Big Brain Academy: Wii Degreestands out as one of the more noteworthy Wii releases, a "brain training" game that relies on smarts instead of random button pressing. Don't be discouraged by the logical approach, though -- the Nintendo DS version of Big Brain turned out to be a lot of fun, and the same can easily be said for Wii Degree thus far.

Players complete a variation of different activities, ranging from memory games to math problems to picture analysis. The final game will feature over 30 activities, each measuring mental strength throughout five unique categories: Think, Identify, Memorize, Compute and Analyze. The player selects how many rounds they want to complete, ranging from twelve to thirty. Upon completing these rounds, a scale shows where their greatest strengths lie and where they need to improve. These numbers change significantly, as some players excel at addition while others show skill with picture match-ups.

As the DS version of Big Brain uses the touch-screen format, Wii Degree works with the Wii remote. Players point the remote on-screen to complete a given task, such as clicking on objects and dragging them around. The game works astonishingly well and remains simple enough to play. Getting into Big Brain requires a matter of seconds for any player, from a smarmy 8-year old kid with a penchant for sports games or a 55-year man with no video game experience. This user friendliness should make Big Brain a hit, even to those who don't play video games that often (or at all).

Big Brain's visuals don't exploit the Wii's strengths, but they don't need to. Objects remain very clear and easy to distinguish. The graphics have the same hand-drawn approach as the DS game, while soothing songs play in the background. Players can also associate a Mii to their character, adding a face to their brain stats.

Along with the main game, players have the option of practicing activities in the various categories. Say two people need to work a little more on their Compute skills. They can assign certain puzzles in that category to improve their abilities. Being able to go in and customize the game for specific needs not only serves as a benefit during the actual game, but also with real brain functions.

Best of all, Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree offers tremendous multiplayer support. Two players can hop into mental combat, choosing a number of rounds and completing the puzzles as rapidly (and correctly) as possible. Nintendo does great work mixing up the rounds in this mode -- they don't follow a pre-set pattern and randomize following each play. For those who don't have friends around (or at all), players can save their training data at any time and challenge others wirelessly to keep up. Unfortunately, Nintendo remained pretty mum as to whether the game would be compatible with the DS version. At least Wii owners should be able to interact with each other with very few problems -- unless they lack cerebral prowess, of course.

Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree should be fun enough for everyone to play and yet educational enough to keep worried parents and exhausted teachers at bay. Look for it this June.

Related Links

Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Game Guide

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