Platform : Nintendo DS
Publisher : Eidos
Developer : Razorback
ESRB : 12+


The Game:

Dr Kawashinas' Brain Training started the genre on the DS and set the benchmark by which all the clones and genuine challengers would judged.
Dr Reiner Knizia's Brain Benders is the first real contender for the crown.
The scenario is that the good Dr is travelling around the world solving puzzles in each of the major cities visited, or rather you are solving the puzzles in the lower screen whilst the Dr lives the high life in the top screen, with ad-hoc comments, prompts or suggestions being offered.


Gameplay:

If you like logic and brain puzzles this is perfect. Travel around the world visiting 16 cities each with a signature game or puzzle.
The games and puzzles are themed according to the host city and are variations on spot the difference, maths logic, find the pairs, solitaire, musical memory, battleships, mazes, casino games, rearrange the puzzle, mastermind and many more number logic, and decoding games.
As you complete each level you earn medals and coins which can be used to unlock more cities and levels and although each level is slightly harder than the previous, the new level is also slightly different which is great because the games are not repetitive.

In addition to the World Tour there is also random game play where you can select the number of random games you want to play to get the high score.


Conclusion:

If you thought Big Brain Academy or Brain Training were good, then try this, it is brilliant and it's fun - you won't be disappointed, although the similarity in appearance of Dr Knizia to comedian Jimmy Carr is somewhat disturbing!
Suitable for all ages and abilities - having completed the game several times I can't see why it has been given a 12+ ESRB rating unless it is because the level set in Las Vegas is played out in a casino setting?


Summary:

Absolutely brilliant addictive game offering excellent value for money.