Quality - Five stars; really well made and a lovely product; Instructions - Two stars; the instructions on how to play are ok, but no real helpful hints for newbies and there are grammatical errors and typos further making it difficult to figure out any strategies for novices.
Playing - I would definitely not recommend this to an 8 year old (the age minimum recommended), as it is infinitely frustrating to a novice adult. I bought it for my son and figured I'd learn how to play so I could show him. One wrong placement causes the rest of the puzzle to not be able to be solved. Along with me, I had two other adults trying to figure out the 'easiest' puzzle #1. We had to refer to the answer sheet a few times to finally, after 30 minutes or more, solve it. I'd recommend this for teens or adults, unless your 8 year old is familiar with solving Sudoku puzzles prior.
Happy Grandmother
December 31, 2017
Challenging for all ages
I bought this as a family Christmas gift for my adult son, his wife, and their 3 daughters (ages 6, 8 and 12). My son said this game has been left out on a table since Christmas, and is played multiple times everyday by most of them. He said this has been enjoyed by all of the family and was an excellent gift choice.
playfulmom
January 05, 2016
– Southern Maine / New Hampshire area
Fun for everyone
This is one of our favorite family games, and it can be played solo as well. We love the variety of challenge and that we can if we wish convert any numbered game to use with this board.
The game board is attractive enough to leave out with the colored game pieces and invites spontaneous play.
The packaging is adequate, although once the game cards are stacked inside their cardboard case with the game board, the lid doesn't lay flat. This isn't really a problem for us.
We hope that if we ever lose one of the colored balls somehow we could get a matching replacement.
Overall it's highly recommended and one of the most frequently used games we own.
iloveolive
January 18, 2015
– Seattle, WA
relaxing and fun!
I usually purchase from Mindware for my grandkids, but this time it was for myself! I love puzzles, especially logic, crossword and sudoku. I also love arts and crafts, all things colorful and tactile. When I visited a friend and found her colorku board, I was instantly mesmerized. I ordered mine by cell phone in the car (not while driving) on the way home that night. The color cards to set up the game make it playable by all ages, so I have been teaching my grandkids the game. I play it while watching sports with my husband and so far I love it. I love the colors and the weight of the wooden balls, and the smoothness of the wooden game board. Everything I have purchased from MindWare has been a hit with my family, is of the highest quality and at a great price. I highly recommend this puzzle. Lots of small pieces, not for little kids. Very tempting for dogs and cats too. :)
Sandra C.
May 31, 2020
Is 87 unsolvable?????
I love the colors and the size and everything else about it except I wish the balls were bevelled so that when I accidentally drop them on the floor they don't roll under the refrigerator. I spent a lot of time chasing the balls when I dropped them. also I've tried card number 87 about 4 times now and I think it's unsolvable without guessing.
K in Beantown
June 29, 2017
They love it!
I took a chance with this unusual gift. It was challenging for my 8-year-old granddaughter, but now she loves it! And her parents do, too! They sent a picture of it on their coffee table.
I'm delighted that it was a hit, and I look forward to playing when we visit!
December 31, 2010
This format is much harder than it looks but makes the Sudoku challenge accessible for group collaborative play. We enjoyed it in groups of up to 4, ranging in age from 8 to 76. My only gripe is that the colors are hard to distinguish one from another in any but the brightest lights in the house.
January 22, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Great puzzle!
This is a lot better than writing numbers in a grid! Easier to work with, too. I'm hoping the mental challenge will stave off cognitive decline.
Liked:
Quality,Value
January 16, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Fun, collaborative game
This is such a fun, engaging version of classic Sudoku. I like that the game can be played with multiple people and fosters collaborative play.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
January 10, 2024
Verified Purchaser
Great Mind Thinking Game
Gave this to my 6 1/2 year old daughter for Christmas & she loved it. It is challenging & very well made.
Liked:
Quality,Value,Educational
Alexteaches2
March 03, 2016
– Southern California, CA
So glad I took a chance!
I bought this on a whim for my 8th grade classroom to keep the loose moments meaningful and was I ever pleased with the response. It has been in constant use since the beginning, even bringing in kids from other classes. They cannot get enough and with billions of free sudokus off the web and a color key, there is never a shortage of new puzzles.
lynnie
January 10, 2015
– Toms River, NJ
This product has given everyone lots of fun!
I am not sure who likes the Colorku more, my grandson or my son and daughter-in-law! They are having a wonderful time with it and I think I am going to purchase the advanced cards to save for next year!
