It still went together fine with some thought. The problem is that the levels are so narrow, it's difficult for even my agile 7 pound cat to get up onto it. I removed the box cave so she would actually be able to get up, and she's still not loving it. I'd return it if it didn't mean having to take apart every level again.
My nephew received this about a month ago and it is used entirely outside. So far, low gear has been best and it didn't take him long to figure it out. It has been used on gravel, grass and snow!