[Image description: A clear plastic rectangle containing a pink 3D plastic maze. The maze is designed to be usable on all planes (two flat sides and four narrow sides) with raised walls and holes notched into the edges of each side, leading down into the maze channels on the sides and underneath. A yellow plastic button is set in the centre of the front panel, providing a holding enclosure for the small silver ball bearing to be guided through the maze. When twisted open, the silver ball is released into the maze. Black text in katakana frames the yellow button. Image shows the front back and side of the maze. The photo is taken on a red watermelon slice pillow.]
3D Maze: Daiso, $2.80 AUD.
This is a fun little maze I found in toys section. Unfortunately, it’s quite hard to use. To guide the ball through the channels takes a lot of careful hand movements. I don’t have enough control over my hands to be able to precisely tip the maze from side to side and direct the ball where I want it to go. I end up just sending the ball moving from one side to the other, never quite getting it back to the yellow holding channel in the centre of the maze.
I really like the idea though, as the size of the maze offers more complexity than I’ve seen in similar toys; I just wish the ball were a little larger and a little less finicky to use. If the maze itself were bigger, I think most of my problems with it would be solved. For folks who don’t struggle with hand movement, though, and want something both engrossing and portable, this could be quite a fun toy.
