Perplexus Epic

Perplexus Epic
Last year, we had the privilege to review the Perplexus and it was a big hit for our kids  to the point that I seriously thought it was time to have another one.   So I contacted Plasmart and asked if I could review the newer version – the Perplexus Epic.
The Perplexus Epic is geared for ages 8 and up and possess 125 challenging barriers with a difficulty level of 8.    The game is quite easy to do – you simply have to move the ball from one point to the other. The Epic possess four major points to complete.  Each of the point contains challenges where you have to be careful not to drop your ball while going through them.
Needless to say, my kids are becoming very good at manipulating the Perplexus Epic and completing it.    Me?  Well let’s just say that I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to hold it in my hands yet!  Though I had some fun time when it got into my hands.   It demands concentration and skills to be able to go through the barriers without looking the little ball.


On a disappointing note, I find this Perplexus more fragile than the Original one.   The game is bigger and the plastic surrounding the labyrinth thinner.   Consequently, if you don’t handle it carefully – like dropping it on cement at the campground for example (yep it happened to one of my younger kids) – the plastic might crack.   To “repair” the crack we put some transparent duck tape which limits the visibility as a section is not as easy to see through- a new challenge perhaps for my kids.
The Perplexus Epic would make a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift for a child who loves challenges.  Actually, any of the Perplexus would make a out-of-the-ordinary gift for either a child or an adult in your life.   
The Perplexus Epic can be found at any toy store carrying the games.   There are four different models to pick from – The Original, The Epic, The Rookie and the brand new Perplexus Twist.  Check out the different models on the website - http://perplexus.net/.
Like Perplexus on facebook.com/plasmartperplexus and follow them on twitter.com/perplexus1.
Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Perplexus Original

Perplexus Original

http://perplexus.net/

About the product

PERPLEXUS is a maze game where players maneuver a small marble around challenging barriers inside a transparent sphere. Unlike traditional flat-surface mazes that are composed of one path, PERPLEXUS houses various challenging tracks with 100 barriers providing a frustrating three-dimensional experience. Players select the track they would like to attempt and must work with gravity to carefully shift, flip, and twist the sphere to guide the marble. Players can race each other or the clock.

PERPLEXUS assists in child development allowing children to exercise their motor and dexterity skills, as well as improve their hand-eye coordination. Its small size makes it easily portable. No batteries required. Ages 6 and up.

Our Thoughts

I was always curious of the Perplexus.    And I recently got the opportunity of reviewing it.    I knew what it looked like – what I didn’t expect is the “addiction” from playing with it.  

I would define the Perplexus as a round labyrinth through which you have to navigate your little marble.    This original version of the Perplexus has 100 challenging barriers, a difficulty level of 6 and is about 8” of diameter. 

The challenge is simple: start at 1 and bring your marble all through the 100 barriers in the labyrinth while turning the Perplexus around and around…   Seems simple to you?   Well let me tell you that it isn’t as easy as it sounds.    The first few times I played with it my marble at barrier number 18.    Grrrr!   No way… I though  and I started over.    Slowly, even slowly, I move the Perplexus and tried to keep the marble on track.    I reached barrier number 29.   Still there as a matter of fact.   There is a tricky spot at this place that I can’t seem to be able to pass.   I want to conquer it without looking at the videos.   Because there are tips and tricks as well as videos on the site to show you how to travel through the barriers.    I am stubborn.  I don’t want to look at them.  I will pass this barrier…  I promise!

You can easily kill some time while playing with this.   Don’t know what to do while waiting at the doctor?  Bring your Perplexus.    Mind you the ball is quite big but it is feasible and it is a fun way to stay occupied (or keep your kids occupied I should say!).

Now if you excuse me, I have a barrier to conquer….

As a homeschool mom, I think I will leave it in the living room to challenge my older kids to conquer this three-dimensional labyrinth.   I find it is a great way to slow down, stop and think, and use your analytical abilities.   And the best part is that this fall there will be three version of the Perplexus for everyone in your family.   Perplexus will also be available in the ROOKIE version for ages 4 and up and the EPIC version ages 8 and up.  The Perplexus Rookie has a difficulty level of 3 and is 7” of diameter while the Perplexus Epic has a difficulty level of 8 and has a 8.5” of diameter.   The Rookie has  70 challenging barriers while the Epic has 125 challenging barriers.

GREAT NEWS!

I was offered  and Original Perplexus to one of my readers.

Tell me from where did the idea of the Perplexus comes from? (HINT: you have to go read the history page on the website!)

This entry is mandatory. Don’t forget to include your email address in the comment.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1) Subscribe to my RSS feed on the right side of this blog and let me know about it.
2) Like Canadianladybug Reviews! on facebook and tell me about it.
3) Follow Canadianladybug Reviews! on twitter and like me you twitter name.
4) Follow Canadianladybug Reviews! with Google Friends on the right side of this blog and tell me about it.
5) Follow me via Networked Blogs on the right side of this blog and tell me about it.
6) Tweet about this contest and give me the link about it. (Daily Tweet) (1 entry per day)
7) Blog about this contest and give me you link – Give me your link and enter three times in the comment section.

Don’t forget to include your email for each steps. No email means I will have to pick someone else. I need to be able to contact you if you win! Random.org will be use to determine the winner. You will have 24 hours to contact me and give me your mailing address so I can send it to my contact which in turn will ship the prize to you!

Deadline: Sept 5, 2011 (to celebrate Labour Day!)

Contest is open to Canadian citizens.

Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.