My kids both love the Geomag and Mechanics range of toys, which are various types of building and shapes using magnets. We were delighted to be sent a brand new toy from the Mechanics range to try out – Mechanics Challenge Strike.
We have a star chart at home (they get a star sticker for being kind or any other good behaviour) so as soon as our star chart was full, this was their reward. It’s designed for ages 8+ and both my 8 year old daughter and 11 year old son were really pleased with the look of it.
They needed quite a lot of adult help to build it, it was quite tricky to get all the parts assembled exactly, but there was lots they could do to help us put it together. Once assembled, they were off! The principle is that the main section spins round just using gravity and magnets, and you need to knock over as many columns as possible, as quickly as possible.
There are various ways you can play it – 2 person or solo – and the option to make up your own game and rules. My children played at knocking each others columns off, then my daughter spent aged playing on her own and timing herself on how fast she could do it. It was also very nice to see my son off a screen for a change and doing something with his sister, and getting excited about it!
It’s a very well made, sturdy toy and I love the fact it doesn’t need batteries or any power source; far too many toys do and as we are trying to live more sustainably (and hate it when they batteries run out and we don’t have the right size in to fix it!) this was a huge plus for me.
We’ve left the toy assembled and out in our lounge since and it has been well played with. It’s a good choice of gift or reward for an older child and we have really enjoyed trying it out.
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NB For the purpose of this review the item was gifted, but all views are my own
