Big Brain Academy Review
Review - by Hope Wynns
Big Brain Academy on Nintendo DS is an alternative to Dr Kawashima's Brain Training. Both games have similar appeal to users but both approach their brain games in a different way. This review doesn't go into any of the science behind either program - just a review from a user's point of view.
Big Brain Game on NDS Review
Big Brain
The game focuses its
brain training exercises on the following
areas of brain function:
- Think
- Memorize
- Identify
- Compute
- Analyze
Taking a Brain Test
The
test consists of exercises in each of the five categories. Your results are rated and
plotted
graphically. You
can quite clearly see
your relative strengths and weaknesses in each area. This visual
representation
is quite powerful.
I
find the graph changes every time I do it, so I am not convinced this
is a
valid picture of your brain function – it is after all only limited
hand held
software.
At the end of the test there is a quirky announcement of the weight of your brain, your brain type and grade.
For example your brain weighs 925g is rated a C+ a museum curator!
It is unclear whether these “occupations” are a fair representation of your brains function. I cannot imagine me ever being a museum curator. Does it mean I remember facts?
This is where the program is a little lacking. It leads you to believe it has some basis, but then lets itself down with some of the quirky information.
Practice Brain Exercises
As you progress you unlock harder options and levels, I found this area a bit hard to negotiate and remember what I had practiced and what I hadn't. I tended to go back to the same games - which I concluded could make my brain lopsided! So I gave up.
Overall Comments
The
downside of Big Brain Academy is the tendency to keep doing
the
tests to get a better score - this makes it more of a game to
me. The
practice section is undirected which is probably why I spend my time
doing the tests.
Big
Alternatives
- An alternative on Nintendo DS is Dr
Kawashima’s Brain Training.
- A full function brain training program online is Lumosity Brain Games.
Sources to Purchase
Nintendo
products can be bought at major retailers or online.
Online
you may be able to source second hand units and games from your local
ebay. As with all second hand purchases be careful and only
deal
with reputable sellers.
Useful Links
- Read the Brain Training on NDS review to compare with Big Brain Academy Game
- Read article on Lumosity vs Nintendo Games for Brain Training
- More About Brain Training on Natural Brain Power
We hope you enjoyed this review. Should you have any questions or comments, please use our contact page. Please include the full name of the product you have your question on and ensure your email address is correct.
