by Julia Burns

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: May 11, 2008

Brain Train is a neat little problem-solver from Grubby Games which accurately sums up it's market as being 'those who are young in years, or even just young at heart'. The feel is consistently bright and happy, and it's certainly an enjoyable way to spend some time.

The game play consists of a collection of familiar puzzles based around different theme areas such as memory and spatial awareness. The player uses the mouse to solve the puzzles and gains points based on how well they have done. These points do different things depending on which mode you're playing in. In Practice, the player simply tries to beat their high score. In both Test and Quest modes points move the Brain Train a certain number of kilometers. Players who reach certain goals are rewarded with 'Trophies'. These are nothing special, being outshone by the neat sound and wiggling, star-studded text you get for achieving a personal best. The controls are very simple to both learn and use, perfect for the younger players this game is aimed at. Kids will certainly have no trouble mastering the basics of play, but the game comes with a nice difficulty curve to keep adult players thinking.

The 'cute' factor of the graphics is high from the opening screen, where a train speeds through a field of cartoon animals and disrupts their grazing. From there the quality never drops. There are a number of short animations which liven up the animals as puzzle pieces - my favorite being the shivering koalas who smile and bask in the light when you manage to warm them up by using strategically placed mirrors - but in some games the critters don't move much and look frankly bored with having to stand there while you work things out. The music is excellent. Upbeat and simultaneously soothing, it manages to never be annoying and you may even find yourself bopping along in time as you play.

The only thing that pulled the game down for me was the Quest mode. After two missions I began to find the whole system of solving a puzzle to move the train a ridiculously small amount of 'kilometers' tiresome. In my opinion, there are just too many mini-games to complete per quest to keep the flow interesting to the adult player. Having said that, the scripts were fun to read and the reward schedule of opening up new train tracks to reach new animals who could give you further quests was well thought out.

Should you buy this game? If you're an adult, probably not, unless you feel a compulsive need to compete with other players' high scores on-line. If you have children, definitely. This is a fun, simple game which manages to be educational and entertaining at the same time.

Rating - 3.5 / 5

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