Customer Reviews

Original Jishaku

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is a great game for all ages not just kids. It's good for kids that hate to lose or need to win since you really can't control the outcome - winners become losers and vice verse. Everyone gets to laugh. A game I would definitely give as a gift.

The Good Stuff: [...] for 18 powerful, beautiful, fun-to-handle, polished irregular hematite magnets alone is worth the money, and the actual idea behind the game is ingenious.

Downside: While the game is a great idea, and fun to learn and play around with, unfortunately the game simply lacks what game designers call "game balance." Of the 18 stones to place, the first 9 or so offer no challenge whatsoever, the next 3 are nearly impossible, and the final 6 seem literally impossible. Ergo, who wins is down exclusively to luck and who goes first. It seemed at first as though sufficient practice might de-impossiblize the 2nd half of the game (for instance, we discovered that stones are less "jumpy" when placed exactly horizontal), but this is either impossible or well beyond the abilities of my game group.

Although the game itself ultimately lacks the game-balance necessary for longterm game-play value (think Tic-Tac-Toe), I am very pleased with 18 powerful, beautiful hematite magnets at this price. And the *idea* of the game, while ultimately not playable, provided my social circle a few hours of laughter and pleasure.

This is an unpredictable, tactile game that you have to really play with to appreciate. The pieces are shiny hematite magnets, and you try to place your piece in a foam cushion so that it doesn't attract others. You have to keep any magnets that stick together, and you keep placing magnets until one player runs out. As you can imagine, the lead can go back and forth right up to the final turn. If everyone in your household is old enough to play safely with these magnets (i. e. won't eat them, which would be extremely dangerous), this is a fun age-leveling game that older kids and adults can play together.

I am sure there is also a science lesson about magnets to be learned by playing with this set, but so far we're just having fun exploring Jishaku.

This is a fun and challenging game for all ages. My 5 year old can play with 8 stones and my 9 year old with all 9. Great fun and it teaches the kids how to begin to strategize.

WHAT A FUN GAME! There is no complicated directions to read you can jump right in any age! It is even fun as a bystander! Two thumbs up!!

Have given this to children ages 6-12. (Small magnetic parts) But the most fun was to give it to a disabled vet in a nursing home! It is short enough a game that he can get visitors, nurses, and aides involved. It is helping his small motor muscle development. It is exciting and all chance, but people explode with enjoyment!

I purchased one of these for my 5th grade science class. The students LOVE playing it. This year I purchased 3 more so we can all play it in teams. Great to pull out any time when just sitting and talking to students. Magnatism fun!

I must say, I have played every game on the market over the years and this is hands down the most fun. My son even used it in his science fair and came up with 2nd place. Educational and Fun. We play this game every week and it never gets old, my kids even play this before video games from time to time, that says alot!!!

I bought this game for my roommate for Christmas. We had family over Christmas afternoon and this was the hit of the day. Everyone had a try at it and in just a few games we could see skills and gaming strategies developing. Not only did the players have a great time, but this has to be the only board game that I have ever seen that is even fun for spectators.

Our guests left here wondering if there was a local store who carried Jishaku so that they could pick one up for themselves!

We don't have any little ones in our families any more so I can't speak to its appropriateness for younger children. But I highly recommend this game for teens and adults. Would you believe a board game sucked in a couple of teen-aged video game addicts? I swear it's true.

If we continue to enjoy it -- and I think we will -- I hope to get the wooden version for myself. (Maybe next Christmas.)

I received this game as a gift and loved it! I then bought three and gave them as gifts. Everyone enjoys playing, no matter what the ages. Just about the time you think you know how to win, your opponent does.