Brain-teasing game roundup
Simple games are fun, but sometimes you want something that really makes you think! For you, we’re introducing recommended brain-training game apps.
We’ve gathered a wide range of classics like board games, card games, puzzles, and popular remixed games.
These apps include not only trending titles but also games perfect for filling short breaks.
As we get older, thinking things through can start to feel like a chore.
But with brain games, you can train your mind while having fun!
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- Single-player games: a roundup of time-killing games
- Challenge together! A roundup of word games for adults
- Perfect for killing time! Games you can play with two people.
- Perfect for killing time! A roundup of games for three people to enjoy
- [For 2 Players] Easy Pen-and-Paper Time-Killing Game
- Games you can play in the car! Fun activities to liven up drives and traffic jams
- Kill time while waiting or stuck in traffic! A roundup of games four people can play
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
- [Simple Games] Recommended Indoor Recreational Activities for Adults
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- [Get Friendly with Games] Math Games, Apps, and Activities
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for junior high school students
Games (11–20)
Reverse shiritori
A classic game for kids: shiritori! This time, we’re introducing “reverse shiritori.” Unlike regular shiritori, you take the first letter of a word and make it the last letter of the next word.
For example, in regular shiritori you might go “ringo → gorira,” but in reverse shiritori it would be “ringo → kyūri.” It sounds simple, but even adults find it tricky—so get your brain in high gear to answer quickly!
Texas Hold’em
When it comes to card games, many people think of poker! It’s a game where you make a hand with five cards and compete on strength.
Texas Hold’em is also a form of poker, but it’s played a bit differently: you use five community cards and two hole cards to make your hand.
There are four betting rounds, and since the community cards are revealed gradually, you have to decide at first whether to play based only on your hole cards.
The interesting part of this game is that you don’t reveal your hole cards until all the community cards are out, so even if you can only make a weak hand, you can pretend to be strong and rattle your opponents.
Use psychological tactics to outmaneuver others and rack up chips!
Werewolf game
The “Werewolf Game” is a game in which players are divided into the Villagers’ side and the Werewolves’ side, and each team fights to achieve its own victory.
At the start, roles are assigned to the players, and only you can see your own role.
Through discussion, you decide whom to trust and whom to suspect as the game progresses.
It’s a game that requires a lot of thinking, but it’s very popular—so give it a try at least once!
Insider Game
Are you familiar with the game Insider, which includes elements like finding the culprit or werewolf? You deal out cards to determine the roles: Master, Insider, and the rest are Commoners.
The Master identifies themselves and draws a topic card.
Then everyone closes their eyes, during which the Insider also checks the topic—the only ones who know the answer are the Master and the Insider.
From there, players ask the Master yes-or-no questions to get hints toward the answer, while the Insider asks guiding, assistive questions to steer everyone toward it.
The goal is to reach the correct answer within a five-minute time limit.
After that, there’s another phase: figuring out who the Insider is.
Players discuss whether the person who gave the correct answer is the Insider.
If that person is indeed the Insider, the answerer and the Master win; if they’re wrong, the Insider wins.
Countdown
The Count Game is a very simple game for two or more players where you lose if you say a predetermined number.
Children old enough to say numbers can play.
To start, decide on the number that must not be said.
Then count upward from 1 toward that number in order.
Each player can say at most three numbers in a turn, so you have to think ahead as you answer.
It’s great mental exercise—give it a try!
Last-Player-Standing Grand Strategy
Introducing ‘The Last One Standing: Luck and Logic,’ a strategy game of chance and brains.
It’s playable by 2 to 4 people.
First, each player chooses a color.
Then, in turn, place one ball of your color anywhere you like, one at a time.
After all balls are placed, play rock-paper-scissors to decide the order for pulling the lever.
When you pull the lever, balls will drop.
The player whose ball(s) remain until the end wins.
It’s both brainy and exciting—highly recommended!
Number puzzle
There are many types of number puzzles, and the one I’m introducing here is a number puzzle where you match the same numbers.
Anyone can make it with paper, a pen, and scissors.
First, prepare a square sheet of paper and fold it so that it’s divided into 16 equal sections.
Then, write the numbers 1–8 in designated positions on both the front and back.
Next, make cuts with scissors along the vertical fold lines in the second and third rows.
That completes the number puzzle.
After that, simply fold it so that four of the same number come together! Try to think flexibly and give it a go.
chess
Chess is a two-player board game and a type of mind sport.
The first and second players each use 16 pieces of six different types to corner the opponent’s king.
Even if you know what chess is, you might feel that the pieces’ characteristics and the rules seem difficult and hesitate to get started.
But if you change your perspective, once you learn those basics, it’s a game you can enjoy almost indefinitely.
Why not take this opportunity to give it a try?
mosquito
Let me introduce “Mosquito,” a game where you take on roles and battle while doing calculations.
How about splitting into Spiders and Mosquitoes and trying a game that uses simple arithmetic? Even if you’re not confident with math, it’s easy to jump in because it feels like a game.
All you need is paper and a pen.
The calculations use multiplication, so anyone with basic multiplication knowledge can play—that’s part of the appeal.
By playing while thinking about tactics and strategy, you can develop planning skills, flexibility, and problem-solving ability.
Rubik’s Cube
A Rubik’s Cube is a square toy whose pieces rotate vertically and horizontally.
I’m sure many of you are familiar with it.
The way to play is to align the scrambled colors so that all six faces become a single color.
You can’t solve it by turning it randomly, so you need to think as you move it.
It seems the trick is to start by making a cross! It’s highly recommended—finishing it feels incredibly satisfying!