Genius Connection ~ A Game Review

We love family game nights (or days) and game schooling! This year we have been on the lookout for new ones to add to our collection. We were given the opportunity to review Genius Connection from Timberdoodle. My initial thought was it would be nice to have a new game to occasionally bring out into a rotation. However, something completely unexpected happened when we began playing this game.

What is Genius Connection?

Does your family enjoy puzzles? Are they fans of strategy? Do they enjoy a little fun competition? If you said yes to any of these, then Genius Connection is a must have family game! Players race to be the first to make the connection between their starting puzzle pieces BUT that is not the end, in order to win you must fill the game board with the remaining puzzle pieces. The trick is that the game pieces are different shapes so you might have a connection but you can’t place the remaining pieces into the game board, so you must find a new connection.

What is included in the game?

• 2 Genius Connection Grids
• 2 sets of double sided puzzle pieces
• 1 set of dice (1 white and 1 black)
• 4 level cards (STARTER, JUNIOR, MASTER, EXPERT)
• Game Rules and Instructions

How to play the game

Each player is given a connection grid and a set of puzzle pieces. When you start a game you need to decide if you are going to play using the level cards or random play. If using the level cards you begin with the STARTER card, one player rolls both dice. Then find the white and black number of your dice on the left and top end of the card finding where they meet. Use these numbers to place the yellow pieces on the grid. This will be the start and the end of your connection. The yellow pieces have an opening in them, you want the number to be shown through the opening. Then you use the remaining puzzle pieces to make a connection, each piece creates a different path. Once you create a connection, you turn over the pieces to reveal a color side only and place them on the grid. All your pieces must fit within the grid board or your connection is not correct. The player that completes the connection first then moves to the next level playing card. The player that completes all four levels wins the game.

If you choose random play, the numbers rolled are the start and end of your connection.

Can’t find someone to play the game with? Well, that’s fine because the game can be played solo. Challenge your mind and work on solving random connections.

Ready, Set, Play!

After I familiarized myself with the rules of the game, I asked my 14 year old daughter to play. Her initial reaction was that of a typical teenager, a little shrug and little enthusiasm. I quickly gave her a tutorial on how to play and gave her the option to use the cards or just the dice. She opted for the cards and we started with the STARTER card. Thinking I had the upper hand in the game because I did play a practice round, imagine my surprise when my daughter shouted “Done!” before I made the path!

I figured she was then going to get up and be done, but she picked up the dice and rolled for a new combination. Well, she beat me again and I said “okay, game on!” We played several rounds and started moving up the card levels. She was even getting excited talking about challenging her Dad on the EXPERT card.

Seeing the fun his sister was having, my nine year old asked to have a turn. So I taught him the rules too. He chose to use the cards for the number combination. I played a few rounds with him and then he wanted to challenge his sister. They played several rounds together.

Later that day we taught Dad how to play. He was quickly hooked too! He played a few rounds with each kid and then wanted to play a round with me after we cleaned up dinner. This game has yet to be taken off the table and put onto the game shelf!

Overall Thoughts

Genius Connection is a great game to use during the school day. There are several skills used while playing this game such as problem solving, spatial insight, speed, flexible thinking, and concentration. As a homeschool mom of ten years I’m happy to bring this game out during our learning time.

Both kids really enjoy this game and WANT to play. They can’t wait to try it with friends!

This game has easily become a family favorite, we might need another one so we can all play!

Disclosure: Timberdoodle provided this complimentary product for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.