Even as a casual gamer, you should be aware that gaming can enhance your life in many ways. However, it’s games that get you thinking that deliver the most impressive benefits. Developing strategy and logic will help train your brain while the skills are also transferable. The big dilemma, then, is deciding which games are best positioned to serve this role.
Let’s take a look at some of the best genres and titles to get you thinking while having fun. Find the type that appeals to you, and your brain should feel sharper in no time.
Online Action-Adventure
A mass multiplayer online action-adventure game like GTA Online might not stand out as the obvious choice of thinking games. After all, many people associate the game with mindless violence. In reality, though, titles like this get you thinking from the moment the map loads. You will continally need to make decisions. Oftentimes, calculated choices have to be made quickly and in reaction to on-screen developments.
Crucially, you will encounter several dilemma types. Additionally, all decisions must fit seamlessly with any previous selections.
Strategy Card Games
Sometimes in life, the simple solutions are the best option. Card games are often the most effective for getting you to use your mind. Thanks to online solitaire, you don’t even need a deck of cards or free time to set the game up. For starters, learning the rules will get you thinking. Once playing, it’s just you versus the deck. To maximize your hopes of success, you will need to think several moves ahead and consider all possible plays. Visualizing how the game could develop depending on different plays truly puts your mind to good use. Other card games like Spades or Hearts will require different strategies but will also test your mind. Once you get good at learning and practicing strategies, you can apply this knowledge to other games and wire your brain up to work well for this.
Other card games like Hearts or Spades will require different strategies but will also test your mind.
Alternative Brain Teasers
Card games aren’t the only games that support strategy and critical thinking. Various brain teasers like Sudoku and crosswords will test your mind in different ways. It can deliver a host of immediate benefits such as increased focus and concentration. Meanwhile, studies have shown that active brains encounter reduced risk of cognitive decline in later life. Whether opting for classic offline brain teasers or computerized versions, such as fun puzzle games like Tetris or Mahjong, is up to you. But every gamer can find a title that they will adore.
Either way, keeping the brain active through problem-solving challenges is a rewarding experience. Better still, it’s open to gamers of all ages.
Sports Management Simulations
Traditional sports simulators in which you play as the team are great. After all, you have to ‘read’ the field and identify gaps in your opponent’s defense to score a goal or touchdown. However, if you truly want a tactical battle, you should take the hot seat as a manager. There are dozens of titles across multiple sports. Soccer fans will adore the Football Manager series while baseball fans flock to Out of the Park Baseball. Meanwhile, games like F1 Manager bring a fresh approach to driving games and motorsport.
In any title of this ilk, you have to build the team and manage its operations with strategy. So, it is a genre that will truly get you thinking.
Other Simulators
It’s a weird phenomenon, but video games that are based on simulating jobs are incredibly satisfying. And they certainly get you thinking as you look to achieve your goals in an optimized fashion. From pilot simulators to farming simulators, the list of titles is virtually endless. Alternatively, sandbox games like Minecraft that provide creative freedom are great. By using your imagination and bringing your vision to life through the right building decisions, your mind will work overtime. The results are highly satisfying too.
Simulation games focused on looking after pets or running theme parks are very popular too. Not least because options can be downloaded to your smartphone.
Multiplayer Board Games
Like card games, multiplayer board games are available as digitized versions or physical products. Either way, they often introduce strategy and healthy competition. Classics like chess and Battleships focus on turn-based strategy where you have to ‘read’ your opponent. Games like Monopoly combine a little luck with ideas like managing your assets. Others focus on using clues or hints to solve problems. Whether it’s a two-player game or involves a group, each title will introduce unique encounters and challenges.
Alternatively, you could look at a simple trivia game. Either way, both physical and digital board games will support your brain while also delivering fun.
