Maths Training
Nintendo DS
verdict: 4.5/5
MATHS Training is arguably the best of the series of ability-training games from Nintendo because of its clever simplicity.
Ever since the original Brain Training was released for Nintendo DS, there have been rip-off titles for the PC and other gaming platforms.
But none appeal to gamers, or are as solid and smooth to play as Nintendo’s own titles.
In Maths Training, this simple yet enjoyable approach is evident.
Gamers hold the Nintendo DS like a book and use the touch screen and stylus as a writing pad and pen, while the other display prompts them with maths problems.
Solving the problems is as easy as writing your answer on the touch screen, and the game recognises your handwriting.
Left handers are catered for, too, meaning everyone can play.
While the minigames are basic arithmetic, the 100-Cell game that is the showcase feature of Maths Training is sure to turn some young people into maths buffs.
Essentially, players take the number from the vertical column and add it, subtract it, or multiply it by the numbers that appear horizontally.
After completing one row, players move on to the next number down in the vertical column and perform the calculations against the horizontal numbers again.
The aim is to do it as quickly, and as a correctly, as possible.
One’s own maths abilities are the game’s starting point – Level 1 – and the goal is to practise every day for at least 10 minutes and improve on times for 100-Cell and other games.
As a person used to dealing in words, and not numbers, I found Maths Training had sharpened my basic arithmetic skills after just a week.
Maths Training for Nintendo DS comes highly recommended for all people – young or old – and I believe it would be a valuable tool in encouraging young people to practise maths.
