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!
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- 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 (31–40)
tic-tac-toe
Many of you probably played it as kids, right? Tic-tac-toe is a game where you take turns writing O’s and X’s in a 3×3 grid, and you win if you line up three of your symbol vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
It’s simple, but you have to think quite a bit as you choose your squares while anticipating where your opponent will play.
You might enjoy it even more if you play multiple games at once!
Guess the rule
When you play a game, you usually play after understanding the rules, right? “Guess the Rule” is a game where you figure out what those rules are.
Watch people actually playing the game and think about what rules are governing the play.
Try dividing into roles: the players of the game, the people who guess the rules, and the person who tells someone “That’s a foul” if they break a rule during the game.
Consider various possibilities and work out the rules before the game ends!
Lateral thinking quiz game: Umigame no Soup
A lateral thinking quiz game where you brainstorm freely from the quiz prompt to arrive at the answer.
In ordinary quizzes, you often derive answers based on common sense, preconceptions, or established notions.
In a lateral thinking quiz game, the solver asks questions about the presented problem.
The quizmaster responds using only three options: “Yes,” “No,” or “Irrelevant.” Using the questions and these three types of replies, you deduce the answer.
The solver must think carefully about what to ask.
Another characteristic is that the answers are often things you can’t infer directly from the problem statement.
Come up with various ideas and solutions to figure out the answer.
A rhythm game that uses your fingers
https://www.tiktok.com/@aoirotv/video/7329846410118008082Let me introduce a finger-based rhythm game.
The caller says a finger number, and the responder answers while moving the corresponding finger with both hands pressed together.
It’s surprisingly tricky to move just your fingertips when 4 or 5 is called.
As the sequence gets longer and more mixed, be careful not to miss any numbers and keep your fingertips moving to the rhythm.
It’s a simple game, but it’s a fun way to use your brain and memory.
To increase the difficulty, try adding more numbers.
Debate showdown
A debate showdown where you deliberately take different positions and argue a theme with logical persuasion.
There are also shows on the internet and TV where celebrities face off in debate matches, right? Memorable quotes from Hiroyuki during his debate showdowns also became a hot topic.
A debate showdown game, where you skillfully put what you think and feel into words, can help you develop your ability to communicate.
It’s also crucial to listen closely to what your opponent says and, when you’re on a team with opinions different from your own, to think objectively.
How about forming teams with a few friends and giving it a try?
after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors
In rock-paper-scissors, playing after your opponent is taboo.
But “after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors” is a game that deliberately does just that.
Try playing after your opponent and either win on purpose—or lose on purpose.
Since we usually play to win, intentionally losing might be harder.
This also helps stimulate the brain and is great for all ages.
Once you get used to it, try picking up the pace and challenge yourself.
Puzzle solving
“Nazotoki” is, quite literally, solving puzzles.
You discover patterns and rules in the problems and derive the answers.
Many puzzle problems are uploaded to video-sharing sites and the like, so try searching for them and give them a shot.
Thinking about things you don’t usually consider is great exercise for your brain.
Depending on the problem, children—whose minds are still flexible—might arrive at the correct answer faster.
Word association game
The “word association game” can be arranged in many ways.
Here’s a simple version.
First, one participant says a word—for example, “apple.” The next person connects it with an associated idea, like “When you think of apples, you think red.” If someone can’t keep the rhythm or says a word that isn’t clearly associated, they lose.
It’s a simple game, so even young children can enjoy it.
Go (the board game)
Go is a board game for two players.
They take turns placing stones on the board and compete over the size of the territories enclosed by their own stones.
Once a stone is placed, it cannot be removed or moved unless it is completely surrounded by the opponent’s stones, so please keep that in mind.
It may be hard to learn at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll surely be hooked on the profound depth of Go!
Shogi
Shogi is a board game played by two people.
In addition to “standard shogi,” there are variants such as “ancient shogi” and “variant shogi,” and, like chess, it is thought to have originated from the ancient Indian game chaturanga.
Generally, the squares up to the third rank from your side of the board are called your camp, and the squares up to the third rank from your opponent’s side are called the enemy camp, and the outcome is decided by capturing the king.
You do need to learn the characteristics of the pieces in shogi, but once you do, it’s a game that even children can enjoy.