03 Dec
Blog

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain Review

Five characters from Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain stand in a row.

Big Brain Academy: brain versus brain

RRP $ 30.00

"Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a shockingly addicting collection of brain teasers, but a lightweight package makes it hard to sell."

advantages

  • Addicting gameplay

  • Clever brain teasers

  • Intuitive touch controls

  • Good use of ghost data

disadvantage

  • Savings package

  • Limited multiplayer mode

  • Online game missing

If Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain had started on smartphones, it would have immediately become my favorite among Nintendo mobile apps. The combination of quick challenges and intuitive touchscreen controls makes the platform a breeze. I could imagine breaking it out every time I found myself in a long line for shopping, filling a few minutes of boredom with some airy brain teasers.

However, it is not available on my iPhone as it is exclusive to Nintendo Switch. That puts the $ 30 release in an awkward position. While the Switch is portable, it's not as easily accessible as a phone that is always in my pocket. The game makes good use of the Switch in two-player battles, but Nintendo missed an apparently obvious opportunity here. It's like putting a circle in a square hole; technically it fits, but it is not the right solution.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a shockingly addicting collection of brain teasers that is perfect for players of all ages. As fun as it is, it's hard to shake the feeling that it is on the wrong platform and too expensive for such a sparse package.

Love your brain

If you don't remember the Big Brain Academy series, you are probably not alone. The puzzle game debuted on Nintendo DS in 2005 as a spin-off of the more popular Brain Age series. It was a nifty educational tool where players increased their “brain mass” by completing a series of mini-games based on various cognitive skills. A 2007 Wii sequel attempted to expand it into a party game, but that was the end of the line for the franchise.

It's finally making a return on Nintendo Switch, but not too much has changed. It's still a sleek package built around some focused hooks. The game's test mode is outstanding, in which players tackle five random, one-minute micro-games, the results of which determine their “Big Brain Brawn” score. It's shocking how many miles you can get out of this easy mode. The brief nature of the tests made me say "just one more" over and over while trying to beat my best lap.

Big brain academy: Brain vs. Brain, two players compete against each other in a mini-game.

This also works thanks to the mini-games themselves, which are easy to understand and fun. In a game, I immediately have to memorize a sequence of digits and enter it into a calculator. In another, I need to pop numbered balloons in the correct order, from lowest to highest. A personal favorite shows me a figure and asks me to deduce what it would look like from a different angle. They are easy enough for a child, but the intensity increases with quick, correct answers. I itched to master each and every one of the game's two high score hunting practice modes.

The brief nature of the tests made me say "just one more" over and over while trying to beat my best lap.

While the game can be played with buttons, it's best enjoyed using the Switch's touchscreen. Each mini-game has intuitive inputs, such as turning a clockwise to set the correct time or swiping to get numbers from a column. It's an extra kick of interactivity that makes every game an excellent experience.

The real disappointment here is that the game doesn't really take advantage of the Switch beyond that. There are no mini-games built around motion controls or the Joy-cons's IR sensors. Most of the 20 mini-games are from the previous Big Brain games, so this feels more like a quick compilation as opposed to a new game developed with the Switch in mind.

Battle of the brains

As the subtitle Brain vs. Brain suggests, the game has a competitive aspect. What is strange, however, is that the multiplayer options are flat compared to the Wii rate. While this game had four different modes, the Switch version basically has one. Up to four players compete against each other to see who can complete a mini-game the fastest. The first to reach 100 points wins. Players can either choose the mini-game category or spin a random wheel, but that's the range of options too.

There's also no traditional online multiplayer, which is an odd omission.

The best use of multiplayer results from two players competing against each other on a switch with touch controls. Lay it flat and the screen will split in two so players can sit across from each other and tap their side of the screen to play. It's a cute little trick that makes good use of the device itself.

There's also no traditional online multiplayer, which is an odd omission. Instead, the online game takes place in the form of a single player mode "Ghost Clash". Every time a player completes a mini-game, their ghost data is recorded. Ghost Clash allows players to compete against the ghosts of their friends and families for an asynchronous competition. It's not exactly a substitute for real online gaming, but it is at least a clever way to keep track of friends.

A player collides with an online mind in Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain.

The best implementation of the system is the World Ghosts option, where players can compete against random ghosts from around the world. Defeating a ghost grants trophies that increase a player's Big Brain World Ranking (a kind of monthly leaderboard). Since these are fights against real players, they are pleasantly tense as they require quick thinking and even faster reaction times.

Could be an app

There isn't much more to say. What I've described is the range of game features: testing, practicing, World Ghosts, and the flat multiplayer mode. The only other extra is that the game includes 300 unlockable items, such as hats and accessories for a player's avatar. Unlocking each one would take a while, although doing so would require playing the same 20 mini-games over and over.

At $ 30, this is a budget Switch game, but that price still feels too high. Big Brain Academy worked on the Nintendo DS because touchscreen controls were a novel concept at the time (the first iPhone didn't hit the market until two years after it was released). But there is no shortage of touchable brain teasers in 2021 that can be played for free on any phone. Brain vs. Brain is fun, but it doesn't make an argument for someone buying it instead of downloading the Lumosity app for $ 0.

A player pops balloons in Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain.

If Nintendo hadn't been so stuck in its console habits, I think it would have been successful as a mobile app. All of the touch controls would be perfectly rendered on a phone screen, and even tabletop multiplayer could be replicated on an iPad. Locking it on Switch just feels like an unnecessary restriction in this day and age, especially as Nintendo is still struggling to realize its mobile gaming ambitions.

At $ 30, this is a budget Switch game, but that price still feels too high.

I probably ask more of the Big Brain Academy than anyone in history (but what do you want from an S-grade brain like mine?). It's a video game franchise with as low stakes as you can get. Parents looking for an educational yet fun game to play with their kids will eat this up. It's just a reminder that a Nintendo console isn't and doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all platform for every type of game.

Our opinion

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain would have had more ideas in the "vs." Department, but the core brain test is deceptively addicting. Intuitive mini-games and satisfying touch controls make for a fun, if sparse, collection of family-friendly brain teasers. It's just hard to recommend when mobile apps are currently doing what they do for free.

Is there a better alternative?

WarioWare: Get It Together! is a more robust (but still leaner) package if your looking for Switch microgames, while the free Lumosity mobile app can get your brain training needs covered.

How long it will take?

Realistically, most people will likely spend a handful of hours doing this unless they intend to log in every day to keep up to date. Monthly challenges and unlockable items provide an incentive for those who want to stick with it.

Should you buy it?

No. I really enjoy it, but it's just hard to sell considering how little is in here – though it's a great choice for families looking for a fun educational tool.

Editor's recommendations



06 Jul
Blog

Use Your Brain to Get Flexible Fast

Okay, guys, let's take a second here and have a little chat, right?

What comes to mind when I say flexibility? I bet the first thing you think about is as strong as f ** k, right? Not. That's because when people think of flexibility, they think of little gymnasts who are folded in two and just hanging around, or of dancers who are split forever.

Now you're not wrong. The practice of holding a stretch and being pulled in by gravity is a kind of stretch called passive flexibility. Depending on the context, the context is ultimately the right choice because it is king.

But I'll be honest. I am not a fan of passive stretching because I am not a fan of all these additional movement options If you do not make the joints stable or do not develop the strength to support them. Because creating a new area is just part of the puzzle.

The place of greatness

You cannot forget the square of grandeur. (A shitty name I know). The four elements or corners are:

If you only train one of these four elements, the place will go to hell and I'm afraid that's where the injury is, my friend. Each of these elements is crucial for creating a strong, flexible and, above all, versatile body that can adapt to the unexpected.

So how do we build strength, length or flexibility at the same time as stability?

Stretch with weights

Waiting; What? That's right, you heard me. This magical thing I'm talking about is called active flexibility.

Active flexibility stretches on purpose. They use a full combination of things to build this area and above all the strength and stability in that area.

1. Muscles

You use your muscles when you exercise active flexibility correctly, from the procedure and extension to the antagonist's muscles, and you stretch.

If you do it right, you should all be a quiver and then have a pump.

2. Tasks

You are of course flexible. Just look at passed out drunks. Your brain inhibits this natural flexibility.

Your brain won't let you do anything that it doesn't think is safe and that you have a chance to improve. So if you are not strong enough to free yourself from a position, don't get involved.

One way to get around this is to give your brain a job. The brain loves tasks.

When your brain has a job, you can move to deeper areas to accomplish that job.

Every time you enter these areas, cement these nerve tracts and tell your brain that you are not an idiot, that you will not be hurt, and that you are safe in this area.

3. Weights

We can use weights to penetrate deeper areas and build muscle and stability in those areas. This in turn will strengthen neuronal trust. After all, you will always regret not having trained the position in which you were injured.

You need to develop the body-brain connection that says you have the strength to move through these positions.

Front split

I will cover one exercise for front divisions, one for medium divisions and one for a straddle fold. Let's start with the front divisions. We apply the task principle here:

  • What we're going to do is take a half-kneeling position with a little ball in front of the lead foot.
  • Extend your front leg and push the ball out as far as possible while pushing the ball in front of you.

Here is the task part:

  • When you reach the limit of your split, you need to hook your foot and push your straight front leg into the ground.
  • Bring the ball with you when you return to the starting position.

Watch the video to see how to do it.

Straddle split

The next step is to use the straddle fold and the principle of the working muscles:

  • We're going to start pretty high, so it's perfect to sit on the couch.
  • Mix your butt to the edge of the couch.
  • Spread your legs as wide as possible. This is your starting position.
  • Lean forward and try to bring your torso as close to the floor as possible.
  • From there you will use these glutes and adductors to help yourself get up without swing.
  • Then you will fall back on the couch under control.

Here is the video to get you started:

Middle split

Finally we will blow out the weights for the middle divisions. I am We all know the attitude of the horse as a conditioning tool. but if not, I'll describe it in the video below.

We get into a nice broad horse position while holding a weight in each hand.

  • We need to make sure that we can still get deep enough that our knees are bent 90 degrees.
  • We will then alternatively push the weights onto our shoulders and each time we push up we will stretch our legs to get up.
  • When the weight falls back on the shoulders, we allow ourselves to be immersed in the horse's posture each time thanks to this additional weight.
  • Finally, we continue to expand the horse's posture until it resembles the middle gap.

Here is the full video:

Right for all training

All of these different aspects of active flexibility result in one thing that applies to every training session. Flexibility, movement and muscle activation live in the brain.

When you exercise in the gym, you are not exercising your body. You train your mind. You give your brain a job, and as it does this job, it builds up neural cards and increases the required muscle activation as it sees that this job needs to be done on a regular basis.

To achieve a training goal, you need to convince the brain that the goal is safe and important enough to focus on because after all, your brain's priorities are not necessarily your priorities. Your brain doesn't matter if you want a six pack. You shouldn't fall off this balcony and try to impress Brenda.

Get some flexibility gains and some brain gains by making your workout more neurobiomechanical. Think of the square of grandeur. You will be in less hurry and never look back.

06 Jul
Blog

Use Your Brain to Get Flexible Fast

Okay, guys, let's take a second here and have a little chat, right?

What comes to mind when I say flexibility? I bet the first thing you think about is as strong as f ** k, right? Not. That's because when people think of flexibility, they think of little gymnasts who are folded in two and just hanging around, or of dancers who are split forever.

Now you're not wrong. The practice of holding a stretch and being pulled in by gravity is a kind of stretch called passive flexibility. Depending on the context, the context is ultimately the right choice because it is king.

But I'll be honest. I am not a fan of passive stretching because I am not a fan of all these additional movement options If you do not make the joints stable or do not develop the strength to support them. Because creating a new area is just part of the puzzle.

The place of greatness

You cannot forget the square of grandeur. (A shitty name I know). The four elements or corners are:

If you only train one of these four elements, the place will go to hell and I'm afraid that's where the injury is, my friend. Each of these elements is crucial for creating a strong, flexible and, above all, versatile body that can adapt to the unexpected.

So how do we build strength, length or flexibility at the same time as stability?

Stretch with weights

Waiting; What? That's right, you heard me. This magical thing I'm talking about is called active flexibility.

Active flexibility stretches on purpose. They use a full combination of things to build this area and above all the strength and stability in that area.

1. Muscles

You use your muscles when you exercise active flexibility correctly, from the procedure and extension to the antagonist's muscles, and you stretch.

If you do it right, you should all be a quiver and then have a pump.

2. Tasks

You are of course flexible. Just look at passed out drunks. Your brain inhibits this natural flexibility.

Your brain won't let you do anything that it doesn't think is safe and that you have a chance to improve. So if you are not strong enough to free yourself from a position, don't get involved.

One way to get around this is to give your brain a job. The brain loves tasks.

When your brain has a job, you can move to deeper areas to accomplish that job.

Every time you enter these areas, cement these nerve tracts and tell your brain that you are not an idiot, that you will not be hurt, and that you are safe in this area.

3. Weights

We can use weights to penetrate deeper areas and build muscle and stability in those areas. This in turn will strengthen neuronal trust. After all, you will always regret not having trained the position in which you were injured.

You need to develop the body-brain connection that says you have the strength to move through these positions.

Front split

I will cover one exercise for front divisions, one for medium divisions and one for a straddle fold. Let's start with the front divisions. We apply the task principle here:

  • What we're going to do is take a half-kneeling position with a little ball in front of the lead foot.
  • Extend your front leg and push the ball out as far as possible while pushing the ball in front of you.

Here is the task part:

  • When you reach the limit of your split, you need to hook your foot and push your straight front leg into the ground.
  • Bring the ball with you when you return to the starting position.

Watch the video to see how to do it.

Straddle split

The next step is to use the straddle fold and the principle of the working muscles:

  • We're going to start pretty high, so it's perfect to sit on the couch.
  • Mix your butt to the edge of the couch.
  • Spread your legs as wide as possible. This is your starting position.
  • Lean forward and try to bring your torso as close to the floor as possible.
  • From there you will use these glutes and adductors to help yourself get up without swing.
  • Then you will fall back on the couch under control.

Here is the video to get you started:

Middle split

Finally we will blow out the weights for the middle divisions. I am We all know the attitude of the horse as a conditioning tool. but if not, I'll describe it in the video below.

We get into a nice broad horse position while holding a weight in each hand.

  • We need to make sure that we can still get deep enough that our knees are bent 90 degrees.
  • We will then alternatively push the weights onto our shoulders and each time we push up we will stretch our legs to get up.
  • When the weight falls back on the shoulders, we allow ourselves to be immersed in the horse's posture each time thanks to this additional weight.
  • Finally, we continue to expand the horse's posture until it resembles the middle gap.

Here is the full video:

Right for all training

All of these different aspects of active flexibility result in one thing that applies to every training session. Flexibility, movement and muscle activation live in the brain.

When you exercise in the gym, you are not exercising your body. You train your mind. You give your brain a job, and as it does this job, it builds up neural cards and increases the required muscle activation as it sees that this job needs to be done on a regular basis.

To achieve a training goal, you need to convince the brain that the goal is safe and important enough to focus on because after all, your brain's priorities are not necessarily your priorities. Your brain doesn't matter if you want a six pack. You shouldn't fall off this balcony and try to impress Brenda.

Get some flexibility gains and some brain gains by making your workout more neurobiomechanical. Think of the square of grandeur. You will be in less hurry and never look back.