Brainwaves: The Wise Whale (2018) Board Game

Brainwaves: The Wise Whale is a memory game released in 2018 by Albi. Designed by Maureen Hiron and illustrated by Marc Margielsky, this game is geared towards players aged 8 and up. The game challenges players to use their memory skills to match pairs of cards in order to help the wise whale navigate the ocean.

Game Components of Brainwaves: The Wise Whale

49 cards (59 x 92mm)

A feature die

A draw pile

Score and error piles for each player

Optional: card sleeves for protection

How To Setup Brainwaves: The Wise Whale

Setup involves creating a 3×3 grid of facedown cards. Players can select their difficulty level by removing certain cards, such as all cards of a specific sea creature or background color. The feature die is also introduced to add an extra layer of challenge.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dynamic Memory: Players flip over the top card of the draw pile and attempt to find a match in the facedown display by revealing a card. Matches can be either the same sea creature or the same background color.

Feature Die: When a card is revealed, the feature die must be rolled to determine whether the player must find a match for the sea creature or the color.

Matching and Scoring: If a match is found, the removed card is added to the player’s score pile. If not, the card is returned to the bottom of the draw pile.

Solo Play: Players can play solo, aiming to beat their own score by minimizing errors.

Player Experience

**Brainwaves: The Wise Whale** offers a unique twist on traditional memory games with its dynamic setup. The game’s display is constantly changing, making it increasingly difficult to remember the locations of the cards. This dynamic element, combined with the feature die, adds a layer of complexity that keeps the game engaging. The game is designed to be quick, lasting about 15 minutes, which makes it an excellent addition to any game night.

Pros

Cognitively Beneficial: Recommended by scientists for improving memory and fluid intelligence.

Dynamic Gameplay: The changing display and feature die keep the game challenging and engaging.

Quick Playtime: Games last approximately 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into any schedule.

Solo and Multiplayer Options: Can be played both with friends and alone.

Cons

Limited Appeal: May not appeal to all adult gamers who prefer more complex games.

Difficulty Level: Some players may find the advanced levels too challenging or frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Brainwaves: The Wise Whale

**Brainwaves: The Wise Whale** is ideal for families and individuals looking for a game that is both fun and cognitively stimulating. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy memory games but want something more dynamic and challenging. While it may not convert hardcore gamers who prefer more complex strategies, it is an excellent addition to any game collection for its unique mechanics and cognitive benefits. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn, quick to play, and scientifically approved, **Brainwaves: The Wise Whale** is a solid choice.

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