! - Included within are 55 picture cards, each focuses on a specific mathematics concept, concisely summarised and accompanied by helpful and interesting graphics. For example, there is a card that explains the relationship between different length measurements (m, cm, mm), a card that taught us about directions (north, east, south, west), a card about how to interpret “bar chart”, a card that features the different types of prisms (rectangular, circular, hexagonal, triangular etc), a card about weight/ mass (kg and g) and many more! The cards are succinctly-written and easily comprehensible for some short and sweet maths lessons! 

(2) 8 Questions On Each Card - At the reverse side of each of the picture cards, you will find 8 questions (total 440 questions). To play the game, the kids spend 10 seconds observing and memorising the visual clues on the card, throw the dice, and answer the specific questions. I love that the questions cover a mix of range - some test the eye for detail by testing your memory and observation skills (eg “what colour is the crayon?”, “is the pen longer than the pencil?”), and some focuses on maths itself (eg “how many centimetres are in one metre?”, and “what is the abbreviation for centimetres?”). This is a great way to learn through play, and I love that even the little ones can participate too! 

(3) Good Quality - The quality of the components are reasonably decent and sturdy. The 55 picture cards are made of thick durable cardboard, the ten-second sand timer adds a thrill element, and my personal favourite is the uniquely-done, 8-sided translucent dice in cobalt blue. 

(4) Storage Box - I absolutely love the cube-shaped package box that gives the game a touch of personality and wacky character. I also love the magnetic closure on the lid that keeps the box tightly shut and everything nicely organised within. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/brainbox-maths (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!