The game of Screwball Scramble has a fascinating history, and a much longer one than you might imagine. Prior to the 15th century, games that involved manipulating a ball into a target were outdoor games, like croquet. In the 1500s, the first game of billiards brought the game indoors, and then came bagatelle, in which players used a cue to shoot a ball into holes in a slanted table; pins set in the way provided obstacles. In 1869, the cue was replaced with a stationary plunger and spring, which turned bagatelle into pinball.
Screwball Scramble works on a similar principle: this updated version of the classic game “Run Yourself Ragged” requires players to use gravity, momentum, and timing to manipulate a metal ball through obstacles and into a target. This game from International Playthings is a sophisticated marble maze that’s easy enough for a 5 year old to master (with practice), but challenging enough to entertain adults. To guide the “screwball” on its way, you push buttons, slide levers, and turn knobs to move the ball across a tilty walkway, over a magnetic crane, down parallel bars, through a tilting mini-labyrinth, from pillar to pillar, and finally, from a catapult to the final goal, which rings a bell.
Because it’s challenging but not impossible, Screwball Scramble is great for kids with attention issues, and any child will benefit from the excellent practice in hand-eye coordination. But mostly, Screwball Scramble is lots of fun. While only one person can play at once, the included timer lets multiple players try to beat each other’s best times. Please note: there’s no guarantee that your time will be faster than your child’s!
Screwball Scramble from International Playthings is recommended for ages 5 and up; includes a game board, a ball, a wind-up timer, and game instructions. No batteries required.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
