Customer Reviews

ThinkFun Square By Square

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My daughter (12) and I like to find new 'car' games. We keep a couple games in the car so when we go out to eat or end up some place where we have to wait, we have something to do. This game is the perfect size and is fun because the two of us can work on it together. It isn't too hard for the kid and just challenging enough to keep my brain occupied.

It is also a good one to play for a while and then put away for a couple months. That way it seems fresh.

Of course I would always like MORE puzzle cards to figure out, but for the price (and free shipping when this was written) - it is great! Cheaper than the store where we first saw it.

I'm a middle school English teacher. When students finish work early, they can get out little logic puzzles that I've acquired over the years. I just purchased this and love it. One student, not easily pleased by anything, walked up to me and told me this was a fun game. Her enjoyment of it is proof that I didn't waste my money.

I did the dog one and felt such accomplishment when I figured it out. Go buy one--you won't regret it.

I think the puzzles are way too easy, and there are no differing levels. (Puzzle #60 is no harder to solve than puzzle #1). My kids (ages 7 and 4) are challenged by the puzzles, though (one child uses the hints given, the other does not). It does not hold their attention long term, unless we are waiting or on a road trip. Then they spend more time doing the puzzles, and they enjoy having something interesting to do.

I bought several of the ThinkFun puzzles for my children last Christmas, and they definitely enjoy them.

Square By Square is one of the easier puzzles due to the rectangular pieces. My oldest son (8) didn't fine it as challenging or entertaining, but my younger (5) loved it. It provided just enough of a challenge without being frustrating.

This 2007 game by Thinkfun has already stood the test of time.I am not sure,but it may have been around longer under the name of Binary Arts.Binary Arts is the name of the same company we now know as Thinkfun and was changed several years ago. For example,I have the game "Visual Brain Storms" by Binary Arts which carries a Copyrite of 1995.I also have a copy of the identical game ,now by Thinkfun, and has the same Copyrite date of 1995;however on the back of the game it shows a date of 1997.
Square by Square is an excellent game.It is suitable for all ages and can be played by one person.However;multiple players is possible.All you have to do is to shuffle the cards and "time" each player as they take turns solving each puzzle.
There are 60 cards or puzzles to solve.They are all of the same difficulty.There are two stages to solving a puzzle.First,it is necessary to solve the figure using green pieces.Secondly,the remaining blue pieces must be placed to complete the square.Hints are given,but hardly needed.Although only one solution is given for each puzzle,more than one solution is possible.As to difficulty,the green figures can be placed virtually instantally;then the remaining blue pieces can usually be completed in under a minute;in other words,the puzzles are very easy.Some reviewers suggest the cards should have easy,medium and difficult ratings;but that would probably not be possible since once the green pieces are put in;the difficult level is greatly reduced.I found that putting the "straight pieces" in first was the quickest solution.
The game is well made and will endure a lot of use.
However;it is great that the cards can fit in the drawer;but not the tiles.The flimsy clear cover should be much more substantial,similar to the tray and drawer, and clamp in place. Sometimes this company includes a cloth bag,as they have here,to store the game.All in all,and in spite of my comments;it is an excellent game.
By the way,even after completely solving the 60 puzzles;you can make up your own figures or designs with the green tiles,for endless other challenges.

This is a great game for the patients I work with in Rehab. It helps with visual perceptual tasks and is quite challenging. I like that it has clues on the back for when one gets stumped.

I bought this at the request of my 7 year old for her first grade class, when they have inside recess (awesome teacher gift). I bought one for her for Christmas at the same time.

It is a good puzzle game, appropriate for almost any age, elementary to adult. My daughter reports that at almost every inside recess, someone will grab this game - that it is the most popular game in the classroom.

As far as game play...I was surprised at how difficult it is! You have assorted shapes (think Tetris) that you must place in order to make the pattern. I had thought that it would be more of a tangagram, where you just have to make the pattern. Wrong! You not only have to make the pattern, you must figure out how to place the blue shapes so that they all fit!

There are two hints on the back of each puzzle card. One is kind of a starter hint, the other gives you most of the solution. I wish there was more of a variety in hints, because once you see the second one, the puzzle is pretty much over, but the first one often does not give enough.

My biggest con for this game is that the playing board is smooth, so the pieces slide VERY easily, making it less of a travel car game and more of a tabletop game. If there were some kind of grooves to help hold the pieces in place, or even rubber backing, it would be better.

If you are trying to decide on which ThinkFun puzzle to buy...my favorite of the two would still be Rush Hour.

Overall, we enjoy this toy. However, it did not come with the yellow sack for storage. It came with a rubber band instead.

I was very impressed with the overall quality of this toy. Each tile is perfectly cut, the base is made well and even has a slide-out drawer for the cards. The only frustrating thing about the product is that the tiles slide around pretty easily if it's not placed on a level surface during play. Using a slip resistant rubber on either the playing surface or the tiles would remedy the situation.

love it have many other products fr-om Thinkfun this one is same great quality, price & thinking invol2ved is lots of fun for all family & travel toy too