Our Mindblock review, what we have to say about the 3d block strategy game that is part dominoes and part classic rummy. Each block is a piece, colors (there are four) go together and so do numbers (like 3 – 4 – 5). You have to get rid of all your pieces but masterfully making different runs or sets.
The game is great, it is very close to a classic that has been around for years, Rummikub. They keep things fresh though, adding a new stacking mechanism that lets you combine numbers to use your blocks in interesting new ways. The 3D blocks and vibrant colors is a nice touch for a younger audience but not enough to justify owning both games.
We took a look across fun, replayability, player interaction, quality and art & style to come up with the overall score for our Mindblock review. See the breakdown by category below.
FOR MORE: Mindblock Page | How To Play Mindblock | Games Like Mindblock | Buy Mindblock on Amazon
– CATEGORY BREAKDOWN –
Fun (7 out of 10)
For the fun section of the Mindblock review, we award a great 7 out of 10. The issue here is that the game is fun, 9 out of 10 fun, but a more playable version of this game has been available since the 70s and that game is called Rummikub. If you want the fun, and you are only buying one, there are not many reasons why that shouldn’t be your choice.
That being said, the game itself is in fact fun, so if it is a good option for you, why not. The gameplay and strategy still make for a fun time. Blocks can be played in different ways and once they are put down, you always run the risk that your opponents will use them against you to sway things in their favor. This is a recipe for fun. What this game does have is letting you play different 3d sized blocks together in a unique stacking mechanism, which is a fun.
Replayability (8 out of 10)
For the replayability section of the Mindblock review, we award a fantastic 8 out of 10. You have to give it up to this game, it is very replayable. There are two types of replayability you see, elements of the game constantly changing to keep a rich experience fresh, and very simple mechanics turn the focus to player versus player showdown instead of the game itself (think chess). Mindblock is certainly an all-star in the field of the latter. It should, it uses a base mechanic that has held up to over 40 years of games played.
The game is very fluid and accessible. It plays well at 2, 3 and 4 players and is good for all age groups. What this game does have that other similar titles do not is that the blocks that are both 3d and vibrant and color might draw the attention and be a better game teaching tool to a younger audience.
Player Interaction (7 out of 10)
For the player interaction section of the Mindblock review, we award a great 7 out of 10. Regardless for who gets credit for what, you have to give it up that the player interaction is strong here. You have to get rid of all of your blocks before other players, but that is not it, whatever you do, they can use it as a stepping stone to jump above you or it could be the final nail in their coffin.
As mentioned earlier, this is one of those games that is simple enough to be less about the game and more about the strategic showdown amongst players, and what is higher interaction than that. Stacking all the different sized bricks together versus just putting tiles down is a bit of a nuisance that will slow you down, but it might be worth it for that extra real-world interactivity.
Quality (7 out of 10)
For the quality section of the Mindblock review, we award a great 7 out of 10. The game is a great game and the components are top-notch. Pretty much everything is wood. All the blocks are solid wooden blocks with satisfying grooves carved in to show height. Even the hidden trays where you build your block stash are giant slabs of luxurious wood.
They are going to get dinged for an overall not original idea but they do deserve points for introducing a more colorful and abstract approach to the game, as well as, the unique stacking idea that does add a big new take on gameplay. The colors and blocks are going to bring in some people that may have not been initially persuaded to play a board game.
Art & Style (6 out of 10)
For the art & style section of the Mindblock review, we award a good 6 out of 10. Bright colors that flow together will always kick up the style points on any game and much of that has been introduced here. That was the bulk of what they did, update classic mechanics with design elements.
They really nailed what they were trying to do, make something eye-catching and fun that also teaches and triggers the imagination. There is nothing too revolutionary here but they did create a very interesting stacking mechanism with the blocks to create something new and have introduced colorful and fun elements.
– IN CLOSING –
Mindblock Review | Board Game Halv
The game is a fun one that you will have no problem playing over and over again. It is very much like the classic Rummikub, but it adds enough with its unique brick stacking mechanism that makes it fresh enough to be its own thing. The other thing you gain here is bright colors and 3D blocks that certainly make this a much more accessible choice for kids just getting into gaming, but for most other players, you are losing a bit in the ease of gameplay (sliding and shifting small tiles). This is a respectful title that you will absolutely enjoy and can go out and by right now.
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See the full explanation of the judging criteria here.
