Game Review: IQ Six Pro
Today I’m reviewing IQ Six Pro from Smart Games. We aren’t traveling nearly as much this year as we did last year, but when we do, I like to tuck a compact non-digital game in my bag for the trip. IQ Six Pro is perfect for that.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary game for review from Timberdoodle. All views expressed are my own.
IQ Six Pro
Like other Smart Games, IQ Six-Pro is a single-player puzzle game. This one focuses on concentration, problem solving, and spatial insight. It is recommended for ages 8 to adult. Spatial insight is the part that challenges me.
What’s Included
IQ Six Pro is a small game, just slightly larger than your typical cell phone. The 12 game pieces and the challenge booklet fit inside the snap-close game board. The compact size and design make it perfect to slip it into a pocket or backpack for travel.
The pieces are shaped like 3D hexagons connected together in rows of 4 or 5 in various configurations. Each piece is a different color.
The booklet includes 120 challenges with 5 levels ranging from Beginner to Expert. Solutions for each challenge are in the back.
How to Play
I suggest starting with the Starter level to help get a feel for the game. With Smart Games, I’ll usually do the first challenge, and if it’s pretty easy, then do another 2 or 3 from the Starter level before moving on to the Junior level. This one is difficult enough that I’ll enjoy working through all the Starter challenges and then on up. It will take me a while to work through all the levels.
IQ Six Pro includes three playing modes: a 2D challenge on the inside of the game board, a butterfly-shaped 2D on the underside of the game board, and a 3D pyramid-shaped challenge.
The pyramid challenges are the hardest because not only are you thinking in multiple layers at once, you also have to take into consideration that the sides of the pyramid lean in.
Whew! I finally got it. And that was just the first Starter challenge which shows you where every piece goes. I haven’t had the courage to try another one in that mode.
My Thoughts
I love how compact IQ Six Pro is. In addition to being a good travel game, it’s a nice size to keep in my bag to pull out at restaurants when we’re waiting on our food. Even though it’s meant to be a single-player game, sometimes two heads are better than one when it comes to something like this. It is also great for senior citizens as a fun way to keep their cognitive skills sharp.
