AnimaLogic
$24.00
AnimaLogic at a Glance
| Game Type Safari/Animal Theme Cooperative Strategy Puzzle Game | Play Time 20 mins | Skill/Complexity (1 - 5) Non-Complex Light Strategy |
| Age 5+ | Publisher(s) Fat Brain Toy Co. | Published 2013 |
| Categories Kids Educational / Children's / Family | Players 1 - 6 | Cost $24.00 + |
| Our Rating 9/10 |
About – Description
Giraffes, hippos, lions and camels are all in danger and need help getting to the other side of the raging river. The animals know they can only cross the river bridge one at a time and they need to travel in the proper order so that they all arrive safely on the other side.
With 60 puzzles and 5 different levels of difficulty (from beginner to advanced), each logic puzzle requires players to solve the correct sequence in order to remove all of the wooden animal figures (called “meeple”) from the game board.
Best Suited For Children – Ages 5+
AnimaLogic can either be played solo or as a group. If played as a group, everyone is working on the same puzzle together which makes it a co-operative game rather than a competition. Co-operative games are great for learning teamwork, compromise and communication skills as well as for building your child’s confidence.
Skill – Complexity
This game is not particularly complex as it’s primarily aimed at children of 5 to 8 years old and is ideal for family play. However, players will need to have the ability to recognize colors and animal shapes, as well as have sequencing and matching abilities in order to retain the game’s momentum.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
Setting up
Inside the box you’ll find:
- Game board
- Instruction set
- Game notebook
- 16 wooden animals
Regardless of whether AnimaLogic is being played by a single player or as a group, only one puzzle is being solved at a time.
To set the puzzle up, first place the game board on a table, the floor or another flat surface. Next, determine which puzzle you or your group would like to solve. As with most puzzle games like this, there are several levels of difficulty which are denoted using “Lions”. One “Lion” is the easiest level whilst five “Lions” is the most difficult.
There are 60 puzzles to choose from.
Object of the game
This is a puzzle game which players need to sit down and solve either as an individual or a team together. The goal is simple: to save the animals! However, the player(s) must go about solving each brain teaser in an organized and logical way.
Playing Instructions
Essentially there are only 3 rules to follow:
Only the animal “meeple” nearest to the river in each row can go over the bridge (animals are not allowed to shift rows or jump over each other). Also, only one animal meeple can cross the river at a time (to make sure there’s no stampede).
The next animal meeple to follow the last animal meeple to cross the river has to be the same species or the same color. For example, a green “Lion” animal meeple could follow any other coloured “Lion” animal meeple, or any green animal meeple.
As long as these simple rules are followed, players can take as long as they like to move each animal meeple across the river, one at a time, until everyone is safe.
Versions – Editions
This is the only edition of this game and there are no other versions.
Likes & Dislikes
AnimaLogic is a fantastic game that really challenges kids from age 5 and up. A delightful brain stretcher but without being too difficult, it’s ideal for helping to develop their thinking processes as well as patience and strategy skills. Puzzle games in general however are a mixed bag depending on your child’s interests and ability to concentrate.
Some children can often start off being pretty optimistic and enjoying the challenge but as the puzzles become more difficult, enthusiasm can begin to wane. However, this could be a good opportunity for a parent and child to work on the puzzle together.
Final Thoughts
AnimaLogic is a novel little puzzler that unlike most games can be played either individually or as a co-operative. Colorful, bold playing pieces and the lovely story behind the game make it engaging for children and although it looks simple requires logic, planning and advanced thinking skills.
A very tactile game with pieces that are easy for small hands to hold, the overall look of AnimaLogic gives it a somewhat traditional aesthetic. Perfect for keeping little minds occupied, it’s essentially an educational game in disguise!
Awards and Honors
AnimaLogic by Fat Brain Toy Co. was the proud winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and was also named one of the best educational toys by USA Weekend
