Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Wilkey Oh
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Too-fast memory game lacks helpful options.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
NBack
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
Players practice an n-back task, which is thought to improve working memory. Players choose the difficulty level by selecting how many numbers back (n-back) they will try to remember. The screen flashes an array of basic shapes and asks \"How many?\" of a shape or color, such as triangle or red. The collection of shapes only displays for a brief moment, then a second collection appears. Depending on the level, players must keep track of how many triangles or red shapes they saw several screens before, and enter that number on a keypad.
Is It Any Good?
N-back tasks are not easy, and the activity in NBACK is no exception. However, this one seems to start out unusually difficult, mostly because of the speed at which the images flash on the screen, which results in a surprisingly short amount of time for players to process what they see. The only variation is "shape" or "color," one of which might be easier than the other depending on a player's processing strengths. Most n-back apps have a few more options and variations to allow players an entry point into the activity and a chance for moderate success. With this one, kids (and adults) who can't keep up with even the easiest level are likely to put the game aside after a minute or two of play.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : memorization
- Pricing structure :
- Release date : February 12, 2012
- Genre : Education
- Publisher : LLC.Hasshokukou
- Version : 1.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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