Nintendo builds upon the solve-as-many-puzzles-as-fast-as-you-can genre that began with WarioWare Inc. by replacing minigames with logic puzzles aimed at stimulating areas of the brain that otherwise would remain dormant. The game then records the results of the training and Brain Age tests that are available once per day (the lower a person's brain age, the younger and more fit that person's mind is theorized to be). Essentially, the game is like a daily thinking exercise that tracks a players progress from day to day.
I was first taken aback by "Brain Age" as I underestimated the speed at which I would need to speak and write in order to achieve a young brain age. The primary interface for this game utliizes the microphone and stylus pen to speak/write numbers and words that the cpu must then recognize as answers. Quickly, I was self-trained to speak and write more clearly to cooperate with this interface.
After adjusting, the game began to flow with ease, becoming more and more addicting. It will only record the initial attempt at a training or brain age exercise for that day, and then allow 'practice' runs to try and improve. Completing a training exercise on any given day will reward a stamp for that day, which is collected to unlock more features of the game. This reward system keeps me going back every day to try and unlock another new fun exercises or features that I haven't tried.
While the interface is refreshing, there have been rare slips where it does not recognize accurate voice commands, and is not forgiving to the hasty penmanship that is required to achieve a top score. There have been times where my results have suffered due to non-recognition of input, and this really comes into play when the games get faster and more intense. I would also deter parents from buying this game for young kids who are turned off by math problem solving. This game is for true logic puzzle fanatics only.
OVERALL - 9.5
PROS - Original game, refreshing interface, high replay value, low price tag at $20.00.
CONS - No depth or drama, slightly imperfect interface makes faster puzzles seem cumbersome.
YOU WILL LIKE IT IF - (a)you enjoy completely new gaming experiences.
(b)you are looking for a unique and seemingly futuristic way of keeping your mind sharp.
YOU WILL NOT LIKE IT IF - (a)math turns you off.
(b)you are looking for a game with depth, storyline and drama.
WHY I BOUGHT IT - to train my brain, and yes, my brain does feel tired after I play!
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