Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #4645 in Video GamesBrand: Electronic ArtsModel: 19119Published on: 2008-09Released on: 2008-09-22ESRB Rating: EveryonePlatform: Nintendo DSNumber of items: 1Dimensions: .75" h x 5.00" w x 5.50" l, .25 pounds
Features
Over 6,000 unique questionsBrain Mode allows kids to jump right in, immersing themselves in fast-paced quiz games, as they answer questions on their favorite subjects - English, history, math, science, and geographyQuest Mode takes kids through a light, fun story world where they will play quiz games to solve problemsKids of all ages can get in on the action and enjoy the brain-twisting fun with Hot Swap Multiplayer quiz games featuring both versus and cooperative gamesThe game also features Sudoku specially tailored to kids of all ages, with 4x4, 6x6 and 9x9 puzzles
Customer Reviews
Brain Quest - Grades 3 and 4 - Nice Start To The Series
Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4 is the second game I have tried in this series after having a good experience with Brain Quest: For Grades 5 & 6. Question difficulty in this version has a more defined range that mixes in more hard questions from the start. These games are marketed as learning aids for younger kids, but they work pretty well as stand-alone games. Both are good gift ideas for kids and puzzle junkies alike.
Pros:
+ Questions seem more balanced than 5th & 6th Grade version
+ Great idea for a game, a no brainer gift for kids and puzzle junkies alike
+ Nice variety of modes and game-play options
+ Quest Mode is like "Professor Layton - Lite" with quiz games and puzzles to advance
+ Cooperative game is great for tutoring
+ Sudoku includes various grids of increasing difficulty, including 4x4, 6x6 and 9x9 grids
+ Supposedly large question base (6,000); only more time will tell
+ Achievements are included to make long-term play more interesting
+ Nice study aid, covering staples like English, math and science
Cons:
- Somewhat long intro sequences for the quest mode
- Difficult to find in B&M stores
- Educators may be better able to tell if these games are grade appropriate for 3rd and 4th graders
PLAY MODES AND OPTIONS
The play modes and options are the same as on the version for grades 5 & 6. Kids can enjoy playing this with each other and parents can play with their kids. Multi-player mode includes both versus and cooperative options. The "versus" games are good, but the cooperative game may be the perfect way to tutor kids through some of the tougher challenges.
The quest mode is story-driven, and reminded me somewhat of light version of Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Question difficulty seems better integrated in this version. It still incorporates some drawn-out introductory scenes and story sequences, but few kids seem to mind these.
The achievements are a nice extra to the game, and are more fleshed out than in Big Brain Academy. Few DS games have achievements. The advertised question database should allow for lots of game-play. If I find a lot of repetition over time, I will update this review.
One of my favorite things about this game is the Sudoku integration. There are other Sudoku games for the DS, but this is a nice extra that is well done here. Kids and adults alike can get something out of this. For those who find Sudoku grids hard to finish, starting on the 4X4 and 6X6 grids lets you work your way up. Ironically, it seems more like an "extra" in this game. But it's one of the things I enjoyed the most.
ALTERNATIVES
The brain mode is not as intuitive and fun as Big Brain Academy but this game may offer more of a challenge with long term use. Similarly the quest mode is not as fleshed out as Professor Layton. So this game may be light on the *fun* aspect, but seems stronger on the learning side.
Other than Spelling Challenges and More, this is one of few such brain games for the DS that is geared towards kids. So if you can trick your kids into doing some school work through this game, then great. Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? tends to have harder questions, but definitely does not have as many game options as this one. When I first picked this up, I underestimated how useful that variety of play options was. There is still plenty of challenge here to keep kids interested.
CONCLUSION
This is a great game to give to your young one, or to play along with them. You may even be able to help them through some of the problems via the cooperative mode. As for whether they will pick this game up on their own, it will really depend on their personality. Like most DS games, the design of this game is well suited for "15 minutes a day" type of play. So give them an incentive and they may very well get hooked on it. And even if they don't like the quest mode, getting the simpler Sudoku grids is a great way to have them build up to the larger standard 9X9 grid. Definitely a game that is worth testing out.
Enjoy.
Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4
This game was purchased for my 8 year old son. The game covered many educational topics in a fun manner. It allows you to play at 3rd grade level, 3& 4 th grade level, or 4th grade level. My son is not really into educational games, so he wasn't really into giving it a try at first compared to his other DS games. My husband and I sat down and made profiles and played it too. Soon as he seen us playing and collecting items, he began to play it also. He really likes this game and has learned many things. I find it best to play with him since he sometimes has questions about information he did not know before. It has a multiplayer mode which is great for playing with your child. I would recommend this item for those who have children in this age range.
fun and educational wow!!!
I bought this for my nine year old and he loves it big time. He loves reading and discovering new things and this game has alot of info. It covers a lot of ground, science, math, history and opens new stages as you go along. Lots of fun even for adults. I also bought it for my niece but she has not seen yet. I will also be purchasing 5&6 grade soon.
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