Brain Boost: Beta Wave
© 2006 Majesco Entertainment
Following the popularity of the Nintendo's Brain Age and Brain Age titles, this is one of two timed quiz games that are not nearly as well designed, but are still fun to play. Just don't get the titles confused, because the branding looks similar. These games have no voice recognition features or game sharing abilities, for example. The game features five multiple choice memory tasks where speed and accuracy equal a higher score. For example, in Find A Match, children are shown a 4 x 6 grid and must find the two matching items, with only about five seconds to spare. The addition game is a great exercise in mental math — up to eight numerals are flashed on the screen, and children are given just a few seconds to come up with a total. In Moving Dots, a set of swarming balls are shown on the screen, and children must choose the correct number, from four choices. The touch screen makes the games much more fun. According to the promotional materials, "The brain produces five wavelengths," and this title is based on Makoto Shichida's right-brain development theory. As many as four games can be saved on the cartridge. Developed by Interchannel for Majesco.
$20, Nintendo DS
Teaches: concentration, math (mental addition), memory
CTR Rating: 82%