Product test
MAGNA-TILES: kind of like Lego, but less creative and stable
by Martin Jungfer
388 parts, animal testing and a realisation about myself
24/11/2022
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
My kids aren’t into Geomag’s «Super Color Panels Master Box», so I get to be seven years old for a few hours. This proved quite tricky. Until it clicked.
This leaves me to figure out what to do with all the magnetic rods, spheres, triangles, squares and pentagons. Having already played through Kapla (1000-piece box) and Smartmax (100-piece box), I feel well equipped.
Steady hands
I quickly realise that Geomag requires steady hands. Magnetically connecting spheres and rods will provide you with a frame into which you click the colourful panels. And my ham fists are great at making them fall out again.
The more three-dimensional the structure, the more stable it becomes. However, it can be quite frustrating when yet another part pops out and threatens to make the whole construction collapse. But I haven’t quite reached the middle of the recommended age range of 3 to 99. So, there’s still a chance I’ll get better at this.
After various collapses due to my clumsy fingers, I’ve given up on my ambitious plan to build a stadium around our Tipp-Kick tabletop football field. Pyramids and cubes seem to offer more stability.
Animal testing
Clickedy-clack and another pyramid’s erected. Honestly, I could go on forever until all 388 parts are used. But the kid in me wants more than piecework. I’m playfully learning what’s sturdy and what collapses at the slightest touch. Although this is educational, it gets boring quite quickly. And so, I start working on a little feeder for Max, Moritz and Ben. Let’s see if my simple building makes for a good snack bar.
I watch the three brothers have a curious sniff before grabbing a snack from my ramshackle design. Surprisingly, it doesn’t come apart in the process. Animal test passed.
Valuable insights
Why are the rats more curious than my kids? Because I lured them in with food. With the kids, I just plonked down the box, hoping they’d get into the game. A real gift would’ve been to join in. To feed their imagination, so to speak. I could’ve presented them with an idea instead of just 388 pieces. This might have sparked their enthusiasm and imagination to get to work with the pieces.
Change of perspective
Parents, grandparents and teachers who are whole-heartedly on board with each subject are the greatest gift a child can receive. It takes time, energy and, more often than not, quite a bit of effort to get going. As I ponder this further, I clip together a few Geomag parts. I’m working on a pair of Elton John tribute glasses. At least that’s what they remind me of. And I’m happy with the result, because it means that my imagination has been sparked.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
