... In return I bought "More Brain Training" for £19.99. I had had many hours of enjoyment playing "Brain Training" over the past year, and seeing my fellow commuters playing on this one and reading reviews, I was eager to give the sequel a go.
This is a long review, but it gives a comprehensive ... Read review
Advantages: Longevity, good price for what it is, addictive, makes you think, ideal for the commute Disadvantages: Probably won't really improve your brain, my 4s and 9s are confused
...has become hugely popular. More can be found in this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4930996.stm
The Brain training games have different versions depending on which country you live in. My review is concerned with the UK version of "More Brain Training". This review aims to be a comprehensive account of the game (and minimum waffle for the sake of waffle!), and what you can expect when you purchase a copy. ...think you'll like it even more than the first game. If you've never played "Brain Training" then I hope this review has been useful. Personally I would recommend both. You'll probably find that you're hooked and do the tests every day for a couple of months, but will then lose oomph. However you might then come back to it months later. The game really has longevity.
=== Is it going to improve my brain? === more
Introduction
Not wanting to spend money, but wanting a new game for my Nintendo DS, I went into GAME and sold back a couple of games I no longer use. In return I bought "More Brain Training" for £19.99. I had had many hours of enjoyment playing "Brain Training" over the past year, and seeing my fellow commuters playing on this one and reading reviews, I was eager to give the sequel a go.
This is a long review, but it gives a comprehensive view of the game and what you can expect from it.
What is Brain Training?
The concept of brain training is that you spend 10-15 (or so) minutes a day doing exercises on your games console which will make you think, improve reactions, and generally use your brain a bit. Developed by a Japanese doctor called Dr Kawashima, this is a phenomenon which has become hugely popular. More can be found in this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4930996.stm
The Brain training games have different versions depending on which country you live in. My review is concerned with the UK version of "More Brain Training". This review aims to be a comprehensive account of the game (and minimum waffle for the sake of waffle!), and what you can expect when you purchase a copy.
Starting up
Having put the game in, checked the date/time, and saving a file using my name/age (you are prompted to write these on the screen with the stylus) and establishing that I am right handed (this alters which way up you hold the DS) I was immediately asked to check my brain age - I think the idea of this is to panic people into seeing how much work they need to do, as they are thrown in at the deep end!
Brain Age - from 80 to 30 in 3 days
Whilst checking brain age usually consists of three different tests (which are not generally the ones which you can practise in Daily Training), my initial test focused solely on one. Having established that I was in a quiet place where I could speak freely into the DS microphone (i.e. not on the train with my fellow commuters), I began the most tedious and frustrating game of "Scissors, Paper, Rock" that I had ever played. To start with I was a bit confused (despite doing the practise) as to what I was doing. You are given a picture of a hand doing one of the actions and have to say which action would either win or lose against it e.g. if you are shown scissors and asked to lose, you say (out loud) "Paper"! My biggest hurdle was that as a child I played "Scissors, Paper, Stone". Therefore my test went something like "Paper, no I mean Stone, Sh*t! Rock. Fu*k this stupid game".
My brain age was 80. Yes, laugh away at me! Possible ages range from 20 to 80 - I did as badly as I possibly could have done.
The next day I tried again, this time with the same Scissors, Paper, Rock (a shortened version) and two additional tests:
Memory Grid - a grid of 5x5, each of the 25 squares has a number in it. You have two minutes to memorise as many as you can, and then 2 minutes to write down as many of them as you can.
Continuous Countdown - You are given a number to count backwards in increments of (e.g. 7) and a start number, and write these numbers down. The quicker you do, the better your score - sounds easy, but it can be hard remembering the previous number!
My brain age this time was 41 - not great since I'm 27, but better than 80! And on the third day I was down to age 30 - much closer to my real age of 26! If you say that you are not in a place where you can speak you will only be given tests which don't requite speaking - a sneaky way of getting out of "Scissors, Paper, Rock"!!!
Other possible tests on the Brain Age test are:
Speedy Symbols - there are a list of numbers with a symbol next to them (e.g. %, *, #) - you are given a number and have to write down the corresponding simple. Pretty simple, but you need to be as quick as you can be!
Memory Addition - see in Daily Training below.
Highest Number- the screen has a set of numbers on it of different sizes, and sometimes moving around the screen. You need to use the stylus to choose the number with the highest value, and as quickly as possible!
"Good morning! Boy that sun sure is bright, isn't it?" How nice to see you again."~~~
Game play on "More Brain Training" (like its predecessor) is interspersed with slightly irritating (after a while) dialogues from Dr Kawashima - thankfully these aren't spoken out loud. It is also the case that at times when you just want to get on with the brain training, that you will be asked to think of some acrostics (like in the previous game where you were asked to draw pictures). To give an example of an acrostic, for EAR, it could be "Everyone's Audio Receiver". I find this a bit pointless, draw a squiggle and skip through the three acrostic 'tests'.
You might also be asked to join up some dots and make a picture of 'what you see'. Bear in mind that the dots have been placed so that Dr Kawashima will completely show up your picture with a perfect one! Thankfully you're not marked on these tests!
There is some background music throughout which you will get used to, but I tend to have the volume turned down unless doing a test which uses sound.
Daily Training - this is what it's all about!
I follow with a comprehensive list of the tests. While you might find this slightly tedious to read, I am really writing this part thinking of someone who has already bought the game. At first not all of the training exercises were unlocked, so I would have found it useful to find out when and what was going to be unlocked.What is available at the start
Missing Symbols - you are asked to fill in the missing calculations by writing with the stylus - e.g. +, -, divide and x. Be careful with the symbols that they are clear, and can't be confused with one another.
Masterpiece Recital - requires the sound on (but you don't have to speak - or sing!) Basically a pieces of music plays (e.g. Buffalo Gals) and the tune scrolls down on the left hand (the top) screen, and on the right you play the notes on a keyboard. It doesn't matter what speed you do this in as long as you get the right notes. However, as I can play the piano, it is not very stretching - but a novel idea and quite fun.
Word Scramble - my downfall. Since coming home from school aged 7 in floods of tears because I can't do anagrams, I have hated them. On the left screen are a group of letters (in a circle) which rotate. They start off easy and get harder until I get frustrated an have to pass (incurring a 20 second penalty). I mean, I was hardly likely to get RESCUERS was I - 6 letters is my limit!
Correct Change - On the left hand screen you're given an amount (e.g. £1/50) and a picture (e.g. £5 note). On the right screen you will see pictures of coins and you'll need to click on them to give the right change (e.g. 3 £1s and 1 50p). Annoyingly there is no 2p coin.
Each day that you train you get a stamp. After 2 stamps the following test is unlocked:
Word Blend - At first I didn't see what the fuss was as a word was read out and I had to write it down. 'This is easy' I thought. But then there were two people reading out different words at the same time, then three people - help! You do get 6 chances to listen to the words, but sometimes even that isn't enough. But rest assured, it does get easier with time as you learn to focus your attention on it.
After 3 stamps:
Memory Addition - You are given an initial number which is then blanked out, and then a simple sum where you have to add a number to the initial number and write down the answer. The number that you added to the initial number is then blanked out and so the cycle continues. Sounds confusing, but quite easy once you get the hang of it!
After 6 stamps:
Day and Date - You are asked questions such as what it the day 5 days after the day two days ago, and what date is it going to be the Monday after next. My biggest stumbling block on my first effort was not knowing what the day or date it was today - my excuse being that I don't need to know such things at 7am on the train!
After 10 stamps:
Finishing Position- A little person is running a race and moves along the screen. He overtakes other little people and is overtaken by others. Keep an eye on his position and try to get it right when he crosses the finish line!
After 16 stamps:
Determine the Time - You are shown clock faces (some analogue and some digital), and have to write down what the time is. Sounds simple until you see that clock faces are rotated, reversed, and not so easy to read at all!
After 22 stamps
Height Estimate - blocks fall down into a grid and you have to remember how many have fallen in each column.
Scoring
How well you do on a test depends on your accuracy and also the speed in which you complete tests - although scoring does vary depending on the individual test. High scores are saved, but you are also given an indicator of how well you're doing. The faster, the better!
If you have played "Brain training" you will recognise this. You will also recognised Dr Kawashima's comments on how your performance rates compared to the day before - he just might start crying! After you've played for a while you might like to check your progress on a graph.
While you can play as many times as you like, only the first score from each day (on each test) is recorded. If you find that you are doing really badly midway through a test, then you can hit SELECT to return to the main menu, and then you can start the test again. However, this is cheating (especially if it's a test like Word Scramble) and I am not condoning it!
Progressing
As you play more, games get unlocked as said in the section above. In addition, as you play more, new levels to the existing games open up. One problem is that when you can do harder levels, it still records on the same graph as for easy levels, so it might appear on your statistics that you are getting worse.
After 5 stamps you are able to view Dr Kawashima's 'tips' whenever you like (things like cooking and knitting stimulates the brain, unless you use a vegetable peeler).
After 8 stamps you can create your own stamp (I chose to draw a moose head), and view all of the brain tips which Dr Kawashima has dispensed - lucky you!
Friends & Family - Quick Training
This is a bit disappointing. Basically the demo only lets people try out the Word Scramble test. There is also a Sudoku game they can play.
You can also play wirelessly with up to 15 other people on their Nintendo DS's. However, unfortunately I don't have a friend (bring out the violins) with one, so can't test this out.
Sudoku
One feature which I liked on the original "Brain Training" programme was the Sudoku puzzles. On "More Brain Training" there are 100 new Sudoku puzzles (not that I'd notice if they were the same). There is a cheat mode for those who like to cheat (although I REALLY don't see the point in that - why do it if you're going to cheat?). Personally I would prefer to get all the way to the end, realise I've mucked it up and then get angry. Like the previous game I'm unlikely to ever get half way through the Intermediate puzzles. I do enjoy doing these (when I'm in the right mood), as I find it easier than on paper, although annoyingly the DS gets confused between my 9s and 4s, so I have to be careful.
Germ Buster
There is also another game, called "Germ Buster" (located at the bottom of the training exercises) which you will be made aware of at some point through Dr Kawashima's comments. This is a nice little addition, and highly addictive. This doesn't count as brain training, and is supposed to be relaxing, although I don't see it myself!
"Brain Training" and "More Brain Training"
If you enjoyed "Brain Training" you'll enjoy this, and I think you'll like it even more than the first game. If you've never played "Brain Training" then I hope this review has been useful. Personally I would recommend both. You'll probably find that you're hooked and do the tests every day for a couple of months, but will then lose oomph. However you might then come back to it months later. The game really has longevity.
Is it going to improve my brain?
Er….no, probably not. It will make you good at the tests on the game. My brain age on "Brain Training" was 27 at last test (as I was used to the tests), and yet 80 when I first started on "More Brain Training". It's similar to the way that people can train themselves to do well in IQ tests - does this actually make them any more intelligent? No, it probably means that they have trained themselves to think in a way which makes them do well in IQ tests. It does not mean that they will become a rocket scientist (although saying that hubby tells me that rocket science is dead simple).
"More Brain Training" does however encourage you to think, and will probably make you smile as you get better. I have to say that the games are a lot harder if I play when tired or not in a good mood.
When all is said and done my memory is still shocking, and I'm still useless at anagrams. And it's not going to reverse the damage done from the past 10 years of drinking, and my brother dropping me on the kitchen floor as a baby (perhaps that's why I waffle on so much) - but it's fun and well worth the money. It won't keep me amused indefinitely, but I'll get my money's worth. Certainly one to get if you have a commute on the train/bus.
marymoose99 23.02.2008 (23.02.2008)
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Review of More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Excellent Value, keeps you sharp, challenging Disadvantages: Not for the stressed or overtired!
...now!"
INTRODUCTION
*******************
More Brain Training, a follow up game to Brain Training, was developed by Japanese brain expert Dr Kawashima. His theory is that once maturity is reached, certain functions of the brain may begin to slow down with age. He believes that exercising the brain everyday can help prevent its physical decline. For younger people - under the age of 21 yrs - he believes that exercising the brain can help with creativity ... ...the older you get the more your brain becomes choked up by clutter, commitments and stress!
Anyway, to achieve its aim of increasing your IQ over time, More Brain Training takes you through a series of exercises at regular intervals - preferably everyday. Results are recorded and displayed on graphs so that you can view your improvements or in my case - at times - considerable decline. The game will store details and exercise records for up to four ...
inycon2 15.01.2008 (27.01.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Fun, addictive, good value for money & its suitable for everyone Disadvantages: Sometimes doesnt pick up writting or voice
...train our brains to be more sharp and in shape through games and simple equations.
It is designed obviously as a game so you are supposed to get fun from it as well.
STARTING UP
When you first start the game up you are faced with 4 options quick play, daily training, sudoku and download. Very quickly I will explain these to you QUICK PLAY
Quick play - This is where you can try out the game without being a registered user you can play stone paper ... ...is the happy medium ?
More excitingly though you get to unlock more games so just as you begin to bet bored you get more fun!
Memory sprint - Is my favourite game because it is hard but if you concentrate enough you can do well. You have to basically track your runner. You have a man running so he starts at first position then you get runners overtaking him so his place goes down and then your little runner over takes them so his place goes up. ...
gemax2 23.11.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Great fun, good for your brain Disadvantages: Time consuming and addictive!
...Training, as the features are more interesting.
== Dr Kawashima ==
Dr Ryuta Kawashima was born in 1959 in Japan, and is a neuroscientist. In 2003, he wrote "Train Your Brain: 60 Days to a Better Brain" which was a huge success in Japan and was later released worldwide. In 2005, it was turned in to the first brain training game for the DS and this sequel was later released. Instead of accepting the royalties from the games for himself, he has built ... ...collected you get access to more training exercises and settings etc. If you do at least 3 training sessions per day you get a larger stamp on your calendar. This does not affect the number of stamps you get though as you can only gain one per day. I have now opened all the training exercises, and so has my dad.
Sometimes when you turn the DS on and go into Daily training, there is a little activity for you to do before you start the training. For ...
bluejules 16.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Keeps you occupied and trains your brain. Disadvantages: Addictive germbuster.
...OK so More Brain Training for the Nintendo DS. It is the one on from the orignal Brain Training by Dr Kawashima. For the uninitiated, it is a way of using brain training puzzles to test your brain age. You can test it every day, only once. It only saves the score for that day, not the best. You can do it more than once but it won`t save your brain age again. This is certainly an incentive to do better (try) each day. When you test your brain age, ... ...favourable score. More brain training has different brain training to the original brain training. Like the original it has sukoku at the end. It also has germ buster which I shall go into later.
Brain age check - This consists of 3 of the training exercises below and it is timed. The only one which isn`t in the practice is number memory. In this one you need to memorise 25 numbers. It is difficult as, though the numbers are 1 to 25, you need to ...
spottydog2 13.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Good fun way to exercise your brain Disadvantages: You really need to play regularly to get a benefit
...I settled for buying More Brain Training instead and eagerly awaited the chance to put myself to the test.
As with all DS games it comes safely packaged so all you need to do is open the case, take out the game card and insert it into the slot in the DS and you are ready to play.
You enter your basic details into the DS so that it can keep track of your performance as you work through the exercises and you are ready to go. Like many of these packages ... ...range of tests and more and more unlock as you you progress. Having had mine for about three weeks I now have all the tests unlocked and the chance to attempt 'Normal' or 'Hard' versions of each. You can also have a little fun by testing to find out your 'Brain Age' - I wasn't sure about this option at first as my Brian Age was similar to my real age when I first started to use it but now I have managed to bring it down to the high 20s which is a ...
laramax 24.12.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)
Product Information for "More Brain Training: Dr Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain (Nintendo DS)" »
Product details
Publisher
Nintendo
Developer
Nintendo
Release Date
29th June 2007
Age
3+
Genre
Puzzle; Educational
Max Number of Players
16 Player
Platform
Nintendo DS
EAN
45496739010
Manufacturer's product description
More Brain Training: Dr. Kawashima's How Old Is Your Brain? features fun new training exercises including Correct Change which challenges you on an everyday day task- to work out the right amount of money to hand back after a transaction as quickly as possible Missing Symbols a twist on the classic "20 calculations" test and Masterpiece Recital which invites you to follow a music sheet shown on one screen and touch the corresponding piano keys on the touch screen. As your daily training continues additional new exercises are unlocked. The DS Brain Age Checks take on a new form in this title as you're tested on three randomly selected exercises including old school classic Rock Paper Scissors which asks you to name the position to either win or lose against the object shown Memorising 5x5 which sees you remembering the position of numbers on screen and Speedy Symbols which challenges your memory of symbols associated with specific numbers. With More Brain Training you can also play with your family and friends. Using a single game card two to sixteen players can participate in four different exercises together. Three to sixteen players can also compete in a picture quiz to test each others artistic skills where players score the other drawings to find a winner.
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