Let's face it, there are some games that are built on the level of simplicity and then there are games that are made for the smarter gamers out there. Think I'm wrong? Let's take a look back at the PlayStation 1 system, shall we? The system saw its fair share of simple releases, stuff like Bowling or Air Hockey. But it also added diversity to its line-up with the likes of Metal Gear Solid. One title that frequently comes to mind is the hard-to-find Intelligence Qube, a puzzle game that was unlike any other at the time, even outdoing Tetris in terms of its complexity. And Tetris, as you know, can get complex- especially when you have shapes piling up out of nowhere.

Qube was a game with a unique approach, involving moving blocks and a figure on-screen that you controlled, trying to get the puzzle solved before toppling off the edge. I mention Qube because I found myself playing it again after I had beaten PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient, a game that reminded me so much of its quirky design all its own. PQ comes up slightly short behind Qube, although, let's face it, it's as close to a taxing puzzle game as you'll get for the Sony PSP...unless Sony has some sort of PSX Greatest Hits collection budding for the system.

In the game, you take control of this Tron-like virtual figure as he works his way around a level, able to pick up boxes of one grid size and switch levers as he tries to work his way to the exit in the fastest time possible. There's a clock counting down on the screen to indicate just how much time you have left, but this is not a game that's built for dilly-dallying. It's highly recommended that you complete a level as fast as possible, so you can score the highest PQ rating per level that you can. Trust me, it'll take some work, but it's rewarding as you see your scores stack up.

"Sure, it sounds easy", you say, but that's your non-thinking side talking. Just wait until you're in about level 50 or 60 and see if you're still muttering it off like it's an SAT that you have all the answers for. The later levels in the game become ridiculously hard, with more walls, conveyors, switches, and other obstacles that make your attempts to complete the level a bit complicated. By level 100, you'll probably find yourself in the middle of a slight headache, amazed that you could put your brain to so much work.

And it's that element of the game that really hooked me. PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient is smartly designed, a puzzle game like very few before it, and really makes you work on your processes of completing each level. The gameplay is superb in this respect, as you only have so many tools at your disposal and so little time on the clock. You'll actually feel like going back and trying to complete a level in better time...after you pop a couple of aspirin, of course.

But the game's not perfect. Oh, how I would have LOVED for this to have been an instant favorite for everyone on the PSP. But, as is, it has limited appeal, thanks to three things.

1. The number of levels. The game features 100 levels in all, and while it does take a while to complete them, it's pretty much done once you do. It would've been great for Now Production to throw in a level creator or the ability to unlock even harder level designs once you beat the initial 100. But, not to be.

2. No multiplayer. The game does allow you to upload your scores to a worldwide ranking board, so you can see how you compare with the other geniuses that own a PSP. But that's the cut-off point- you can't directly challenge a person to a puzzle-off or work with them in co-op. Not even in Adhoc.

3. The camera. Sometimes you have to adjust the camera to get a better perspective on a level, and the movement can be a real pain. This results in trying to adjust and still keep time on the clock. Now Production would've been smart to tinker this up a little to work better in the player's favor.

So those are the flaws. The lack of multiplayer and additional levels puts the long-term hurt on PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient. But I still recommend it, mainly because it reinvigorates your brain and actually puts it to good use. The design is enjoyably original and the gameplay will keep you busy, at least for a little while. Quit being a lazy brain and give it a go. Yeah, I'm talking to you, girly man!