8 Apps and Games to Train Your Brain
On top of being a great game, this physics-based puzzler is also great for your brain. In a recent study, scientists found that people who played the puzzle game from developer Valve performed just as well on intelligence-based tests as those who played popular brain-training apps like Lumosity. Portal 2 is also strangely charming, has a great plotline and boasts the vocal talents of Stephen Merchant and J.K. Simmons, so what have you really got to lose? (PC/Xbox 360/PS3, $19.99, though you can probably find a copy for $5 if you look hard enough.)
Valve Games
This is the big one. You’ve probably seen commercials for it — cheesy man-on-the-street interviews in which happy customers call the brain-training app the best thing since sliced bread. As is the case with many of these apps, the jury’s still out on whether it actually increases IQ or any other intelligence metric, but hey, it’s gotta be better for you than crushing candies, right? Lumosity splits brain-training sessions into separate "lessons," each consisting of minigames intended to improve some mental faculty. (Android & iOS, $15/month for full access)
Tidbits
The latest contender to Lumosity’s throne, Elevate encompasses a similar design but focuses on different aspects of the brain. While Lumosity focuses on “core cognition” — attributes like attention span, mental agility and problem solving — Elevate attempts to train the user in more “learned” attributes, like reading, writing and speaking. We found Elevate a little easier and more engaging. (Android & iOS, $5/month for full access)
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While the company’s ethos of “training your brain to be happier” sounds like something a New Age guru might preach at you, the methods behind this app are at least backed by some science. Using a series of methods intended to induce self-reflection, perspective and serenity, the app claims to be able to make you happier. It didn't make us feel much different, but then again we're miserable grumps. Obviously, the app is no replacement for professional therapy. (iOS, Android. ~$15/month for full access)
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What’s a better way to get your gray matter rumbling in the morning than learning a new language? Duolingo’s been around a while, and is generally recognized as one of the better language learning apps. With most of its content crowdsourced, it offers 10 full languages to learn. Plus, it’s free! (iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PC)
This app comes from the same company that gave us the language learning Rosetta Stone program. As with Lumosity and Elevate, it offers a series of fun minigames, in this case designed to improve memory, concentration and other cognitive faculties. An added little bonus is the ability to compare your scores to those of other people in your area and age group, which is liable to make you feel like an intellectual god or a complete imbecile. (iOS/Android, Free with premium options)
Less brain training and more rote memorization, Eidetic is intended to drill small bits of information (phone numbers, your anniversary, your own name) into your head through something called “spaced repetition.” Basically, you input the data you want to remember and Eidetic will harass you at certain intervals to quiz you on the information, to the point where you’ll never be able to get it out of your head. Just like “All About That Bass.” (iOS & Android, Free with restrictions)
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Sure, it’s old school, but there’s no better way to bump up your vocabulary and general knowledge than a daily dose of Will Shortz’s crossword puzzle. In its digital form, you don’t have to worry about ripping the newsprint when erasing your mistakes ($40/yr subscription, Avaliable on anything with a screen)