Educational Video Games

Nintendo's popular brain-building series returns with an emphasis on short-term memory and focus in Brain Age: Concentration Training. Working on the premise that a society full of emails, text messages, and video clips has produced an information overload, Concentration Training aims to improve working memory through a variety of five-minute exercises. Dr. Ryuta Kawashima returns to guide gamers through simple math problems, matching, and cup-and-ball mini-games, among other activities, and the game offers dynamic difficulty settings that adjust to players' progress. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

A classic computer series hitches its wagon to the 3DS with this enhanced version of The Oregon Trail. Once again, your goal is to safely make it from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City -- a trek spanning over 2,000 miles of rugged terrain. Spend your limited budget on rations and supplies before driving your wagon across the great outdoors. While out on the trail, you'll be able to hunt for game and catch fish to increase your odds of survival. Four distinct stories are available to complete, each offering a choice of three time periods. Earn in-game achievements and unlock items with each successful expedition. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Puzzler Mind Gym 3D offers daily puzzles and brain exercises in the tradition of Nintendo's Brain Age series. Ninety activities are grouped into the following four categories: visual, memorization, word, and numerical. Grades are awarded at the end of each activity, and you can track your results over an extended period of time. Designed with the input of Professor Ian Robertson, an expert on cognitive rehabilitation, Puzzler Mind Gym 3D includes tips and advice to incorporate in your daily life. You'll also see which parts of the brain are being exercised via 3D brain models. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide