The Best Brain Training, Puzzle and Skill Games

Video games are fun, but sometimes you want something that’s a little more taxing, something that’ll stretch your brain and make you feel smug about your mental prowess. For this, we recommend brain training and skill games. Fabulous for cognitive ability and general quick-thinking, there’s also research that suggests they can decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s in later life, making them both fun and good for you.

The best options out there can be found on the web, and if you’re looking to play free online games it’s a good idea to look around and see what’s available… the Internet usually has it! There are a number of strategy-based online games that are perfect for giving brain cells a work out, including Siv World (unite with other players and form a nation), to the truly compulsive Plants vs. Zombies (a game that shouldn’t be so addictive, but completely is).

Of course, if you want to get scientific about it there are dedicated brain training games and software out there. Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo DS is a good one; work out your brain age and then perform various exercises and puzzles designed to bring it down and generally kick your brain into shape.

Jigsaw fans will be able to get all high-tech about their hobby using puzzle games such as Tetris, Sudoku, Chess and Bejeweled. Based around fitting things in or moving things into the correct place, puzzle games can be taxing but infinitely rewarding, especially if you prove to have a talent for it.

And of course, brain training is not the only way to keep your mind whirring. Eating well, exercising and trying new things can all be beneficial to your state of mind and how you process information, so try to fit in plenty of these alongside your new healthy gaming habit. Everything in moderation!