If the pandemic has taught us anything, its that we need to find fun things to do together with our families or room mates. There is only so much binge-watching you can do on Netflix. You also need to step away from computers, tablets and smartphones. After all, there is a great, big, beautiful world out there.
When my kids were younger, we would have a family game night a few nights a month (usually on a Friday or Saturday night). We’d let our kids pick out their favorite game(s) and we would enjoy a night of games, popcorn and hot cocoa (depending on the weather). We made a lot of great memories playing those games together. We also learned that our daughter liked to cheat playing a Little Mermaid game (ha ha).
Fast forward to now. My kids are too old to sit down and play a few rounds of a game together. We try to from time to time, but it’s not always possible. My kids both work and go to school (college). They both have social lives too. There is no time to sit down with dear old mom and dad and play a few rounds of a game.
My husband and I will sometimes play games together. Usually it’s cards, but we’ve played a few Monopoly and Battleship every now and then.
I was introduced to a really fun game that is great for all ages and it the perfect family game night game (it’s equally fun if just playing with adults). The game is meant for ages 6+ and for 2-4 players.
Buildzi is a block stacking, puzzle-like game where you race against other players (or player) to stack your blocks to match the image on your card before your opponents get their blocks stacked.
Buildzi comes with colorful, oddly shaped blocks and cards.
To play Buildzi you need to place all of the blocks in the middle of the table. Next, each player gets a puzzle card. When it’s time to play, all players need to grab the blocks that they need to match the puzzle card. The first one to complete it wins.
Sounds easy… but… when you are trying to be quick, you sometimes end up knocking your blocks over and you have to start over again. You see, the blocks need to be stacked VERTICALLY, and if you don’t stack then just right, they will fall over. The falling over part is a huge part of the fun (if you ask me).
There are many different cards with different stack images on them.
I love the colorful blocks. There are many blocks (they are stacked up on top of each other in the box).
What I love about this game is that you have to think when it comes to stacking the blocks. Sure, there is a card you have to follow along with, but, you have to make sure every little piece is stacked correctly or it will fall over and you have to start over again.
I’m not a mathematician, or an engineer, but I THINK this game would be an fun STEM activity/game. There is some kind of critical thinking involved, or at least that is how it appears to me.
You don’t necessarily need to play the game as directed. I’m sure you can put your own spin on it. Perhaps you can get a timer and see who can build the tallest stack. Or you can simply let children play with it on it’s own, and not as a game, and let them use their thinking skills to see what kind of structure they can make.
Putting the blocks back in the box is a little tricky the first few times you do it, but after a while you remember how the blocks are suppose to go.
Buildzi is available for purchase at various retailers (I saw it on Amazon). It’s from the company that makes Tenzi. Check them out at ILoveTenzi.com.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
