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! 

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! 

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! 

Grizzly Gears, by SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          1-player brain teaser / logic puzzle 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Any logic puzzle / brainteaser / solo game lovers, especially those that love unique components with exciting theme! 

SmartGames has an incredible range of innovative brainteasers. I have tested out a few packing puzzles, matching /connecting /sliding challenges, and deduction range, BUT I have never seen one that rotates and twists! We are in love with this “Grizzly Gears” game. Thank you Leisure Learning for providing another fantastic set! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Puzzle Pieces That Rotate & Twist - The set comes with a game board with 6 figures/ objects at the edges, 9 rotating tree pieces, 6 pieces with characters, and a booklet with 80 challenges and solutions. First, set up the tree and figurines pieces at the right position and orientation as indicated in the selected challenge; next, rotate the circular tree pieces to move the character, from one disc to the other, until each of the characters reach their respective end positions. I find the twisting mechanism intriguing and such a refreshing idea! 

(2) Forest Theme With Characters - We love how SmartGames incorporates exciting theme in the cleverest way into its puzzles through visually-appealing components. In “Grizzly Gears”, the characters are “lost in the woods”. Our job is to send them to the right place using the mechanical movement of the spinning discs (the pine trees serve as the “axles”). The girl needs to return to her camping tent, beaver to its family in the water, lumberjack with an axe back to the pile of logs, the fawn to daddy deer, baby bear to mama bear, and white rabbit to white rabbit. But beware! Apart from baby bear, none of the other figurines is allowed to be moved in front of mama bear (or it would get “stuck” and sunk into the deeper drain). The idea “makes good sense”, and I love that even the title of the game has a cute pun! 

(3) 80 Challenges In Different Difficulty Levels - The 80 challenges are grouped in different progressive levels of difficulty. There were a lots of trial-and-error before we sort-of figured out some of the sequential logic (e.g. which piece needs to be rotated to which direction to “free up” a space for another disc to spin). This puzzle is fun for kids, and addictive for adults! 

(4) Good Components - The components are adorable and sturdy, and I love the iconic pine trees (made of thermoplastic rubber) which has a nice texture to touch.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/grizzly-gears (Australia) 

https://www.thecoffeeapple.com.au/products/grizzly-gears-brain-teaser (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

IQ Digits, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Brainteaser for kids + adults 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone that enjoys logic puzzle / single-player brainteaser 

I am in a frenzy “numbers” mood recently, and a logic puzzle that plays around with digits holds my interest exceedingly! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this addictive SmartGames IQ Digits for review - simply awesome and so hard to resist! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Packing + Logic Puzzle With Digits - From a quick glance, IQ Digits looks substantially similar to the “Number Sorts Brainteaser” that I have recently reviewed;  Both have 10 pieces representing each numeral symbols from 0 to 9, and the aim is to assemble and pack the pieces into a frame. But the SmartGames version has a different and smaller “0”, and THAT is probably the key component that sets IQ Digits apart. Rather than a single “major” solution that have all the pieces perfectly covering all segments of the 20 “squares” in the 4x5 grid, IQ Digits have 120 challenges, each with unique solution and two open “edges”. IQ Digits is more than just a “packing puzzle”; it also combines the mechanic of “logic and deduction” in some of the challenges. There are certain “conditions” that must be met in some challenges (e.g, identifying the pieces that can add up to a specific sum and ascertain the designated space by following the given clues). This game makes all 10 “digits” look marvellously cool and versatile! 

(2) 120 Challenges In Different Levels - Like other SmartGames, IQ Digits is a superb investment if you want a game that can “grow with the kids” and loved by all ages! The 120 challenges come in increasing difficulty levels; Kids “get it” immediately, and adults would enjoy the more daunting and demanding expert and master levels! This is a game that will stay with us for many years to come and loved by the entire family. 

(3) Travel-Friendly & Compact - I love the travel-friendly game board with snap-off and transparent hinged lid that can lock all components (including the challenge booklet) securely within. I also love the cleverly-done game board with raised design that can hold the number pieces nicely at their position when we place the digits facing upwards. The 10 numerical pieces are colourful and eye-catching, and I love how light weight and compact everything is. This is an amazing travel game - hands down! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Enjoy the video! 

Horse Academy, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Brainteaser with great fun show-jumping theme!  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone (adults or kids) who enjoys logic puzzles / brainteasers 

Seriously, who can ever resist SmartGames and their very ingenious brainteasers? SmartGames are always “above and beyond”, cleverly-done, and set themselves apart with their “storytelling” ability. We recently tested out this “Horse Academy”, kindly gifted by Leisure Learning - we’re now hopelessly hooked! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Horse-Jumping + Connect-A-Path Puzzle - I love it when SmartGames incorporates unique theme into the game components and transformed a logic puzzle into something extraordinary. This “Horse Academy” is a “connecting a path” challenge but with a “horse-jumping” twist (completes with gates, rails, winding routes, rider and a horse). To play this game, choose a challenge and set up the horse and the exit gate at the indicated points. Next, create a path from start to finish, ensuring that the obstacles are placed in the order as shown in the challenge. The best part? Once you completed each challenge, you get to steer the riding horse, hop over the fences through the course (elegantly or clumsily, your choice!), and exit the majestic red and white gate in style. Our boy simply loves this fun little final touch, and I can see why it’s so enchanting! 

(2) Different Difficulty Levels - Like many other SmartGames, there are various difficulty levels for the 80 challenges; from the extremely easy types (simply arrange the obstacles pieces in the sequences as hinted), to the ones that stretch your brainpower a little (the loop / U-turn sort with “fork in the path” and a “go with the flow” rule), to the “Wizard” level that leaves you figuring out the start and end positions! The kids will get to experience the game in different perspective at a different age and mileage of their life. 

(3) Awesome SmartGames Components - The components are the usual SmartGames quality - sturdy, bright, exciting! The game board is a slightly rectangular arena with “openings” at different places (where we can slide-in the exit gate). The 10 obstacle pieces are marked with letters and are easily distinguishable by colours. I also love the sturdy storage box, and the spiral bound challenge booklet with solutions provided (yes, we do “cheat” from time to time, and the solutions are super useful 🤣).

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/horse-academy (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe, By SmartGames

Nature/ Type:          Brainteaser with a fairy-tale PLUS tumble-down-the-ladder twist!  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  4 - 7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Any kids (and adults) who love a creative brainteaser challenge 

Everyone in this family has our favourite SmartGames , but for the kids, their favourites are hands down the fairytales and fables inspired games (e.g. Three Little Piggies, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty). My heart skips excitedly when I saw this “Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe” game, kindly provided by Leisure Learning. This game is unbeatable AWESOME! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Tumble-Down-The-Ladder FUN - Remember the classic “tumble down the ladder” toys? This set ingeniously incorporates the vintage game into a brainteaser. I have never seen a game such as this before! Included are 10 double-sided puzzle pieces, ladders frame, challenge booklet and picture book. The object of the game is to arrange the puzzle pieces to reflect the illustrated challenge, BUT, in a vertical upright way using the “tumble-down” concept. When you drop a puzzle piece from the top, it would flip and rotate each time when it falls on a step. What you need is to plan ahead, count the steps, decide the initial orientation, and release the pieces one by one. It’s so enchanting to watch the pieces tilt and traverse down in such whimsical fun! 

(2) 60 Challenges With Different Levels - The 60 challenges have different levels of difficulty: half of them show white outlines (indicating the position of each puzzle pieces), and half without the outline (which means the kids need to mentally-visualise the division). There are Starter, Junior, Expert and Master levels. Some pieces have identical (but mirrored) image on both sides, some have special figures on one side (e.g. Giant or Jack), and some have beanstalk images that twist and bend to different directions. The challenges are not too easy, but completely achievable by young kids once they figure out the process. 

(3) Fairy Tale - How can one resist a good old fairy tale? I love the “building upwards” construction, the familiar elements in the artworks (golden harp, golden egg), and the 3D castle in the cloud - which is such an iconic touch! The components are of great quality, and the design is visually striking! 

(4) Picture Book - Our girl loves the wordless picture book that comes with the game. It's nicely illustrated, with little touch of humour and a modern twist. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/jack-the-beanstalk (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Dragon Inferno, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Quick two-player game with a very cool dragon-theme  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Strategy game lovers 

The world of dragons captures our fascination; we are fans of Smaug from LOTR and the Hungarian Horntail from Harry Potter! Really, who can resist these mysterious creatures that can conquer the sky! When I saw this “Dragon Inferno” from SmartGames , my heart leaped with excitement! Thank you Leisure Learning for sending this to us for a review.

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Dragon! - This is a COOL game with an impressively formidable theme; The defence of kingdom, intrusion of flame-spitting dragons, towering castles. Players take turn to expand their kingdom by placing tiles on the vacant corner / or adjacent to tile of the same colour. A dragon egg in the midst of such tile bestows the power to summon a fire-breathing dragon that can burn down an opponent’s built territory. The winner is the one that has tactically built the largest kingdom in the valley. The instruction is easy to comprehend. The dragon theme keeps young kids interested and engaged. This is one of the most frequently requested games by my five-year-old, and it’s easy to see why! 

(2) Awesome Components - The components are well-designed and encourages strategic planning in each step. The 7 kingdom tiles are in tetromino form (4 square segments) of different configurations, each contains a castle (for extra point) and a hole (for a dragon egg to fit in and dwell on). The 5 dragon tiles are pentominoes, meaning it can “destruct” five square segments of kingdom each time. This creates various possibilities on how the game would end, as the players strategically plan each step, from the location of dragon eggs during set-up, the expansion of kingdom, to which 5 segments to destroy each round. I love the slightly translucent red tiles with 3D dragon attached at the top which cleverly gives the impression of burning flame “consuming” the land. 

(3) Quick & Easy Game - I love the child-friendly, easy scoring system. Each protected segment counts as a point, and each castle gives an additional point. I also love that this is a relatively short game (normally we are done within 10 minutes for each round), which is perfect for young kids with short attention-span. 

Overall, super awesome! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/dragon-inferno (Australia) 

https://www.smartgames.eu/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video: 

Grabbit, By SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Cute board game with rabbit theme for young kids  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents searching for an easy-to-learn board game for young kids 

Our two-year-old wanted to play a “board game”. It was a challenge sourcing an age-appropriate one that can both “make sense” and appeal to this tiny person. Grabbit from SmartGames is a real delightful find, and has now become her ultimate favourite game. Thank you Leisure Learning for generously providing this game to us for a review. Our girl thinks this is super-duper AWESOME! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Fun Game with Rabbits & Vegetable Tokens - The game comes with a game board with 4 x 4 grid, 4 rabbit game pieces in 3D form, 4 collection cards, 16 vegetable tokens, 16 leaf tiles, and a game rules booklet. First, shuffle the vegetable tokens and place them randomly face down on the 16 allotted spaces on the board. Next, cover the tokens with 15 square leaf tiles, “jump” a rabbit onto a moveable leaf, slide it either horizontally or vertically by pushing it towards the empty space. Reveal the visible vegetable token underneath the new “uncovered” space and add it into your collection. The first player that successfully collected 4 different vegetables (onion, carrot, potato, radish) is the winner. Our two-year-old enjoys the setting-up, the rabbit hopping, the sliding motion, the discovery of “surprise” token, and accumulating her harvest. The rules are simple and fun, with a familiar theme! 

(2) Great Components - The graphic and design of the game components are amazing as per the usual SmartGames standard. We love the four rubbery and a little squeezable rabbits in 4 different colours (grey, white, ginger, and dark chocolatey brown). I also love the “farming” board with mice and moles burrowing around, tokens with 4 types of “root vegetables” cultivated underground, tiles with leafy green and stems. 

(3) Memory & Matching Skills - The game trains up memory and matching skills. We can also play the “expert” variation with strategising element involved; a player has to give up a token when a rat is uncovered, and get to “snatch” an opponent’s token and return it to the board if a mole is revealed. 

This is probably a game well suited for small kids, and would outgrow them pretty quickly. But if you are looking for a “first board game” for kids, I highly recommend Grabbit. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Enjoy the video! 

Diamond Quest, by SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Clever logic game from SmartGames 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Brainteasers / logic games lovers + SmartGames collectors 

I haven’t yet seen a SmartGames that I don’t like; I am really impressed with the level of care, love and creativity involved in the creation of these splendid logical puzzles. Diamond Quest is another of my personal favourites that I love tremendously! Thanks Leisure Learning for providing this set for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Brainteaser With 13 Gems - Diamond Quest is a logical deduction puzzle with similar concept like Smart Cookies by FoxMind (reviewed on 7/4/2021) and Chocolate Fix by ThinkFun. But I think Diamond Quest elevates this game to a whole new exciting level; instead of playing on a tray of 3x3 grid, Diamond Quest comes with a game board in t-shaped formed around a classic 3x3 square. Instead of playing with 9 game components, Diamond Quest has 13 jewel pieces - 3 each of green, yellow, orange and blue (each with a different gemstone cuts - round, square and triangle), and a special red diamond with a pointed culet. The goal is to arrange the gems using the clues given in each of the 80 challenges in the spiral-bound booklet, and to identify the location of the red diamond through a series of deduction, elimination, and logical thinking. It is thought-provoking for adults, appealing to kids! 

(2) Dazzlingly Beautiful - The chunky and dazzling gemstones design is such a clever idea! The kids were instantly captivated and entranced by these attractive and very sparkling jewels! 

(3) Range of Difficulty Levels - Like many other SmartGames, the challenges progress from the easiest level (that can be done even by my 3 and 5 year-old), to the real expert level that will leave you mind-boggled and bewildered. The starter stage gives positive clues with clear visual representations where specific gems are to be placed; the challenges intensify and ramp up in complexity with incorporation of “negative clues” (ie what NOT to be placed at a certain position), and direction clues (eg no triangle gem next to another triangle gem). Solutions are provided. This is an awesome family game that suits all ages with fantastic replay value! 

(4) Game Board With Lid - I love the travel-friendly game board with lid that can securely store all the pieces and the challenge booklet within. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/diamond-quest (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Pirates Crossfire, by SmartGames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Pirate-Theme Brainteaser / Logic Game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Brainteaser/ puzzle-lovers + SmartGames collectors 

Skull and crossbones, peg legs and iron hook, fiddles and pirate ditties. I’m BIG FAN of SmartGames , especially those ingenious creations that incorporate exciting themes and elements into brain-stimulating logical puzzles! Leisure Learning sent over this “Pirates Crossfire” for review, and my-oh-my, I really can’t express enough how clever this game is and how impressed we are! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Pirate Theme - SmartGames, you have done it again! A Pirate scene is adventurous, thrilling, full of dramatic twists and unpredictable storyline! The player is to place the puzzle pieces at the correct position and orientation to fulfil certain conditions set up in the challenges. What makes it so unique and fascinating is that we get to “immerse” ourselves in the action of a battle or peace-keeping; sometimes, we got so engrossed in the navigation of sea vessels, we forgot that this is a brain teaser that requires serious thinking! 

(2) 80 Challenges, 4 Playing Modes - The game has 4 playing modes, 80 challenges, and multiple levels of difficulties. The navy and pirate ships can “attack” each other horizontally or vertically, with the cannons installed at both sides (left and right) of the vessels, at any distance. They can’t attack from the front, back or diagonally. The aim is to arrange the pieces to produce 4 different outcomes depending on the playing mode: peace (nobody loses), pirates win, navy ships win, or total war (nobody wins). Each of the puzzle pieces are slightly different. Hints are provided in the easier challenges, but fewer clues are given when the difficulty level increases. There are rock pieces that are used to define a challenge, alter the usable space, and function as an obstacle to “block out” an attack.

(3) Awesome Game Components - The components of SmartGames are as usual, SUPER impressive! The board is an ocean of blue waves, the white-sail vessels symbolise the navy ship, and black “Jolly Roger” flags represent the pirate ships. The components are well-made and set the backdrop of an action-packed scene! 

(4) Box with Inserts - I love the very organised cardboard insert that keeps everything neatly in place and fancifully upside-down. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/pirates-crossfire

Enjoy the video! 

IQ Puzzler Pro, By SmartGames

 

Nature/ Type:          Abstract Game for adults and kids 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Logical game lovers

It’s an open fact that this mumma is obsessed with SmartGames , especially those brain teasers combine with fantastic themes, storyline and cool components! “IQ Puzzler Pro” is the first pocket-sized abstract game from SmartGames that I tested (without the usual “story” element), and I wasn’t too sure what to expect out of it initially. BUT my oh my, what a delightful and pleasant surprise! Thank you Leisure Learning for giving me a chance to discover such amazing game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) 3 Games in 1- One compact set, 3 ways to play! That’s IQ Puzzler Pro for you! The set comes with a game board, a challenge booklet, and 12 puzzle pieces made of string of beads in different lengths, colours, and a variety of fixed configurations. The design sort of reminds me of the classic pentomino tiling puzzles, except that this one is more exciting! The unique bead units allow the pieces to be stacked up in a “rounded” pyramid form (that probably wouldn’t be possible using regular connected cubes such as those in Pentomino). The ingeniously-designed game board has 2 different bases with grid of concave round dots where the beads can be snugly placed within. The black game board is used as a base for 2D challenge and 3D pyramid. The white board features a separate diagonal base for a different mode of 2D challenge. I was surprised to see how much my five-year-old loves playing with it despite the “mature feel” of the game. The rule is similar to the usual SmartGames style- choose a challenge, arrange the pieces as indicated, and place the remaining puzzle pieces to fill up the empty spaces. I love that the game board can also serve as a storage case where all the pieces can be securely enclosed with the transparent lid. 

(2) Awesome Components- I am loving how sturdy and vibrantly colourful the components are. The small pocket size and organised case make this the perfect “on the go” puzzle for travelling. 

(3) Challenges + Solutions - There are 120 challenges included in the booklet, with only one solution for each (the answer guide sure comes in handy!). This is one great value compact game that can keep both kids and adults busy for hours and for years! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Enjoy the video!