Perplexus Epic
Getting a tiny ball around a plastic maze has never been so challenging, or so addicting.
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p>
<p>Contained within an 8 inch clear plastic sphere lies over 20 feet of twisting, turning maze track and a small metal ball.</p>
<p>A plastic stand is also included, to hold the sphere when not in use.</p>
<p><strong>Play</strong></p>
<p>Encounter obstacles while passing the ball along the track. Rotate the sphere to keep the ball moving in the right direction, and time movements precisely to complete the challenges, such as the Escher's Stairs, a gondola, and a see-saw.</p>
<p>The track has three separate starting points, so going back to the very beginning after completing long portions of the track is not necessary.</p>
<p>Numbers are engraved into the plastic track, telling players which way to go as well as how many challenges they’ve completed.</p>
<p><strong>Observations</strong></p>
<p>Most often described as "addictive," many users report that this toy is great to help wind down at the end of the day, cleansing the mental palate after a stressful routine. Users also report keeping one in the car or taking it along to doctor's office to help occupy children.</p>
<p>Though the manufacturer recommends this toy for children ages 8 and up, we found many users around the age of 6 to also enjoy the toy. Very young children may not have the dexterity or patience to complete all the challenges, but turning the sphere to control the path of the ball still provides entertainment and lessons in cause-and-effect and strategic thinking.</p>
<p>Aside from building dexterity and spatial thinking, this toy also helps with intense focus and concentration, though some might call this “obsession.”</p>
<p>Mesmerizing for both children and adults, users enjoy how much of their mental efforts must go into getting a tiny ball around a plastic track. Many users reported purchasing multiple spheres after family members were unable to share adequately.</p>
<p>Several users reported acquiring this toy for schools or daycare centers.</p>
<p>The numbers along the track are not always easy to see, but that does not stop gameplay.</p>
<p>There is a brand stamp on the plastic sphere. Listening to complaints regarding the stamp being cloudy on early models of the Original Perplexus, the manufacturer has corrected this, making the stamp clear and slightly raised to keep it from being a visual distraction.</p>
<p>We noticed several instances of spheres being received with defective tracks. Because of how tightly the track is packed into the sphere, very small misalignments can create impassible barriers for the metal ball. One common defect was having an internal screw not set at the proper depth, creating an obstruction on the track.</p>
<p>Users who receive defective toys can contact the manufacturer for a replacement.</p>
<p>Customer Care can be reached by calling 1-800-622-8339, Mon-Fri, 9 am - 8 pm EST, or by emailing them at customercare@spinmaster.com</p>
<p>Others in the Perplexus series area available, such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNNPOI0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CNNPOI0&linkCode=as2&tag=toti08-20&linkId=N72VARWZDWB4ODMT" linktype="3" target="_blank">the Rookie</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNNPOIA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CNNPOIA&linkCode=as2&tag=toti08-20&linkId=XD7Z4BBH2BOM6YYU" linktype="3" target="_blank">the Twist</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NPBT50/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002NPBT50&linkCode=as2&tag=toti08-20&linkId=PZKAM7VNZF64R34D" linktype="3" target="_blank">the Orignial</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012WFBQWQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B012WFBQWQ&linkCode=as2&tag=toti08-20&linkId=KWVUZAG2ZDYBTL6J" linktype="3" target="_blank">the Star Wars Death Star Maze</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Care</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Wipe down with damp cloth</li>
<li>Do not submerge in water</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>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Parts and Pieces</strong></p>
<p>Not applicable. No additional parts are needed.</p>
<p><strong>Concerns</strong></p>
<p>We've noted instances of the toy arriving with either broken pieces, or parts of the track being unusable. For instance, sometimes a screw is loose, making it impossible for the ball to pass along that section of track. Understandably, this is frustrating. However, in these cases, contacting the manufacturer has proven satisfactory, as they send a replacement. Amazon also offers a return policy that covers the toy in case of defect.</p>
<p>Dropping the toy may cause damage to the track. Avoid dropping the sphere, or throwing it in frustration.</p>
Written by: The Guide For Toys
Perplexus Epic
Date published: 2016-01-22
9.00 / 10 stars
Detailed ReviewToy Description
Contained within an 8 inch clear plastic sphere lies over 20 feet of twisting, turning maze track and a small metal ball.
A plastic stand is also included, to hold the sphere when not in use.
Play
Encounter obstacles while passing the ball along the track. Rotate the sphere to keep the ball moving in the right direction, and time movements precisely to complete the challenges, such as the Escher's Stairs, a gondola, and a see-saw.
The track has three separate starting points, so going back to the very beginning after completing long portions of the track is not necessary.
Numbers are engraved into the plastic track, telling players which way to go as well as how many challenges they’ve completed.
Observations
Most often described as "addictive," many users report that this toy is great to help wind down at the end of the day, cleansing the mental palate after a stressful routine. Users also report keeping one in the car or taking it along to doctor's office to help occupy children.
Though the manufacturer recommends this toy for children ages 8 and up, we found many users around the age of 6 to also enjoy the toy. Very young children may not have the dexterity or patience to complete all the challenges, but turning the sphere to control the path of the ball still provides entertainment and lessons in cause-and-effect and strategic thinking.
Aside from building dexterity and spatial thinking, this toy also helps with intense focus and concentration, though some might call this “obsession.”
Mesmerizing for both children and adults, users enjoy how much of their mental efforts must go into getting a tiny ball around a plastic track. Many users reported purchasing multiple spheres after family members were unable to share adequately.
Several users reported acquiring this toy for schools or daycare centers.
The numbers along the track are not always easy to see, but that does not stop gameplay.
There is a brand stamp on the plastic sphere. Listening to complaints regarding the stamp being cloudy on early models of the Original Perplexus, the manufacturer has corrected this, making the stamp clear and slightly raised to keep it from being a visual distraction.
We noticed several instances of spheres being received with defective tracks. Because of how tightly the track is packed into the sphere, very small misalignments can create impassible barriers for the metal ball. One common defect was having an internal screw not set at the proper depth, creating an obstruction on the track.
Users who receive defective toys can contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
Customer Care can be reached by calling 1-800-622-8339, Mon-Fri, 9 am - 8 pm EST, or by emailing them at customercare@spinmaster.com
Others in the Perplexus series area available, such as the Rookie, the Twist, the Orignial, and the Star Wars Death Star Maze.
Care
- Wipe down with damp cloth
- Do not submerge in water
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
Not applicable. No additional parts are needed.
Concerns
We've noted instances of the toy arriving with either broken pieces, or parts of the track being unusable. For instance, sometimes a screw is loose, making it impossible for the ball to pass along that section of track. Understandably, this is frustrating. However, in these cases, contacting the manufacturer has proven satisfactory, as they send a replacement. Amazon also offers a return policy that covers the toy in case of defect.
Dropping the toy may cause damage to the track. Avoid dropping the sphere, or throwing it in frustration.