Introduction:

Creating a game for the DS that helps keep your brain in shape, with no storyline, no bad guys, and no big explosions may seem to be a waste of time and money. But let me assure you (and it may sound a little corny) Brain Age makes learning fun. Inspired by the work of Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, Brain Age puts your mental abilities to the test in several challenging, yet fun exercises used to activate your brain.


Story:

There's really no story in Brain Age at all, making it all the easier to concentrate on your performance during exercises.

Gameplay:

Surprisingly fun gameplay makes it easy to train your brain every day. The gameplay in Brain Age requires you to hold your DS sideways, using the touch screen to write answers as the the top screen (or in this case side screen) displays information or asks you various mathematical or literary problems. after each exercise, you'll be given a speed based on
how well you did as well as a score (usually by how long it took you to complete an exercise; wrong answers will add time). The lowest speed is walking speed, and the highest I ever got was jet speed, but there could be an even higher speed. Fret not left-handed people. You can select what hand you want to write with, and then simple turn the DS. Any uncertainty on how to perform a certain exercise is erased as your guide, Dr. Kawashima, accurately explains how to perform the exercise. The good doctor also gives you tips on different options within in the game, and how to train your brain outside of the game. A great incentive to train your brain everyday are the unlockables that can be opened when you play certain  exercises over time, including extra options and new training exercises! Puzzle fans rejoice, over 100 sudoko puzzles are also included in brain age! And believe it or not, the many exercises are tons of fun, and good for you too. Games don't get much better than that! But one of the main things that will keep you playing Brain Age is the desire to better yourself in certain exercises and beat your own personal records. Multiplayer also offers brain bending fun, and the ability to show just who is the smartest.


I give the gameplay: 10/10

Graphics:

The simple graphics in Brain Age aren't much to gawk at, but such simplicity is all that is necessary for  the bevy of challenging exercises.

I give the graphics: 3/10

Sound:

The developers of Brain Age played their cards right by not adding state of the art sound. The calming and satisfying music at the menu is just right, and the music right before you perform an exercise is slightly upbeat, enough to get you pumped for the exercise, but not enough to get you overexcited and flustered. Plus, when you hear the little ping that means you got an answer right, you'll feel like a million bucks. I can't actually guarantee that. Please don't sue.

I give the sound: 8/10

Replayability:

Replayability is the main highlight of Brain Age. You'll do nearly the same exercises everyday, but the pressure to do better and get smarter will keep you going and loving every second of it.

I give the replayability: 10/10

Challenge:

Like I said before, some of the exercises are challenging, but the only goal in Brain Age is for you to do your best. But if you want to perform at jet speed, you're really gonna have to work at it.

I give the challenge: 8/10

Frustration:

You will be frustrated if you screw up on an exercise or sudoko, and sometimes the game will misinterpret what you've written and take it as a different answer, sometimes a wrong one.

I give the frustration: 6/10

Value:

This is one heck of a buy. And for only $20 too! Statistically probably the best buy you can get for your money on the DS.

I give the value: 10/10

Overall:

This is an incredibly well-thought out and entertaining game that will satisfy players of all ages. Brain Age: $20. The look on your friends' faces after you've beaten them in a multiplayer match: Priceless.

I give Brain Age: Train Your Brain In Minutes A Day: 9/10

Conclusion:

Enjoyable, and proven to help get your brain active, Brain Age is a great game, and one of my personal favorites. And with such a low price, I'm surprised that every DS owner doesn't have a copy (you know who you are). Buy Brain Age today, and get that brain working!

Written By: Snyper
Date Submitted: June 29th, 2006

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