In full disclosure, we were provided Quadrillion from SmartGames in exchange for our honest review. Affiliate links are also included in this article.
Like the other smart games we reviewed, IQ Twist and Brain Cheeser, Quadrillion offers a fun brain boosting experience for the entire family. Although it is recommended for children ages 7 and up, my 5 year old had a blast putting together the starter challenges, and he worked hard to solve each problem. In addition, even though Quadrillion is promoted as a one player game, I found it to be a fun game to play with my son. We worked together to solve each problem which offered wonderful teachable moments!
Quadrillion comes with 4 magnetic boards, 12 colorful puzzle pieces and a book of challenges that range in difficulty from starter to wizard. Since the boards use magnets to create each grid, you don’t have to worry about it moving around or separating which makes problem solving easier. The puzzle pieces are also durable and a perfect size for easy manipulation. Quadrillion can be easily stored in a large ziplock bag, small back pack or even a 3-ring pencil case which makes it great for travel.
How To Play:
The four boards are placed together to make a grid. Players can use the black and white sides in any combination. The puzzle pieces must all fit on the board without any empty spaces. Pieces, however, cannot overlap the black and white dots on the boards. Quadrillion comes with a manual listing 60 challenges each with only one solution (found in the back of the booklet). What’s really cool about this game, however, is that you don’t have to just use the challenges provided! Players can create their own grids allowing for greater creativity and more challenging problems. Each unique challenge created can have more than one solution with some having almost 100,000 answers!
Here is an example of a starter grid set up for solving.
Tips For Playing:
- I recommend starting with the challenges provided in the manual before making your own. This allows you to grasp the idea and concept of the game before confusing yourself with your own puzzles. It also allows for practice.
- I also recommend starting with the starter level. Even if you just do the first three then move onto more challenging problems. This again, allows for an understanding of the game as well as provides practice.
- When working with young children, place the grids next to the picture in the manual. This allows them to better use the visual representation and be able to match the grids. It can also help mask the other puzzles which can be distracting.
Lining up the grids to the manual helps kids visually process the information provided and copy it accurately.
- You should also have your children space out all the pieces so it is easier to visually scan each one and see the differences. This allows for easier problem solving and puzzle completion.
Benefits of Playing Quadrillion
Quadrillion offers so many cognitive benefits for players. It is a true IQ building experience. Like other smart games puzzles, this game has a big focus on spatial reasoning and perception. Players need to analyze the grid and be able to decide what pieces fit where. Individuals with strong spatial skills are strategic in placing the pieces as they can visualize mentally where each piece fits. Others use a trial and error approach to solving the puzzle.
This game also has a big focus on the visual modality. Players enhance their visual scanning and visual discrimination skills as they have to carefully look at each piece to see how it is different from the next. You also have to carefully scan the board to decide which piece will fit correctly. Another visual aspect is the colors. I noticed that when my son was playing if he was not fully focused, he would confuse some of the colors that were similar like the shades of blue and purple. Players must stay focused on the task so they can decipher between each colored piece.
What I love about Quadrillion is that it involves cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch tasks quickly and/or think about multiple things at one time. When a player completes one challenge and moves on to the next, they have to be able to change their thinking and mind set in order to solve the next problem. In addition, While solving each problem, players must use multiple skills at one time such as visually discriminate between pieces, mentally manipulate the images and use fine motor skills to place each piece in place. Cognitive flexibility is a key component to academic success.
Quadrillion offers a fun an unique learning experience everyone will enjoy!
To learn more about Quadrillion and other SmartGames products, please visit there website. Want to purchase your own Quadrillion? You can find it for under $14 on amazon.com.
For younger kids (4-6 years old), I give them the answer pages. It’s challenging for them to copy the setup (just placing the magnetic boards correctly) and place all the pieces.
Once they do that correctly and “learn” the game, we can start with the easy challenges.