•  
This balancing act is great for single or group play!
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p> <p>A game of balance, Suspend uses metal rods to hang on the elevated game stand. The game includes 24 rubber tipped, color-coded metal rods, each color having its own pattern of notches or bends.&nbsp; Also included is the game stand&#39;s wooden base and frame, a colored die, and instructions.</p> <p><strong>Play</strong></p> <p>Put together the frame and wooden base to make the game stand and start balancing!</p> <p>The included instructions explain four different versions of gameplay to allow for varying skill levels. Playing solo or cooperatively in a group is also an option, as the goal of this game can be changed to suit the players.</p> <p>A player rolls the die, then places the corresponding colored rod onto the balancing base. The players continue in this manner, with each rod added creating for a more unstable structure.</p> <p>Players can try to destabilize the structure, purposefully making it difficult for the next play to keep the structure balanced. Alternatively, players can work to see how many rods they can balance, or how big of a structure they can make before it tumbles over.</p> <p><strong>Observations</strong></p> <p>We&rsquo;re pretty pleased with the feedback received on this game. Not only is it quick to set up, take down, and put away, but the simple rules can be easily changed to suit the desires of the players. In this way, this game allows for greater imaginative play than the more rule-oriented board games.</p> <p>Adding personal creativity to the rules is a big bonus for this game. Try adding small magnets, or hanging small objects from the structure. Metal clothes hangers can be bent and shaped to be used as more challenging pieces. Add a time limit to each turn for a more fast-paced game. Come up with new ways to make this game even more fun and challenging!</p> <p>Because balance is key, this game requires fairly good hand-eye coordination. Children who haven&rsquo;t quite developed this skill may find this game frustrating.</p> <p>Problem-solving and thinking ahead are also skills used, making this game appropriate for older children and adults.</p> <p>One recurring complaint is that the container falls apart easily. We suggest finding another container to store the parts in. A few reviewers said they were able to use a cleaned out Pringles container. Others just used a shoebox.</p> <p><strong>Care</strong></p> <ul> <li>Wipe down with a damp cloth.</li> <li>Wash with warm water and mild soap.</li> </ul> <p>For more in-depth information on how to clean this type of toy, please see our blog,<a href="/Blogs1/The-Cleaning-Guide-for-Toys.htm" linktype="8" target="_self"> The Cleaning Guide for Toys</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Parts and Pieces</strong></p> <p>We have not found a place to buy replacement pegs and ships. If you know of a place where replacement parts can be purchased, please send us a link.</p> <p><strong>Concerns</strong></p> <p>Losing pieces could affect gameplay, though it will not ruin the game by any means. Creativity may be needed to work around lost pieces.&nbsp;</p>
Suspend
Date published: 2016-02-05
9.00 / 10 stars

Suspend

by Melissa & Doug
current stage2016-02-05

Whether solo or in a group, Suspend challenges players to balance metal rods onto an elevated base, creating a moving mid-air structure. Easy set-up, simple rules, and varied gameplay, this game seems like a winner.

Getting great reviews with only minor criticism, this game engages a player’s hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, and ability to think ahead. 

  • Melissa & Doug Suspend
  • Melissa & Doug Suspend
  • Melissa & Doug Suspend
  • Melissa & Doug Suspend
Melissa & Doug Suspend
Overall9.00
This measure how often, for how long, and how many different ages will play with this toy. A great toy will be loved for years, and is still wanted as the child grows.
Replay
  • 9.00
 
This measures the quality of the materials and production processes used.
Quality
  • 7.50
 
This scores how well a toy encourages critical thinking, pattern recognition, and memory improvement.
Cognitive
  • 8.00
 
Including both gross and fine motor skills, this measure how much this toy engages and challenges physical mobility, body awareness, and coordination.
Motor
  • 9.00
 
This measures how likely a toy is to spark social play between children or how well it teaches socially healthy behavior.
Social
  • 9.00
 

Product Specs

Age 8+
Made in China
Recalls No
Batteries None
Materials Metal, rubber, wood
Choking Hazard No
Date Reviewed 01/14/2016

Where to Buy

Amazon $13.76
Pros
  • Suitable for most ages
  • Simple rules can be tweaked to accommodate skill level
  • Very easy set-up
  • Play alone or in a group
Cons
  • Container is a bit flimsy
Detailed Review

Toy Description

A game of balance, Suspend uses metal rods to hang on the elevated game stand. The game includes 24 rubber tipped, color-coded metal rods, each color having its own pattern of notches or bends.  Also included is the game stand's wooden base and frame, a colored die, and instructions.

Play

Put together the frame and wooden base to make the game stand and start balancing!

The included instructions explain four different versions of gameplay to allow for varying skill levels. Playing solo or cooperatively in a group is also an option, as the goal of this game can be changed to suit the players.

A player rolls the die, then places the corresponding colored rod onto the balancing base. The players continue in this manner, with each rod added creating for a more unstable structure.

Players can try to destabilize the structure, purposefully making it difficult for the next play to keep the structure balanced. Alternatively, players can work to see how many rods they can balance, or how big of a structure they can make before it tumbles over.

Observations

We’re pretty pleased with the feedback received on this game. Not only is it quick to set up, take down, and put away, but the simple rules can be easily changed to suit the desires of the players. In this way, this game allows for greater imaginative play than the more rule-oriented board games.

Adding personal creativity to the rules is a big bonus for this game. Try adding small magnets, or hanging small objects from the structure. Metal clothes hangers can be bent and shaped to be used as more challenging pieces. Add a time limit to each turn for a more fast-paced game. Come up with new ways to make this game even more fun and challenging!

Because balance is key, this game requires fairly good hand-eye coordination. Children who haven’t quite developed this skill may find this game frustrating.

Problem-solving and thinking ahead are also skills used, making this game appropriate for older children and adults.

One recurring complaint is that the container falls apart easily. We suggest finding another container to store the parts in. A few reviewers said they were able to use a cleaned out Pringles container. Others just used a shoebox.

Care

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth.
  • Wash with warm water and mild soap.

For more in-depth information on how to clean this type of toy, please see our blog, The Cleaning Guide for Toys.  

Parts and Pieces

We have not found a place to buy replacement pegs and ships. If you know of a place where replacement parts can be purchased, please send us a link.

Concerns

Losing pieces could affect gameplay, though it will not ruin the game by any means. Creativity may be needed to work around lost pieces. 

Manufacturer's Description

This is supposed to be a product description in this line and you will have to edit this to make it look like a product description but for now i am just trying to fill up enough space that it looks like a product description if you are not paying attention

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