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 (21–30)
codename
Let me introduce the word-association game “Codenames.” First, you need two players and one guesser.
Prepare 25 cards, each with a codename written on it.
The guesser must not see the contents of the cards.
Of the cards, 9 belong to the first team, 8 belong to the second team, and 7 are bystanders.
The players give the guesser a single word that will make them associate with their own team’s agents.
The side whose agents’ codenames are all identified first wins.
One remaining card is the assassin; if you lead the guesser to that codename, you immediately lose, so be careful.
It’s a fun game where everyone gets to use their brains.
Exit 8
Exit 8 is a hugely popular game starring Kazunari Ninomiya that was even adapted into a film.
The player aims to escape from Exit 8 of an endlessly continuing underground passage.
If you notice something strange in the passage, turn back; if nothing seems off, keep going and try to escape through Exit 8.
The rules are simple, but it’s a challenging game because spotting anomalies is difficult.
As you get used to the visuals, you might overlook changes—like failing to notice an anomaly or a poster that’s subtly changed size.
There are also jump-scare-style moments, such as a man sprinting toward you or creepy posters.
It’s the kind of game that seems fun to play while chatting with family or friends, discussing the anomalies as you go.
10-second Memory Game
It’s a “10-Second Memory Game” where your memory makes all the difference.
The rules are simple: first, look at an illustration for 10 seconds.
Next, you’ll be asked questions about its details and answer them.
How many people were in the picture? What color clothes were they wearing? As the quiz master, focus on the fine details.
It might feel difficult at first, but memory can be trained over time.
If you keep challenging yourself bit by bit, you’ll surely get better at it.
51
Let me introduce a game that tests your analytical skills: “51.” The rules are simple—collect five cards of the same suit to form your hand, and the player whose total is closest to 51 wins.
Card values are as follows: Jokers and Aces count as either 10 or 11, Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10, and all other cards are worth 8.
Remembering who drew which cards and crafting your strategy accordingly is the key to victory.
Give it a try and keep your brain in high gear.
There are additional detailed rules as well, so be sure to look them up!
Connect Four
A game I recommend when you want to kill time! Here’s an idea for a “Four-in-a-Row” game.
This game is perfect for passing the time or filling small gaps in your day.
All you need is paper and a pen, so it’s great because you can play it anywhere! Once you draw a baseline horizontal line on the paper, you’re ready to start.
Decide who goes first and second, then take turns drawing boxes.
The key is that each box must touch another box.
You can’t draw boxes floating in the air or separated from the others.
It’s a simple game where the person who lines up four boxes vertically, horizontally, or diagonally wins!
A game where you guess the color of the ball you’re holding
It’s a game where you try to guess, through conversation, which color ball—out of three colors—the person on the other side of a wall is holding.
One player skillfully uses words to steer the other’s choice of ball, while the other keeps swapping balls to avoid being guessed.
Think about how to phrase things so the other person will switch to your ideal ball, drawing on everyday patterns of thought to guide them.
Try to exchange as many words as possible, and when you swap balls, clearly declare a color—even if it’s not the correct one—to keep the game running smoothly.
Algo Basic
Argo Basic is a game where you deduce your opponent’s number cards from a single number card.
There are a few slightly complex parts, such as arranging and flipping cards according to the basic rules.
However, once you get the hang of it, it helps you develop the ability to focus, think things through, and analyze card numbers from your opponent’s responses, strengthening your logical thinking skills.
Because it can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages, it’s also great for family play.
Additionally, a puzzle collection for “Tsume Argo,” which lets you enjoy Argo in a way similar to tsume shogi (checkmate puzzles), is included.