Sunday, May 30, 2021

Circuit Maze Review

I have a fun logic game to share with you today from Timberdoodle, Circuit Maze!  Circuit Maze is a single-player game manufactured by ThinkFun and is geared for kids 8 and older or third grade and up (even adults can enjoy it).  It teaches concepts of electricity in a unique way using a series of circuit-building logic puzzles.

What's included?   There is a 5x5 game grid, 17 game tokens (1 two-part power source (start and finish token), 3 LED beacons, 2 straights, 1 bridge, 1 double corner, 2 t-shapes, 5 corners, 1 switch and 1 blocker), instructions and 60 challenge cards that range from beginner to expert with solutions.  I do want to mention that this requires 3 AAA batteries and they are not included.

A closer look at the token pieces.

How to play?  Select one of the 60 challenge cards and set up the tokens on your game grid to match your challenge card.  The exact location and orientation of some tokens will be given but sometimes there will be a rotate sign, this means it is up to you to figure out the proper orientation.  Obtain the tokens that you need to add to the grid to complete this challenge.  For every challenge, you will build a continuous metal strip pathway from the start to the finish that lights up the designated beacons on your specific challenge card.  After you do this using all the designated tokens on your card, you win!!

Above you can see the set up for Beginner level Challenge 1.

And here you can see the solution, notice the yellow light is lit up.  To check and see if you are correct the back of each challenge card shows the solution.

C working on a variety of challenges.

The set up for Beginner level Challenge 7.


C showing me his completed challenge.

 
The correct solution for Challenge 7, C got it correct!

I really appreciate that Circuit Maze teaches basic electronics concepts using a series of logic puzzles.  You have to solve the challenges by creating pathways or circuits using metal strips, light beacons and switches.  As the challenges increase in difficulty, both simple and advanced circuitry concepts are explored (series circuits, parallel circuits, series and parallel circuits in combination, and parallel circuits in bypass).

 
A working on a variety of challenges.
 
 
The set up for Intermediate level Challenge 17.
 
 
A showing me her completed challenge.
 
 
The correct solution for Challenge 17, A got it correct!

I love that Circuit Maze encourages problem solving skills and helps teach logic.  Circuit Maze is a great resource to have for learning about circuits and electricity in our homeschool and in our game collection and we highly recommend it!  If you like this be sure to check out our review of ThinkFun's Cat Crimes.


Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  I received Circuit Maze at a discount in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

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