Close search results
Close search results
×
Play YouTube video

Play OverviewPlay Overview

Mental Blocks (2019) is a puzzle game where you build shapes from blocks to match your Design cards. However, each card only shows you the construction from one perspective so you have to cooperate with the other players. Building the structure to match all perspectives is mind-bending and collaborative fun.

Play involves selecting a set of puzzle cards and dealing the Design card to each player. That displays a view of the structure from one of the four directions. You then work together against the clock to build the structure to meet your cards. When you have completed the structure you turn the Plan card over to see if what you have built matches it.

This starts with easy designs and moves on to increasingly complex structures. As you get better at this as a group you can introduce Restriction cards. These require you to play with restrictions like only touching yellow/blue/triangle blocks or not being able to talk. There are also Glitch cards that apply to all players, like yellow and black are swapped, you can't touch blocks yourself or you can't move around the table. Or, finally, you can introduce a traitor who knows the solution and aims to divert any progress.

The result is a team game that combines dexterity, spatial perception and communication. It's a great basic idea that has been extended and expanded in interesting and enjoyable ways.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Mental Blocks 22 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 13 months ago.
There are lots of games similar to Mental Blocks. Here are some we picked for you:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Communication and Puzzle game with Brain Game and World Building elements. You can play with 2 to 9 players in the same room. If you have fewer than four players you get to see a hint card that shows you the shape of the design but not the colour. Some find the traitor mode doesn't work in larger groups as it becomes too obvious you are misdirecting.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Learn to Play: This takes 20 minutes to learn. Once you see a set of Design cards and demonstrated finished structure, it's quick to see how the Perspective cards work and the challenge of the game.

Play Time: This game will take between 10 minutes and 20 minutes to complete.

BenefitsBenefits

This game is good if you want to:

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Skill Level

8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game.

Content Rating

We rate this suitable for 3+ years-olds.

CostsCosts

There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 01/01/2019

Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds

Players: 2-9

Genres: Communication, Puzzle (Brain Game and World Building)

Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )

Components: Cards and Placeables

Developer: Pandasaurusgame (@Pandasaurusgame)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Subscribe
Carina Initiatives
PlayStation
HSBC
GameOpedia
Xbox
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Discord
Contact Us
About