Hasbro Ji Ga Zo Puzzle ~ Review

I don't know about you, but our family has always enjoyed playing games together. And, when thinking about the best games out there...Hasbro comes to mind right away. But did you know that they are not only a leader in the games industry though, but also the world's largest manufacturer of puzzles? I have to admit, I did not know this until just recently when introduced to their all new Ji Ga Zo puzzle.
For those who are unfamiliar with Ji Ga Zo, it's revolutionizing the puzzle category! This awesome puzzle has 300 pieces that you arrange to create any face — even your own! Using the included CD-Rom software, you can create a different image and puzzle every time you play for hours of fun.

When I first read about Hasbro's Ji Ga Zo puzzle game, I was very intrigued. I have to admit I wasn't quite sure how it would work, but was excited to find out when sent one for our family to review.

When it arrived I read through the user-friend instructions and was pleasantly surprised to find it was very easy to get started. I began by popping out all of the puzzle pieces and laying them in groups based on color - they are sepia colored on one side and colored with symbols on the other (this makes it easier to use the pieces later on).


I then installed the CD-Rom software on my computer (which literally took minutes) and uploaded a digital picture for my very first personalized puzzle. I decided to go with a picture of Kaelyn and Kaden that I love.

The software allows you to zoom in and change the contrast. Once I was ready, the software converted the picture into a puzzle map of symbols and colors (which correspond with the puzzle pieces I put into piles in the beginning). These 300 pieces are specially created with unique colors and shading that let them interlock to create almost ay face image you upload. I was curious how much it would actually look like the picture, but would soon find out.

I arranged the pieces according to the icon map (which you can print out or leave up on your computer) and watched as my own special puzzle came to life! I was amazed how great it looked once I had it all done. Isn't it neat?!

It took a while with 300 pieces, but was a lot of fun and very easy to do! Although this game is for 8 years+, Kaelyn even enjoyed helping try to find the right pieces. We both had a great time, and she was tickled to see her picture on the puzzle.

I truly think this is one of the neatest games/puzzles I've ever owned. Since the puzzle is assembled based on a custom map, the image can be changed, the map updated and the pieces reshuffled for hours and days of fun! I love it!! The possibilities are virtually endless and the face-making fun goes on and on.

Information about Ji Ga Zo:

• Includes CD-ROM with software and instructions, 300 puzzle pieces and assembly grid.
• Adult installation required.
• System minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7, 2 GHz, 1 GB memory, 600 dpi printer, 4x CD-Rom or Macintosh OS X 10.4.11, 1.83 GHz Intel, 512 memory, 600 dpi printer, 4x CD-Rom.
• Ages 8 and up

Buy It: You can purchase the Ji Ga Zo puzzle at Hasbro for $24.99.
**I was provided a review sample in exchange for my honest opinions. The opinions of others may differ from my own**