Think of it as an intriguing evolution of the old-fashioned board game.

The core set includes six hexagonal pieces, each one packed with lights that respond to touch.

Each cube, called a Blink, has a game programmed into it.

A group of people play the Blinks game.

Jonathan Bobrow / Move38

Heres the twist: the Blinks can learn from each other.

I held down theBlinkspuck to activate the processor inside.

Then, I connected the puck to another, and they magnetically clicked together with a satisfying snap.

The Blinks starter game set.

Sascha Brodsky / Lifewire

The games work with glowing lights on top of the pieces, which can change colors.

It was nice to be able to hold something rather than simply looking at a screen.

But the gadget lover in me also enjoyed all the electronic gizmos this game offers.

The result is, tiles can turn into multiple board games.

I triedAstro,which posits theres an asteroid field with rare space ore.

This was a simple and satisfying game that works well for both kids and adults.

Even simpler isDarkball,a kind ofPongfor the Blinks.

For more multiplayer action, theresGroup Therapy.

This games premise is that certain Blinks are extraverts and want neighbors, while introverts need their space.

Fast and Satisfying Games

Puzzle101is a quick game that only takes about 10 minutes to play.

This game supplies a never-ending stream of self-generating puzzle.

Great for those who like to challenge themselves in a short time.

Heistis a simple theft game for 2-4 players.

The tiles start as gold-colored and display a glittering pattern.

Each player gets a single gold Blink, then double-clicks it to change it into a “thief.”

you’re able to also use Blinks as an accessory for other games.

To change widgets, long press a blink and wait for it to shine white, then release.

That Blink, and any others attached to it, will switch to the next widget in the cycle.

If these games dont satisfy you there are others for purchase on the Blinks website.

you might also develop your own games with akit that includessoftware and hardware.

Part of the pleasure of playingBlinksis the care and craftsmanship that went into the details.

I foundBlinksto be a refreshing change of pace in a world dominated by video games.

It was nice to be able to hold something rather than simply looking at a screen.

But the gadget lover in me also enjoyed all the electronic gizmos this game offers.