Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Gravity Maze is that rare logic toy that actually delivers on its STEAM promise without being preachy about it. Your kid is learning physics, spatial planning, and iterative problem-solving—but all they know is they're trying to get a marble to roll through a tower maze they built.

The single-player format is both a strength and a limit. It's fantastic for building focus and self-directed learning, and it makes a great 'decompression' activity after school or on a rainy afternoon. But it won't replace your family game night staples. Some parents report taking turns or solving together, which works fine, though the game wasn't designed for that.

The quality is solid—ThinkFun made a durable, well-thought-out product with clear instructions and solutions on the back of every card. The difficulty ramp is real: Beginner cards ease kids in, Expert cards will stump most adults. That longevity is worth the price.

Bottom line: if your kid likes puzzles, building, or figuring things out, this is a no-brainer. If they need social interaction or competition to stay engaged, look elsewhere.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8–14. The 8+ floor is firm (choking hazard + logic complexity), and most teens will age out as the novelty wears thin, though puzzle-loving kids might keep it around longer.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Single-player marble logic puzzle with zero conflict, competition, or social pressure. Encourages patience, persistence, and self-directed problem-solving. The gradual difficulty progression (Beginner through Expert) respects a child's learning curve without creating shame or frustration spirals. Quality construction means pieces stay put and the game feels solid, not cheap.

Imaginative

78

Spatial reasoning and 3D path-building require genuine creative thinking—kids must visualize marble trajectories before placing towers. The open-ended construction aspect invites experimentation, though the puzzle format is more about finding *the* solution than inventing new ones. Not as free-form as pure building toys, but the mental gymnastics of rotating tower configurations in your head is legitimately imaginative work.

Safe

95

Choking hazard warning for under-8s due to small marbles, but otherwise completely benign. No social dynamics to navigate, no gambling mechanics, no mature themes. The single-player format eliminates any potential for player conflict or hurt feelings. Durable plastic construction means no sharp edges or breakage concerns. This is as safe as board games get.

Enriching

88

Directly builds spatial orientation, logical sequencing, and engineering intuition—core STEAM skills. The 60-card progression keeps kids in their zone of proximal development, and the satisfaction of watching a marble roll successfully through your path is immediate cognitive reward. Parents report kids naturally learn to plan ahead, test hypotheses, and iterate. Expert-level cards challenge even adults, giving this genuine longevity. The solo format also teaches self-regulation and focus.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Builds genuine spatial reasoning and engineering intuition without feeling like homework
60 challenge cards across four difficulty levels mean it grows with your kid from age 8 through middle school
High-quality, colorful towers and clear instructions make setup painless and frustration minimal
Perfect 'quiet time' activity—no screens, no arguing, just a kid and a marble figuring out physics
Expert-level puzzles keep adults engaged, so you can actually enjoy solving these together

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What to Watch For

Single-player by design—great for solo focus, but won't fill the family game night slot
Small marbles are a choking hazard; stick to the 8+ recommendation
Beginner cards can feel too easy for older kids—jump straight to Intermediate if your 10-year-old is puzzle-savvy

Conversation Starters

"What did you try first when the marble didn't make it to the target? How did you figure out what to change?"
"Can you explain to me how you knew which tower piece to use next?"
"Want to race? I'll do this card, you do that one—let's see who solves it faster."

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