Shashibo Battle Shapes Puzzle Game and Magnetic Puzzle Cube Review

Shashibo Battle Shapes is a game for two players, 8 and up. Immediately, we were impressed with the packaging. Much like the core toy, the box of Shshibo Battle Shapes feels like a couple quality rungs higher than your average retail shelf game. Magnets hold the flap in place, but once you unfurl the top, you immediately see all the contents as well as the rules. In all, you get two Shashibo Cubes, a coin (which has the exact consistency of a poker chip,) a deck of challenge cards, a bell, and a 1 minute hourglass timer. 

The object of the game is to flex your Shashibo prowess by making a shape within 1 minute, or faster than your opponent, depending on the play mode. Solo Play has you draw a card, start the timer, and make the shape within a minute. Difficult shapes are worth 5 points, Intermediate, 3, and easy, 1. Battle Shapes Play Pits you head to head with your opponent, as you rush to make the same shape first and ring the bell. But be careful, if your shape isn’t quite correct upon inspection, your opponent gets the points! Each round starts with a coin flip to determine the game mode. Wild cards mix up the formula, adding different sub challenges to keep you on your toes. 

We won’t lie, this game is tough! If you’re a Shashibo novice, replicating some shapes is far easier said than done. But of course, the beauty of the game is that you can tailor the deck based on the experience you want. Are you a beginner? Stick to easy cards and cull difficult ones before the game. Want a totally varied experience? Use them all! It’s all up to you. If you’re still having trouble, get a hint by using the QR codes on each card for a demonstration on that shape.