Fun family activity but it can be hard to play against each other competitively - too much time between events. It can also be harder for younger children, if they don't grasp the point of a particular puzzle.
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Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree
(2007, Video Games - Party Games, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo Wii)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Thinking games become a party activity on the Wii.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
Parents need to know this game makes kids think. And it's fun to boot! It's best experienced as a group (or with a larger group divided into teams), and is a good choice for multi-generational play and for those just getting into the Wii. On the hardest level, one of the math games expects players to know negative numbers, so don't start this game with kids who are too young.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about why the Wii is easier to play than traditional gaming systems. Which of these thinking games do you like best? Is it because you are good at that kind of game? Did you find that you got better the more you played? Do you think it's important to "train you brain" with games that make you think?
More on Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree
What’s the Story?
BIG BRAIN ACADEMY: WII DEGREE is a sequel to Big Brain Academy, the hit 2006 Nintendo DS title that put players through brain-teasing paces as students at Big Brain Academy. Dr. Lobe, the graduation-cap-wearing, ghost-like moderator from the original Big Brain Academy, greets all incoming students; he acts as your guide, but he will also goad you into playing his brainteaser games with some amusing malarkey about building a heavier brain. The game boils down to a collection of Mini games that be played alone or in a group. You can also send your training scores to others over the WiiConnect 24 service so that your friends can try to beat your scores.
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Is It Any Good?
What sets this compilation of Mini games apart from other Wii Mini games like WarioWare: Smooth Moves and Wii Play is the intellectual challenge of the gameplay. These are games thinking -- and they are actually fun. Anyone intimidated by the hand-eye coordination needed to be good at video games will find this game's simple pointer controls easy to master.
But Wii Degree isn't perfect. There are three areas for group play, but only one area, Mind Sprint, allows you to go head-to-head answering questions with other players on a split screen. Otherwise, the multi-player action is about taking turns with one controller, which just isn't as much fun as all being in the action at once. If you are looking for Wii software to play in groups, especially cross-generational ones, add this game to your library. It's refreshingly different and levels the playing field between gamers and non-gamers.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 06/12/2007, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
Our Members Say
See all 13 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Another option for family game night.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
It is so bad
The worst game i ever played
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Fun for the whole family
Big Brain Academy is the most-played Wii game in our house. The puzzles are challenging, and get harder as you succeed, meaning that everyone from my kindergartner through his grandparents can have a fun challenge. The puzzles vary widely; some test memory, others listening skills, others visual acuity, yet others spatial acuity. Party mode allows the whole family to compete against in each other. This is a terrific game, and I highly recommend it. Note: As expensive as Wii games are, I like to rent them first to try them out before plunking down $50 for them. Know that your "brain size" will stay on your Wii, so if you do buy after renting, it's like picking up where you left off with the rental. Good stuff!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I love it
This game is great. You actually feel smarter. I think this os a great game but it can be addictive. I think the math game with the baloons is the most fun
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