I do have some complaints about Brain Age. During the Stroop Test and Voice Calculation, even when you say the correct word, the system’s microphone does not always hear you. This is frustrating if you’re highly competitive and don’t like to get wrong answers for something you did right. If you have poor handwriting, sometimes the game will record something you entered as wrong, or not record it at all, which is very damaging when all of your activities are timed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to toss my DS during Word Memory, when I tried to enter words but the system couldn’t understand my handwriting.
These annoyances can be overcome. You can skip word memory by holding select at the Brain Age test menu, and if you limit the noise around you and speak clearly, the system is more likely to record the correct answer when you speak. I would suggest sticking with Brain Age. I’ve noticed an improvement in my handwriting since I started using the game, and I’ve observed my “brain age” drop from seventy to twenty-three over one month of training. While some scientists have issued reports attempting to disprove Kawashima’s studies, I believe that regular use of Brain Age has kept me sharp over what has been a lazy summer vacation. For example, I’ve always been horrible with telling people how many syllables were in a phrase, but now I nail that specific exercise every time after a month of training. While geared for non-gaming adults, Brain Age is great fun and engaging for everyone despite some of its flaws. If you’re looking for a gift for your family, or a going back to school present, Brain Age is highly recommended.
Brain Age is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.
Article comments
1 - kanrei
You settled an internal debate. Thank you and my wallet curses you. Gotta go shopping tomorrow.