Brain Power

Did you know that you can improve your memory, focus, and concentration just by playing games? And that they’re fun games, too?

The Internet is awash in brain games that are enjoyable to play while keeping your mind sharp. Companies like Big Fish and PopCap Games are always working hard to bring us challenging games that are an inexpensive way to stay mentally fit.

Here are some such titles across a variety of gaming genres.

Time Management Games

Time management games may look cartoonish and kid-like, but they’re really very adult. Typically the goal is to race the clock to complete a series of tasks under demanding conditions. For example, in the most famous time management game series, Diner Dash, you’re tasked with filling orders for impatient diners at your restaurant before closing time. These games involve a lot of strategy and patience, but they improve your concentration and reflexes.

Recommended titles:

First Class Flurry
This is a pretty classic time management game where you play an air hostess whose job it is to keep every customer as happy as possible before the plane lands. Each customer usually wants multiple things throughout the flight, such as food, entertainment, blankets and pillows. Your goal is to put every customer to sleep with a blanket or pillow before it’s landing time. Once they’re asleep, they won’t bother you. This is a super fast-paced game but it’s an exciting challenge. Retails as low as $6.99 for a digital download.

Wedding Dash
Although it’s a bit skewed towards typically feminine interests, Wedding Dash is an example of time management games at their best. You play the role of a wedding planner whose job it is to cater to the every need of the bride and groom, and then, the every need of the very demanding wedding guests. The bulk of the play involves strategies to keep the guests happy, and this flexes your focus and memory as you often have to develop and remember a firm strategy depending on their requests. The action happens fast, but there is no clock to beat – in this game, you play until you’ve successfully served a meal to every guest. Whether or not you progress to the next level depends on how many points you’ve racked up. Retails as low as $6 for a digital download.

Hidden Object Games

Hidden object games are pretty self explanatory: you’re presented a scene in which an array of objects are scattered around, and you have to find the hidden ones that match a scavenger hunt-esque list. There is usually a timer on each level, so you really have to focus and concentrate to get the job done.

Recommended titles:

Mystery in London
This is a great hidden object game that also has an immersing plot and many educational points. You play a tourist in London who accidentally stumbles on the trail of Jack the Ripper, and ends up having to solve one of history’s greatest mysteries. As you travel from photorealistic place to place, you’re given trivia about each of London’s greatest landmarks, and more of the story unfolds. Retails as low as $5 for a digital download.

The Hidden Object Show
The Hidden Object Show is a pure hidden object game with no storyline. It’s presented like a game show, wherein you play against time to find all the hidden objects on your list. It’s quirky but it does the trick, as it’s virtually impossible to play the game well without concentrating. Retails as low as $6.99 for a digital download.

Adventure Games

Adventure games are usually point-and-click games that take you through a very engaging story and include many puzzles to solve along the way. A classic adventure game you may have heard of is the Myst series. These games require focus and quick-thinking, as well as a great deal of logic and some memory skills.

Recommended titles:

Dream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles is a visually stunning game that tells the story of a missing mystical child. You’re trying to figure out the disappearance through level after level of dream-like scenery, and many puzzles to solve. Appealing graphics and sound make this a special treat. Retails as low as $6 for a digital download.

Nancy Drew – Curse of Blackmoor Manor
What dark and dangerous secrets lurk at Blackmoor Manor? In this adventure game you play the famous young detective Nancy Drew, dealing with a terrifying mystery at the heart of a creepy English mansion. You must interview the mansion’s residents, explore its atmospheric rooms, and tackle many puzzles along the way. This is a highly challenging game. Retails as low as $6.99 for digital download.