Not only did the Easter Bunny bring gifts for my three kids, they received presents from their aunt as well. My seven year old received Brick by Brick from Think Fun.

What You Get
Brick by Brick is a solitaire game intended for players ages 8 and up. The game requires players to build a brick wall. The wall is constructed from 5 plastic brick-like pieces; each is a different pattern of three bricks "stuck" together. The pattern challenges are drawn on 60 playing cards, with solutions on the back of each card. The cards are numbered, with easier puzzles having lower numbers. Everything fits in the provided, small drawstring bag.

Our Experience
Who would have thought you could make 60 different patterns with only 5 plastic pieces? Actually you can't; or at least I can't! Brick by Brick is a tough solitaire game and that makes it one I don't enjoy. For me, "make the shape" solitaire games have never been a favorite. I enjoy all sorts of puzzles; for some reason I have never enjoyed arranging shapes into other shapes. Brick by Brick manages to bore and frustrate me at the same time.

Seven seems to enjoy it, although she can't solve the puzzles as intended. She'll look at the card for a moment, shuffle the brick pieces around on the table and then flip the card over for the solution. She really doesn't give it much of an effort. I think that is because the solutions are a little too accessible. My five year old seems to enjoy the challenge of just trying to build the shape from the solution. I figure that they are still learning something about how the shapes fit together by working to the solutions. They also just enjoy building with the bricks to see what shapes they can make.

I like the drawstring bag that comes with most Think Fun games. I also like that the cards are stored in a cardboard box, so they don't slide around in side the bag. Brick by Brick's small size makes it ideal to travel with, although you can't really play while traveling. You need a flat, steady surface for constructing the puzzles, so this isn't a good choice for playing on the go.


Final Thoughts
Brick by Brick is not a game for me. There are plenty of other solitaire games out there that I would rather play. My daughters seem to have fun with Brick by Brick when they take it out, although they aren't really trying to solve the puzzles as intended.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): gift