Need a good brain work out? How about one you can take on the go with your iOS or Android? It's time to put your thinking caps on and start stretching out the only organ that named itself, because N4games' Brain Builder is here to, well help you build your brain! With eight different puzzles you'll need to think logically in this brain-training game. It starts off easy and grows harder the more questions you get right. After cycling through the eight levels you then arrive at the 'pro' versions of them, and try again but with higher difficulty. The puzzles range from simple math, to reaction testing, to not-very-colorblind-friendly logic puzzles, and while the idea of each one sounds simple enough you'll be surprised how difficult it gets. Sixty seconds to click on as many correct answers as possible is a much shorter time than you'd expect, especially since very wrong answer takes off a couple of seconds. Brain Builder is all about helping you get your mind into shape and keeps track of your daily scores and lets you improve today you by comparing against yesterday you to let you see your brain is building.
The puzzles do sound rather simple, and to someone just testing the game out, it may appear this game is a no-brainer. Stick with it, however, and you'll soon find your mind straining to keep up. Every correct answer gives you a bit of progress, and if you don't get enough you fail, and have to try that level again. The small problem is they don't bother telling you how much progress you need, but you can also gain stars on each level by answering as many as correct as you can, so if you work to get the first star you're safe from having to repeat and can move on to the next challenge. The first time you play through may be a bit disappointing... the end is just kind of "there" with your score and there is nothing to compare it to until you attempt again tomorrow. But in a world that always wants you to compare yourself to others, especially those faceless individuals who hold up a high score you're sure they hacked the system to get, it's nice to only have yourself to be better than. Think of Brain Builder as a mind gym where there aren't body builders parading around, a body-less voice cheers you on with every weight you lift (you may be happy about the mute button), and your personal trainer is an adorable round owl. So load up and start doing some mind reps.
Brain Builder (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad)
Brain Builder (Android, Android Tablet)
Time spent playing games is great fun. Time spent thinking that you are somehow improving your cognitive function is a huge waste of time. Here is some evidence: http://www.zdnet.com/article/qa-new-evidence-shows-brain-training-games-dont-work/
@ jazzfestus - I second that.
@jazzfestus and @Lysana:
Is your brain function going to dramatically improve after playing this game? Likely not.
Are all games that tout themselves as "brain training" bogus? NO.
Here's a 2014 article about an open letter written by 127 scientists who argue that research actually shows brain games/exercises to increase cognitive function: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/12/prweb12401341.htm
And here is a partial list of studies that directly demonstrate that computerized cognitive training can improve cognition: http://www.cognitivetrainingdata.org/studies-cognitive-training-benefits/
@ Montante - Due to the nature of human opinion, studies and statistics can be quoted both for and against virtually anything. My point (I can't speak for jazzfestus) is that "brain-training" games do not necessarily work as advertised.
A claim was made here, somewhat unilaterally, about the alleged benefits of this game. As I understand it, jazzfestus said, in effect, "Not so fast, here's another perspective." And I seconded that.
In my personal opinion, no, these games do not in themselves make you smarter just by playing them. I do, on the other hand, find that any activity I approach thoughtfully and alertly is one I can use to improve my mind and skills. That can certainly include games, but it doesn't happen automatically while I click, match colors on autopilot, and randomly "level up" my brain through mental grinding. Repetition, for me personally, tends to dull the benefit I gain from almost anything. (Okay, maybe not breathing. That still works pretty well for me, and I've been at it for a while.)
But you know what? My opinion isn't really what this is about for me, here. I just spoke up to support someone who was challenging an established "official" viewpoint. At the end of the day, I know how it feels to be that lone dissenting voice and have everyone else edge away slowly, wander off in boredom, or stare really hard at the floor.
That, more than anything, is why I chose to express the fact that I agree with jazzfestus, instead of hiding behind easy silence.
@Lysana
I agree; One cannot expect 100% efficacy 100% of the time in any endeavour. However, the point I was contesting was "Time spent thinking that you are somehow improving your cognitive function [by playing brain training games] is a huge waste of time." I found that comment much too general, and possibly misleading.
Studies and articles disputing the cognitive benefits of games are very popular right now. Here is one of particular importance: http://longevity3.stanford.edu/blog/2014/10/15/the-consensus-on-the-brain-training-industry-from-the-scientific-community-2/
...The reason the above article is important is because it is what drove 127 scientists to band together and write an open letter to Stanford in support of cognitive improvement through brain-training games/software.
I think it's crucial to have both sides represented, even in this smaller arena of a casual game's comments section. Thank you for being part of that process with me.
reply to jazzfestus...
the article you posted talks about improving "fluid intelligence"...
my opinion is that these games are intended to keep the mind sharp not increase intelligence...
the brain is very much like a muscle, it needs to be exercised in order to stay in shape...
for instance, take some time of from reading and you will find that your vocabulary will start to decline...
but like i said, it's just my opinion :)
rather... i meant to say these games may improve fluid intelligence but certainly not crystal intelligence... my bad :)
I play a lot of "brain building" type games and apps - little things to keep your brain alert and occupied that would be better than doing nothing.
This one is kind of boring in its pace. 30 seconds doesn't sound like long, but that can be more than 20 very similar questions. Something about the atmosphere makes it tedious.
Compare this to the app, Brain Wars. I'm not sure of the exact length of the games - maybe close to the 30 second mark - but there is just enough colour, visual diversity and pace to keep the game exciting without being too distracting and stressful.
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