Spin Master Games Perplexus Rookie Board Game

I don’t know how I initially stumbled up on the series of Perplexus puzzles, but I found them somewhat fascinating the minute I saw them. Two years ago, I purchased the PERPLEXUS ROOKIE for my 6 year old daughter and until a few months ago, it was nothing more than a shelf ornament in her room. The last few months, however, she finally discovered the challenging fun it presents and navigating the puzzle has become an almost daily ritual.WHAT IT IS:- The PERPLEXUS ROOKIE is a unique puzzle maze that requires a person to navigate a ball bearing from a starting point and through series of 70 progressively more difficult “obstacles” to reach an end point (each obstacle has a number and a directional arrow to keep you on course). The entire puzzle is enclosed in a clear plastic sphere that allows one to see the ball bearing and determine the approach necessary to negotiate each obstacle. Completing the puzzle requires a combination of patience, logic and focus, along with the ability to gently twist, tilt, flip and tap. One misstep and the ball bearing drops off course, requiring the player to start over from the beginning.- The PERPLEXUS ROOKIE is the introductory puzzle to the Perplexus series of similar, more challenging puzzles.IS IT FUN?- Absolutely! First of all, I found the unique nature of the puzzle quite appealing. The jungle of interconnected obstacles crammed into the sphere is somewhat intimidating at first sight. But, once I started playing it, the fun and frustration took over. The key to working these puzzles is to address the approach needed for each obstacle just before the ball bearing reaches it. Failing to do so will most always lead to the ball dropping off the obstacle. “Mastering” the PERPLEXUS ROOKIE doesn’t merely mean completing it, but the ability to successfully navigate the obstacles without having to think your way through it.SERIOUSLY? SUITABLE FOR A 5 YEAR OLD?- The games says it’s for ages 5 up, but that may be a stretch. The PERPLEXUS ROOKIE might be the easiest Perplexus, but it will present a challenge to most adults. A soft/gentle touch is needed to work the puzzle, not just logic. The ability to hold the puzzle and visually guide the ball bearing throughout the intricate maze of obstacles might be too much for such small hands (and I haven’t met a 5 year old yet that does anything gently).My daughter revisiting this puzzle has been fun for the whole family and the “Original” Perplexus is on the Christmas list this year (with the “Epic” and “Twist” looming as future gifts). The only issue I have is with numbering on the obstacles, they are etched into the colored plastic and are difficult to see when light creates a glare on the sphere … clearly seeing the ball bearing and the course it is on is critical. Simply coloring the etched numbers in black or a contrasting color would certainly alleviate this problem.

I had a blast playing with this for a week before giving it to the recipient. It was challenging enough to amuse an adult, yet I don't think it's so hard it would be discouraging for a kid (I recommend getting the Rookie for any rookie- you don't want one that's too hard or they won't play with it, it'll just be ignored).Yes it's yellow, grey & white, not rainbow hued like in the picture. I guess that would matter if you want it as a coffee table or desk ornament but I think in most cases the appearance of a toy is far, far less important than its function. This is fun- who cares if it's a bit drab? Do you complain about your soccer or tennis ball not being rainbow colors? No, because they're still fun!I feel like this would be a good toy for anxious types. When you concentrate on the ball's travel there's no room in your mind for other thoughts- it's sort of like meditation. Even after I mastered it, it still was never easy, it still took about ten minutes to do a run through. Perfect for calming down before a big speech, exam etc.It also helps work on focus, patience and dexterity.A good wholesome educational toy.

I purchased this for my just-turned-7 year old granddaughter last Christmas. She had a great time, along with the rest of her family, trying to get to the end of the maze. I tried it several times, and it was definitely tough enough to challenge me. Unfortunately, after a couple of weeks a piece inside the ball became dislodged and the game became unplayable. I emailed SpinMaster and immediately received a reference number with a promise they would get back to me. They didn't, so I followed up with a phone call. They were very apologetic, explaining that they had been slammed over the holiday. They asked me to send them a picture of the broken part of the ball, and even waived the proof of purchase requirement. 10 days later, I got a new Perplexus Rookie in the mail. I am very pleased with SpinMaster's customer service, and very pleased with the game itself. Seven years old seems to be a good age for the Rookie, plus it's challenging enough for older kids and adults.

The little guys "get" the Original and the Epic styles, but those versions are just a bit too advanced and frustrating. This simplified, but not overly easy, style was about right for smaller and less coordinated hands. The four year old was just happy to move the ball around a little bit. Older kids' played longer, and their abilities seemed to match their interest levels and attention spans.Our overall experience has been that this is a go-to, play-for-a-while, move-on-to-another thing, try-again-later, kind of puzzle toy, which is just fine. It's smaller and simpler, but still a fun challenge for the younger kids.

Just the looks of it mezmerizes. Then of course, once in hand it keeps ones attention. The most amazing thing about this puzzle is, those 10 years old and way above will enjoy it and, get frustrated, all part of the fun, the amazing part is...well put it in the hands of a four year old and take lessons.Oh yes, lest l forget, it is all very complex inside that sphere, but, small plastic parts will NOT take any sort of jolt at all. We have had four.of these, all working great until one fell from an arm chair to carpet and Kaput! It looks like a ball but it is not one.The Perplexus could have been bounced in shipment. Check it for loose parts floating around when you get it. It's a shame about the negative reviews concerning broken parts because by nature of its complexity and reasonable cost this amazingly entertaining and educational toy could not be made more resilient. I let very young ones enjoy it but, l stick around.

Good one. But a bit expensive.

¡Está genial! diversión garantizada.complicado, si pero es lo genial, pedí el Rookie porque es el mas fácil y quería primero probarlo evitando que la frustración me ganaran pero sin duda alguna pienso pedir algún otro modelo, mantiene entretenido por horas buscando el mejor camino para llegar a la meta. Lo mejor es que se puede jugar solo o con compañía viendo quien llega mas lejos por turno.Amazon lo trajo a tiempo y mucho antes de lo esperado además sin problemas

This was a Christmas gift for my 9 year old son. He loved it and solved it after half a day. The adults then got a hold of it and have been fighting over it ever since! We actually ordered 3 more different ones so we would stop fighting over playing with it! My son still plays with it all the time. What a great game for all ages! As a family, we are all officially addicted! Brilliant idea! Great quality and not bad price.

Es un entretenido y divertido laberinto en el que controlas un balín por los caminos, Este es el mas "facil" de los perplexus y aún así tardas tu tiempo superando algunos obstaculos, Cabe mencionar que las esferas que protegen estos laberintos son de plastico y hay que ser cuidadosos al manejarlo para evitar caídas o golpes.Este perplexus Rookie me llego con los colores: Amarillo y blanco

All the the perplexus puzzles are great. I've had to buy different ones for each family member because they are addictive and hard to put down and no one wants to give up their turn. Truly challenging! Friends come over and this keeps them busy and amused for a while!