Parents' Guide to

ThinkSmart: Family!

By Christopher Healy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Some fun brain games, some control problems.

Game Nintendo Wii 2010
ThinkSmart: Family! Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • ThinkSmart: Family! Game: Screenshot #1
  • ThinkSmart: Family! Game: Screenshot #2
  • ThinkSmart: Family! Game: Screenshot #3

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What’s It About?

THINKSMART: FAMILY! sends you (or technically, your avatar) to a spa-like retreat, where the comely Dr. Ashoka tests you with brainteaser puzzles and logic quizzes. The exercises are of a similar type to those found in edutainment games like Brain Age and Big Brain Academy. Dr. Ashoka will also work as your personal trainer, leading you through a physical workout as well. Multiple players can join in to compete against one another in team-based brain games.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Some of the mental workout games of ThinkSmart: Family! are fun and interesting. Others are not (simply adding digits together or spelling a word you've just seen don't hold much of a thrill). It's a very mixed bag, especially when playing solo. When playing in teams, the head-to-head competitive aspect makes the whole experience a lot more fun. The game didn't need a physical workout component, and the developers really shouldn't have included one -- because it doesn't work. You're supposed to hold the Wii-mote in your hands while you do sit-ups, arm bends, etc. But the game will always tell you you're doing it wrong, no matter what.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different types of questions and puzzles in the game. What are the lessons you can get from each? What skills do you think they help you develop? How can you use those skills in real life?

  • You can create your own avatar for this game. Why did you create one that looks the way it does? Do you want your avatar to resemble you?

Game Details

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