At BlogHer, I had the opportunity to meet with a representative from Pressman Toys and I learned about their games. Pressman sent me MASTERMIND and Animal MASTERMIND Towers so that we could try them out and review them.
As soon as the kids came over this weekend, they saw the new games and immediately wanted to play.
My stepson wanted to play with his PS3 for a bit, so it was daddy and daughter took the first turn at MASTERMIND Animal Towers.
They started slowly with just four tiles so that my stepdaughter could get the hang of it. She beat her dad and loved the game. Then, it was my turn to play. We had a blast!
What I loved about the game is that it challenged my stepdaughter to guess the order and try to break the code. It was far more challenging than other memory games that we have played in the past. Plus it is simply fun to ask, "Is your hippo below your bunny?"
Animal MASTERMIND Towers is the first in a series of MASTERMIND games in this format. It was just released this summer. There is a new SpongeBob version (also released this summer). Upcoming versions will include Disney Fairies, Disney and Looney Tunes.
This game is a perfect fit for my stepdaughter at age 6. I highly recommend this game. It is challenging, builds logic and problem-solving skills and most importantly – it's fun. (By the way, when I say it's challenging, it was not the easiest game in the world for me to win either. It takes skill and strategy, even from the adult players.)
After we finished with the Animal Towers, the kids were eager to try out MASTERMIND on their own.
MASTERMIND is celebrating its 40th birthday! To win, players must use strategy and problem solving skills to outsmart their opponents. One player is the Codemaker who sets a code of colored pegs. The other player is the Codebreaker who attempts to break the code with help from clues given by the Codemaker.
The box recommends this game for ages 8 and up. I think that is where we ran into our problem. My stepdaughter is 6 and my stepson will be 8 in November. They couldn't figure out the game on their own and got frustrated. After a while, I think they made up their own set of rules. I'm not sure that they were playing traditional MASTERMIND, but they were enjoying themselves.
I believe that my husband and I will need to play the game a couple of times to get the hang of it and then help them through it on teams. This way, my stepdaughter won't feel frustrated if her brother is beating her. Or, one of us can play with him and the other can play Animal Towers with her. (I am in for Animal Towers because a hippo is involved. Inclusion of a hippo always wins me over. Plus, the bunny has a look of mischief in his eyes.)
Overall, I was really impressed with both games. I like the skills that the games are teaching. Most importantly, the kids are having fun while they are playing them and that is key. Tricking them into learning! And here's the best part – unlike an expensive video game – you can get these games for under $15 and under !! Budget-friendly and a great learning experience. What more can I ask for?
If you would like more information on MASTERMIND, please visit their website. You can like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
Disclosure: Both MASTERMIND and Animal MASTERMIND Towers were complimentary in exchange for review on this blog. All contents of the review are my fair and honest opinion. (The games just happen to be awesome.)
