QuicklyBored

This is the next installment of our QuicklyBored Roundup of brain games. So far, we have seen that many brain games fail to bring the full experience of charting brain progress over a long period of time with a wide variety of puzzles ranging in difficulty. Gameloft’s Brain Challenge is so far, the closest thing to a fully developed brain game.

Diversity and difficulty of puzzles

There are four categories of games, each with four puzzles. The goal is to train certain areas of brain activity based on one of four categories of exercises offered: Memory, Visual, Logic, and Math. Three of the four puzzles within each category require unlocking so you need to work fairly hard before you really get to start the game. When you’re in training mode, you can select from three different difficulties and get your training on. Each time you train in a particular puzzle, you get your score recorded for that puzzle. When you feel as though you’ve trained enough, it’s time to take a daily test. With 16 different puzzles and three difficulties, you’ll have no problem training for ages.

Measure of success

The daily test challenges you with a variety of different puzzles. Once you have completed a daily test, you are taken to the charting section of the game. It is here that you can see your progress through the game. The chart shows how well you have done overall as well as within each category. This is exactly what is needed for a good brain game and so far, many games have omitted this crucial element.

As stated above, there is also a score awarded for each game that you play in training mode. The score is a function of time and accuracy.

Replay value

This game has an incredible replay value. Once you purchase the game, you can pretty much expect to be playing this game for a month. The puzzles are hard enough that mastering the game will take a long time and the chart keeps you coming back for more.

Graphics

Gameloft is well known for its ability to make a game look good and Brain Challenge is no exception. I promise you won’t be disappointed by the graphics.

Controls

The controls for Brain Challenge are mostly the directional pad which seems to be fairly standard with brain games. I am still convinced that when it comes to math problems, it is best to actually input the answer rather than select one. It eliminates guessing and probably gives your brain a better workout.

Overall, Gameloft’s Brain Challenge is the best brain game I have played to date. I seriously suggest you give it a try. Check out availability here.