Having already tried (and loved) IQ Gears and IQ 6 Pro, I was happy to review IQ Circle from Timberdoodle. These independent player games challenge the brain and are lots of fun!
What is IQ Circle?
IQ Circle is a logic game that involves puzzle pieces that are connected spheres of different sizes and colors and a circular game board with spaces of different sizes and dividers at different intervals.
The puzzle book also includes 120 puzzles of varying challenge levels.
How Do You Play IQ Circle?
To begin playing, you open the book and choose which puzzle challenge you would like to complete. There are five levels, and I suggest starting with the starter level until you get a feel for how the game works.
Levels:
- Starter
- Junior
- Expert
- Master
- Wizard
You will use the puzzle book to find a challenge, then fit all the spherical puzzle pieces onto the board without any going over a divider. The concept is simple, but the challenges really work the brain.
One thing to note that we did not realize at first, but quickly learned when the first puzzle was not working out for us, is that the dividers on the board do not come in equal intervals, and it is critical to line them up with the puzzle book to make it all fit.
Our Experience with IQ Circle
My twelve-year-old son got to try this one out first. He opened it and immediately started on the first puzzle, but soon realized the pieces shown didn’t fit correctly.
After taking a few minutes to read the directions more carefully and look at the board more closely, he realized the board wasn’t lined up correctly. Even though it is a circle, position matters for these puzzles.
Once he figured that out, he worked through several puzzles in the starter level and then moved up to junior and expert. He had a great time with it and continues to work on the puzzles, but he is not quite ready to move up to Expert and Wizard.
As an adult, I really enjoyed this game as well. While it works the problem-solving and strategy part of my brain, it is also relaxing to think through the solutions.
“IQ Circle was really fun and it helped me work on my problem solving abilities.” Benjamin, age 12
The game helps develop flexible thinking, problem-solving, visual skills, and logic. It was a fun challenge, and we plan to add it to our Friday game time rotations. My son has also asked about bringing it on long car rides, and I think it will be a great option.
Who Would Enjoy IQ Circle?
This game is for many ages, especially with the different-level puzzles. It is recommended for ages 14+, but I think middle schoolers could also enjoy it, especially the easier levels. The puzzles are more challenging than some of the other IQ games.
It would also be great for adults looking for a break from life or work stress and a way to keep their brains active.
With all the different tasks, you could spend as little as five minutes playing or spend an hour or more doing multiple tasks.
Overall Thoughts
IQ Circle from Timberdoodle is a fun, easy-to-understand game that challenges the brain and builds focus, strategy, and logic skills without feeling like work. It is small and compact, easy to store and use on the go. It requires minimal setup: open it, choose a puzzle, and start playing.
I could see this being great for long car rides, something for busy hands to work on during a read-aloud or during periods of waiting. Also great for a break between school subjects or as something independent to do while waiting for assistance with other subjects. You can find out more and get your game at Timberdoodle.
FAQs
What ages is this game for?
The company recommends ages 14+, and I would say it’s for anyone from middle school through adulthood.
How Many Players?
This is a single-player game, though you can take turns if multiple people want to play.
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