Let me start by saying - the Mouse Trap game is pure nostalgia! That satisfying *clink* when the trap finally works after meticulous setup? Still gives me goosebumps. But is it worth buying in 2023? Here's my honest take after playing with kids aged 4-10.

The Good Stuff: The Rube Goldberg machine concept is genius for teaching cause-and-effect. Watching kids' eyes light up when the boot kicks the bucket never gets old. The bright colors and goofy mouse tokens make it visually appealing, and I appreciate that it gets everyone laughing together.

Reality Check: Assembly is trickier than I remembered! The plastic pieces feel flimsy compared to vintage versions - we had to weigh down our board to prevent lifting. Pro tip: keep wire cutters handy for freeing pieces from frames. And yes, those metal balls are absolutely choking hazards despite the 3+ rating.

Who'll Love It: Perfect for patient 6+ year olds who enjoy building. My 4-year-old needed constant help but adored operating the trap (though she refused to dismantle it - cue meltdown). Older kids might find it repetitive after a few plays since the trap assembly is linear.

Final Verdict: 4/5 stars. It's messy, imperfect, and requires adult involvement - but that's where the magic happens. Just don't expect Pinterest-perfect gameplay moments!