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- Castle of Dreams – the outside look
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- some tips at the back of the box
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- more tips and suggestion for parents
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- the blocks, the towers and the challenge book
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- Look at the small block with red print. Notice there’s no hole on top….
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- Flip it on the other side, the print faces left with a hole on top. Tricky!
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- the easiest challenge
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- notice anything out of place? yep, the print patterns are wrong. oops.
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- ok, now I got it right.
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- starter challenges. too easy for adults.
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- junior challenges
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- another junior challenge
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- expert challenge. now you’re talkin’.
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- wow, I’m getting quite hooked here.
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- master challenge. emmm.. this is quite tough.
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- Ok, I confess. I peeked at the answer at the back. Oh well.
What is it?
Castle of Dreams – wooden blocks IQ game
What’s the price?
RM35
Where to buy it?
https://www.facebook.com/smartintelligent.toys
http://smart-intelligent-toys.blogspot.com
What are the special features?
- The game consists of 4 blocks and 3 towers in different lengths, with holes so you can slide the towers into, but at different locations.
- It teaches problem solving skills, logical thinking and fine motor skills.
- The game has 3 difficulty levels according to age: Starter for 3 years onwards, Junior for 4 years onwards, Expert for 5 years onwards and Master for 6 years onwards.
Review
Puzzles are always good family games and encourage social interaction. You can read about the benefits of puzzles here, but this game takes puzzles to a whole new level.
I do prefer wooden puzzles as they feel nicer to hold, more solid in your hands. The game comes with a booklet of challenges that range from very easy to very difficult, with solutions at the back of every challenge.
All the blocks have different coloured prints on each side, with holes in different locations. You have to follow the picture exactly or you may not be able to slide in the towers. The smallest block has the same red print on either side, but different orientation to the hole – take a look at the pictures to see this clearly.
The challenge is not too hard for an adult, but it could be quite a problem for little kids. There are hints for parents in the booklet, such as how to suggest or encourage your child to solve the challenge. The Master challenges, however, are very difficult, as the picture shows a blank shape and no prints to help you figure it out.
What I like about it
I like that the game looks simple, but has many variations to it, so it could be played as your child grows up and gets better at it. Also, the game needs parents’ involvement as to help your child, at least in the beginning. Any game that promotes family bonding time is always a winner.
What I don’t like about it
Can’t find anything to dislike.
Conclusion
Considering the versatility of the game, this block wooden puzzle is a great investment. Go get it!
