Big Brain Academy
Mini-FAQ
By jackie_chang
Last update: Jul. 11, 2006
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Update history
--------------
Jul. 11, 2006: Added Dr. Lobe's greeting messages (Section V).
Jun. 12, 2006: Corrected the requirements for platinums. It turns out the
requirement varies from game to game, and even within a game, depending on the
difficulty chosen. Added basic info on multiplayer.
Outline
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I. Controls
II. Practice Mode
1. Think
a. Heavyweight
b. Pathfinder
c. Bone Yard
2. Memorize
a. Sound Bites
b. Flash Memory
c. Memo-random
3. Analyze
a. Missing Link
b. CubeGame
c. Animal Lines
4. Compute
a. Coin-parison
b. Add Agency
c. Written Math
5. Identify
a. Shadow Shift
b. Get in Shape
c. Matchmaker
III. Test Mode
1. Enrolled Player
2. Demo Mode
IV. Versus (Multiplayer) Mode
V. Dr. Lobe's greetings
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I. Controls
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With very minor exceptions, the controls exclusively use the touchscreen.
Controls consist primarily of tapping boxes or numbers on a keypad, and
drawing lines.
Exception 1: Pressing Start in the middle of any test will immediately abort
the test. Closing the DS (activating Sleep mode) has the same effect.
Exception 2: Pressing A in Coin-parison will change the display mode. Read
more in section II.4.a.
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II. Practice Mode
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Here I will describe the 15 available activities in Big Brain Academy. The 5
main categories are: Think, Memorize, Analyze, Compute, and Identify. Each
category has 3 mini-tests, and each mini-test offers three initial levels of
difficulty (as you progress, the difficulty will ramp up). The provided
examples and theoretical caps on complexity are based on my (limited)
experience of the game.
After choosing your category, mini-test, and difficulty, you will have a
3-second countdown before the 60-second drill begins. Performing well will
earn you medals, based on your "Brain mass" (read: score) computed at the end
of the round.
The possible medals are: Bronze < Silver < Gold < Platinum
The required amount to get each medal appears to vary between games, and even
between difficulties in the same game. Here is a general guideline:
Bronze: 50-149 g
Silver: 150-249 g
Gold: 250-350/400/450 g (varies)
Platinum: 350+/400+/450+ g (varies)
In general, you want to avoid making any mistakes (particularly harmful in the
Memorize category, with differences of up to 60 g per error!), while working
as fast as you can.
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1. Think
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a. Heavyweight
A number of balance scales (with two platforms, the heavier sinking below the
lighter platform) are shown on the top screen with a multitude of fruits,
animals, bugs, vehicles or people. On the touchscreen, you must correctly
identify the heaviest item.
Second chances: No
Easy example: 2 items on one scale, very obvious
Med. example: 3-4 items on 2-3 scales, usually only one item per platform
Hard example: 4+ items, 1-4 scales, anywhere from 1-3 items per platform
b. Pathfinder
Pairs of animals are separated by multiple columns of lines, connected by
horizontal lines. You must draw exactly one line between two adjacent
columns. The animals will then fall towards the bottom, turning at every
corner they run into. The goal is to match up all the pairs. Occasionally on
harder difficulties, a Skull will occupy a horizontal line, and block the
animal from moving.
This is very similar to the Super Mario 64 mini-game with Mario trying to
avoid the Piranha Plants.
Second chances: Yes, if you catch a mistake before lifting the stylus, just
scribble everywhere and the line will be erased.
Easy example: 2 columns, one pair
Med. example: 3 columns, 1-2 pairs
Hard example: 3-8 columns, 3-7 pairs
c. Bone Yard
On the touchscreen will be a rectangular grid between 2x3 and 4x5 (possibly
bigger), containing a dog and as the difficulty increases, 2x1 blocks, 3x1
blocks, and tetrominoes of different colors.
The top screen will display a sequence of movements (up, down, left, or
right), going in order from left to right, that the dog/blocks will follow.
Your objective is to plant the bone in the correct box so the dog has it at
the end of the sequence. The blocks and the dog are completely free to move
and will be displaced if another block forces it/them to move.
Second chances: No
Easy example: 2x3 grid, 1-3 dog movements, no blocks
Med. example: 3x4 grid, some blocks, 4-7 movements
Hard example: 4x5 grid, up to 3 blocks, 4-8 movements
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2. Memorize
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a. Sound Bites
A few animals, vehicles, people, or musical instruments are displayed on the
top screen. Prior to their display, you will receive a prompt announcing how
many "notes" will be played. You must then repeat the sequence in the played
order. The tempo is not considered at all. Note: the placement of the
objects on the top screen rarely match the placement on the touchscreen, so
pay attention to what you tap.
Second chances: No, as soon as you make the first mistake the next sequence is
given.
Easy example: 2 objects, 3 notes
Med. example: 3 objects, 4 notes
Hard example: 2-4 objects, up to 6 notes
b. Flash Memory
A simple calculator-like touchpad is displayed
7 8 9
4 5 6
1 2 3
(0) *
Where * is a special symbol, like a diamond, heart, club, or spade. A prompt
with the number of characters will flash on the top screen, followed by the
actual numerical/symbol sequence you must re-enter. In a second or less, the
numerical/symbol sequence will disappear.
Example: 6 Characters
350*279
Second chances: No, as soon as you make the first mistake the next sequence is
given.
Easy example: 2 characters
Med. example: 3 characters
Hard example: 4-8 characters, usually the symbol is near the center of the
sequence.
c. Memo-random
A number of square boxes (between 1 and 6, usually) filled with icons,
animals, food items, or people, will be shown on the top screen, and a large
"Memorized" button will be shown on the touchscreen. You must memorize what's
inside the box, then tap the "Memorized" button (there is no prescribed time
limit). Then, immediately some or all of the boxes on the top screen will be
obscured with "?", and you must tap the missing item(s) correctly on the
touchscreen, in any order.
Second chances: No
Easy example: 1 box, two items to choose from
Med. example: 2-4 boxes, 4 items to choose from
Hard example: 3-6 boxes, 4-6 items to choose from
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3. Analyze
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a. Missing Link
A connect-the-dots drawing will be displayed on the top screen, with one or
more possible lines highlighted in red. The same drawing is reproduced on the
touchscreen, but may be rotated from its original orientation (never flipped
or rescaled, sheared, etc.). Your objective is to correctly re-draw the
red-highlighted lines, by connecting the correct dots, on the touchscreen, in
any order.
Second chances: No
Easy example: Bottom figure nearly all filled in, 1-2 lines to complete
Med. example: 1-5 lines to complete, figure sometimes rotated
Hard example: 2 lines to whole figure to complete, figure often rotated
b. CubeGame
A pseudo-3D image of stacked cubes will be shown in the top screen, and the
numerical keypad (see Flash Memory, 2.b., above) on the touchscreen. You must
correctly count the total number of blocks in the figure, not forgetting to
count hidden blocks not directly visible. Think of the Q-Bert playing field,
or those Escher-esque drawings
Second chances: No, for example, if there are 20-29 blocks, and you press 1,
you will be wrong (because you thought there were 10-19 blocks)
Easy example: 1-5 blocks, nothing hidden
Med. example: 10-20 blocks, usually symmetrical or rectangular arrangement
Hard example: 10-30 blocks, mostly random
c. Animal Lines
One or more groups of 2-4 animals are shown on the top screen, and a 2x3 to
4x5 grid of animals shown on the touchscreen. You must, by drawing
horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines, connect blocks on the touchscreen
that will correctly form (and remove) the given groups on the top screen (the
order of drawing the lines or removing groups is not important).
Example:
TOP [ E O ]
TOP [ B B ]
BOTTOM
[ O B B ]
[ E K O ]
I will draw a vertical line connecting O and E, and then B and B horizontally.
If I connect O and E again, I am penalized because that group was already
removed.
Second chances: Yes, if you seem to make a mistake, don't extend the line
outside your first block
Easy example: 1 group, 2x3 grid
Med. example: 2-3 groups, 3x4 grid
Hard example: 3-4 groups, 4x5 grid
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4. Compute
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a. Coin-parison
Two large rectangles are drawn on the touchscreen, each containing an
assortment of pennies (1 cent), nickels (5 cents), dimes (10 cents) and
quarters (25 cents). You must correctly tap the box which contains more
money. Pressing A anytime during the test will change the display.
Display 1 (default): An outline of each coin is drawn, with large, black,
blocky numbers (representing its value) superimposed on each coin.
Display 2: The numbers are removed, and the coins are drawn in a very
cartoonish style. Use this display for added challenge.
Second chances: No
Easy example: 2-5 coins per side, very large difference
Med. example: 3-9 coins per side, more modest difference
Hard example: 5-12 coins per side, sometimes the difference is 1 cent
b. Add Agency
A given number of one object (e.g. 9 cars, 5 people, 6 bees) is drawn on the
top screen. On the touchscreen, there will be 3-4 boxes with anywhere from
one to twelve objects inside. Your objective is to correctly pick exactly TWO
boxes whose numbers add up to the total number on the top screen.
Example:
TOP
[ o o ]
[ o ]
[ o o ]
BOTTOM
[x x ] [ @ ]
[ L L L L ]
To win, I will tap the @ and L L L L boxes, adding up to 5 (o o o o o) shown
above.
Second chances: Yes. After choosing the first box, you may at anytime tap it
again to de-select it.
Easy example: 4-6 items total, 3 choices
Med. example: 5-9 items total, 3-4 choices
Hard example: up to 24 items, 4 choices
c. Written Math
A word problem (all numbers are fully spelled out) will be shown on the top
screen, and the numerical touchpad on the touchscreen. You must correctly
answer the word problem.
Second chances: No
Easy example: TWO PLUS FIVE IS
Med. example: NINE TIMES FIVE TIMES THREE IS
Hard example: FOUR PLUS ? IS SIXTEEN
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5. Identify
-----------
a. Shadow Shift
A number of objects, people, animals, vehicles, or fruit are chosen and
displayed on the touchscreen, while the shadows of some of these items are
shown on the top screen. You must correctly identify every shadow on the top
screen. Typically, 3 out of 4, 4 out of 5, or 4 out of 6 items are shadowed
in the harder difficulties.
Second chances: No
Easy example: 1 shadow, 2 items
Med. example: 2-3 shadows moving slowly or rotating, 4-5 items
Hard example: 4-5 shadows moving very rapidly and/or rotating, up to 6 items
b. Get in Shape
Very similar to tangrams. A number of geometric shapes are strewn across the
touchscreen, and you must correctly pick the exact shapes that will form the
picture on the top screen. No rotation is allowed. As soon as you identify a
correct piece, its outline will appear on the top screen, making
identification of remaining pieces much simpler. Typically, all but 2 or 3
pieces are used.
Second chances: No, as soon as you pick a wrong piece, the next drawing is
shown.
Easy example: 4-5 pieces on touchscreen
Med. example: 5-12 pieces on touchscreen
Hard example: 12+ pieces on touchscreen
c. Matchmaker
A grid anywhere between 2x3 to 4x5 is shown on the touchscreen, with a variety
of icons, objects, food, or animals. You must find and tap all possible pairs
in the grid. The top screen will always give you the total number of pairs
possible, and display what items you have successfully paired up.
Second chances: Yes. After choosing the first box, you may at anytime tap it
again to de-select it.
Easy example: 1 pair, 2x3 grid
Med. example: 1-2 pairs, 3x4 grid
Hard example: 2-4 pairs, 4x5 grid
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III. Test Mode
--------------
1. Enrolled Player
If you chose to name one of the four save slots, and play test mode from the
save file, your highest score, letter grade, and brain match (career) will be
saved. Each segment of the test (5 total segments) will last 60 seconds.
In this mode, one random test from each of the five categories (Think,
Memorize, Analyze, Compute, and Identify) is chosen, out of the three possible
tests for each category. You are given plenty of advance notice of which test
was chosen, and a 3-second countdown, before each test segment of 60 seconds.
At the end, you will be given a total score, a letter grade (C, B+, A, etc.)
and your "brain match", i.e. a doctor's, diplomat's, fashion stylist's, Albert
Einstein's, an earthworm, and so on. Obviously, not scientifically proven.
2. Demo Mode
From the Main menu, you may choose the Demo Test. It works just like the
enrolled player's, but each segment is 30 seconds long instead of 60. From my
experience, it is also much, much harder to score high in Demo Mode because
you will rarely reach the highest difficulties in 30 seconds, even if you work
very fast.
-----------------------------
IV. Versus (Multiplayer) Mode
-----------------------------
According to the manual, up to 8 players may play with a single DS card. With
every player having his/her own game card, I believe the only difference is
the added download time during single card play.
Competitors are divided into the "Host" and "Guest" groups. Only one player
is the Host, and he/she gets to pick the first game (out of the available
15).
NOTE: The following was done in a 2-player, single card play session. The
results may be different with more players/multi-card play.
You have 3 options after choosing a game:
Difficulty: [Easy] [Normal] [Hard]
Target Weight: 50-60-70-80-90-100
Timer: On or Off. When the timer is 'on', every player gets the chance to
answer a question. When it is 'off', the question ends as soon as someone
answers it correctly, and the next question is displayed. On 'off', if a
player answers incorrectly, he/she must wait until everyone is done. This
continues until someone is correct, or until everyone is wrong.
Every player starts at 0 g and works his/her way up to the target weight
limit. The person to answer correctly the fastest scores higher points than
other players. Answering incorrectly lowers your score.
You cannot quit out of a multiplayer match by pressing Start or putting your
DS in sleep mode.
After each round, the last place player gets to pick the next game.
V. Dr. Lobe's greetings
-----------------------
Depending on the time of day set on your NDS, Dr. Lobe will greet you with a
different message. There are 24 messages, one for each hour of the day.
12 AM - 1 AM
------------
Wow, it's late!
A lack of sleep muddles your brain, so try not to stay up too late, OK?
Well, let's get started! Please touch a button below.
1 AM - 2 AM
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Whoa, look at the time! What are you still doing up?
Well, while you're here... Have you ever seen a shooting star?
I just love them! Seeing one really stirs the heart and moves the soul.
Some reports even suggest that they promote healthy brains!
Enough stargazing... Let's get going. Please touch a button below.
2 AM - 3 AM
-----------
Late at night is the perfect time for visualization.
And since it's late, we should try some ourselves! Are you ready?
Think about your brain. Focus all your thoughts on your brain...
Now imagine it growing! See your brain getting larger and larger...
Now make it bigger! Expand your brain! Swell it to an unbelievable size!
Your brain is huge! It knows no fear, no boundaries! It is INVINCIBLE!!!
.. WHEW! How was it?
Were you able to visualize that image?
It's easy to expand your brain and make it young and healthy...
Simply imagining a goal can help you achieve it.
But make sure that you rest your brain afterwards.
A good night's sleep is important for both body and mind.
OK then! Let us begin. Please touch a button below.
3 AM - 4 AM
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You know, you can study all day and night, but it's not enough.
Being smart doesn't mean you can figure out life's complex problems.
For example, what if you were taking a stroll and you found a huge wall?
Would it overwhelm you? Would you back away in terror at the size of it?
..Is it really a mighty wall?
If you touch it, you might discover that it's made of paper.
Sure, it COULD be a huge, impassable wall. But you don't know that.
Remember to keep an open mind and think flexible thoughts.
And to do that, you will need an ENORMOUS brain!
Shall we begin? Please touch a button below.
4 AM - 5 AM
-----------
What time is it? Is the sun rising where you are?
I hope you have a great day ahead of you!
OK! Let's begin. Please touch a button below.
5 AM - 6 AM
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Good morning! You're up early.
You know, I'm a bit of a morning person myself!
In fact, I'm ready for some exercise! One and two and one and...
Aargh! YAAAAA! YYEEEOOOWWWWCH!
My back! My back! Oh, the terrible, unending pain!
..Well then! Let's begin. Please touch a button below.
6 AM - 7 AM
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Good morning!
Up early, eh? Well, I understand. I'm also a morning person.
In fact, I feel like a million bucks on this fine morning!
Alrighty! Let's get started. Please touch a screen below.
7 AM - 8 AM
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Good morning!
Do you eat three meals a day?
Regular meals are essential to having a healthy brain!
OK! Let's get started. Please touch a button below.
8 AM - 9 AM
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Regular meals are essential to having a healthy brain.
And breakfast is especially important!
Skipping breakfast will turn your brain into oatmeal!
Ready? Let's get started! Please touch a button below.
9 AM - 10 AM
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Good...yaaaaawn...morning. Start of another day, huh?
Say, do you ever find yourself thinking...
"My future is bleak! I just do the same things over and over again!"
That's a sure sign of a tiny brain!
Messing up and trying again is part of what makes life so fun!
A good attitude is the first step toward having a big brain.
Got that? OK, let's start. Please touch a button below.
10 AM - 11 AM
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w00t! I am teh haXXor! I am 1337! LOL n00b!
Oh! Pardon me! I was just talking to my little niece.
Apparently her crazy way of talking has rubbed off on me!
j00r keWl! Press any button to begin, n00b! LOL OMG!
11 AM - 12 PM
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Are you competing against your friends and family in Versus classes?
There were days when I really got into Versus battles. I was unbeatable!
But...there was one guy who put a dent in my pride...
I couldn't ever beat him. Not one single time!
His massive brain truly made him worthy of being called "The King"!
In fact, I made a special rank to honor him... the rank of King!
Only the truly mighty can hope to claim this rank.
It has become the thing of legends to those of us in the know. Like you!
Now let's begin. Please touch a button below.
12 PM - 1 PM
------------
Oh, yes! It's time for lunch! I just love lunchtime!
Tra la la la lee... What am I going to have today?
Do I feel like a pizza? Or am I in the mood for some seafood?
Wheee he he ha ha! Just thinking about it gets me so very excited!
OK! Let's get going! Please touch a button below.
1 PM - 2 PM
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Long ago, during a hot summer day, I looked right into the sun...
and yelled, "It's hot! You're way too hot, Mr. Sun!"
"How can you be so energetic and bright? Share your secrets with me!"
I wanted to be powerful, just like the sun.
I hoped to share the secret of that energy with my students.
That was the day I decided to open this academy!
Shall we start? Please touch a button below.
2 PM - 3 PM
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Zzzzzzzzz... Snore... Harumph... M-Mommy? Zzzzzzzz...
..Zzzzzz... Snor... --Hwaaaa? Huh?! What in the... ?
Oh! H-Hello! Boy, you scared the bahoozitz outta me!
I must have just dozed off there...
What? You saw me moving around?
No, no! I was just sleepwalking! Er... sleepstanding! Yeah, that's it...
It's an old habit of mine! Oh dear, this is all rather embarassing...
Anyway, enough of the chitchat. Are you ready? Touch a button below.
3 PM - 4 PM
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I get so sleepy in the middle of the day...
I wish I could bang on drums and dance around like crazy!
I'd feel perked up in no time at all!
..Hmmm. Maybe I should try getting more sleep instead.
All right! Let's WAKE UP and get started! Touch a button below!
4 PM - 5 PM
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Oh, hi there! I'm Dr. Lobe, the headmaster of the Big Brain Academy!
A lack of exercise is bad for your body. Everyone knows that, right?
Well, it's the same thing if you don't exercise your mind!
Like a body, your mind will get out of shape unless you exercise it.
Got it? OK, here we go! Please touch a button below.
5 PM - 6 PM
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The day is getting ready to end.
What kind of day did you have today?
Was it a good day for your brain?
OK! Let's begin. Please touch a button below.
6 PM - 7 PM
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Good evening!
Mmmm...the smell of dinner cooking reminds me of my dear old mother.
I wonder how she's doing... I should call more... Bad Lobe! Baaad Lobe!
..Sniff ...Huh? Excuse me?! I'm not crying! Those aren't tears!
Listen! My eyes are always moist! It's a serious medical condition, OK?!
Bah! Let's get started! Please touch a button below.
7 PM - 8 PM
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Good evening! It's almost dinnertime, isn't it?
Mmmmm... I wonder what's for dinner this evening?
Beef enchiladas are my favorite! I like them really spicy! Ha cha cha!
OK! Are you ready? Please touch a button below.
8 PM - 9 PM
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Goood eeeeevening. Muah ha ha ha!!
Having fun is a great way to build a gigantic brain!
Singing songs is one way to do it, and dancing is another one!
You could also try drawing pictures.
Just make sure that you're having fun!
All right, let's begin. Please touch a button below.
9 PM - 10 PM
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Good evening! Did you savor and enjoy tonight's dinner?
Try to have fun in everything you do.
Variety is an important part of developing a big, big brain!
OK then, let's begin. Please touch a button below.
10 PM - 11 PM
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Good evening! Was there anything good on TV tonight?
I'm not much for the reality shows, myself.
I find that they tend to skew my view of reality.
And believe you me, that's the last thing I need!
So, um...what was I saying? Something about TV? I forgot... Oh well.
Let's get going! Please touch a button below.
11 PM - 12 AM
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You need the right amount of sleep to maintain brain flexibility.
When you're done working your brain, I recommend that you hit the hay!
Ready? Let's get started! Please touch a button below.
END OF FAQ
