Don't Forget, Brain Training in May
The Game That Conquered Japan is coming West. Explanatory screens inside.
Having trouble remembering things? Nintendo could have the answer. This summer the company will help you exercise your brain in Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? for the DS.
As the title suggests, the game is based on work by university researcher Dr Kawashima that uses simple logic and mathematical exercises to flex your grey matter. The European and North American versions even come with Sudoku.
The game has sold nearly 2 million copies in Japan since last May and even spawned a series, with a newer instalment aimed at younger kids selling 1.5 million since Christmas. The series also made the news recently when hospitals in Japan started advising patients with dementia to spend time poking away at their troubles.
Much like Nintendogs helped turn hard-to-reach girls and women onto games (or non-games, if you prefer), Nintendo's research shows how Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain has been a hit with older people. More than two-thirds of sales have been to people over 25.
Your forgetfulness could soon be a thing of the past, but only if you can remember to pick up Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain when it hits Europe on 19 May. Maybe a note would help.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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